River at Superior National Golf Club

The River Course at Superior National Golf Club occupies forested terrain along the Poplar River in northeastern Minnesota, roughly an hour north of Duluth near the North Shore of Lake Superior. Don Herfort and Joel Goldstrand designed the layout to work with the natural topography of the Superior National Forest, incorporating elevation changes, dense stands of birch and pine, and views toward the lake and surrounding wilderness. The course opened in the mid-1990s as part of a northern Minnesota resort development aimed at destination golf in a region better known for outdoor recreation than championship layouts.

The routing moves through varied terrain, with several holes playing along ridgelines and others descending into wooded corridors. The Poplar River comes into play on multiple holes, adding both scenic interest and strategic challenge. Fairways are generally generous given the tree-lined character, but approach shots demand accuracy to greens that reflect the rolling land. The course serves both resort guests and daily-fee players, fitting into the North Shore's seasonal tourism economy.

Superior National's setting distinguishes it more than architectural innovation. The combination of northwoods forest, river crossings, and proximity to Lake Superior gives the course a distinct sense of place. Conditioning and playability vary with Minnesota's short northern golf season, but the layout provides a solid option for golfers exploring the region's limited supply of full-length courses.