Most golfers dream of taking that perfect golf trip.  Often times, the thoughts immediately go to national destinations like Pinehurst, Robert Trent Jones Trail, Las Vegas or even Pebble Beach.  But let’s be honest, for most golfers, trips like that are more fantasy than reality.

So, what makes those choices come to mind so easily?

Simply put, all those places offer far more than just a great 18-hole experience.

Beyond the fairways are spas, restaurants, big name entertainment and even gaming to make your experience one you will soon not forget.

Wouldn’t it be nice if something like that was right here in Minnesota?  A place close to home where you could play 18 on a fantastic championship golf course, see multiple Grammy winning artists, relax with a massage, enjoy five-star dining and then end the night with the excitement of a game of chance.

Some dreams do come true.

Say hello to Mystic Lake Casino and Resort.  

Located in the southwest Twin Cities metro community of Prior Lake, Mystic Lake Casino and Resort, along with The Meadows at Mystic Lake is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and is known as “the premier gaming facility in the Midwest.” Creating original and exciting entertainment experiences for its guests with gaming, distinctive bars and restaurants, indoor and outdoor concert venues, unique special events, and luxurious accommodations, this close to home oasis ticks off every box on the great golf trip checklist.

The first box on that checklist is, of course, great golf. 

Check.

The Meadows at Mystic Lake is an award-winning course with a challenging layout, spectacular scenery, and top-notch playing conditions.  In 2003, after the purchase of Lone Pine Golf Club, a public course more known for early season openings and late season closings than the actual course, The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community hired Garrett Gill and Paul Miller to turn the property into a first-class course.  One that is a nationally recognized track by the likes of Golf Digest, Golfweek, and Midwest Gaming and Travel.

Along with great golf, The Meadows offers an expansive pro shop, a full practice facility with premium practice balls, a 14 thousand square foot practice green and even a 4-hole short game course called The Mesa.

The PGA Professional staff can also help you play your best with lessons for everyone from juniors to advanced players.

Led by Mike Luckraft, PGA Director of Golf, the staff will make sure you have everything you need to make your visit incredible.

Luckraft talks glowingly about the place he calls his office.

“My favorite hole is # 18. A perfect risk reward Par 5. The split fairway gives you an option to play safe down the left side or attempt to shorten the hole and try to reach the green in two by hitting your tee shot down the right side. With a large pond guarding this ¾ island green that intimidating 2^nd shot forces golfers to lay up and play position golf. That will leave you a 3^rd shot in the range of 125 yards over the pond. 5 is a great score on this hole! The multiple ways to play the hole, the scenic back drop of Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino make this a beautiful finishing hole at The Meadows!”

More is on the way for the Meadows according to Luckraft.

“We have one really big plan on the horizon with the introduction of LaunchPad Golf. A full-service state of the art 12-month golf/entertainment driving range facility. This will be the first LaunchPad facility in the US and feature 40 hitting suites, two bars and a full-service restaurant. This will be a fantastic add on to all the entertainment Mystic Lake offers throughout the year! “ 

Another sign of a great golf course is the number of top-notch tournaments and outings held.  The Legends of the LPGA held the Land O’Lakes Classic presented by Mystic Lake in 2022 and 2023 featuring some of the biggest names in women’s professional golf over the age of 45.  The Meadows also hosts a variety of charity fundraisers, and this summer is no exception.

“We host The Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Gophers in June along with many other fantastic charitable golf events. Later in the summer (we will be) hosting MIGA (Minnesota Indian Gaming Association), MAIBA (Minnesota American Indian Bar Association), Notah Begay III Junior event in August and SMSC Invitation Pre Pow-Wow golf event are all highlights on the summer calendar” according to Luckraft.

The next item on the list for any great golf trip is the food.

Check again.

If all The Meadows at Mystic Lake offered golfers was a great 19^th hole, that would be enough.  But that is not the way things are done at Mystic Lake.

The casino and resort offer 8 restaurants and cafes and three full-service bars with specialty cocktails and cold drafts.  Specific to the Meadows at Mystic Lake, The Meadows Bar and Grill offers classic American fare, a large selection of drinks, a big screen TV and scenic views of the golf course.

What would a great golf trip be without great accommodations?

Mystic Lake has that covered too.

The resort offers 766 luxurious rooms and suites making Mystic Lake one of the largest hotels in the Twin Cities.  Multiple offers and discounts from multiple-night stays, military, AAA and AARP discounts and staycation packages make personalizing your visit easy.

Specific to golfers, there is the Golf Getaway Package.  Included in the package are discounted room rates, discounted green fees, exclusive access to tee time reservations, golf cart and rental clubs (if needed) as well as $10 FREE slot play for new and existing Club M members.

The last item to check off is entertainment beyond the course.

Check, check, check and again check.

If music is your thing, Mystic Lake is one of the premier venues in the Midwest, boasting multiple Grammy winning artist annually on both their indoor and outdoor stages.  This summer is no exception with Lady A, Paula Abdul and New Kids on the Block all scheduled to appear along with many others.

All of this and…oh ya… they offer gaming too.

Mystic Lake Casino offers everything from casual to high stakes.  Slots, bingo, video gaming tables and live blackjack all under one roof to make your golf getaway complete.

So, when those thoughts of a fantasy golf trip enter you mind, let Mystic Lake Casino and Resort and The Meadows at Mystic Lake be the first place you think of.

For more information about reservations, rates and golf packages, call 800-262-7799 or visit mysticlake.com.