One of Minnesota's older golf courses is on the market, and the price tag is turning heads across the state. Cuyuna Rolling Hills Golf Course in Deerwood, near the Brainerd Lakes, just listed for $4.46 million after more than a decade of rebuilding. For Twin Cities golfers who head north on weekends, this is a course with real history and a story worth knowing.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE $4.46 MILLION LISTING
The offering covers the 103-year-old, 18-hole public course on roughly 150 acres, along with the clubhouse, restaurant, cart fleet, and maintenance buildings. The par-72 layout runs 6,388 yards with bent-grass greens, a full-length grass driving range, and multiple practice areas.
The roughly 3,500-square-foot clubhouse holds a pro shop and a bar and dining space called the 19th Hole, plus a two-level deck over the ninth green that can seat up to 130 for outings and events. A separate 22 acres near Cranberry Lake, including 14 residential lots, is also being marketed and could sell with the course or on its own.
A COMEBACK STORY, NOT A FIRE SALE
Brothers Terry and Tom Thompson bought the course in December 2013 when it was in financial trouble, satisfying somewhere between $500,000 and $600,000 in debt. Terry had just retired after 30 years as an Aitkin police officer and police chief.
They invested several million dollars, renovated the clubhouse, added carts and equipment, and made one key move: shifting from a members-only country club to a public course open to anyone. Play responded. Rounds grew from about 8,500 in their first season to a projected 24,000 to 26,000 this year. The brothers aren't selling because the business is struggling. They're selling because they're ready to retire.
THE DEED RESTRICTION THAT PROTECTS A COMMUNITY STAPLE
Here's the detail locals will care about most. The Thompsons are requiring a five-year deed restriction that keeps the property operating as a golf course. In plain terms, whoever buys it can't turn the land into something else for at least five years.
That matters because the course is woven into the area. It carries around 270 members, hosts weekly leagues, and serves as the home course for the Aitkin and Crosby-Ironton high school golf teams.
PART OF A BUSY YEAR FOR MINNESOTA GOLF COURSE SALES
Cuyuna Rolling Hills isn't the only course changing hands. Emily Greens in the Brainerd Lakes area sold for more than $1.3 million in April, Blackberry Ridge in Sartell sold for $2.2 million in July, and Superior National at Lutsen traded for $1.85 million in August.
That kind of activity points to steady demand for well-run Minnesota courses. A profitable, community-loved property like this one could draw an owner-operator, an established golf group, or a resort operator.
Hot Tips around the Twin Cities? Need Help Buying or Selling 🏡? DM me @darintheminnesotan or Text Darin Bjerknes 612-702-5126
