The Birchwood Story.

Discover the mission, values, and legacy that turned 1,600 beautiful acres on the shores of Lake Michigan into home.

Over 50 years, Birchwood grew from vision into community. With 890 members and multi-generational families, this is where belonging matters.

Our Story:
From Vision to Community 

Experience the Birchwood Story →

Bill Cottrill saw something in 1,600 acres of Northern Michigan forest that others didn't—not just fairways and homesites, but the potential for genuine community.

Over five decades, that vision became reality: 423 families built homes here, 130+ lots await the next generation, and nearly 900 members call this place home.

The numbers only tell part of the story. Most new members join because a friend looked them in the eye and said "it’s a place you can call home."

What started as Cottrill's dream became home for generations.
LOCATION - Aerial of course with Lake in Background
VACANT LOT - Field 2
LOCAL AREA - Mackinac Bridge 2
SOCIAL - Birchwood Deck Party
SOCIAL Woman smiling on Birchwood Deck

Mission and Values:
Community First

Our Mission

To provide our members with the best opportunities in Northern Michigan to build deep relationships within a strong, united community that spans generations while fostering a sense of belonging, security, and fulfillment.

Our Vision

To be widely recognized as the most desirable private community in Northern Michigan by making every experience enjoyable and meaningful, where members continually join, participate, and share with friends and families.

Our Core Values

At Birchwood, the genuine care, comfort, safety, health, and well-being of our members is our highest priority. Everything we do is guided by four commitments:

Nurturing Meaningful Relationships
The Pursuit of Excellence
A Sense of Belonging
Fiscal Responsibility

Leadership:
Guided by Members

Our Board of Directors and management team share one priority: serving the member experience.

From the Board of Trustees who set strategic direction to department heads who ensure daily excellence, leadership at Birchwood focuses on maintaining the tight-knit community and approachable culture that members treasure.

Meet the Team →
Meet the Board →
GOLF COURSE - Farms Course Sign
Group with Arshay

Birchwood Outreach Fund:
Giving Back

Birchwood members launched the Outreach Fund to champion Harbor Springs and its neighbors. This member-led initiative fuels local non-profits through year-round events and campaigns—ensuring 100% of every dollar supports education, healthcare, and youth services.

By awarding grants to the organizations moving Northern Michigan forward, we do more than just donate; we strengthen the region. Birchwood members prove that our community extends far beyond our fairways.

Support the Birchwood Outreach Fund through the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. Click below to be redirected to their secure donation page.

Donate to the Fund →

Experience
Birchwood Farms

Come Visit Us →

Schedule a visit to meet our team, tour our facilities, and discover why for our members, Birchwood is more than a club—it's a place to call home.