Minnesota may be known for its lakes, but it’s also home to some of the finest public golf courses in the Midwest. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or planning a golf getaway, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has a scenic, challenging course for every skill level. In this 2025 guide, I’ve rounded up the top 15 best public golf courses in Minnesota—all playable without a private membership. From northwoods escapes to links-style layouts, these picks are local favorites for good reason.
1. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay – Tower, MN
Rugged, remote, and utterly breathtaking. Nestled on the shores of Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota, The Wilderness is widely regarded as one of the best public courses not just in the state—but in the entire U.S.
Designed by: Jeffrey D. Brauer
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,207
Green fees: ~$100–$130 (seasonal)
What makes it special: Towering pines, granite outcroppings, and lake views on nearly every hole. It feels like golfing in a national park. The elevation changes make for fun (and forgiving) shots.
Course tip: Don’t miss Hole 17—arguably the signature hole with its downhill fairway and panoramic vista.
2. Giants Ridge – The Quarry – Biwabik, MN
Giants Ridge has two stellar public courses, but The Quarry is the true showstopper. Built on an old sand and gravel mine, it blends raw terrain with immaculate design.
Designed by: Jeffrey D. Brauer
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,201
Green fees: ~$90–$125
What makes it special: A rugged, industrial aesthetic with dramatic elevation and risk-reward opportunities. The course winds through forests and across mine remnants, creating a bold and unforgettable experience.
Course vibe: Precision is rewarded. Big hitters will love the wide fairways, but errant shots can get punished by fescue or water.
3. StoneRidge Golf Club – Stillwater, MN
Just 20 minutes east of the Twin Cities, StoneRidge is a pure links-style course that gives serious Scotland vibes. It’s fast, firm, and beautifully maintained.
Designed by: Bobby Weed
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,013
Green fees: ~$70–$110
What makes it special: Rolling fairways, native grasses, and open sightlines. If you like creative shot shaping and firm greens, this course is a dream.
Local tip: Go early in the morning to catch the sun rising over the hills—it’s peaceful and practically made for Instagram.
4. The Legends Club – Prior Lake, MN
Located just south of Minneapolis, this upscale daily-fee course feels like a private club without the steep cost or membership requirement.
Designed by: Gill/Miller
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,063
Green fees: ~$85–$120
What makes it special: Impeccable conditioning, water features on 10 holes, and a challenging but fair layout. The staff and service are top-notch, too.
Who it’s for: Golfers who want a polished, country-club-like experience close to the city.
5. Chaska Town Course – Chaska, MN
This is the hometown course of Hazeltine National (host of the 2016 Ryder Cup), and it shares some serious pedigree. In fact, PGA pros practice here.
Designed by: Arthur Hills
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,152
Green fees: ~$60–$90
What makes it special: Strategic bunkering, marshland views, and wide fairways that make it playable for all skill levels. It’s a great walking course, too.
Bonus: Consistently ranked in Golfweek’s Best Municipal Courses in America.
6. Deacon’s Lodge – Breezy Point, MN
Designed by Arnold Palmer himself, Deacon’s Lodge is named after his father “Deacon” and blends legacy with lush design. It’s one of the crown jewels of northern Minnesota golf.
Designed by: Arnold Palmer Design Company
Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,934
Green fees: ~$90–$125
What makes it special: Towering pines, rolling terrain, and stunning views of surrounding lakes. It’s peaceful, scenic, and thoughtfully routed for both challenge and relaxation.
Local tip: Make it a golf weekend—Breezy Point Resort offers stay-and-play packages with great value.
7. Rush Creek Golf Club – Maple Grove, MN
One of the finest public golf facilities in the Minneapolis metro area. Rush Creek has hosted everything from LPGA events to local tournaments and remains a favorite for serious and casual players alike.
Designed by: Bob Cupp
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,125
Green fees: ~$95–$135
What makes it special: Wide fairways, well-protected greens, and consistently pristine conditions. The back nine is especially beautiful, with wetlands and forest-lined holes.
Bonus: Excellent practice facilities and one of the best public golf academies in the state.
8. Brainerd Golf Trail – The Classic at Madden’s
The Classic is not only a centerpiece of the Brainerd Golf Trail—it’s also a national top-100 public course. Known for meticulous conditioning and elite design, it’s a bucket-list course for Midwest golfers.
Designed by: Scott Hoffmann
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,102
Green fees: ~$110–$150
What makes it special: Bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens. Strategic bunkering and gorgeous lake views. This is golf at its purest.
Experience tip: Reserve early. This course fills quickly, especially in peak summer months.
