The Grass is Greener in Lakeville, Minnesota

Whether you’re swinging solo, entertaining business associates or enjoying time with family, there’s no shortage of beautiful and challenging public golf courses to choose from in the Lakeville, MN area.

Explore these 18-hole gems, all located within a 15-mile radius of Lakeville. Then, let us know which was your favorite!

Legendary Amenities Await You

Nestled in a wooded, yet marshy area on the border of Lakeville in Prior Lake, MN, Legends Golf Club is a public course that offers upscale, private country club feel and amenities. Carved from an expansive natural setting featuring a 30-acre lake, cascading creeks, scenic wetlands, deep ponds and dramatic topography, Legends is a haven for native plants and wildlife. You’ll revel in the breathtaking beauty of this championship course that offer diverse challenges to golfers of all skill levels. A National Golf Course of the Year, golfers travel from all over the country to visit Legends.

Signature Hole: 13

This par 3 is a carry over the lake with a very undulating green. It’s been voted “Top 10 Signature Golf Holes in Minnesota” by KSTP as well as “Favorite Par 3” from Tee Times Magazine for multiple years. It has been said that Legends may have the best collection of par 3’s anywhere.

Watering hole: Overlooking the course is The Legends Grill, an upscale casual dining experience that is just as popular as the golf course. A dramatic 4-sided natural stone fireplace and elegant décor provide the inviting ambiance you desire, whether you’re swinging in for post-game drinks or dinner with the family.

Designed to Shine

in Prior Lake, MN, is tucked into a breathtaking natural setting of Ponderosa pines, hardwoods, wetlands and wildlife habitats. Unlike most golf courses, The Wilds was designed before residential development, allowing Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish to create the best possible course for the land. The course has 150 feet of elevation changes, water in play on nearly half the holes, swift bentgrass fairways and over 70 strategically placed bunkers. Multiple sets of tees and generously wide fairways enable golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the course.

Signature hole: 4

While each hole was designed to play upon the unique features of the land it was designed on, hole 4 is a favorite of many. This is a 340-yard par 4 requiring a 230-yard carry from the back tee over marshlands to a medium sized green with a picturesque overhanging tree.

Watering hole: The Wilds Clubhouse is a stylish Frank Lloyd Wright inspired design, offering high end amenities with a spectacular view of the Minneapolis Skyline.

Escape from the Everyday

Straddling a 40-acre forest and 60 acres of naturally open water and marsh/wetlands, Willingers Golf Club in Northfield, MN, is hidden away far from day-to-day distractions. Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy testing their abilities in this beautiful, scenic environment. Tranquil, yet exciting, this course is annually rated very high in media and golfer surveys, including a recent rating as Golf Digest’s “4 ½ Stars Best Places to Play Golf” and Golf Magazine’s “Top 5 Best Value Courses.” Twin Cities Golf Guide rates Willingers Golf Club in the top echelon in all categories.

Signature Hole: 18

This par 5 hole is a great way to cap off a challenging game. Players should make sure not to miss the green, as it is well guarded by a large 20,000 square foot “beach bunker” and water.

Watering hole: Celebrate a successful game with drinks and eats at the clubhouse, which is situated high above the golf course and allows you to take in views of serene nature.

A Golfer’s Sanctuary

Located in the heart of Lakeville, MN, Crystal Lake Golf Club is a first-class course with stately pines, pristine wetlands and seven ponds, which create challenging water hazards and spectacular settings at every hole. The links-style front nine takes a dramatic turn at hole 10, with more trees, water and wildlife. Crystal Lake Golf Club is one of only 23 courses in Minnesota that has qualified for ‘Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary’ certificate, which requires an outstanding commitment to protecting the environment.

Signature Hole: 13

This difficult par five offers many challenging twists and turns, along with incredible views. The green is rather deep and is protected by bunkers on the right side.

Watering hole: Relax with a drink after your game on the beautiful landscaped patio overlooking the course. Coming soon – a newly renovated quaint pub and party room for your post-golf gatherings.

A Challenging Links-Style Course

Beginners to experienced golfers will find themselves at home at Heritage Links Golf Club in Lakeville, MN. This challenging, yet accessible, course has four sets of tees ranging from 5,145 yards to 6,672 yards that should allow you to find your comfort zone quite easily. Designed by Joel Goldstrand, the front nine has a links feel to it with water and rolling terrain, and the back nine is more wooded with water, bunkers and great elevation changes.

Signature Hole: 12

This is a long par 4 with rolling hills and breathtaking views. You’ll contend with a tricky fairway bunker and two bunkers guarding the green.

Watering hole: Stop into the clubhouse after your game and enjoy a cold beverage on the terrace overlooking the course.

BONUS: Bracket’s Crossing Country Club

While it’s not a public course, Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville, MN opens for corporate events on Mondays during the golf season. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty of mature trees, lush greenery and shining ponds. No detail has been omitted in maintaining this championship course, down to the blooming flowers accenting each hole.