Giants Ridge Near Minnesota’s Wilderness
By Janina Parrott Jacobs
Golf resort names are always intriguing and Giant’s Ridge, in northern Minnesota near Biwabik, is no exception.
Had there been sightings of the fabled Sasquatch near their two highly acclaimed courses, The Legend and The Quarry? Maybe not, but one might wonder while navigating The Legend’s par-5 third hole, complete with a collection of bunkers forming a giant-sized ‘footprint’ protecting the sweeping dogleg left. It’s fun to think of mythical creatures looming about, but actually the moniker came from long ago mining days when a large ridge northwest of the area inhabited by the Ojibwa (translated, ‘original people’) called it Missabe-Wachu, or ‘Sleeping Big Man’.
Mystery solved.
Michiganders continually marvel at the remote and vastly unspoiled wilderness comprising our Upper Peninsula, but flying through Minneapolis to Duluth then driving to Biwabik, anyone can appreciate our western neighbor’s similar claim to fame. Lush landscapes, hardwoods, heavy undulations, and cooler weather all contribute to this family-friendly, four-seasons’ resort.
Giants Ridge has something for everyone, but here, golf is king…or queen, since the layouts are nicely playable for women as well. Both courses were included in Golfweek’s ‘Best Courses You Can Play’, and in 2022, Golf Digest bestowed its ‘Editor’s Choice’ award in the Best Golf Resort in the Midwest Golf category. In Minnesota, The Quarry is rated #1 and The Legend, #5.
Architect Jeffrey Bauer designed both courses, but there are some differences. The Quarry was carved from the site of an iron ore mine in addition to the remaining sand quarry. The area has a rich history of towns around the Old Vermillion Trail that came about with the discovery of each new mining strike in the 1800’s – and disappeared just as quickly when entire operations went bust. Ironically, after the War of 1812, if England had bargained better, much of this area would be in Canada. However, the abandoned mines did leave lasting gifts of dramatic opportunities for raised tees and hazards formed from these reclaimed lands. Each hole is named after an area mine, such as Pioneer, Embarrass, and Mary Ellen. Teeing areas are sculpted and generous and range from 5119 yards to a healthy 7301 yards.
The Legend, celebrating its 25th year and still very playable from the 6930-yard back tees, as well as the forwards at 5054, was carved from the Superior National Forest and plays through towering pines and alongside pristine Sabin Lake. One noteworthy and stunning hole is right on the lake, the par-3 17th, an elevated ‘almost’ island green which is tough to hit from any tee, whether back at the 228-yard Gold Tee or at 137-yards from the forward Red Tee. Take two or three balls because one likely won’t be enough and you’ll want a mulligan.
To enjoy both courses, try the 37-hole special, which includes 18 holes at each course as well as lunch at the Wacootah Grill. At $180 on weekdays and $200 on weekends, it’s a great deal. One fun perk you can also add for $25 is the use of an individual Finn Cycle to tote your bag and ‘freewheel’ your way around the links.
Every outdoor sport imaginable is also available, from summer offerings like boating, fishing, scenic chairlift rides, nature trails, and biking to simple swimming…and Giants Ridge now has the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the Midwest. Fall colors are spectacular, but don’t neglect what comes next: the fall and winter fun at this top-rated Minnesota resort. There are 35 alpine ski runs, miles of cross country skiing, snow tubing, a snowboard park, and snowmobiling trails. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame is also nearby, in Eveleth.
For more golf information, visit: www.giantsridge.com. Lodging packages are separate; contact: www.villasatgiantsridge.com or call 218.865.4155.
