You’re driving down Five Mile Road in Plymouth, and suddenly, there it is. A massive, Gilded Age-style brick structure that looks like it belongs in the English countryside rather than suburban Metro Detroit. Most locals still call it "St. John’s," but the vibe has shifted dramatically lately. If you haven’t been to St Johns Resort Michigan in the last two years, you basically haven't been there at all.
It’s not just a seminary anymore. Honestly, it hasn't been a seminary for decades, but the "churchy" reputation stuck around like old incense. People think it’s just a place for stuffy weddings or Diocese meetings. They’re wrong. Following a massive $50 million-plus investment by the Pulte Family Management SJRT, the property has morphed into a high-end destination that actually competes with the big-name northern Michigan resorts. It’s weird to say that about a place twenty minutes from Detroit, but here we are.
The Golf Evolution: More Than Just Five Lakes
For a long time, the golf situation here was... fine. It was a 27-hole complex that was reliable but didn't necessarily set the world on fire. That changed when they brought in Raymond Hearn.
The centerpiece now is The Cardinal.
This isn't a "refresh." They tore up the old turf and built an 18-hole championship course that embraces the rolling topography of Wayne County. Yes, Wayne County has hills. Who knew? The Cardinal is designed to be a "multigenerational" experience, which is marketing speak for "it won't beat you into submission if you're a high handicapper, but it'll make a pro sweat."
Then there’s the Little Cardinal.
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It’s a 7-hole short course. Short courses are trendy right now—think Bandon Dunes or Pinehurst—and St Johns Resort Michigan jumped on that train early. It’s perfect for when you want to grab a beer and play a quick round without dedicating five hours of your life to the game. They also added a two-acre putting course. It’s massive. It’s basically a playground for adults who take their short game too seriously.
Where History Hits the Bed Sheets
The hotel side of the resort is where the "monastic" past meets modern luxury. It's a strange blend. You have these long, echoing hallways with arched ceilings that feel very Name of the Rose, but then you open a guest room door and it’s all plush velvet, high-end linens, and sleek technology.
There are 118 rooms. Each one feels slightly different because of the building's original footprint. Some have high ceilings that make the room feel like a cathedral; others are cozy and tucked away. If you're staying here, ask for a room overlooking the garden courtyard. It’s the best view on the property, especially in the fall when the Michigan maples start turning.
Wait, we need to talk about the "Pulte Factor." The resort is owned by the family of William J. Pulte (the homebuilding mogul). They didn't just buy it to flip it. They’ve funneled the profits into the St. John’s Foundation, which supports various charitable initiatives. It’s a rare "social enterprise" model in the luxury hospitality world. You can feel that. The staff seems to actually like being there, which, if you’ve stayed at a big-box Hilton lately, you know is a rare commodity.
Eating Your Way Through the Grounds
Forget the old banquet food.
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FIVE Steakhouse is the heavy hitter here. It’s got that dark, moody atmosphere you want when you're dropping money on a dry-aged ribeye. They do a lot of Michigan-sourced ingredients, which is expected, but they actually pull it off without being pretentious. The bar serves a mean Old Fashioned.
But the real hidden gem? The Grotto.
It’s an outdoor wine bar and beer garden. In the summer, it’s the place to be. It’s tucked into the stone architecture of the old buildings, providing this cool, shaded microclimate. It’s casual. It’s breezy. It’s the polar opposite of the formal ballroom vibe. You can grab a wood-fired pizza and a local craft brew and just... exist.
The Wedding Machine (and Why That Matters)
Let's be real: St Johns Resort Michigan is a wedding powerhouse. With the Chapel—which is stunning, by the way, with its massive pipe organ and traditional pews—and multiple ballrooms like the Atrium or the Judea, they can run several weddings a weekend without guests bumping into each other.
If you're a guest not attending a wedding, don't worry. The property is sprawling enough (200 acres) that you won't feel like an interloper at someone else's nuptials. However, if you're planning an event, the sheer scale of their catering operation means they have a level of consistency that smaller venues struggle to hit. They have "The Garden Pavilion," which is a massive climate-controlled tent structure for those who want the "outdoor" feel without the Michigan mosquitoes.
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What Most People Miss: The Details
People overlook the art. The resort is packed with it. Not just religious icons, but contemporary pieces and historical artifacts that tell the story of the site's transition from a 1940s seminary to a world-class resort. Take a walk through the hallways without a phone in your hand. Look at the stonework. Look at the stained glass. The craftsmanship is something you just don't see in modern construction because it's too expensive to replicate now.
Also, the proximity to downtown Plymouth is a major plus. You’re five minutes away from Kellogg Park, the Penn Theatre, and a dozen other local shops. If you’re staying for a long weekend, leave the resort for a few hours. Plymouth is one of those quintessential "Main Street USA" towns that actually has a pulse.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to St Johns Resort Michigan, don't just wing it.
- Book The Cardinal Tee Times Early: Since the redesign, demand has skyrocketed. Even mid-week spots fill up fast.
- The Putting Course is Free for Guests: Take advantage of it in the evening. It’s lit up and has a great social vibe.
- Check the Event Calendar: They often host "Wine and Wag" events or outdoor concerts at the Grotto. You don't want to miss those because you were stuck in the steakhouse.
- Sunday Brunch: It’s a local legend. If you aren't staying overnight, at least come for the food. The omelet station alone justifies the drive.
- Off-Season Deals: January and February in Michigan can be brutal, but the resort slashes room rates. It's the perfect time for a "hibernation" weekend where you just move between the hot tub, the steakhouse, and your room.
St Johns Resort Michigan managed to do something almost impossible: it kept its soul while completely changing its identity. It’s a sophisticated, high-end destination that feels grounded in its history. Whether you're there to shave a stroke off your handicap or just to escape the noise of the city, it delivers a level of polish that is hard to find elsewhere in the Midwest.
The next step is simple. Check their availability for a weekend in the fall. The combination of the new Cardinal golf course and the changing Michigan leaves is, quite frankly, unbeatable.