Mississippi Dunes – One Of A Kind

By Seamus McGee

Sprawled out about the backwaters of the Mississippi River just about 1 mile southeast of the outskirts of Cottage Grove, is a more than just visually pleasing public golf course and wedding planner’s dream.  See, the history and back story behind Mississippi Dunes Golf Links is one laden with tales of splendor that convert to equal beautiful memories…

Now, the dry story is that the golf course was built by Dr. William Doebler, with consulting help, then and now, from Minnesota Golf Hall of Famer Mr. David Tentis; among several other pros in golf design and construction.  Over the past seventeen years, Dr. Doebler has entertained folks from Pete Dye’s and Greg Norman’s design teams to have a peek and provide insight into making ye links at Mississippi Dunes a more than just alright facility; at which to play the blessed game of golf.  Nonetheless, the Dunes isn’t dry.  The wet tale along the Mississippi River is what’s to follow, though, so swallow the magnificence tucked tidily into the outback of ye old country Cottage Grove, Minnesota…

We all know that a healthy concoction includes an exceptional piece of property being blended with a mixture of fine fescue and bent grass within a perfect sandy soiled base aces “the beginnings of a fine golf course test.”  Throw in a dash of all of the aforementioned gentlemen’s thoughts and ideas and certainly an excellent place to play the grand game of golf will rise up to the surface.

Over the years, pictures of a different perspective have been captured and set in stone by the beauty laid out just off Grey Cloud Island. See, many a guest have also stood out or strolled alongside the deck, which wraps around the large clubhouse and lends quite a sight to the benevolence of the Mississippi River.  Capturing hawks and eagles coasting from nest to nest and playing in their natural element, or spotting golfers making birdies on the 9th green below, the environment at the Dunes is an experience that’s one-of-a-kind.

“The Dunes” has gone above and beyond, slowly becoming much more special than just a nice set of links golf holes.  Yes, the sweet views renew the spirit and because of this, many have vowed love at Mississippi Dunes over the years.  Having hosted over 1,000 memorable wedding receptions and fantastic ceremonies, Mississippi Dunes has made an unbridled commitment to brides and grooms at this first-class wedding venue.

When wedding guests are greeted in The Riverside Room, a sun illuminating copula and classily arranged dining area awaits; whereupon the discovery that the grand main floor overlooks a promising portion of the Mississippi River. So, guests automatically feel naturally welcome, comfortable, and relaxed. Grasping the sights, surrounds, and sounds of Mississippi Dunes Golf Links just kinda has that way… Serving couples and their guests from all over the Twin Cities; the Dunes is a more than excellent way to spend a day in love.

And to too many non-golfers, a sweet retreat greets all who wish to enjoy the spectacular river view from the lens of Doc’s Landing at Mississippi Dunes. Dubbed Doc’s Landing by and for it’s namesake and the “Sage of the Dunes,” Dr. William Doebler; this splendid patio and outdoor dining area offers not just an overview of the 9th green below it and 18th green beside it, but a fantastically spectacular sight of sweet sunsets beaming off the Mississippi River in all of “her” magnanimous glory. Good times. Great people. Delicious fare. A great way to end a day at The Dunes!

The story about the unofficial opening day at the Dunes further validates its’ uniqueness. On September 16, 1995, after Dr. Doebler, Mr. Tentis, Dr. MacKenzie, Old Tom Morris, Donald Ross, and the rest of the crew had crafted the original links gem, but before the clubhouse was constructed, the Dallas Cowboys entourage showed up in approximately 20 buses to play the course. The following day, the Cowboys beat the Vikings in overtime. Since that time, the Mississippi Dunes Golf Links have stood the test of time, and are finer of their kind than any in the state of Minnesota.