19 Best Golf Courses in Minnesota (Private & Public) in 2023
Are you looking for some of the best golf courses in Minnesota to get out on the green and take a few swings?
From courses found right in the middle of the city to courses tucked away in the backwoods of northern Minnesota, there’s something for every golfer.
Whether you’re looking for a private clubhouse or a public course that anyone can visit, there are plenty of options.
So pack up your caddy bag, lace up your shoes, and head out for a fun day on the course at these Minnesota golf clubs.
Best Public Golf Courses in Minnesota
Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or just want to test out a new course, visiting a public golf course is a great way to go.
Here are 10 of the best public golf courses in the state of Minnesota to check out.
1. Giants Ridge
Location: Biwabik
Giants Ridge is home to some of the best recreation in the entire state, including a fantastic ski resort and a great public golf course.
They’ve been consistently ranked as one of the best courses not only in the state but in the country, in multiple golf publications.
Enjoy two courses, The Legend and The Quarry, each of which offers its own unique experience to golfers.
The Quarry was built on an old iron ore mining operation, and The Legend offers that traditional golf feel.
The entire complex together offers 36 holes to play, and you can book a package to play all holes in one day if you’re up for it!
2. Madden’s on Gull Lake
Location: Brainerd
Located on a beautiful peninsula jutting into Gull Lake near Bemidji, is Madden’s.
This resort and golf course combo offers one of the best places to escape and spend a whole weekend out golfing.
With 4 different courses and a grand total of 63 holes, you’ll never get tired of swinging and taking in the views at Madden’s.
The courses include The Classic at Madden’s, Pine Beach East, Pine Beach West, and The Social 9. As well as a driving range.
Golfers of all skill levels will find a space for them on one of the many courses.
After a long day out on the course, head into Brainerd to grab a bite to eat or relax in the pool and spa at Madden’s Resort.
3. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
Location: Tower
Located in northern Minnesota, just off the shores of Lake Vermillion, is the fantastic Wilderness at Fortune Bay.
In 2020, Golf Week rated The Wilderness as one of the top public golf courses in Minnesota, and it has been high in the ranking among other publications as well.
Not only will you get to enjoy the award-winning 18-hole course, but you’ll get to take in the scenic views of the Lake Vermillion area.
Whether you’re a world-class golfer or are just beginning, there will be play for you at Fortune Bay.
During your downtime, spend some time wandering the Fortune Bay Casino, where you can book a stay and grab a bite to eat.
4. The Traditional Golf Course at Breezy Point
Location: Breezy Point
Attached to the fantastic Breezy Point Resort, a prime location for lodging in Minnesota, you’ll find The Traditional Golf Course at Breezy Point.
Multiple famous golfers have strolled the course here at Breezy Point, so you’ll know that you’re in good company.
Enjoy the views of Pelican Lake as you play the 18-hole course, which has been challenging golfers since the early 1900s.
If you’re looking to make an entire weekend of it, pair a visit to the Traditional Golf Course with Madden’s on Gull Lake, both in the Brainerd Lakes area.
5. Pokegama Golf Course
Location: Grand Rapids
Locals and visitors alike often crave a visit to Pokegama Golf Course, thanks to the phenomenal views and challenging play.
Enjoy this 18-hole course, nestled along the shores of the great Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids.
Whether you’ve been golfing for years or are just coming out for the first time, this public course has something to offer everyone.
And uniquely, you can check out Pokegama Golf Course’s Trackman indoor golf simulators, which allow you to have virtual practice at some of the top courses in the world.
Many of the local resorts offer ‘stay & play’ packages, so you’re able to save some money on your visit up north.
6. Chaska Town Course
Location: Chaska
Just 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis you’ll find the Chaska Town Course, a public Minnesota golf course that makes it easy to get out in the suburbs.
Play the 18-holes by either walking or renting a golf cart, and enjoy the beautiful course on the shores of Lake Bavaria.
The course is located on nearly 300 acres of beautiful prairies, marshlands, and oak trees, and has hosted many events including the US Amateur.
