Riverwood National Golf Course

Riverwood National sits in Monticello, Minnesota, approximately forty miles northwest of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River corridor. Designed by David Kirscht and opened in the mid-1990s, the course occupies rolling terrain that blends river valley topography with stands of mature hardwoods and wetland areas characteristic of central Minnesota. The routing takes advantage of natural elevation changes and wooded corridors, creating a parkland-style layout that moves through varied landscapes over its eighteen holes. Kirscht, a Minnesota-based architect, shaped the design to work with the property's existing features rather than impose dramatic earthwork. The course presents a mix of open and tree-lined holes, with water hazards—both natural and constructed—coming into play on several holes. Fairways generally offer reasonable width, though accuracy becomes important where the routing tightens through wooded sections or approaches water features. Green complexes incorporate modest undulation and are defended by strategic bunkering. Riverwood National operates as a public facility, serving both local golfers and visitors traveling through the region. The course provides a straightforward test of golf without excessive length or forced carries, making it accessible to a range of skill levels while still requiring thoughtful course management. Its location near the Mississippi River and proximity to the Twin Cities metro area positions it within a competitive market of daily-fee courses in central Minnesota.