With some families considering domestic vacations in order to salvage what little time is left of summer 2020, social distancing outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and, most importantly, golf are becoming more and more enticing than just sitting on an overcrowded beach.
So if you happen to be interested in a family getaway that can provide everyone with the opportunity to disconnect and relax, allow me to suggest Giants Ridge in Minnesota.
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Located in the Mesabi Iron Ridge region of Minnesota, Giants Ridge offers incredible four-season fun and adventure for every level of outdoor enthusiast.
Starting with fairways and greens, Giants Ridge is home to 2 golf courses that have earned it the reputation of being Minnesota’s best resort golf vacation destination. Indeed, national golf publications have routinely ranked The Legend and The Quarry near or at the top of the best golf courses in the world.
The Quarry’s No. 6, Par 4 catches your eyes and demands strategy, as the green is
surrounded by some steep drop-offs positioned 120 yards out & about 220 yards from the tee
In fact, Golf Digest just ranked Giants Ridge as an “Editors Choice” in 2019 as one of “The Best Golf Resorts in the Midwest.” Golf Digest has also ranked the Quarry the #1 public course in the state and #4 overall. Similarly, the Legend has been ranked as the #4 public course in the state and #14 overall.
Legend’s No. 17, Par 3 is one of the most scenic holes in Minnesota and
demands a solid shot from about 200 yards out almost entirely over Sabin Lake
Both courses are open right now. But if that wasn’t enticing enough, Giants Ridge is offering a variety of value packages, including discounted Stay & Play deals and a 37-Hole Special that provides rounds at both courses and lunch in between. And in an effort to enforce social distancing requirements, single-rider golf carts are available and the driving range is strictly limited to playing guests.
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With respect to the other outdoor activities currently available at Giants Ridge, the Mountain Biking Trails, Road Biking Trails, Disc Golf Course and Scenic Chairlift Rides are all also open, which are great ways to get outside, socially distance from other guests and do something healthy with the family.
And to make sure there’s a comfy place to crash at night after a round of golf and all 115 miles of the Mesabi Trail (don’t worry, shuttle service can also be arranged to make sure you’ve got a ride home), all of Giant Ridge’s lodging accommodations—The Villas, GreenGate and The Lodges—are open.
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The Villas have been designed to deliver the ideal, relaxed, scenic Minnesota vacation getaway for families, couples, and large groups that love any outdoor recreation, as they serve as the hub of a whole range of great family or group activities and make a great place for a Minnesota family vacation or a Minnesota destination wedding. Furthermore, the Villas overlook Wynne Lake and connect to Sabin Lake, making it possible to fish, swim, or go boating right from your doorstep.
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GreenGate, meanwhile, features the one-of-a-kind, farm-themed Guest Houses that are located next to Giants Ridge Golf and provide the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern sensibilities. Notably, the four unique homes—The Barn House, The Farmhouse, the Log Cabin, and the Miner’s House—are all hidden away on a 13 acre property, providing an unforgettable experience.
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Finally, the Lodge is an all-suite Northwoods resort and conference center located in Biwabik, Minnesota, midway between Duluth and Ely. The Lodge features 67 guest suites ranging from one to four bedrooms, along with the Sleeping Giant Restaurant & Bar, the Little Giant Arcade, a large indoor pool and hot tub, a salon spa, and meeting and event spaces to accommodate groups from 20 to 350.
The Lodge is particularly well-positioned, as it is conveniently located at the heart of the Giants Ridge Recreation Area, making the outdoor climbing wall and alpine, cross country, mountain bike and hiking trails all merely steps away from the Lodge’s back door.
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Although we’re quickly approaching the end of summer, there’s still plenty of time to take a domestic vacation with the family, disconnect from the chaos, and enjoy some time with nature and the outdoors before winter returns.
With the abundance of activities that would appeal to the whole family, and 2 of Minnesota’s top 5 courses located on site, Giants Ridge is a great option for families looking to reconnect with each other and mother nature.
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