Mississippi Dunes Golf Links

Mississippi Dunes Golf Links occupies a distinctive site along the Mississippi River bluffs in Cottage Grove, a southeastern suburb of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Designed by Dr. William Doebler and opened in 1995, the course takes advantage of dramatic elevation changes and natural sand deposits left by glacial activity, creating a links-style environment unusual for inland Minnesota. The property's sandy soil and rolling terrain allow for firm, fast playing conditions more commonly associated with coastal courses than Midwestern parkland layouts. The routing moves through varied topography, with several holes playing along ridgelines that offer views of the surrounding river valley, while others descend into lower corridors framed by native grasses and scattered tree stands. The design emphasizes ground game options and strategic bunkering, with wide fairways that reward thoughtful placement over pure distance. Wind often factors into club selection, particularly on the more exposed elevated holes. The course stretches to over 7,000 yards from the back tees but remains accessible from forward positions. Mississippi Dunes operates as a daily-fee facility and has served as a venue for regional amateur competitions and Minnesota Golf Association events. The course's links character and conditioning standards have established it as a notable public-access option in the Twin Cities golf market, offering a playing experience distinct from the area's more traditional tree-lined layouts.