There are very few areas in the nation that can compare with the beauty of northeastern Minnesota’s breathtaking scenery and clear, calming lakes. Located in the heart of this natural wonderland at Biwabik, Minn., is Giants Ridge, a top quality golf and ski resort. In fact, Golf magazine has rated Giants Ridge as a Premier Resort for 2010! Densely wooded hills, glassy, clear lakes and rolling, scenic golf courses all blend together to create the Midwest’s finest resort destination.
In 1959, a group of local residents founded Giants Ridge, located in the spectacular Minnesota northwoods near Biwabik, as a local ski hill. A deep recession fell on the Iron Range in 1980 and the facility fell into bankruptcy. In 1983 Iron Range Resources (IRR) purchased the ski area portion of the property, The plan was to create a recreational facility that could be enjoyed by the residents of the Iron Range as well as those from a distance who wanted a great vacation site. IRR wanted to attract private sector development and create a year round destination resort. The plan worked well and before long, the year round destination resort named Giants Ridge was thriving. At the heart of Minnesota’s historic Iron Range, Giants Ridge is located just three and one-half hours from the Twin Cities and one hour west of Duluth. Visitors can learn more about the history of the Iron Range area by visiting the world’s largest open-pit mine or touring a modern-day iron mine.
Presently, a 20 year master plan has been laid out for Giants Ridge and future plans have been made for a mixed use resort with 340 new units, a mountaintop village, a water park, additional shops, restaurants, and much more. The resort attracts over 100,000 guests each year from Canada and the United States.
Golf Digest has rated both golf courses at Giants Ridge complex as providing the overall best golf experiences in the United States, plus the prestigious magazine also considers the courses among the most valuable and affordable. In addition, the resort is ranked at the top of the list “Premier Resorts of 2010.” After a close look at the golf courses, The Legend and The Quarry, plus many other amenities, it is easy to see how these high ratings were garnered. Midweek golf specials, which include lunch, are offered through September 2. In addition, customized golf group packages are available for groups of 12 to 300.
Located just outside the doors of The Lodge at Giants Ridge, this course is easily accessible to guests. The course is a challenging par 72 and was awarded an outstanding third place rating for Minnesota golf courses. The design for The Legend was created by PGA pro Lanny Wadkins and golf course architect Jeffrey Brauer. The course wanders through the majestic scenery of the rugged and spectacular northwoods. As players travel along the course, each hole brings a new visual experience that can include stately northwood pines, areas of white sand, rugged and rocky protrusions or calming blue lakes. What a way to spend a vacation — and just a few hours from your home!
This challenging course is the newest addition to the Giants Ridge resort area. It is a walkable course and was named the No. 1 public golf course in Minnesota by Golf Digest magazine. Unusual and dramatic elements are blended into the design of this exceptional course. High ridges, narrow fairways, structures of the old mines, deep hazards, majestic lake areas, wetlands, small greens and even a former sand quarry are all incorporated to challenge even the best golfers. Golfing at The Quarry will definitely be an experience to remember!
If you would like a closer look, you can easily view all areas of the courses online. The Giants Ridge website (www.giantsridge.com) features an interactive virtual tour of the courses where any area of either course can be clicked, and then instantly a wide range virtual tour of that area will appear. The experience actually makes it seem like you are right there on the green, playing a round of golf. It gives a true preview of the outstanding courses and the magnificent scenery surrounding them.
After your first visit to Giants Ridge, you will feel the peace and calmness that is so natural to the northwoods of Minnesota. Serenity will set in, and you will feel like you’re a million miles away from the congestion, noise and stress of everyday life. There are several options when it comes to lodging and accommodations, and you can even choose to own a part of Giants Ridge if you wish.
The Lodge at Giants Ridge is a Full Service Conference and Banquet Condominium Hotel. Located at the foot of the Giants Ridge Ski Area, and along side the Legend Golf Course at Giants Ridge, the Lodge ski-in and ski-out condominiums have a variety of luxurious log accommodations available. Real estate and rental unit condominium units available from one to four bedrooms, overlooking the ski area and golf courses, and well equipped with fireplaces, Jacuzzi’s, granite bathrooms and ceramic kitchens. These vacation condominiums have recently undergone a $5M restoration and renovation, and are unmatched with affordable ownership packages starting as low as $160 monthly. Visit NameYourPriceVacationProperty.com to see a variety of resort real estate available, or lodgeatgiantsridge.com to book your family get away throughout the year.
Villas at Giants Ridge is located on Wynne Lake, it is also near the Mesabi Trail, which is popular for hiking and biking activities. Five-star amenities are provided here, with deluxe bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchens, fireplaces, whirlpool baths, central air, wireless Internet service, and in-room washers and dryers. Multi-bedroom condos are available, or for larger parties, there are three and four bedroom villas.
Voyageurs Retreat at Giants Ridge is a new residential housing development and is scenically located on the shores of Wynne and Sabin Lakes. These lakeshore vacation sites feature frontages ranging from 125 to 250 feet. In addition, lake-access home sites are available with stunning views of the majestic northwoods. There are a variety of spec homes available through realtors as well as lots available from individual owners. Lots and model homes available from GR Summit Properties, LLC. More information available at www.voyageursretreat.com
The new Residence Club is a residential community of 27 spacious detached single-family homes that are completely furnished. Buyers that choose this housing option will actually own a 10 percent interest in one of the homes, but will be able to occupy any available Residence Club home. The Club has an Owners Association, which is professionally managed for maintenance free living. Each of the homes features four bedrooms, a kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, a fitness area, sauna, game room, two fireplaces, a three-season porch and a two-car garage. The residents enjoy a great view of Sabin Lake and all the amenities at Giants Ridge are within walking distance. The Residence Club is part of the International Exchange Program, which allows owners to exchange their time at the Club for time in other parts of the world.
In addition to the great golf courses and fabulous rooms at Giants Ridge, a host of amenities are available to visitors, depending on which lodging choice they prefer. Guests can enjoy bike trails, dining, shopping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, recreation trails, convenient lake access, heated indoor pool and hot tub, spa and fitness center, tennis court, game room, basketball court, sand volleyball court, beach areas, boat docks and even a playground area for children. Fine dining is available at Timbers Restaurant and casual meals can be enjoyed at Sticks Lounge. Catering is available for up to 400 guests and a 7,000 square foot conference and banquet room is available for meetings and larger groups. Want to go for a short drive for even more attractions? There are many other interesting sites in the area including the Children’s Museum and Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, the famous Congdon Mansion on the North Shore Drive, and the International Wolf Center in Ely.
Call 1-800-688-7669 or check it out on their website at www.giantsridge.com
For Ownership Opportunities, please contact:
Exit Realty, Nexus
