Family Golf Vacations in North Dakota: Courses and Activities for All Ages
Visiting North Dakota for a family golf vacation? You’re in for a treat…
You can take your pick of stunning golf courses with family-friendly experiences to bond over your favorite sport.
But there’s so much more to the area than just golf courses. Here’s a quick guide to courses and activities for all ages to make family vacations in North Dakota an unforgettable, memory-making experience for everyone.
Why Choose North Dakota for a Family Golf Vacation?
North Dakota has a lovely family-friendly atmosphere and is also home to some unique golf courses! It’s a wonderful choice for some quality time that includes physical activity, culture, and exciting activities to do together.
Unique Golf Experiences
North Dakota’s golf courses are many, varied, and suitable for all skill levels. Whether you have small kids or teenagers, you’ll find a fun, challenging, but not too difficult golf experience here. Plus, they offer all types of golfing experiences, from link-style play to visually stunning courses.
Ideal Family Destination
Beyond golf, North Dakota is perfect for families thanks to its historical sites, outdoor activities, and welcoming communities. Whatever your family is into (aside from golf), you’re sure to find exciting activities here to bond over.
Top Family-Friendly Golf Courses In North Dakota
Hawktree Golf Club
Hawktree Golf Club, located in Bismarck, is an exceptional destination for golfing families. The club offers a unique and fun experience set amongst stunning natural landscapes.
Course Features
Hawktree Golf Club features an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. It’s known for its dramatic elevation changes, native grasses, and black sand bunkers, which are unique to the region.
The layout offers a blend of difficulty and beauty. Their unique yardage system means that both advanced golfers and newbies in the family can all have an enjoyable experience.
The course takes full advantage of the area’s beautiful scenery, including natural hills, contours, and abundant wildlife. It includes an 80-foot elevation change and the meandering Burnt Creek, which adds to the scenic beauty and challenge of the course. It’s a lovely place for photos as well as golf!
Each hole is distinct, making it feel like playing 18 individual courses. The signature hole is the 18th, a long par 5 with a significant uphill finish, especially challenging on windy days. The use of black sand bunkers not only provides a funky aesthetic but also makes sure the sand stays in place on windy days.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Hawktree Golf Club is a welcoming environment for families. The club offers junior tees and family golf packages, making it easier for young golfers and families to enjoy the game together.
Bully Pulpit Golf Course
Bully Pulpit Golf Course, located in Medora, is a golfing experience like no other! Set in the North Dakota Badlands, you’ll enjoy both a stunning layout and an exciting golfing challenge.
Course Features
The 18-hole, par-72 course spans 7,166 yards from the back tees, featuring a mix of meadows, woodlands, and the Little Missouri River. The front nine is relatively flat and tree-lined, while the back nine offers dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking views.
The signature hole is the 15th, a par 3 that plays across a 100-foot canyon, providing both a visual treat and a challenge. Another highlight is the 17th hole, a par 5 with a split fairway that requires thoughtful strategy.
You’ll be treated to panoramic vistas that include the rugged terrain of the Badlands, making each hole visually captivating. The natural beauty of the surroundings enhances the overall golfing experience, with several holes offering particularly picturesque backdrops that would make for a great family postcard!
Family-Friendly Amenities
Bully Pulpit is equipped with GPS-enabled golf carts, making it easy for family members of various abilities and mobility to get around the course. The Sagebrush Grill, located on-site, has several family-friendly dining options, perfect for a meal before or after your round.
King's Walk Golf Course
King’s Walk Golf Course in Grand Forks is a classic links-style layout that plays like the great courses in Scotland and Ireland. It’s a lovely experience for the whole family.
Course Features
This course features a blend of rolling mounds, deep ravines, and two large lakes, creating a visually gorgeous but somewhat challenging environment. The course spans 7,100 yards from the back tees, but the good news—there are four sets of tees to accommodate golfers of all abilities.
The large bent grass greens are protected by beautifully sculpted bunkers and collection areas, which add visual appeal but also need a more thoughtful strategy to navigate. It’s a great play, both beautiful and just enough challenge to be a fun play for all members of the family.
Family-Friendly Amenities
King’s Walk is equipped with premier practice facilities, including a double-sided driving range, five bent grass target greens, an 8,000-square-foot putting green, and a 6,000-square-foot chipping green with bunker complex. If your kids aren’t quite ready for a full course experience, this is a fun way to still bond over the sport.
The course also offers a variety of junior golf programs, including the PGA Junior League, Wee Linksters, and a Junior Golf Academy. If your youngsters are a little more advanced, they might enjoy taking part in some of these programs.
Family Activities Beyond Golf
North Dakota is full of family-friendly activities beyond golf. No matter what kind of family yours is, there’s something here to enjoy together.
Outdoor Adventures
There’s no better way to bond than to spend time together in nature. Here are some exciting outdoor adventures that will create lifelong family members.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, located in the Badlands, offers families a chance to explore rugged terrain and enjoy various outdoor activities together.
