The Iron Range: Your Minnesota Golf Course Destination

Vacation planning became a lot more fun when I discovered the number of golf courses on the Iron Range. Sure, I was looking forward to spending time with friends on the lake. But I’m not the type to just lounge on an air mattress all day. I need to get out, walk a quick nine holes, and see how close I can get to a par 36.

I was amazed when I saw my golf options on the Iron Range. There are eight public courses, all with unique features that set them apart but all with the beauty and views that come with a northern Minnesota setting. I can’t get enough of the granite rock outcrops, whispering aspen, and pine-scented breezes.

I looked into municipal courses in Virginia, Hibbing, Hoyt Lakes, and Eveleth. I chose the Eveleth Municipal Course (par 36) because I’ve always loved the views around St. Mary’s Lake and it was close to where my friends had gathered for the week.

Another day I got a group together and played The Legend at Giant’s Ridge. What a spectacular course! The Legend was ranked in the top 5 Minnesota golf courses by Golf Digest last year, and remains one of the top golf destinations in the world. Towering red pines and quaking aspen set the scene for an incredible afternoon of golf. The Legend’s beauty is equaled by its peaceful aura; there aren’t freeways in the background, just more forest.

The Legend is a high level course. Multiple tee blocks made the challenge fun for players of all abilities. My friends and I chose the “Nine & Dine” special where we enjoyed 9-holes of golf followed by a delicious dinner. It was a day of great golf on a gorgeous course that we’ll remember for years to come.

I’m already looking into golf get-aways for next year. I’d love to try the other municipal courses around the Range. I also want to venture a bit north and try Wolfridge Golf Course, a rugged little 9-hole course north of Virginia. It looks fun and I’m curious to play a reversible course. From Wolfridge it’s a short drive east to The Wilderness at Fortune Bay. It looks like a beautiful 18-hole course and comes with high rankings from Golf Magazine.

Find out more about The Iron Range area and Minnesota golf courses to add to your vacation plan.