Top Midwest Golf Resorts

With over 100 acres of resort property that spans the entire Pine Beach Peninsula on Brainerd’s scenic Gull Lake, Madden's 63 holes of incredible golf is an ideal golfer getaway!

A superb layout, stunning beauty, and fair challenge, the championship level course is a great time for all levels! Maddens opened the first 18-hole resort golf course in the state of Minnesota in 1926. Since then, they’ve played host to Gull Lake vacationers and golf lovers as a family travel tradition. It's a spectacular way to spend an afternoon! If it sounds a little too intense for you, however, why not try your hand at the Social 9? This short par 28 course is a great warm-up, cool down, or just a fun and active way to spend some time!

Highlights

Madden's Tennis & Croquet Club is home to six tennis courts, bentgrass croquet and lawnbowling lawns, shuffleboard, horseshoes, volleyball, badminton, basketball and mountain bikes. Recreation staff can assist you in planning group recreation and team building activities, mini-Olympics, tournaments, group lessons and clinics.

Fun facts

In the 1930s and during the Great Depression, caddies were paid 25 cents a round and many workers earned as little as $20 a month.

Related Onsite Offerings

A variety of unique vacation packages are available. Whether you’re craving a golf retreat, a romantic spa getaway or even a fun and interactive Murder Mystery weekend, you’ll find it at Maddens!

Thousand Hills Golf Resort's course is known as Branson's most popular golf course for good reason. This 18-hole gem was rated 4-Stars by Golf Digest Magazine in 2009 and was voted Best of the Ozarks for Branson Golf Courses by the readers of the Springfield News-Leade.

A large reason for the course's popularity is its ability to cater to all golf skill levels. Three separate sets of tees ensure that everyone from novices to professionals enjoys a challenging and fair round of golf. As you journey through this 18-hole masterpiece, your surroundings shift from beautiful hardwood forests to unique rock formations to shimmering Ozark streams. Maneuver your way through the rolling fairways, sprawling sand bunkers, and meandering waterways of this par-64 paradise. Just as the course caters to a diverse range of golfers, the lodging options accommodate a diverse range of vacationers. Branson cabins and rental condos range from romantic suites for couples to five-bedroom town homes perfect for large families and groups. Make a splash in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, soak in the soothing Jacuzzi tubs, and keep fit in the fully equipped fitness center. Swing by Thousand Hills Golf Resort, your fairway fantasy!

Address

245 South Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO 65616

Extra Stops

Outdoor adventurers don't need to travel far to find fun. The resort is just five minutes from Lake Taneycomo and within 10 minutes of Table Rock Lake, where you'll experience the complete Branson and Ozarks outdoors experience.

Highlights

Find all the golf equipment you need onsite. Rent GPS-equipped golf carts or head to the largest pro shop in Branson, offering shoes, shirts, equipment, gifts, and souvenirs.

Designed by the famous Joel Goldstrand all the way back in 1921, Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge's golf course is not just a great golfing experience- it's a veritable trip through history!

If you hear a *plop* after you tee off at Ruttger's Bay, don't worry- its happened countless times over the years. The plop we refer to is, of course, your ball landing in a water hazard, something the 18 holes use as their foremost feature. Spread out over a hundred acres, you'll find unique and interesting dynamics and challenges on each hole. Just make sure you have plenty of extra balls on hand, though! If you need a break from golf, there are plenty of other ways to spend your time at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge. Rent a fishing boat and cast a line, or visit some of the stores onsite full of apparel to help you cherish your time at Ruttgers!

Address

25039 Tame Fish Lake Road Deerwood, MN 56444

Related activities

In the area, after a round of 18, there are opportunities to take a dip in the lake, or explore the area with a bike ride!

Getting there

Just a couple hours of the highway from the Twin Cities, Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge is easily accessible no matter where you're coming from!

Set amongst 400 acres of natural splendor in Alexandria, Minnesota, Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center's crowning jewel is the Atikwa Golf Course, one of the finest semi-private courses in the Midwest.

One of the many exceptional courses on the Brainerd Golf Trail, the Atikwa Golf Course recently underwent renovations. The course emerged designed with wetland preservation in mind, taking advantage of the natural and undisturbed beauty of Alexandria. The aesthetic design of the 18-hole course focuses on the scenic lake view, wooded hills and open prairie. Open to both guests of Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center as well as club members, avid golfers love to play the 18 challenging but rewarding holes. Experience the natural grandeur of the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center and golf at one of Minnesota’s premier semi-private courses. Tee times are required, so make sure to call ahead of time!