The park has numerous hiking trails, like the Wind Canyon Trail and the Painted Canyon Nature Trail, which not only have breathtaking views, but also give you opportunities to spot wildlife like bison and wild horses! The park also provides ranger-led programs suitable for children.
Lake Sakakawea
Lake Sakakawea is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the United States and a hub for water-based activities. You and your family can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in its clear waters. The lake’s extensive shoreline is perfect for camping and picnicking.
Another fun outing is the nearby Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery. They provide educational tours and hiking trails, making this a unique and fascinating spot for families to learn about local wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
If you’ve got kids with a keen interest in history, you’ll find several attractions here that they’ll probably love including:
North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum
The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck is the state’s largest museum. It features interactive exhibits and educational programs that trace the state’s history from prehistoric times to the present day—a fascinating journey!
Highlights your kids will love include life-sized dinosaur skeletons, a Mars spacesuit, and exhibits on Native American culture. The museum offers hands-on activities and guided tours, making it a great educational destination for all ages.
Scandinavian Heritage Park
Scandinavian Heritage Park in Minot showcases the cultural heritage of Scandinavian countries. It’s an unusual but very worthwhile experience, giving visitors a glimpse into the rich traditions of a faraway place.
The park features replicas of traditional Scandinavian buildings, including a stave church and a Finnish sauna. It also hosts family events and cultural displays throughout the year, so it’s a great stopover if you want to add some distinctive and unique culture to your family trip.
Local Art Galleries and Museums
North Dakota is home to several art galleries and museums that highlight local art and history. The Plains Art Museum in Fargo and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks are notable for their collections and exhibitions that feature regional and international artists. Artsy kids (and parents) will enjoy these kinds of experiences.
Local Festivals and Events
North Dakota hosts a variety of annual events celebrating its cultural heritage and community spirit. The Medora Musical, held in the Burning Hills Amphitheatre, is a popular summer event featuring live music and performances that celebrate the American West.
The North Dakota State Fair in Minot is another major event, offering a mix of entertainment, exhibits, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great idea to look up festivals and events during the time of year that you’re visiting.
Unique Local Experiences
Every area has its own unique, special attractions. Here are some things you really shouldn’t miss when you’re in North Dakota!
Lewis and Clark Riverboat
This 100-foot paddle wheeler is a must! Kids will love it, but it’s a fun experience for adults too. Enjoy scenic paddle cruises on the Missouri River, relaxing in the natural beauty and learning about the history of the area at the same time.
Enchanted Highway
This stretch of highway features large metal sculptures, creating a drive-through art installation that’s both unique and entertaining. It's a great road trip experience for families, so bring your camera!
Frontier Village and the World’s Largest Buffalo
Located in Jamestown, this site features historical re-enactments and a giant buffalo statue. It offers a glimpse into the pioneer days, and is home to a live buffalo herd. This herd was once home to the rare white buffalo, White Cloud. White Cloud passed in 2016 and is now on display within the museum. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate this trip.
Tips for a Successful Family Golf Vacation
A family golf vacation can be a great way to bond and enjoy the outdoors together. Here’s how to make sure it runs as smoothly as possible as unexpected occurrences can happen.
Planning Your Trip
Booking Tee Times in Advance
To make sure you get the best times and avoid disappointment, book your tee times in advance. Popular golf courses can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Research the courses you plan to visit and make your reservations as soon as your travel dates are set.
Check if the golf courses have any special requirements or restrictions or specific playing times for juniors. This will help you avoid any surprises and make sure everyone in the family can participate.
Preparing Kids for Golf Vacations
Introduce your kids to golf in a fun and engaging way! Consider mini-golf or short courses to keep the game manageable and enjoyable, especially if your kids are very young. Adjusting the gameplay with simplified scoring, or shorter yardage can also make the experience more fun for younger children. Use little games and rewards to keep them interested.
Packing Essentials
Golf Gear for the Family
Pack the necessary golf gear for everyone, including clubs, balls, tees, and anything you need for a round (golf gloves, towels, etc). Make sure you have comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy golf bags for easy transport. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against the sun.
Must-Have Equipment
Consider bringing extras like rangefinders, golf gloves, and reusable water bottles. If you’re flying, invest in a durable travel case for your clubs to protect them during transit. Or, rent clubs when you get there. Most courses have clubs for rent.
Non-Golf Related Items to Bring
Don’t forget to pack items for non-golf activities to keep everyone entertained. Books, games, and electronic devices can help pass the time during travel or downtime. Bring swimwear, hiking gear, or other recreational equipment if you’re planning activities off the golf course.
Conclusion
North Dakota is a spectacular destination for the whole family. Plan your vacation carefully so you can get the most out of it. There is so many amazing experiences, from golf to watersports and more.
Careful planning will help you enjoy as much of what North Dakota has to offer as possible. Above all, don’t forget to bring the camera and make memories with the ones you love!
About the Author
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.
