Brainerd Lakes golf scenery

Northern Minnesota · MN

Brainerd Lakes

MN • Northern Minnesota

luxuryresortnightlifevaluepublic

Best season

Summer

Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep

Trip cost · per golfer

$1,460–$3,150

5-night trip

Nearest airport

BRD

12 mi · BRD

Difficulty

mixed

Handicap 12–37

Overview

Why play Brainerd Lakes

Discover Brainerd Lakes, Minnesota, a serene golf haven boasting pristine natural beauty and diverse courses, perfect for a relaxing yet challenging golf getaway amid the land of 10,000 lakes.

Top courses

Best golf courses in Brainerd Lakes

Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.

#1

Cragun's Legacy Courses (Dutch's Legacy)

Design by Tom Lehman · Par 72 · 7,091 yds

A classic championship course designed by Tom Lehman, offering a challenging yet fair test of golf through towering pines and rolling terrain. Play from the appropriate tees to fully enjoy the strategic design and avoid unnecessary frustrations.

Moderate-ChallengingTraditional Parkland$125–180
#2

The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake

Design by Scott Hoffmann · Par 72 · 7,109 yds

Consistently ranked among the top courses in Minnesota, offering a true championship experience with impeccably maintained fairways and greens. Be sure to book your tee time well in advance, especially during peak season, as this course is very popular.

ChallengingParkland/Strategic$175–225
#3

Deacon's Lodge Golf Course

Design by Arnold Palmer · Par 72 · 6,964 yds

Arnold Palmer's masterpiece in Minnesota, featuring dramatic elevation changes, pristine wetlands, and stunning northern woods scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as deer and other animals are frequently spotted on the course.

ModerateWoodlands/Resort$110–160
#4

Breezy Point Resort (Deacon's Lodge)

Design by George Fazio · Par 72 · 6,537 yds

A George Fazio design offering a fun and playable round with strategically placed bunkers and water features amidst scenic mature trees. This course is great for a more relaxed round while still offering interesting shot-making opportunities.

ModerateTraditional Resort$75–110

Stay & play

Where to stay in Brainerd Lakes

Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.

Madden's on Gull Lake

Resort

A historic lakeside resort offering a variety of accommodations from hotel rooms to villas, with extensive amenities.

Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake

Resort

A family-friendly resort featuring modern rooms, cabins, and suites, with direct access to Gull Lake and numerous activities.

Grand View Lodge Golf Resort & Spa

Luxury Resort

An upscale, historic lodge offering elegant accommodations, fine dining, and two championship golf courses on-site.

Holiday Inn Express Brainerd-Baxter

Hotel

A comfortable and convenient hotel providing standard amenities, perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for a good base.

Off the course

Things to do in Brainerd Lakes

Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.

Fishing on Gull Lake

Outdoor

World-class fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass on the expansive and beautiful Gull Lake.

Paul Bunyan Land Amusement Park

Amusement

A fun family attraction featuring classic amusement rides, a petting zoo, and the iconic animated Paul Bunyan.

Lakes Area Biking Trails

Outdoor

Explore miles of paved and unpaved trails winding through forests and along lakeshores, perfect for all skill levels.

Brainerd International Raceway

Motorsports

Experience high-octane excitement with drag racing, road racing, and other motorsports events.

Spa Services

Wellness

Relax and rejuvenate with a variety of spa treatments offered at several resorts, including Grand View Lodge and Madden's.

Itineraries

Sample itineraries

Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Arrive & warm up

    Land at BRD, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at IKE'S Grill & Bar.

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Round 1 — Cragun's Legacy Courses (Dutch's Legacy)

    Morning tee time at Cragun's Legacy Courses (Dutch's Legacy). Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Prairie Bay Grill & Catering.

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Round 2 — The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake

    Morning tee time at The Classic at Madden's on Gull Lake. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Ernie's on Gull Lake.

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Round 3 — Deacon's Lodge Golf Course

    Morning tee time at Deacon's Lodge Golf Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Northwinds Grille.

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Final round & departure

    Early tee time at Breezy Point Resort (Deacon's Lodge), light lunch, then transfer back to BRD.

Budget

Budget breakdown · per golfer

Realistic ranges sourced from current resort rates, public green fees, and group dining averages.

Lodging
5 nights · $209/nt
$1,045
Golf
4 rounds · $122 avg
$488
Food & drink
~$110/day
$550
Ground transport
Rideshare + cart fees
$300
Flights
Search Skyscanner for live fares
Variable
Estimated total · per golfer$2,383

Season

Best time of year to visit Brainerd Lakes

humid continental

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Ideal Good Off-season

When to book: 3-6 months out

Dining

Where to eat in Brainerd Lakes

From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.

IKE'S Grill & Bar

$$

American

A casual spot at Cragun's Resort, offering classic American fare with lake views and a relaxed atmosphere.

The Classic Dining Room

$$$$

Fine Dining

Located at Madden's, this restaurant offers exquisite cuisine and an elegant dining experience with panoramic views.

Prairie Bay Grill & Catering

$$$

New American

A popular local choice known for its fresh, innovative dishes and sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance.

Ernie's on Gull Lake

$$

American/Lakeside

Enjoy casual dining right on Gull Lake with delicious burgers, sandwiches, and fresh catches.

Northwinds Grille

$$

Casual American

A family-friendly restaurant offering a diverse menu from pizzas to pasta, with a relaxed atmosphere.

Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge Dining Room

$$$

American

Historic lodge dining experience with traditional American dishes and scenic views of Bay Lake.

After dark

Nightlife in Brainerd Lakes

Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.

Green Lantern

Bar

A popular local bar offering a lively atmosphere, good drinks, and occasional live music.

Jake's Bar at Madden's

Hotel Bar

A sophisticated bar within Madden's Resort, perfect for post-round cocktails and conversation.

Moonlight Bay Family Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant Bar

A casual spot with a full bar, known for its friendly service and occasional karaoke nights.

Tee times

Book tee times in Brainerd Lakes

Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.

FAQ

Brainerd Lakes golf trip FAQs

What is the best time of year to golf in Brainerd Lakes?

+

Summer (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep). humid continental

How much does a golf trip to Brainerd Lakes cost?

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Plan on $1,460–$3,150 per golfer for a 5-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.

What airport should I fly into for Brainerd Lakes?

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BRD, about 12 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via BRD.

How many days should I plan for a Brainerd Lakes golf trip?

+

5 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 4 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.

Is Brainerd Lakes good for buddy trips?

+

Yes — popular with families, seniors, buddies. Strong nightlife close to the courses.

Ready to book

Book your Brainerd Lakes golf trip

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Trip snapshot

Destination
Brainerd Lakes, MN
Best months
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Length
5 nights
Per golfer
$1,460–$3,150
Fly into
BRD

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