Address

2100 Arrowwood Lane, Alexandria, MN 56308

Highlights

Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center features a 38,000-sq.-ft. indoor waterpark with three four-story slides, a 500-gallon splash bucket and more!

Related Onsite Offerings

Arrowwood Resort has recently added an executive putting course, right on the shores of Lake Darling. This course features 18 putting greens with real bent grass.

With four distinct 18-hole courses spread across the resort grounds, you're sure to find a course that fits your skill level the next time you plan at golf trip to the #3 pick on our list of Top Midwest Golf Resorts - Garland Lodge and Resort. Located in Lewiston, Michigan, the resort has been called Northern Michigan's "Best Kept Secret".

The Monarch course at Garland is often referred to as the "King of Michigan Golf Courses" and measures 7,145 yards from the back tees. The Back Nine offers picturesque view while arguably being the most difficult group of holes in Northern Michigan. If you're looking for a layout with a little less length, Swampfire offers a true shot maker's course. You can plan on using every club in your bag as you navigate trees, bunkers, and water on 16 of 18 holes. At 6,854 yards from the tips, this is the second-longest course at the resort. The Reflections course represents a unique setup with a combination of six par 5's, par 4's, and par 3's. Your course management skills will be key to recording a low score. The Fountains Course is for members only, but is certainly worth playing if your have the opportunity!

Address

4700 North Red Oak Road Lewiston, MI 49756

Highlights

If you can find a member that will let you join them in a round, try the Fountains Course. Your drive to the first hole will take you across the longest single span log bridge in the world and back again later in the round to play holes 14-18.

Related Onsite Offerings

Garland Lodge and Resort offers four on-site dining options that are perfect for a post-round drink or meal: The Tamarack Dining Room Antlers Bar & Grill Bunkers/Tiki Bar Garland Coffee Shop

Voted the ‘Most Underrated Golf Resort in the Midwest’ by Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine, the French Lick Resort provides truly bountiful golf experiences. Situated in the picturesque Indiana landscape, this resort is famous for - among many other things - its three championship golf courses.

Set amongst cascading hills and designed by world famous architects Pete Dye, Donald Ross and Tom Bendelow, the French Lick Resort features 45 challenging yet relaxing holes. Recently selected as the host for the 2010 PGA Professionals National Championship, the new Pete Dye Course is widely considered the architect’s best inland course. The legendary Donald Ross Course, originally conceived in 1917, has hosted many regional and national championships including the 1924 PGA Championship. With its length of 7,000 yards, the length plus the original Par 70 challenges even the best golfers. The Valley Links, a 9-hole conversion of the original 18-hole Tom Bendelow Valley Links, features a championship tee length of nearly 3,500 yards. The Valley Links offers a family golf course program designed specifically for kids and beginners by cutting the yardage in half. Come play at French Lick’s renowned courses and experience the nation’s most challenging, yet satisfying golf game. Book your tee times online!

Address

French Lick Resort, 8670 West State Road 56, French Lick, IN 47432

Highlights

French Lick Resort features a 51,000-sq.-ft. Vegas-style casino with over 1,300 state-of-the-art slot machines, 41 table games and much more!

Related Onsite Offerings

French Lick Resort offers a variety of golf packages to make your Indiana golf vacation hassle-free.

Spend a day out on the course at Devil’s Head Resort and Convention Center- you might never want to leave!

Located in South Central Wisconsin, the Devils Head Resort and Convention Center is home to two award-winning championship golf courses: The Glacier and The Prairie Glen. The Glacier Golf Course is an 18-hole mountain course carved out of the Baraboo Bluff. It traverses through a maze of elevation changes, narrow fairways and rock formations; there's plenty of native wildlife wandering around for your observation. Meanwhile, The Prairie Glen Golf Course is Devils Head’s newest 18-hole course. Diverse scenery from the Scottish-style links and island greens light up The Prairie Glen. Its numerous water holes and sand traps are bound to test even the most experienced golfers!

Address

S6330 Bluff Rd, Merrimac, WI 53561

Highlights

From the Gold tees, the Glacier Course is rated 73.2 with a slope of 132 and a total of 6,773 yards.

Related activities

In winter, Devils Head Resort and Convention Center transforms into a ski resort in Wisconsin’s Baraboo Bluffs and features a new Dopplemayr Quad Chairlift called "The Glacial Express."

Whether you're staying at Drummond for a family getaway, romantic escape, or anything else, take our advice and remember to bring your golf clubs- you won't regret it!

