Minnesota golf courses feature the variety of natural landscapes that The Gopher State has to offer. There are over 575 golf courses in Minnesota and it is definitely one of the most underrated golfing states. Overall, there is an abundance of public golf courses to choose from.

You can view a complete listing of courses that you can play in our map directory below. Here are five Minnesota public golf courses that you should know about:

Wilderness at Fortune Bay (Tower, Minnesota)

The reoccurring theme in Minnesota golf courses is beautiful lake settings. The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is a perfect example of this – Jeffrey Brauer designed one of the best courses in the state along the shores of Lake Vermilion. Just a couple hours north of the Twin Cities, this is one of the most popular vacation areas in the state and this course should definitely be on your list if you are planning a trip in this region. If you take a look at some of the photos from their website you’ll see why! Overall, this is one of the best resort courses out there and should certainly be on your list.

Giants Ridge (Biwabik, Minnesota)

Giants Ridge is another popular resort in Minnesota that features some of the best courses in the state. The property features two championship designs – The Quarry and The Legend. They have both been recognized as the top public courses in the entire country by Golf Digest. This is a rare opportunity to play two completely unique designs. Simply put, you won’t find many places for a golf trip like this.

Deacon’s Lodge (Breezy Point, Minnesota)

This Arnold Palmer design is also considered one of the top public golf courses in the entire country. Deacon’s Lodge is truly “getting away from it all”. You will feel completely secluded in the lake setting that features lush woods and wetlands. Additionally, the design will challenge golfers of all levels.

Stone Ridge Golf Club (Stillwater, Minnesota)

If you are in the Twin Cities, then you need to book a tee time at the Stone Ridge Golf Club. This links-style course has been considered the best public course in the area since it opened in 2000. Bobby Weed was able to pull off a course that makes you feel like you are playing in Scotland but in a beautiful Minnesota surroundings. The course is also one of the great values in public course, offering reasonable grees fees for a private-club experience.

Willingers Golf Club (Northfield, Minnesota)

Rounding out our list of Minnesota golf courses you can play is the Willingers Golf Club. Conveniently located within an hour of both Minneapolis and St. Paul, this course has been a fixture for golfers since 1991. The serene setting is carved out of over 100 acres of natural forests and wetlands. You’ll be amazed and challenged by the 6,800 championship layout.