Best Places to Golf in Northern Minnesota
Carved into the dense green forests of Northern Minnesota lie some fantastic golf courses waiting to be explored. With no shortage of incredible natural features to play around, including lakes and dense tree cover, there are challenges waiting for golfers of all skill levels. The deep forest, besides strongly encouraging you to keep your ball on the fairway, also welcomes some beautiful wildlife to join you on your golf adventure. With plenty of courses to explore, there is never a dull golf day in Northern Minnesota! Here are some of the top courses in the area worth a round.
Three Brothers Vermilion River Greens
https://www.facebook.com/p/3-Brothers-Vermilion-River-Greens-100054443832034/
Way up in Buyck, Minnesota lies the 9-hole beauty at Three Brothers Vermilion River Greens. Well-kept greens and fairways welcome beautiful play amongst the breathtaking lakes and woods of Northern Minnesota. For a day out amongst the trees working your way through a sometimes difficult course, Three Brothers Vermilion River Greens offers a great, and affordable day.
Green Fees: $
Tee Times: Call the pro shop to inquire on tee times, which are very often available.
Dates of Operation: Mid May into late September
On-site Dining: No
The Wilderness
https://www.golfthewilderness.com/
Punched into the Northern Minnesota forests, The Wilderness lives up to its name as you work your way through the dense trees and around lakes on this 18-hole course. Consistently ranked amongst the best golf courses nationally, and most recently ranked 3rd public golf course in Minnesota in 2023 according to Golfweek. This course is absolutely stunning and in wonderful condition. Besides the impeccable golf, The Wilderness offers incredible amenities at their lakeside resort. This course is a bucket list-type play.
Green Fees: $$$
Tee Times: Tee times required; can be booked on their website or by calling the resort.
Dates of Operation: Late May through late September
On-site Dining: Multiple on-site options
Vermilion Fairways
http://www.vermilionfairways.com/
Located near Cook, Minnesota and Lake Vermilion, Vermilion Fairways offers a beautiful 9-hole course open to the public. On the easier side, Vermilion Fairways offers a great place for beginners to develop skills and for more experienced players to hone in on accurate drives and clean short games. The beautiful landscape makes for a great day out on the fairways.
Green Fees: $
Tee Times: Usually available, call the clubhouse for information
Dates of Operation: Mid April through end of September
On-site Dining: Small selection at the clubhouse
Ely Golf Club
https://www.elymngolfclub.com/
Out in Ely, Minnesota lies a quaint, nature-filled 9-hole golf course amongst the trees. On the easier side of golf courses, Ely Golf Club makes for a fantastic place to learn the game or spend a relaxing day on vacation. With an eco-friendly approach to course management, Ely Golf Club is truly a gem amongst the emerald forests of Northern Minnesota.Â
Green Fees: $
Tee Times: Usually available, book online or call the clubhouse
Dates of Operation: Early May through October
On-site Dining: Small selection at the clubhouse
The Legend at Giants Ridge
https://www.giantsridge.com/the-legend/
The Legend at Giants Ridge is home to one of the best travel golf destinations in Minnesota. The incredible 18-hole course layout is rich with character and challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Scattered amongst the dense forests of Northern Minnesota, The Legend has a tremendous amount of character from natural hazards and beautiful wildlife. Besides the fantastic golfing experience, Giants Ridge is also home to some tremendous amenities to round out your experience.
Green Fees: $$$
Tee Times: Required, call ahead for reservations
Dates of Operation: Early May through early October
On-site Dining: Multiple options
The Quarry at Giants Ridge
https://www.giantsridge.com/the-quarry/
The resort at Giants Ridge wasn’t done with one golf course; The Quarry is home to another 18-hole course to explore in Northern Minnesota. Oozing character built on an old sand, gravel, and iron mining operations, The Quarry is unlike any course you’ve played before. This character has earned it the title of the number 1 public golf course in all of Minnesota, according to Golf Digest. The Quarry also carries a national ranking within the top 20 courses across the country each year. The Quarry is a must-golf!
Green Fees: $$$
Tee Times: Required, call ahead for reservations
Dates of Operation: Early May through early October
On-site Dining: Multiple options
Virginia Golf Course
https://www.virginiamn.us/department/golf_course/index.php
Virginia, Minnesota has their own golf course that fits in beautifully amongst mature pines and scattered lakes. The 18-hole course looks beautiful amongst the flat landscaping, which proves to be a great time to spend a few hours. Not particularly difficult, Virginia Golf Course offers a great experience for golfers of all skill levels. With full service dining waiting for you on the other side of a relaxing golf round, Virginia Golf Course provides a great day.
Green Fees: $
Tee Times: Usually needed, call the clubhouse
Dates of Operation: Early April through September
On-site Dining: Full restaurant and bar
Fun for all.
This northeast Minnesota territory is part of Voyageurs National Park and offers many outdoor activities, such as kayaking, biking, hiking, and backpacking. Visitors from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond travel to Crane Lake to enjoy the vast wilderness and explore the beauty of its many lakes and waterways. There are many local accommodations from cabin rentals to fishing tours with family fun activities for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about Crane Lake and plan your visit!
Northern Minnesota is a beautiful landscape to enjoy some golf. The dense trees and multitude of lakes make for a great viewing experience while you play, especially when birds and other wildlife come out. This same beauty can create amazing natural obstacles for golf that give each course and the entire region its own unique golf character that you have to play to believe. With multiple options for various skill levels across Northern Minnesota, there is a great golf round just waiting to be had!
