When you read even a little bit about the City of Red Wing the word bluff tends to jump out at you. Barn Bluff, Sorin’s Bluff, and Minnesota Bluff Country are all woven into the fabric of the region. Play 18 holes at Mount Frontenac Golf Course and these bluffs are evident from every vantage point.

When you spend even a few minutes speaking with Mount Frontenac’s General Manager, Dan Diggins, he’ll call your bluff if you are anything but jubilant about playing at his home course. Diggins knows that his 6,200-yard layout features views that will stand toe to toe with any in Minnesota and beyond.

What really gets Diggins pumped is the fact that Mount Frontenac Golf Course opened for business the first week in April. “It’s been a long winter. Golfers have cabin fever. We’re fortunate here at Mount Frontenac that the snow came at the right time, and now it’s gone. No snow, no snow mold, just blue skies,” Diggins said.

Raised On Frontenac

Diggins was practically raised on Mount Frontenac. When the course shifted from a nine-hole facility to 18 holes in 1990, Diggins was there as a high school student. “I have great memories of what is now the front nine being built. Our nearby Lake City High School golf team helped with the early construction of what was originally a tillable agricultural farm,” Diggins recalled.

Today you’d never know Mount Frontenac had farm roots, the lush tee boxes, fairways, and greens all scream golf, golf, golf. What you will detect is a faint legacy of another sport that helped put Mount Frontenac on the map.

Oh So Pretty

With Frontenac’s soaring elevations, you may have guessed that the acreage was once a prolific ski site. The ski resort had 17 runs, 6 lifts, and 80 skiable acres. The longest run was 4,000 feet. The ski hill closed in 2001.

The Mount Frontenac golf hole that still exudes skiing bloodlines is the Par 5, 497-yard 12^th hole. “Number 12 runs along the top of the bluff. It was a black diamond ski hill. The 12^th is one of many here that is a photographic beauty,” Diggins said.

If you’ve never played Mount Frontenac, Diggins explains that it’s a great test, regardless of your handicap. The views make it a visual treat, and Diggins defies anyone to play it only once. “Imagine a golf course built on top of a ski hill. It’s impossible to choose which hole is the most scenic,” Diggins said.

When asked to try and pick the prettiest of the pretty, Diggins rattles off numbers one, five, seven, 12, 13, and 14. The 7^th and 13^th holes are often the ones which you’ll see golfers taking selfies for keepsakes.

Special One And Special Two

One way to ensure that 2019 is one of Mount Frontenac’s best years ever is the golf special the course has going on throughout the season. “We’re owned by Treasure Island Golf Resort & Casino. We’re offering 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, and lunch for $30 from Monday through Friday. We also have a second special featuring unlimited golf, cart, and lunch for $49 on weekends,” Diggins said.

Hopping On Weekends

With their State Park hiking trails, charming downtown, and epic casino, the Red Wing area jumps in the summer season. If you are looking to combine golf with a second extracurricular passion, Mount Frontenac has got you covered. Diggins explains, “We have a great partnership with Treasure Island, and the casino is known for its marina, concerts, and water park. Red Wing is also were you’ll find the historic St. James Hotel, if you’re looking to arrange a play and stay package.”

On their home turf, Mount Frontenac boasts gourmet Chef Randy Zanto for those wishing to host a meeting, reunion, wedding, grad party, or golf tournament. Zanto will tailor a menu to suit your needs.

Small Goes Large At The Mount

When you’re standing on one of the golf course tee boxes or putting greens and looking out for what seems like miles, it’s hard to believe the town of Mount Frontenac has a population that is under 300 residents. How important is the golf course to the town?

“This golf course and our clubhouse meeting room bring people that maybe wouldn’t come here. It’s good to know that Mount Frontenac Golf Course really is making a contribution to the area,” Diggins said.

Whether you’ve played Mount Frontenac many times or this summer will be your first, there’s no denying the ski resort turned golf course delivers awesome vistas and golf thrills. If you disagree, Dan Diggins will show you the view from hole number 12 and call your bluff.

Treasure Island Resort & Casino

Before or after your round of golf at Mount Frontenac, why not double your Mississippi River bluffs pleasure and double down on all the fun at Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

Treasure Island recently celebrated its 35^th anniversary, and they decided customers should reap the benefits of this landmark birthday. Whether you visit Treasure Island for the food, the music, the water fun, to win big money, or to stay at one of their new Wolf Tower hotel rooms, this nearly 200,000-square-foot casino aims to please.

Treasure Island is super excited about their upcoming indoor and outdoor concert schedule. Heavyweight entertainers like comedian Bill Engvall, the rock groups Chicago and Foreigner, country star Reba McIntyre, and comedian Adam Sandler are all on the main stage in the coming months. When the weather turns warm, Treasure Island’s outdoor amphitheater hosts 16,400 people. There’s no better place to take in an outdoor concert.

Food, Splash And Great Hotel Views

If you’ve heard about the great dining options at Treasure Island, you should also know about monthly specials at Tado Steakhouse. This is in addition to limited ticket customized dinners featuring wine, whiskey and beer pairings. There’s also the long-time customer favorite, Tradewinds Buffet, offering their special theme menus each night.

After a long winter, Treasure Island believes you can hardly wait to take advantage of their multitude of on-the-water options. Some highlights to consider are sunset cruises, marina parties, and The Lagoon indoor water park with its expansive patio.

Treasure Island wants everyone to know about their $86 million renovation making them the second largest hotel in Minnesota. The upper floors feature breathtaking views of the bluffs and the Mississippi River.

Mount Frontenac And Treasure Island

This summer Mount Frontenac Golf Course and Treasure Island Resort & Casino are the Mississippi River’s entertainment dynamic duo. Make this a summer of fun on the bluffs.