History isn't always quiet. Sometimes it's the thwack of a driver echoing off a century-old stone house or the way the wind whips off Lake Champlain and forces you to rethink your entire approach on the third hole. If you’re heading up to the North Country, specifically the Plattsburgh area, you’ll find that Bluff Point Golf Resort NY isn't just another stop on a weekend itinerary. It’s a legacy.
It’s old. Like, 1890s old.
When people talk about the "oldest resort golf course in America," names like The Homestead or Pinehurst get tossed around, but Bluff Point is right there in that upper echelon of history. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast—a name that carries serious weight for anyone who knows their golf history—this place was once the playground of Presidents like William Howard Taft and William McKinley. You can almost feel the weight of those wool suits and hickory clubs when you stand on the first tee.
Honestly, the views are what get most people first. You've got the Adirondack Mountains looming on one side and the expansive, often moody waters of Lake Champlain on the other. It’s a vibe that’s hard to replicate at a modern, cookie-cutter suburban club.
The Tillinghast Touch and Why It Matters
Most golfers today are used to massive, bulldozed fairways. Bluff Point isn't that. Tillinghast was a master of using the natural "lay of the land," which is a fancy way of saying he didn't fight the Earth; he just trimmed the grass on top of it.
The greens are tricky. They aren't necessarily huge, but they have these subtle breaks that will leave you scratching your head if you're not paying attention. It’s short by modern standards, playing around 6,200 yards from the tips, but don’t let that number fool you into thinking it’s a pushover. The wind off the lake acts as a constant, invisible hazard. One minute it’s a gentle breeze, and the next, your 7-iron is falling thirty yards short of the pin.
👉 See also: Road Conditions I40 Tennessee: What You Need to Know Before Hitting the Asphalt
You’ve gotta be smart here. It’s a "thinking man's" course. Or a "thinking woman's" course. Basically, if you just try to bomb it every hole, the rough and the lake-effect winds will eat you alive.
Staying on the Shores: The Resort Experience
Staying at Bluff Point Golf Resort NY is a bit different than checking into a Marriott. It’s more personal. They have these cottages and suites that sit right on the lake, and if you’re lucky enough to grab one with a waterfront view, you’ll realize why people have been coming here for over 130 years.
It’s quiet. Really quiet.
The accommodations range from the "Cottage on the Lake" to the "Master Suite," and they generally aim for a cozy, Adirondack-meets-classic-resort feel. It’s not ultra-modern, glass-and-steel luxury. It’s more like staying at a wealthy relative's summer estate. You get a private beach, which is a massive plus during the humid New York summers. Most guests spend their mornings on the links and their afternoons either on the sand or taking a boat out.
Wait, the beach is actually a big deal. Most people forget that Plattsburgh has some of the best freshwater "beaches" in the Northeast. The sand at Bluff Point is groomed, and the water is shallow for a good distance out, making it actually usable rather than just something to look at.
✨ Don't miss: Finding Alta West Virginia: Why This Greenbrier County Spot Keeps People Coming Back
What Nobody Tells You About the Food
Okay, let's be real for a second. Sometimes resort food is overpriced and underwhelming.
At Bluff Point, you're usually looking at the snack bar or local Plattsburgh spots, but the nearby dining scene has improved significantly. You’re only a few minutes from downtown Plattsburgh, where you can find everything from classic "Michigan" hot dogs—a local delicacy you absolutely have to try if you aren't from the area—to higher-end bistro fare.
The resort itself focuses on the "Stay and Play" packages, which usually include breakfast. It’s hearty. It’s the kind of food you want before walking 18 holes.
The Logistics: Getting There and Playing Right
Plattsburgh is a bit of a haul if you’re coming from NYC, usually about five to six hours depending on how heavy your foot is on the Northway (I-87). But for those coming from Montreal, it’s a hop, skip, and a jump—less than an hour and a half. This gives the resort a very international feel. You’ll hear a lot of French on the putting green, which adds a cool, cosmopolitan layer to the whole experience.
- Peak Season: July and August are gorgeous but crowded.
- The Sweet Spot: September. The foliage starts to turn, the air is crisp, and the lake is still warm enough to sit by.
- Rates: They vary wildly. Mid-week Stay and Play packages are almost always the best value.
- Pro Tip: Bring an extra layer. Even in July, the temperature can drop fast when the sun goes down over the Adirondacks.
Beyond the Green: What Else is Nearby?
If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t care about Stimpmeter readings or bunker depth, you aren't totally stuck. The Ausable Chasm is nearby—often called the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks." It’s a bit touristy, sure, but the stone formations are genuinely impressive.
🔗 Read more: The Gwen Luxury Hotel Chicago: What Most People Get Wrong About This Art Deco Icon
Then there’s the Plattsburgh City Beach, which is one of the longest freshwater beaches in America. If you want a break from the resort’s private area, that’s where the local action is.
For history buffs, the Battle of Plattsburgh sites are everywhere. This area was pivotal in the War of 1812. You can basically feel the history leaking out of the ground.
Is it Actually Worth the Trip?
Let’s be honest. If you want a 7,500-yard championship course with a spa that costs $400 a treatment, this isn't your spot.
But if you want to play a course that feels like a time machine, where you can walk off the 18th green and be on a private beach in five minutes, Bluff Point Golf Resort NY is hard to beat. It’s about the atmosphere. It’s about the fact that you’re playing the same lines that world leaders played over a century ago.
There's something deeply satisfying about a place that doesn't feel the need to reinvent itself every five years. It knows what it is: a classic, lakeside retreat with a world-class pedigree.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Book Early for Fall: The foliage season in the North Country is spectacular but short. If you want a lakeside cottage in late September, you need to be looking at the calendar six months out.
- Check the Wind: Before your tee time, check the Lake Champlain marine forecast. If the wind is coming out of the north at 15+ mph, pack your "knock-down" shot and leave the high-flying flops at home.
- Explore Plattsburgh: Don't just stay on the resort grounds. Head into the city for a "Michigan" at Clare & Carl's—it's a regional staple that defines the local culture.
- Bring Your Own Gear: While the pro shop is well-stocked, the resort is a bit removed from major big-box retailers. Make sure you have enough balls and gloves before you settle in; the lake has a tendency to "collect" errant tee shots on the signature holes.
- Request a Lake View: When booking, explicitly ask for a room or cottage with an unobstructed view of Lake Champlain. The sunrise over the Vermont mountains on the opposite shore is worth the extra few dollars.