To the casual player Minnesota might not seem like a golfer’s paradise, but its public courses are some of the finest in the state. So, if you want to hit the links in the Star of the North without joining a private club or breaking the bank, check out our list of the top five public greens in the state of Minnesota. The order may vary from year to year and from list to list, but these five are consistently in the top ten and—more often than not—the top five.
The Quarry at Giants Ridge
Located in Biwabik, Minnesota the Quarry at Giants Ridge was once, as the name might suggest, an actual quarry. Converted in 2000 into a golf course and recreational area (partly from the sand and gravel quarry itself, but also from the surrounding Northland woods) the second course constructed by the Giant Ridge Resort brought national fame and accolades to the area as a four-season destination for skiing, golf, and festivals. It is currently ranked as the number four best course in the state overall.
Green Fees: From $35 for 9 holes to $140 for 36 holes. Additional deals are available.
Reservation Info: http://www.giantsridge.com/golf-deals.html, 218-865-8030
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay
On the shores of Lake Vermillion, mere hours away from Minneapolis-St.Paul, lies The Wilderness at Fortune Bay—a premier golf resort utilizing the natural beauty of the Iron Range region to create beautifully scenic vistas for golfers of all ages and skill levels with six tees of varying lengths from 5,324 yards to 7,207 yards. Additionally, the adjacent wetlands are home to ospreys and eagles—many of whom can be seen near the course holes. The Wilderness is currently ranked as the number eight best course in the state overall.
Green Fees: Varies widely depending on the season and time of day. $37 – $99. Additional deals are available.
Reservation Info: http://www.golfthewilderness.com/-rates, 218-753-8917
The Classic at Madden’s Resort
Combining function with form is a hallmark of all great golf courses, and The Classic at Madden’s Resort is no exception. Molded into the shoreline of Gull Lake since 1929, the family owned resort offers not only golf, a full marina, and a hotel whose rooms look out onto the lake, but a host of other amenities and activities as well. Madden’s is first and foremost a family destination with lots to keep golfers and non-golfers alike pleasantly occupied. The golf course itself is designed with the idea of a simple nature walk meant to imbue a sense of calm and harmony in those who play it. The classic is currently ranked as the number ten best course in the state overall.
Green Fees: Starting at $87 for The Classic. There are two other cheaper courses available at the resort: Pine Beach East and Pine Beach West. Additional deals are available.
Reservation Info: https://www.maddens.com/golf/courses/the-classic, 1 (800)-642-5363
Dacotah Ridge
Sculpted from rugged, remote southwestern Minnesota prairie land, the 240 acre, eighteen hole course offers an oasis of calm far removed from civilization—a perfect retreat for the golfer looking to get away from it all. Complete with wetlands, forest, creek and river Dacatoh Ridge offers the perfect venue for a challenging golfing weekend. Eight of the holes are traversed by Washaba Creek, and five more circle a lake. Additionally, the changes in elevations and grass types should be enough to keep even experienced golfers on their toes. Dacotah Ridge is currently ranked as the number sixteen best course in the state overall.
Green Fees: Rates vary by hour, but public fees start at $30. Season passes and group packages available.
Reservation Info: http://dacotahridge.com/rates/index.html1, 507-697-8050
The Legend at Giants Ridge
The Legend at Giant’s Ridge is the first golf course to be constructed by the Giant’s Ridge Resort. Completed and opened in 1997 it was immediately hailed for both its quality and affordability. Replete with woodlands, lakes, and white sand bunkers, The Legend continues to live up to its name consistently ranking as one of the best courses in the state. The Legend is currently ranked as the number seventeen course in the state overall.
Green Fees: The same as the Quarry. From $35 for 9 holes to $140 for 36 holes. Additional deals are available.
Reservation Info: http://www.giantsridge.com/golf-deals.html, 218-865-8030
And All the Rest
Of course, there are many other fine courses available throughout the state (a listing for which can be found here), and no golfer need limit themselves to the five listed above. However, for a perfect fusion of price point and quality, these are the best five courses the state of Minnesota has to offer.