If you’re new to the world of golf, consider booking a lesson with one of the two PGA professional instructors.
Something really interesting found at Chaska Town Course is The Loop at Chaska, which is designed to bring golf to everyone. It focuses heavily on accessibility, sustainability, and fun.
Disability access is a primary feature at The Loop at Chaska, making it inclusive for everyone.
7. Stoneridge Golf Club
Location: Stillwater
As one of the top public golf courses in the Twin Cities area, a visit to Stoneridge Golf Club in Stillwater is a must-do for golf lovers.
With 18 holes, this semi-private golf course in Minnesota offers great perks to both the public and its members.
If you’re looking for a bit more out of your golf club, become a member at Stoneridge for perks like practice facilities, discounts, and storage for your equipment.
The course is also open to the public, so no worries if you aren’t interested in becoming a member.
Stoneridge opened up in 2000 and has since provided golfers with a unique experience on its tees, fairways, and greens.
8. The Jewel Golf Club
Location: Lake City
Found nearly on the Minnesota and Wisconsin border in Lake City, The Jewel Golf Club winds along the Mississippi River over 800 acres.
It was designed and created by a three-time US Open Winner and has been designed for golfers of all abilities.
It’s been well-known for remaining sustainable and preserving wildlife habitats, all while keeping up a fantastic course for golfers.
While the course is open to the public, there is also a membership option, since it is a semi-private club.
Aside from just the golf course, The Jewel also has a full-service restaurant and bar.
9. Meadows at Mystic Lake
Location: Prior Lake
This beautiful 18-hole golf course is just south of Minneapolis and was designed by architects to keep it as natural as possible.
Enjoy playing golf while admiring the beautiful rolling fairways, waterways, prairies, blooming and wildflowers.
The pristine 11 acres of land makes this one of the most sought-after courses in the Twin Cities area.
The course has received praise and awards from popular golf publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Weekly.
During your time at Mystic Lake, you can also pay a visit to their large casino as well as 10 restaurants and bars.
10. Dacotah Ridge Golf Club
Location: Morton
Built on nearly 250 acres of rolling prairies, the Dacotah Ridge Golf Club offers golfers a fantastic place to get out, just 2 hours southwest of Minneapolis.
It’s a public course, with 18-holes for golfers to enjoy throughout the summer months.
The course is nestled in a prairie, surrounded by trees, and features natural wetlands within the course.
Lessons are available for players of all different skill levels, and a practice facility makes it easy to get into the swing of things.
The Wabasha Creek Restaurant is available to enjoy a meal before or after, and many packages are available to get the best deal.
Private Minnesota Golf Courses
Choosing a private course can be great if you’re looking for one near home with some added perks.
Here are 9 great choices for private golf courses in Minnesota to visit on your next weekend.
11. Hazeltine National Golf Club
Location: Chaska
This premier private golf course in Minnesota has a strong history of being one of the best in the state.
Having hosted the Ryder Cup, as well as many other championships, such as the 2006 US Amateur Championship, and being the future site of the 2024 US Amateur Championship.
The community at Hazeltine is one of the favorite parts of the club for some members.
Enjoy playing 18 holes on the Hazeltine course, and as a member, enjoy other perks like their 49,000 square foot clubhouse, a learning center, and an invite to the many events.
It can be tough to get in as a member, as you must have someone in your social circle that is already a member, but once you’re in, you’ll appreciate it even more.
12. Interlachen Country Club
Location: Minneapolis
Since being founded in 1909, the Interlachen Country Club has provided its members with some of the best golfing in the state.
Many greats in golf have played on this course, and they’ve hosted several championships over the years.
Today, the 18-hole course gives residents of Minneapolis somewhere great to play, without hardly having to leave the city.
In fact, the well-groomed greens and feeling of being at Interlachen make you feel like you’re much further from Minneapolis than 20 minutes.
13. Windsong Farm Golf Club
Location: Maple Plain
This beautiful establishment in Maple Plain offers players golf in its truest sense and focuses strictly on playing the game.
