Brainerd Golf Trip Planning Guide
The Brainerd Lakes area is Minnesota's premier golf destination, anchored by two massive resorts — Madden's and Grand View Lodge — plus Cragun's and The Classic. With 460+ lakes, endless cabin rentals, and a laid-back Up North vibe, it's built for groups who want to play 36 and fish at sunset.
Quick Facts
Summer, Fall
BRD (10 min drive)
$49–$159
$500/night
1 of 5
~$406/person
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Here's a realistic 3-day itinerary for a group golf trip to Brainerd. Every venue below is real and pulled from our curated database — no filler.
Day 1
The Classic at Madden's — resort, $89–$149 · 4.7★
Scott Hoch design on Gull Lake — the best resort course in Minnesota with dramatic water holes and immaculate conditioning
Ernies on Gull — steakhouse, $$$
Lakeside steakhouse on Gull Lake — prime cuts with sunset views from the patio
Zorbaz on the Lake — patio
Legendary Minnesota chain — trashy pizza, lake views, and the best patio bar vibe in Brainerd
Day 2
Deacon's Lodge Golf Course — parkland, $99–$159 · 4.6★
Arnold Palmer's only Minnesota design — carved through 600 acres of forests and wetlands
Gull Lake Fishing Charter — half day, $60–$120/pp
Walleye, bass, and northern pike on one of Minnesota's premier fishing lakes
Prairie Bay — upscale, $$$
Baxter's best — creative American menu, large wine list, and a private dining room for groups
Moonlite Bay Bar — dive · Open late
Classic lake dive bar — cheap drinks, jukebox, and the locals' favorite after-dark spot
Day 3
The Pines at Grand View Lodge — resort, $79–$139 · 4.6★
27 holes through northern Minnesota pines and lakes — three distinct nines that all deliver
Brainerd International Raceway Go-Karts — 2-3 hours, $30–$60/pp
High-speed go-kart racing at the same facility that hosts NHRA drag races — competitive group fun
The Rustic — bbq, $
Smoked meats and craft beer on the water — laid-back lakeside BBQ that handles big groups well
Jack Pine Brewery — brewpub
Baxter's craft brewery — solid IPAs and a relaxed taproom with food trucks on weekends
Course-by-Course Guide
Brainerd has 5 courses worth playing. 1 are walkable if you want to save on cart fees.
Where to Stay
Brainerd has 2 group-friendly lodging options in our database, starting at $500/night for the whole house. Several options include hot tubs — a non-negotiable for most groups.
$700–$2500 /night
Gull Lake and Mille Lacs area
$500–$1400 /night
Madden's on Gull Lake or Grand View Lodge
Group Dining Guide
4 restaurants vetted for group golf trips. Several can handle large parties without a reservation headache.
Ernies on Gull
$$$Lakeside steakhouse on Gull Lake — prime cuts with sunset views from the patio
Prairie Bay
$$$Baxter's best — creative American menu, large wine list, and a private dining room for groups
The Rustic
$Smoked meats and craft beer on the water — laid-back lakeside BBQ that handles big groups well
Black Bear Lodge & Saloon
$$Northwoods tavern with burgers, walleye, and a huge bar — the go-to casual group spot
Nightlife
4 bars curated for groups. 2 stay open past midnight.
Zorbaz on the Lake
Legendary Minnesota chain — trashy pizza, lake views, and the best patio bar vibe in Brainerd
Moonlite Bay Bar
Late nightClassic lake dive bar — cheap drinks, jukebox, and the locals' favorite after-dark spot
Jack Pine Brewery
Baxter's craft brewery — solid IPAs and a relaxed taproom with food trucks on weekends
Bar 218
Late nightDowntown Brainerd sports bar — TVs everywhere, pool tables, and strong drinks
Activities Beyond Golf
4 off-course activities for rest days or afternoons.
Gull Lake Fishing Charter
Walleye, bass, and northern pike on one of Minnesota's premier fishing lakes
Brainerd International Raceway Go-Karts
High-speed go-kart racing at the same facility that hosts NHRA drag races — competitive group fun
Cuyuna Mountain Biking
IMBA Gold-level trail system through reclaimed iron ore mines — turquoise pit lakes and red rock terrain
Pontoon Boat Rental on Gull Lake
Rent a big pontoon and cruise Gull Lake — swimming, tubing, and sunset beers on the water. The perfect arrival day activity.
Getting There
Fly into Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport (BRD) — it's a 10-minute drive to Brainerd. For groups of 8+, consider booking a shuttle or party bus from the airport (local providers include Lakes Area Limo and Brainerd Party Bus). Renting two SUVs usually works for groups of 4-8.