Minnesota

Minnesota is home to 518 golf courses, making it one of the most golf-dense states in the Midwest — remarkable given that the season runs roughly five months of the year. From meticulously maintained Twin Cities municipals to nationally ranked resort courses carved through the Iron Range wilderness, Minnesota punches well above its weight in terms of course quality.

Golf culture here is shaped by the seasons: Minnesotans pack in rounds from the first thaw in late April through the final colorful days of October, often playing more rounds per week than golfers in year-round markets. The state’s most dramatic golf is found up north — in the Brainerd Lakes region and the Iron Range near Biwabik — where three Minnesota courses appear on Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. The Twin Cities metro offers the country’s best concentration of affordable, well-conditioned public golf, including layouts redesigned by top architects.

Minnesota Golf by Region

Twin Cities Metro

The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro is home to some of the Midwest’s best-value public golf. Braemar Golf Course in Edina (fully redesigned in 2019) is widely considered the metro’s top municipal, playing beautifully across rolling terrain just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Chaska Town Course, a public layout that hosted a USGA championship, gives everyday players access to a world-class test for under $50. Private Hazeltine National in Chaska — host of multiple U.S. Opens and Ryder Cups — represents the area’s pinnacle of private golf.

Brainerd Lakes Region

Brainerd is Minnesota’s golf capital, with over 30 courses within an hour’s drive. The Classic at Madden’s Resort is one of three Minnesota courses ranked among Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Public Courses in the US. Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point), an Arnold Palmer design, winds through pristine northwoods lakeside terrain. The combination of fishing, lakes, and golf makes Brainerd the state’s top golf-trip destination for groups from the Twin Cities and Wisconsin.

Iron Range / Biwabik

Two of Minnesota’s most spectacular public courses sit in the remote northeast, near the old iron mining towns. The Quarry at Giants Ridge transforms an actual open-pit mine into a jaw-dropping golf landscape — ranked among America’s best public courses by multiple outlets. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay (Tower) is an equally dramatic layout through boreal forest and wetlands. Both courses are worth the 3-hour drive from the Twin Cities for any serious golfer.

Top Courses in Minnesota

• The Quarry at Giants Ridge (Biwabik) — Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Public Courses. Carved into an open-pit iron mine, with sheer rock walls framing fairways. Public access; green fees ~$85–$120.
• The Wilderness at Fortune Bay (Tower) — Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Public Courses. Boreal forest setting near the Boundary Waters; public resort access; green fees ~$75–$110.
• The Classic at Madden’s Resort (Brainerd) — Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Public Courses. Flagship of a full resort complex with multiple courses on a Gull Lake peninsula.
• Hazeltine National Golf Club (Chaska) — Private. Host of multiple U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and the 2016 Ryder Cup. Consistently ranked among the nation’s top 20 courses overall.
• Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point) — Arnold Palmer design through northwoods terrain near Brainerd. Public; green fees ~$60–$95.
• Chaska Town Course (Chaska) — Public layout that hosted the 2002 US Women’s Amateur. Excellent value for a championship-caliber track; green fees ~$35–$55.
• Braemar Golf Course (Edina) — The Twin Cities’ top public municipal after its 2019 redesign. 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis; green fees ~$40–$55.
• Keller Golf Course (Maplewood) — One of the nation’s most historic public courses, host of six PGA Championships. An accessible, affordable round steeped in history; green fees ~$30–$45.

When to Play Golf in Minnesota

Minnesota’s golf season typically runs late April through late October, with the sweet spots being May–June and late August–September. Summers (July–August) are warm and sunny (75–85°F) with long evenings ideal for late tee times. Northern courses near Brainerd and Biwabik have a slightly shorter window — May through early October — and are busiest on summer weekends. Shoulder months bring the best rates: May and September see 15–30% lower green fees at many resorts compared to peak July. Budget golfers should explore weekday morning rounds at Twin Cities municipals, where fees often drop below $30. Courses typically close by November as frost and snow arrive in earnest.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golf courses are in Minnesota?

Minnesota has 518 golf courses in our database — one of the highest per-capita counts in the Midwest. The state supports a thriving golf culture despite its short season, with courses spread across the Twin Cities metro, the Brainerd Lakes region, the Iron Range, and the Minnesota River Valley.

What is the best golf course in Minnesota?

Golf Digest consistently places Hazeltine National (private) as Minnesota’s top-ranked overall course. For public access, The Quarry at Giants Ridge and The Wilderness at Fortune Bay are both Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Public Courses in the US — genuinely world-class rounds available to any golfer.

When is the best time to golf in Minnesota?

June and September offer the best balance of great weather and manageable crowds. July and August are peak season — courses are busy and prices are highest. May and early October provide shoulder-season value, especially at resort courses in Brainerd.

How much does golf cost in Minnesota?

Twin Cities public courses run $25–$55; Brainerd resort courses $50–$120; and top-tier courses like Giants Ridge and Fortune Bay range from $75–$130. Many courses offer online booking discounts and twilight rates that can cut 30% off peak prices.

Is Brainerd worth a golf trip?

Absolutely — Brainerd is one of the Midwest’s premier golf destinations. With over 30 courses within an hour, including multiple nationally ranked layouts, it’s ideal for a 2–3 day golf trip. Madden’s, Grand View Lodge, and Breezy Point all offer multi-round resort packages.

All Golf Courses in Minnesota

Browse all 518 Minnesota golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.