With no other fancy additions such as tennis or a pool, members can focus their time solely on playing the game they love, golf.
Members at Windsong Farm pay full respect to golf, and if you’re the same way, this is the private golf club in Minnesota for you.
Enjoy an 18-hole course, designed specifically to be challenging for those of all skill levels, while showcasing beautiful views of the rolling fairways.
14. Spring Hill Golf Club
Location: Wayzata
This smaller limited membership club in Wayzata offers a fine establishment, slowly making its way to being one of the best in the state.
The 18-hole course offers members great play amongst a beautiful backdrop of green trees and forested fairways.
15. Minneapolis Golf Club
Location: St. Louis Park
This private golf course in Minnesota is found right outside of Minneapolis and offers players a chance to play a round of 18 holes.
With a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a club that members love being a part of for years and years to come.
Set it beautiful St. Louis Park, you can enjoy views of the lush grass and wooded grounds, as well as of the Minneapolis skyline.
The club is great for players of all ages and skill levels and is easily walkable.
After being a part of the golf community for over 100 years, the Minneapolis Golf Club surely knows how to make a membership worth it.
16. White Bear Yacht Club
Location: White Bear Lake
Ranked as one of the top 150 golf courses in the world by Golf.com, the White Bear Yacht Club is certainly one of the best.
The nationally ranked 18-hole Minnesota golf course is just the beginning of what this club has to offer its members.
Whether you’re new or have been golfing for years, White Bear Yacht Club can offer plenty of opportunities for growth.
While most clubs shut down in the winter, members can continue practicing on the indoor golf simulator through the cold winter season.
Members can also enjoy the tennis and pickleball courts, competitive and recreational sailing on White Bear Lake, and the pool.
17. The Minikhada Club
Location: Minneapolis
Established in 1898, the Minikhada Club is one of Minnesota’s oldest golf courses and has long been loved by its members.
If you’re a golf professional and are looking for somewhere that you can surround yourself with others like you, this is the place.
Play a few rounds on the 18-hole course and spend time inside the clubhouse, which surely makes a statement.
18. Somerset Country Club
Location: Mendota Heights
Found just 30 minutes outside of Minneapolis and just 10 miles south of St. Paul is the Somerset Country Club.
This private golf course in Mendota Heights was designed by architect Seth Raynor and is found right in the middle of the city.
Become a member of this 18-hole course and enjoy the perks of spending time at the clubhouse or swimming in the pool.
All of the lawns and fairways are meticulously groomed, and showcase why Somerset is such a great course.
19. Northland Country Club
Location: Duluth
Located just up from Lake Superior, the Northland Country Club gives those living in the Northland a great option for a private club.
You’ll be blown away by the beauty of the course itself, with views of Lake Superior for miles, before you can even make it to the first hole.
The wooded 18-hole course offers a challenge for golfers of all skill levels, all the way from beginner to advanced.
If you’ve got kiddos that want to tag along, Northland Country Club is the perfect place for it with their family-friendly atmosphere.
Aside from just the fantastic Minnesota golf course, they also have a full-size outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, and year-round dining for members only.
FAQs
What is the Longest Golf Hole in Minnesota?
A few of the longest golf holes in Minnesota are found at Wilderness at Fortune Bay, Madden’s Pine Beach East, and at Rush Creek Golf Club.
What is the Oldest Golf Course in Minnesota?
The oldest golf course and club in Minnesota is St. Paul’s Town & Country Club. It was established in 1888 and the first round of golf in the state was played here in 1893.
What is the Prettiest Golf Course in the United States?
One of the prettiest golf courses in the United States is found in California and it is called Pebble Beach Golf Course. Another beautiful course, Hualalai Golf Course is found in Hawaii.
Conclusion: Golf Courses in Minnesota
Whether you’re looking for a new private club to join or a public course, there are plenty to choose from of the best golf courses in Minnesota.
Choose from courses with 18 holes to ones with 30+, ones on resorts, or ones tucked along the shores of a beautiful lake.
No matter which golf course you choose to visit, Minnesota is full of great ones, and you’ll have a great time.
