Northern Minnesota · MN
MN • Northern Minnesota
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
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
Editor-picked layouts ranked by prestige, conditioning and player experience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay & play
Resort packages bundle lodging, rounds, range access, and on-site dining. Hotel-only options give you flexibility to course-hop.
Resort
A historic lakeside resort offering a variety of accommodations from hotel rooms to villas, with extensive amenities.
Resort
A family-friendly resort featuring modern rooms, cabins, and suites, with direct access to Gull Lake and numerous activities.
Luxury Resort
An upscale, historic lodge offering elegant accommodations, fine dining, and two championship golf courses on-site.
Hotel
A comfortable and convenient hotel providing standard amenities, perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for a good base.
Off the course
Non-golf experiences worth building into your trip — from local landmarks to nature, food, and culture.
World-class fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass on the expansive and beautiful Gull Lake.
A fun family attraction featuring classic amusement rides, a petting zoo, and the iconic animated Paul Bunyan.
Explore miles of paved and unpaved trails winding through forests and along lakeshores, perfect for all skill levels.
Experience high-octane excitement with drag racing, road racing, and other motorsports events.
Relax and rejuvenate with a variety of spa treatments offered at several resorts, including Grand View Lodge and Madden's.
Itineraries
Choose your trip length. Each plan is built around the marquee courses, with rest, dining, and travel days dialed in.
Day 1
Land at BRD, transfer to your hotel, hit the range, and grab a casual dinner at IKE'S Grill & Bar.
Day 2
Morning tee time at Cragun's Legacy Courses (Dutch's Legacy). Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Prairie Bay Grill & Catering.
Day 3
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.
Day 4
Morning tee time at Deacon's Lodge Golf Course. Lunch at the clubhouse, afternoon recovery, dinner at Northwinds Grille.
Day 5
Early tee time at Breezy Point Resort (Deacon's Lodge), light lunch, then transfer back to BRD.
Budget
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
humid continental
When to book: 3-6 months out
Dining
From clubhouse classics to chef-driven dinners worth a reservation.
American
A casual spot at Cragun's Resort, offering classic American fare with lake views and a relaxed atmosphere.
Fine Dining
Located at Madden's, this restaurant offers exquisite cuisine and an elegant dining experience with panoramic views.
New American
A popular local choice known for its fresh, innovative dishes and sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance.
American/Lakeside
Enjoy casual dining right on Gull Lake with delicious burgers, sandwiches, and fresh catches.
Casual American
A family-friendly restaurant offering a diverse menu from pizzas to pasta, with a relaxed atmosphere.
American
Historic lodge dining experience with traditional American dishes and scenic views of Bay Lake.
After dark
Where the buddy trips end up after the 19th hole.
Bar
A popular local bar offering a lively atmosphere, good drinks, and occasional live music.
Hotel Bar
A sophisticated bar within Madden's Resort, perfect for post-round cocktails and conversation.
Restaurant Bar
A casual spot with a full bar, known for its friendly service and occasional karaoke nights.
Tee times
Live inventory from GolfNow plus flight comparison from Skyscanner. Prices update in real time.
FAQ
Summer (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep). humid continental
Plan on $1,460–$3,150 per golfer for a 5-night trip including lodging, rounds, food and ground transport. Flights are extra.
BRD, about 12 miles from the resort area. Most national hubs offer non-stop service via BRD.
5 nights is the sweet spot — enough for 4 full rounds plus a rest or sightseeing day.
Yes — popular with families, seniors, buddies. Strong nightlife close to the courses.
Ready to book
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Trip snapshot
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