Updated June 2023 For some avid golfers, the term “family golf vacation” might strike fear…
Northwoods Meets the Twin Cities: Plan your Minnesota Golf Getaway
Minnesota is packed to the brim with scenic places and beautiful golf courses that can keep players of all levels happy. Who says you have to break the bank to go on a family vacation that involves golf? Locals and regular visitors alike argue that there is no better place on Earth than Minnesota during the summer. The weather is perfect, the air is pure, the golf is spectacular (not to mention, reasonably priced).
Latitudinally, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St Paul is further north than most cities in the U.S. Although you’ll be in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, everything will still have that Northwoods feel and get you into a vacation-state-of-mind. California, Oregon, and the Carolinas offer a wide variety of golf but the gateway you crave can only be found in Minnesota. Give your family the vacation of their dreams and pack your clubs to Minnesota!
Experience Golf Around the Twin Cities
Whether you are planning on road tripping or flying into the MSP International Airport, there are several courses you need to pencil into your travels. You can check with the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau for hotel referrals.
Most hotels are conveniently located minutes from the airport, so you can drop your bags and bring your clubs straight to the course just hours after arrival. How about that for slick vacation planning? Below are courses that will give your family a truly northern experience without extended travel times.
Legends Club
Legends Club, recognized as National Golf Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association, is a beautiful 18-hole championship course. On the border of Lakeville and Prior Lake, Minnesota, this course is nestled amongst mature trees and a gorgeous marshy area. It is about a 25-minute drive from the Twin Cities and 20 minutes from the Mall of America /MSP Airport making it the perfect spot to plan day trips around.
Stonebrooke Golf Club
The Championship Course at Stonebrooke Golf Club in Shakopee was created with the player in mind. Going above and beyond with course maintenance, it’s no wonder why it’s called “The Perfect Minnesota Golf Experience.” Elevation changes, mature trees, and a unique mix of great golf holes earned Stonebrooke 4-Stars from Golf Digest. The course welcomes casual golfers while also challenging those who are looking for a more aggressive game. Whatever your skill level, you are sure to be satisfied with your experience at Stonebrooke.
Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Club
Opened for play in 2000, Ridges at Sand Creek has become a golfing destination for many golfing enthusiasts. Designed by award winning architect Joel Goldstrand, Ridges at Sand Creek offers a championship layout that appeals to all skill levels. Located in Jordan, Minnesota, just 30 minutes from the Mall of America and 40 minutes from the Greater Twin Cities area, Ridges at Sand Creek is a must stop for any self respecting golfer.
The Meadows at Mystic Lake Golf Club
Before you leave the land of 10,000 lakes, consider rounding out your trip by playing The Meadows at Mystic Lake. It’s an award-winning public golf course and scenic experience, The Meadows at Mystic Lake is a great place to vacation – and it’s even open all year round! Add in The Meadows Bar and Grill and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and your vacation is planned! This is the Greater Twin Cities only golf resort. All you have to do is book it.
The Wilds Golf Club
Just a short drive from the Twin Cities with a spectacular view of the Minneapolis Skyline, The Wilds Golf Club is surrounded by breathtaking Ponderosa pines, hardwoods, wet-lands, and wildlife habitats. Commonly referred to as “Minnesota’s Crown Jewel,” it’s surely a golf course to put on your bucket list! The Wilds stretches 7,025 yards, and has elevation changes of over 150 feet. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to enjoy the course. With multiple sets of tees and wide fairways, everyone is ensured to have a good time!
Chaska Town Course
Located just 30 minutes from the MSP International Airport, Chaska Town Course is considered one of the best public courses in Minnesota. It has been recognized as a Top 25 Municipal Course in the USA by Golfweek Magazine and was rated among the Top 10 Golf Courses in Minnesota by Golf Digest. With over 285 acres, the course is covered with lush bent grasses, pockets of oak groves, stretches of open prairie and picturesque wetlands. This renowned tract is just down the street from the world famous Hazeltine National Golf Club, host of the 2016 and 2029 Ryder Cups. What more could you ask for from a golf course?
Braemar Golf Course
A short drive from the MSP International Airport you’ll find Braemar Golf Course, a recently renovated golf course located in Edina, Minnesota. Designed by Richard Mandell Golf Architects, the updated course includes dozens of acres of wetlands and dozens of acres of Oak Savanna throughout the golf course. Natural beauty is abundant and cherished at Braemar, creating a feeling of seclusion amidst its urban setting, existing only 15 minutes from either Minneapolis or St Paul.
StoneRidge Golf Club
Located in Stillwater, just 20 miles from the Twin Cities area, StoneRidge is perennially ranked the #1 Best Twin Cities Course You Can Play by Golfweek Magazine. This 18-hole course welcomes all levels of players. Not only that, but with stellar hospitality and world-class fare from Danny’s Bar and Grill, StoneRidge sets itself apart from the rest. As they say, come for the golf and stay for the food! StoneRidge is a must stop during your Minnesota golf getaway.
Prestwick Golf Club
Prestwick Golf Club is a showcase of Minnesota’s natural and preserved beauty. This course has it all from spectacular wildflower fields, manicured greens, mature trees, well kept ponds, and subtle rolling fairways set below elevated tees. The course is so beautiful, it caught the attention of the National Audubon Society who recognized it for its arboretum-like environment. Prestwick is a feast for the eyes, but don’t let its beautiful terrain fool you! This course comes with a challenge at every turn, and is best suited for well versed players.
Royal Golf Club
Looking for something a little family-friendly? Give The Royal Golf Club of Lake Elmo a try. Set east of St Paul as you approach Wisconsin amongst the beautiful rolling hills of the St. Croix River Valley and nestled along the shore of Horseshoe Lake. This course was co-designed by 2 legendary golf pros: The late Arnold Palmer and Annika Sörenstam. This course is a highlight for golf enthusiasts of all ages!
Willingers Golf Club
Winding through hundreds of acres of untouched wetlands and forests, the Willingers Golf Club is challenging, yet appeals to players of all skill levels. Located just off I-35 in Northfield, it’s an easy drive 40 minutes south of the Twin Cities. This premier golf course invites you on an 18-hole adventure you will never forget.
Experience Twin Cities Golf! So c’mon, feel like you’re up north even though you’re just a few miles from the heart of a major metropolitan area. With so many options, you’re going to want to give yourself as much time to golf and enjoy Minnesota’s summer as possible. Start planning your trip now and begin looking forward to a summer full of making memories.