There’s something special about stepping onto the tee of a great par 3. One swing. One green. And sometimes, one incredible view.
Across Minnesota, memorable par 3s take full advantage of the landscape—from North Woods lakes and wetlands to rushing rivers, dramatic elevation changes and tree-lined greens. The scenery may grab your attention first, but these holes offer plenty of challenge, too.
Here are some of Minnesota’s most scenic par 3s—holes where you may want to reach for your camera before reaching for a club.
No. 3 at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
The journey to No. 3 at The Wilderness at Fortune Bay sets the scene before you even reach the tee.
Carved into Minnesota’s North Woods, the path winds through dense evergreens before opening to a beautiful par 3 framed by towering trees, wetlands and water. Known as “The Walleye,” the hole provides an early glimpse of what makes The Wilderness such a memorable northern Minnesota golf experience.
Take in the view, then turn your attention to the green. Water and the surrounding natural landscape make accuracy important—and ensure this is one of those holes you’ll remember long after your round.
No. 17 at Deacon’s Lodge
Arnold Palmer left his mark throughout Deacon’s Lodge at Breezy Point Resort, but No. 17 may be the hole golfers remember most.
The signature par 3 stretches to approximately 200 yards from the back tee, with an inviting green surrounded by wetlands, water and woods. Greenside bunkers add another layer of challenge to a hole that is every bit as enjoyable to look at as it is to play.
There’s also a great story behind it: No. 17 earned a spot on Arnold Palmer’s own “Dream 18,” a collection of favorite holes from courses he designed around the world.
No. 17 at The Legend at Giants Ridge
Few Minnesota tee boxes deliver a first impression quite like No. 17 on The Legend at Giants Ridge.
Set along the shoreline of Sabin Lake, this dramatic par 3 asks golfers to carry a lake inlet to reach the green. Multiple tee boxes change both the distance and angle of the shot, but the water is never far from your thoughts.
Then there’s the view. Water, rock, forest and the rugged landscape of Minnesota’s Iron Range come together to create one of the most recognizable golf scenes in the state.
It’s the kind of hole that makes you linger on the tee box just a little longer.
No. 13 at Legends Club
You don’t have to travel to northern Minnesota to find a par 3 surrounded by natural beauty.
At Legends Club in Prior Lake, No. 13 brings water, woods and dramatic topography together in a memorable setting. The large, undulating green sits against the woods, creating a beautiful target—and a demanding one.
The course itself was carved from a landscape filled with lakes, ponds, creeks and wetlands, and its par 3s were given special strategic emphasis during the design process. No. 13 showcases that philosophy beautifully: a striking setting paired with a tee shot that demands your attention.
No. 2 on the River Nine at Superior National
At Superior National at Lutsen, the North Shore landscape is part of the golf experience—and No. 2 on the River Nine puts you right in the middle of it.
The relatively short par 3 requires a tee shot across the Poplar River as it makes its final descent toward Lake Superior. The rushing river, elevation and surrounding forest create a setting unlike almost anywhere else in Minnesota golf.
During the course’s extensive renovation, the green was moved closer to the river, bringing the natural landscape even more prominently into play. The result is a beautiful but strategic one-shot hole where choosing the right target is every bit as important as choosing the right club.
No. 7 on The Pines – at Grand View Lodge
A classic Brainerd Lakes setting makes No. 7 on the Lakes nine at The Pines at Grand View Lodge a natural addition to this list.
The signature par 3 plays across water and wetlands to a green tucked into the surrounding landscape. Trees, native terrain and water frame the shot, creating the kind of distinctly Minnesota golf scene that has helped make The Pines a longtime favorite.
It’s not the longest hole on the course, but don’t let the distance fool you. The carry and narrow target demand a confident tee shot—and the view makes this one you’ll want to remember.
One Shot. Plenty to Remember.
Great par 3s have a way of leveling the playing field. They don’t require a booming drive or three perfectly executed shots. Instead, everything comes down to one decision and one swing.
Add a spectacular Minnesota backdrop, and that single shot can become one of the most memorable moments of the round.
From Lake Superior and the Iron Range to the Brainerd Lakes Area and Twin Cities, these scenic par 3s are proof that sometimes the shortest holes leave the biggest impression.
Bring your camera—or keep your phone handy. Some golf holes deserve more than a score. They deserve a photo.
Ready to find your next memorable round? Explore more places to play and start planning your Minnesota golf getaway.
