“It is worth the price of a green fee just to ride around the golf course and experience raw wilderness framed by Lake Superior, the inland ocean,” exclaimed a recent first-time player at Superior National.

Golf is a game where memories are created. Some golf courses provide more opportunities for a memorable experience than others. Superior National is the definition of a “memorable golf experience.” Even if a golfer’s game is not up to par, Superior National guarantees each golfer a potpourri of photo ops during every single round. 

George Nelson opened Lutsen Ski Area in the Sawtooth Mountains along Lake Superior in 1948. Lutsen has been drawing skiers to the north shore of Lake Superior ever since. For the past 75 years visitors marvel at the spectacular views that Mother Nature created every time they return to this remote paradise. The Superior National Golf Course is a perfect sibling to the ski hill providing a relaxed (other season) diversion from our device-controlled-lifestyle.

In 1988 the IRRRB funded the development of a golf course to make the growing recreation area a year around resort destination for people seeking something different. Forty-five years later Superior National Golf Course boasts 27 unique holes for golfers of all skill levels.

The three nines at Superior National were developed by three different designers, who were all very good at their trade. In 2018 Jeffery Brauer completed the renovation of the Premier 18, River Nine (front) and Canyon Nine (back). Brauer is well known for his work at the very highly rated Wilderness at Fortune Bay and both courses at Giants Ridge. Brauer, brought a consistent design theme with the marriage of the River Nine, created by Don Herfort and Kevin Norby and the Canyon Nine, a Joel Goldstrand masterpiece.

The Premier 18, is now a magnificent golf experience maintained to 21st century standards. The Mountain Nine provides a more laidback golf experience with the same nature experience as its big brother. Even avid golfers enjoy the Mountain Nine as a before the round warm-up, or a relaxing crescendo with a beer or two after the Premier 18 round.

The design is wonderful, and the course is world class, but the magic of playing golf at Superior National is a REAL wilderness experience. The course was not built to sell real estate. The golf course was not created by a Park Board to provide recreation for community residences along a busy freeway. Superior National is a walk through the un-disturbed forest holding hands with our creator. Golfers feel the breeze rising off Lake Superior’s waters that remain cool all summer.

In the spring golfers witness the explosive transition of new life. Plants, flowers and spotted fawns dance across the fairways and occasionally fox pups wrestle along the fairways. Golfers feel the sense and the power as the Poplar River rushes from the mountaintop to the spectacular lake below.

Late summer and early fall visitors to Superior National enjoy an additional treat: viewing the forest, afire with the vivid colors of Fall. Many golfers choose to see the entire area from Lutsen Mountain’s newest attraction – the Summit Express Gondola. The Gondola has become one of the most popular attractions on the entire North Shore. Golfers who have the energy remaining can explore the hiking trails at the summit of Moose Mountain. But hike or not, a snack or a meal at the Summit Chalet, with its expansive deck overlooking Lake Superior, feel like scoring an eagle on the final hole.

In addition to the Summit Express Gondola, golfers and their families can treat themselves to the thrill of another mountain experience overlooking the inland ocean. The Alpine Slide is a favorite for visitors of all ages. The leisurely chairlift ride to the summit of Lutsen’s Eagle Mountain is only half the fun. The second half of the fun will make your heart race. Hop on your own sled and cruise down the half mile twisting, turning track back to the base. “Thank God you can control the speed,” exclaimed one wide-eyed visitor.

If you’re in a hurry – don’t put Superior National on your must play list. But if you are seeking a break from pings on your cell phone and the stop and go traffic of the freeway system of the Twin Cities, relax and enjoy the drive 90 miles north of Duluth along the inland ocean. Spend a few days at Superior National Golf Course at Lutsen and let the pure air refresh you. Let the call of a raven or the howl of a timber wolf turn your thoughts to nature. 

Superior National Golf Course at Lutsen, the only golf course in Minnesota with an ocean view, offers much more than 27 4-1/4” holes in the ground. Return to the chaos of 21st century life… refreshed!