Vacation Planning: Visit These Minnesota Golf Resorts

Imagine a challenging round on a perfectly conditioned golf course in the morning, an afternoon fishing on a great walleye lake, followed by an evening of fine dining and perhaps a delicious local craft beer before a restful sleep in the quiet north woods. Sound unforgettable? Of course it does! And we’ve got your itinerary covered.

North to Adventure

A vacation to northern Minnesota is always one for the memory banks. Whether you are moved by the quiet beauty of the deep north woods or thrilled by the incredible and varied golf, you won’t soon forget your visit to the grand resorts of the Northern Trilogy: three courses created by architect Jeffrey Brauer.

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort in Biwabik is home to The Legend (designed by Brauer and Lanny Wadkins) and The Quarry, carved out of the rugged countryside of abandoned iron mining areas. The open and beautiful Legend will welcome you and the muscular Quarry might take a bite out of your game, but you’ll finish and want to go around again.

You can do that up the road in Tower, where Brauer’s third northern masterpiece, The Wilderness at Fortune Bay lies. This expansive track (7,207 yards from the tips) features woods, water, and northern beauty takes you to another place. After the round, Fortune Bay Casino can, perhaps, make up any wagers lost on the course.

Lakes and Links

Breezy Point Resort is home to the Traditional, White Birch and Deacon’s Lodge course—more than enough high-end golf for any trip—but there’s plenty more to do. The resort’s boat marina provides every kind of watercraft imaginable, such as canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, fishing boats and motors, hydro bikes, plus a fleet of new pontoons. And the fishing is as great as at any Central Lakes region resort.

Just south of East Gull Lake, Cragun’s Legacy Courses surrounds nearby Stephens Lake, where your golf and fishing dreams can happen. Cragun’s claims you will have “vacation memories that will last a lifetime,” and who can doubt it. Biking, hunting, beach volleyball, swimming, tennis and plenty more fill out a great golf vacation for your group or family.

Great Golf to the West

Head west from the Twin Cities (and a bit north), and it’s not long before you reach Alexandria and the Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. Arrowwood features the newly renovated Atikwa Golf Club near the shores of lovely Lake Darling. You’ll find breathtaking views and excellent amenities at this gorgeous, north woods resort. A spa, water park, and horseback riding can round out a great vacation.

Thumper Pond Resort just up the road in Ottertail, Minn., is tucked away among 250 acres of swaying red pines and offers the beauty and quiet serenity of the great north. The new Indoor Water Entertainment Center provides fun for everyone in your group and creates family memories for a lifetime.

Pick any of these great Minnesota golf resorts for an unforgettable vacation and some of the best golf of your life.