9. Legends Golf Club – Lakeville, MN
Located just 25 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis, this course offers excellent conditions and a championship layout at a reasonable price. (Not to be confused with The Legends Club in Prior Lake.)
Designed by: Gill/Miller
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,063
Green fees: ~$75–$105
What makes it special: Water comes into play on multiple holes, especially the beautiful par-3s. It’s challenging but fair—ideal for serious play or casual outings.
Insider note: Their twilight rates offer exceptional value with fewer crowds.
10. Superior National at Lutsen – Lutsen, MN
A true northwoods gem with dramatic scenery along Lake Superior’s rugged coast. This course offers stunning elevation changes and postcard-worthy views.
Designed by: Jeffrey D. Brauer
Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,829
Green fees: ~$70–$110
What makes it special: It’s one of the few courses in Minnesota where you can see Lake Superior on multiple holes. The Mountain and River nines have been newly renovated for better flow and playability.
Perfect for: Golfers looking for a remote, scenic round paired with North Shore hiking or resort stays.
11. Pebble Creek Golf Club – Becker, MN
Pebble Creek offers a blend of playability and challenge with its three distinct 9-hole courses. It’s a favorite among Twin Cities and St. Cloud area golfers for its consistency and layout.
Par: 72 | Yardage: Up to 6,601
Green fees: ~$40–$65
Course features: The Woods, Pines, and Red courses each offer different terrain and challenges. The layout flows naturally through wooded areas and wetlands.
Best for: Casual rounds and value-packed group outings.
12. Chaska Town Course – Chaska, MN
Owned by the City of Chaska and designed by Arthur Hills, this course is just minutes from Hazeltine National and offers a tour-quality experience for a public rate.
Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,859
Green fees: ~$70–$95
Course vibe: Rolling hills, native prairie grasses, oak groves, and water features define the aesthetic. It’s scenic, strategic, and never boring.
Pro tip: One of the top-ranked municipal courses in the U.S. – a true hidden gem just outside the Twin Cities.
13. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay – Tower, MN
Frequently ranked among the top 100 public courses in the country, The Wilderness offers a high-end Northwoods golf experience set near Lake Vermilion.
Designed by: Jeffrey D. Brauer
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,207
Green fees: ~$90–$135
Signature features: Towering pines, granite outcroppings, elevation changes, and total seclusion. This is remote destination golf at its finest.
Bonus: Located next to Fortune Bay Resort Casino – ideal for a full weekend getaway.
14. Dacotah Ridge Golf Club – Morton, MN
Located in southern Minnesota near Jackpot Junction Casino, Dacotah Ridge is a prairie-style championship course with huge greens, native grasses, and bold bunkering.
Designed by: Rees Jones
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,109
Green fees: ~$55–$85
Course highlights: Open vistas, risk-reward par 5s, and smooth-rolling putting surfaces. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best value championship courses in the Midwest.
Ideal for: Competitive players and weekend road-trippers.
15. StoneRidge Golf Club – Stillwater, MN
Just east of the Twin Cities, StoneRidge delivers a premium links-style experience with fescue-lined fairways, firm turf, and strong strategic design.
Designed by: Bobby Weed
Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,013
Green fees: ~$85–$120
Highlights: Thoughtfully crafted bunkering, scenic elevation shifts, and one of the best finishing holes in Minnesota.
Local bonus: Spend a day golfing and another exploring Stillwater’s historic downtown, shops, and riverside views.
Final Thoughts
These additional picks round out the Top 15 Best Public Golf Courses in Minnesota for 2025, giving golfers of all preferences a full menu of top-tier options—whether you’re seeking forested fairways, lakeside serenity, or championship-caliber challenges.
Want to make the most of your Minnesota golf trip?
Tip: Combine two or three courses into a long weekend itinerary—especially in Brainerd or the North Shore.
FAQ: Best Public Golf Courses in Minnesota (2025)
Q1: What is the #1 public golf course in Minnesota in 2025?
A: Giants Ridge – The Quarry in Biwabik is widely considered the top public course in Minnesota for 2025 due to its world-class design and stunning scenery.
Q2: What’s the best affordable public golf course in Minnesota?
A: Pebble Creek Golf Club in Becker offers great conditions and value, with green fees starting around $40.
Q3: Are there any public courses near Minneapolis worth playing?
A: Yes! Rush Creek, StoneRidge, and Chaska Town Course are all top-tier public options within a short drive of the Twin Cities.
Q4: Which Minnesota public golf course has the best views?
A: Superior National at Lutsen and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay both offer breathtaking views of Lake Superior and forested landscapes.
Q5: Can I book tee times online for these courses?
A: Yes, most public courses in Minnesota offer online tee time booking through their official websites (linked above).
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