Why? Well, because of the award-winning course onsite: The Rock. This 18-hole championship course is carved out of 400 acres of hardwood, cedar, and limestone, and somehow manages to be both accessible for beginners and challenging for veterans. As you walk the course, the surrounding mature forests and wildlife will quickly have you repeating the saying around here- “we share the course with the deer.” The course, which opened in 1989, was designed by Harry Bowers and offers a challenge of up to 6,837 yards. It's the perfect way to spend an afternoon!

Address

33494 S Maxton Rd, Drummond, MI 49726

Related activities

The resort is 2.4 miles from Williams Nature Preserve and 4.3 miles from the Drummond Island Airport.

Related Onsite Offerings

A fitness center, heated outdoor pool and tennis courts are also available, as are free loaner bikes, kayaks and canoes.

Otsego Club and Resort is a year-round destination for the active traveler! Golf enthusiasts stay here year after year to enjoy an incredible experience out on the greens, combined with luxury accommodations and an assortment of modern amenities to ensure your vacation is one to remember. Home to 36 championship holes of Michigan golf, Otsego offers The Classic, designed by William H. Diddel, and The Tribute, which was designed by Rick Robbins and PGA Tour Professional Gary Koch. These beautiful courses wind through over 1,000 acres in the Sturgeon River Valley, inspiring and challenging players of all ages. When you're not out on the links, enjoy the comfort of your own home-away-from-home with Otsego's luxury lodges and chalets. With jacuzzi tubs, wireless internet access and flat-screen LCD television, it's everything you need for a luxurious stay. Plus, Otsego offers five onsite dining options to satisfy your hunger in-between games!

Address

696 M-32 East Main Street P.O. Box 556 Gaylord, MI 49734

Fun facts

Don Vanderveen, senior writer at Michigan Golf, says, "The Tribute gets overshadowed but it's one of Michigan's "OH WOW!" courses. It's as nice a course as you'll find in the state."

Related Onsite Offerings

Otsego Club and Resort offers golf packages to choose from to make your Missouri golf vacation much more stress-free! These packages include a game onsite and lodging at the resort!

Voted one of the “Best Places to Play” by Golf Digest, Cragun’s Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake features three distinct courses. Known as the Legacy Courses, all three stand out amongst many outstanding courses on the Brainerd Golf Trail, voted one of the “World’s Top Golf Destinations.”

Designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones, Jr., the Legacy Courses include Dutch Legacy, Bobby’s Legacy and the Reversible 9. The unique 45 holes can all be played out of the beautiful Legacy Clubhouse which features a sports bar, restaurant and pro shop. The Pro Shop provides the latest gear and club carts equipped with Pro Link GPS, displaying each hole’s layout, distance & more. Golf Digest rated Dutch Legacy at five stars, making it one of only 24 five-star public courses in 2009. Named after its designer, Bobby’s Legacy offers split fairways, multiple tees and shorter holes with longer pars making it a shot-maker’s dream course. The unique Reversible 9 changes direction daily. With lake vista backdrops and its beauty as an Audubon Signature Sanctuary Course, the immaculate Legacy Courses belong in our Top 10. Consistently praised by Golf Digest, the Legacy Courses at Cragun’s Resort define excellence in Midwest golf.

Address

Cragun’s Resort & Hotel on Gull Lake, 11000 Craguns Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401

Related activities

Cragun’s Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake features a Ladies Night of golfing, offered weekly.

Related Onsite Offerings

At Cragun’s Resort, you’ll want to spend at least a little time out on beautiful Gull Lake. Cragun’s Resort can completely outfit you for a fun fishing trip!

Envision the panoramic vistas of the beautiful northern Michigan scenery, the stately forests and intricate designs of a luxurious golf experience. Our #8 resort takes you right to this majestic destination for an exception getaway. Crystal Mountain Resort presents an incredible golf retreat full of challenges and relaxation that you won't find anywhere else.

Your outstanding golf vacation at Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa features 36 holes of Northwoods golf, a 10-acre practice center, and golf instruction supervised by PGA Professional Brad Dean. Crystal's two distinct 18-hole golf courses have both received four-star ratings from Golf Digest magazine, ensuring that you experience only the best. Their recently renovated courses will challenge both experts and beginners with its beautiful greens and tree lined fairways. Crystal's Golf School is a GOLF Magazine Top 25 Golf School that offers over 100 golf schools, clinics, and programs for every level of golfer. Lead by PGA and LPGA Professionals, it is your premier Michigan golf destination!

Address

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. Thompsonville, Michigan 49683

Related activities

Nothing is more relaxing after a day on the greens than a replenishing massage or soak in the hot tub. Crystal Spa is the perfect place to melt away all those kinks!

Related Onsite Offerings

Whether you're planning an outing with the buddies or colleagues, Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa offers great discounted rates and preferred tee times for groups of 12 or more!