At first glance, Minnesota National Golf Club & Resort looks like the kind of destination golfers dream about – towering pines, quiet fairways, wildlife roaming nearby, and championship golf carved into the beauty of Northern Minnesota. But according to PGA Head Golf Professional Chad Weise, the experience goes far beyond golf. “More than a golf course” may be the simplest way to describe Minnesota National, a resort destination that continues to grow into one of the Midwest’s most complete getaway experiences.

Located near McGregor, Minnesota National features 27 holes designed by renowned golf architect Joel Goldstrand. The championship course stretches to nearly 7,200 yards and offers five sets of tees, making the layout enjoyable for players of every skill level.

Golf itself remains the centerpiece. Bentgrass fairways, tees and greens are meticulously maintained, while Ohio white sand bunkers provide both beauty and challenge. Perhaps the most memorable feature is the feeling of solitude golfers experience throughout the round. “Each hole makes you feel like you are out on the course all alone, except you will be surrounded by the abundant wildlife and beauty that is native to Northern Minnesota,” said Weise.

While many golfers know about the championship layout, Weise says some visitors are surprised to learn Minnesota National also features the Savanna Course, a nine-hole par-33 track that provides an entirely different experience. “A lot of people don’t know that we do have our 9-hole Savanna Course which is a great par 33 with one par 5, four par 4s and four par 3s that can be played to 2,500 yards,” Weise said. “The course is great for the family, a fun late nine or a way to practice your short game.” That flexibility has helped Minnesota National appeal not only to serious golfers, but also couples, families and groups looking for a relaxed Northern Minnesota retreat.

The resort experience starts with lodging. Minnesota National offers a variety of stay-and-play opportunities, including on-site townhomes and cabins that place golfers step away from the clubhouse and first tee. “We have on site lodging (two townhomes and two cabins), and we also partner with the Crossroads Hotel in McGregor, that’s been renovated and updated top to bottom – and we provide shuttle service to and from the hotel,” states Weise.

One of the biggest draws for traveling golfers has become the resort’s midweek stay-and-play specials. “We have an incredible offer for midweek, Sunday through Thursday, stay and play packages – buy one, get one,” Weise explained. “Where you pay for one night lodging, one day of golf, and you get a second day of lodging and golf complimentary. That’s really a screaming deal!”

The value has helped attract repeat visitors, and according to Weise, once golfers experience Minnesota National, 90% tend to come back year after year.

Golf is only part of what keeps guests returning. The rebranded North Fork Tavern has become a destination restaurant for both guests and area residents. Open year-round, the tavern serves as a gathering place no matter the season, whether visitors arrive after a summer round, a fall weekend getaway, or a winter snowmobile trip through Northern Minnesota.

Minnesota National continues to expand its appeal as an event destination. Weddings, golf outings, banquets and parties regularly fill the calendar, thanks to the resort’s spacious facilities and scenic surroundings.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the property is its connection to Big Sandy Lake. Few golf resorts can offer guests the opportunity to travel to the golf course by boat. “We have lake access to Big Sandy, we have docks on our property, so people arrive via boat, where we’ll pick them up at the dock, bring them to the clubhouse for golf, dinner, lunch,” Weise said. “It’s very unique that you can leave your cabin via boat to go play a round of golf.” That combination of golf, lake life and Northern Minnesota scenery creates an atmosphere that feels different from traditional golf resorts.

Minnesota National also features a 49-site RV park located within walking distance of the clubhouse. Guests staying in the RV park have easy access to both golf courses, practice facilities, the restaurant, and the full-service bar. Boaters can even reserve slips during their stay.

For many first-time visitors, the biggest surprise is discovering how much the property truly offers beyond golf. “Minnesota National is known for their golf course, but they don’t realize that they have the RV Park, Play and Stay opportunities – both on site and in McGregor – and a full restaurant open year ‘round,” Weise said.

That combination of championship golf, affordable stay-and-play packages, lake access, dining and lodging continues to make Minnesota National one of the hidden gems of the Upper Midwest.

Whether golfers are planning a buddies trip, family vacation, RV getaway or weekend escape, the experience offers far more than a tee time.