I can't call Biwabik or the resort at Giants Ridge a vacation destination. The rooms and the restaurant at the resort feel stale. The people of Biwabik are nice, there's just not a lot of them. How often do you find the director of golf at two of the top public courses in the country cleaning carts? The day I was there, that's what John Kendall was doing. (A few members of his staff were playing in a high school tournament.)
The Brainerd area, on the other hand, attracts travelers. The population goes from 60,000 in the winter to 120,000 during the summer. Families and couples should stay at Madden's on Gull Lake (standard-room rate starts at $183). There are plenty of options for outdoor and spa activities. A group of guys on a buddies trip should stay at Grand View Lodge. In fact, request suite 689. It has three rooms, three bathrooms, six beds, two floors, a kitchen, a pool table, foosball and five TVs (six people for $595 per night).
Staying at Madden's resort or the Grand View Lodge puts you in a strategic spot to play the Classic and Deacon's Lodge, only 20 miles apart. If you're a true fanatic, determined to play all of America's 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses, fly to Duluth and drive an hour to Biwabik. Grab a towel. Kendall could use a hand in the cart barn.
Local Knowledge
Robin of the Hood
I didn't see the Prince of Thieves, but it's easy to understand how Little John got so big if he was eating at Sherwood Forest restaurant at the Grand View Lodge. It's fine dining.
Something's Fishy
There are plenty of great fishing guides near Gull Lake, but I went with Walleyedan (walleyedan.com). Taking up to three people per boat, Dan (above) offers trips for four hours ($275), six hours ($375) and eight hours ($475). The walleye season starts the second Saturday of May and lasts through the end of February. Ask about a fish named "Jingles."
Map: Jason Lee
The Jerk
If you make the day trip to Giants Ridge, eat your meal at the Whistling Bird. Talk about a square peg in a round hole: This is an authentic Jamaican Jerk restaurant in the town of Gilbert. (pop. 1,755). Somehow it fits.
THE FOURSOME
1. LEGEND AT GIANTS RIDGE (★★★★½) $82/$89
2. QUARRY AT GIANTS RIDGE (★★★★½) $82/$89, giantsridge.com, 800-688-7669
3. DEACON'S LODGE (★★★★½) $99/$109, deaconslodge.com, 888-437-4637
4. CLASSIC AT MADDEN'S ON GULL LAKE (★★★★★) $114, maddens.com, 800-642-5363
★ Star listings from 1 to 5 are derived from readers' Best Places To Play ratings. For more information click on underlined course names above.
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