Set against the dramatic backdrop of the vast inland sea known as Lake Superior, Superior National Golf Course at Lutsen offers one of Minnesota’s most unforgettable golf experiences. This isn’t just another golf course tucked into a suburban neighborhood or along a bustling freeway. This is golf in its purest form: remote, wild, and breathtakingly scenic offering a deeply immersive encounter with nature.

Superior National is composed of three distinct nines: the River, the Canyon, and the Mountain. Each nine offers a different lens into the wild North Shore landscape and is the product of a collaboration among some of the finest golf course architects in the Midwest.

The River Nine and Canyon Nine together form what is now known as the Premier 18, thanks to a major renovation completed in 2018 by acclaimed designer Jeffery Brauer. Brauer, known for his work on Giants Ridge and Wilderness at Fortune Bay, brought a cohesive vision to the course, blending natural terrain with strategic playability. His improvements brought 21st-century polish to an already legendary piece of land.

The River Nine, originally designed by Don Herfort and Kevin Norby, winds through wetlands and past rushing waters, including the majestic Poplar River. The Canyon Nine, a creation of Joel Goldstrand, offers dramatic elevation changes and rocky outcrops that challenge and awe in equal measure. Together, these two nines are a symphony of sightlines, risk-reward shots, and peaceful seclusion.

For those seeking a more laid-back round, the Mountain Nine is an ideal alternative. Though it offers its share of challenges, it’s often used as a warm-up loop or a post-round cool-down. It also comes with one of the best deals in Minnesota: juniors 17 and under play free with a paying adult. Whether it’s your main event or just an appetizer to the Premier 18, the Mountain Nine boasts the same enchanting views and raw beauty.

What truly separates Superior National from other golf destinations is its wilderness setting. This course wasn’t designed to sell real estate. It was created as an ode to the land itself, carved respectfully into dense forest and glacial rock, with no intrusive development in sight.

As golfers wind through the fairways, they are surrounded by natural spectacles: the cool, steady breeze off Lake Superior; wildflowers and spotted fawns making fleeting appearances; and, on rare occasions, curious fox pups play-fighting along the tree line. The Poplar River’s powerful current can be heard in the background, rushing down from Lutsen’s mountaintops toward the lake below.

Every swing, every step, feels like an escape. The sounds of traffic are replaced by the call of a raven or the haunting howl of a distant timber wolf. Here, you’re not just getting away from the city – you’re reconnecting with the wilderness in a way that is increasingly rare in the modern world.

While Superior National doesn’t operate its own lodging, guests have no shortage of high-quality accommodations nearby. The surrounding North Shore area boasts a variety of options, from rustic cabins and lakeside vacation homes to motels and full-service resorts. Whether you’re on a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a weekend golf trip with friends, there’s a perfect place to rest after a day on the links.

When it comes to refueling, the ForeNorth Grill on site offers a casual yet satisfying dining experience. From juicy burgers to deli sandwiches served on hearty 9-grain bread, there’s something for every appetite. And to wash it all down? Choose from a curated selection of Minnesota craft beers on tap – from breweries as close as Grand Marais and as far south as the Twin Cities.

Guests can enjoy their meal indoors while watching the game or outside on one of the best decks on the entire North Shore. There, with a cold beverage in hand and the lake in view, it’s easy to forget about emails, deadlines, and traffic jams.

Located about 90 miles north of Duluth, the drive to Superior National is its own kind of therapy. The route along Highway 61 hugs the shoreline, with scenic stops, rocky cliffs, and panoramic lake views guiding the way. But this isn’t a course to rush through. As the course itself suggests, if you’re in a hurry, this may not be your course. This is a place meant for lingering – on the tee box, at the turn, and long after your final putt drops.

Superior National has cultivated a reputation not just as a beautiful place to golf, but as a soul-stirring destination. It’s where people come to unplug, unwind, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re chasing your best round or simply seeking a deeper connection with the land, this course delivers.

Superior National. Great lake. Great golf. Need we say more?