A great golf getaway is often defined by the quality of its courses, but if you’re looking for an experience that combines exceptional golf with rich cultural heritage and splendid accommodations, Native American casino resorts offer a unique and captivating option.
In the United States, numerous Native American tribes have established top-tier golf courses that not only provide challenging play but also celebrate their cultural legacy and natural landscapes.
These resorts are more than just golf destinations; they are immersive experiences where you can enjoy fine dining, entertainment, and the warmth of indigenous hospitality. The integration of tribal history and traditions with modern amenities creates an unparalleled atmosphere for relaxation and adventure.
From the stunning vistas of the brawny Inland Northwest terrain to the sultry southern beauty of the Mississippi countryside, here are three of the best Native American casino resort golf courses in the U.S. that promise unforgettable golf experiences.
Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel/Circling Raven Golf Club (Coeur d’Alene Tribe)
Nestled in the scenic beauty of Northern Idaho, 55 minutes from Spokane (WA), Circling Raven Golf Club is an amenity of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel and is owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.
This premier golf destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, challenging layout, and exceptional service.
The 18-hole, par-72 course, designed by acclaimed golf course architect Gene Bates, spans over 620 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and natural Palouse grasses. Its strategic bunkering, varied hole designs, and seamless integration with the natural surroundings provide a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Circling Raven Golf Club has garnered numerous accolades and is consistently ranked among the top public golf courses in the United States. It hosted an Epson “Road to the LPGA” Tour event from 2021-23, through which the top women professionals praised the beautiful course layout, superb conditions, and overall quality.
Named after Circling Raven, a revered tribal leader – “prophet chief” – in the 1700’s, the course reflects the tribe’s deep connection to the land. Throughout the course and the resort, visitors can find elements of Coeur d’Alene tribal culture and history, decor, artwork, and food, adding a rich cultural dimension to the golfing experience.
The clubhouse offers a range of amenities, including a pro shop, locker rooms, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Additionally, the clubhouse was named “Merchandiser of the Year” nationally by PGA of America in the Resorts Category and includes a mix of top-line golf equipment and apparel and Native American themed products. Named after Circling Raven’s son, Twisted Earth, is the golf club’s bar and grill.
A massive 25-acre practice facility is golf heaven on earth, featuring a driving range, putting green, chipping areas, and instruction through the Circling Raven Academy.
Beyond the golf course, the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel offers Mountain and Spa Wing hotel accommodations (rooms and suites), a full-service spa, multiple dining options, and an award-winning casino. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to combine golf with other leisure and entertainment activities.
Pearl River Resort / Dancing Rabbit Golf Club (Mississippi Band of Choctaws)
Located in the heart of Mississippi, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club features two championship courses set amidst rolling hills and lush forests.
Operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaws, this resort is renowned for its exceptional service and deep connection to the land.
The Azaleas and the Oaks courses were designed through a collaboration between Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate. The Azaleas Course is celebrated for its towering trees, pristine wetlands, and vibrant azalea blooms, offering rolling fairways and strategic bunkering. The Oaks Course, with its mighty oak trees and serene streams, provides a distinct and complementary challenge, enhancing the overall golfing experience.
Dancing Rabbit Golf Club has received numerous accolades and is frequently ranked among the top golf courses in the United States by publications such as Golf, Links, Golf Digest and Golfweek. The courses are known for their immaculate maintenance and commitment to preserving the natural environment.
The clubhouse features a well-stocked pro shop, locker rooms, and the Dancing Rabbit Inn, offering comfortable accommodations upstairs from the clubhouse main floor. The restaurant serves Southern cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, providing a delightful dining experience.
The club’s name, Dancing Rabbit, is derived from the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, a significant historical agreement between the Choctaw Nation and the United States government. The club’s connection to Choctaw history and heritage adds a rich cultural layer to the golf experience.
Adjacent to the golf club is the Pearl River Resort, which offers additional accommodations, a casino, a spa, and various dining options, making Dancing Rabbit an ideal destination for combining golf with other leisure and entertainment activities.
Sweetgrass Golf Club (Hannahville Indian Community & Potawatomi Nation)
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Sweetgrass Golf Club offers a beautifully designed pair of 18-hole golf courses that incorporate natural wetlands and prairie grasses, undulating terrain and forested hillsides. This resort, run by the Hannahville Indian Community, a band of the Potawatomi, provides a tranquil and culturally rich golf experience.
Sweetgrass is a par-72 course designed by golf architect Paul Albanese. The design incorporates the unspoiled natural beauty of the region, wooden bridges, and incredibly diverse putting greens, including a Biarritz style putting surface and an island green. It has received numerous accolades and consistently ranks among the top golf courses in Michigan and the United States. It has been recognized for its exceptional design and course conditions.
The clubhouse at Sweetgrass offers a pro shop, locker rooms, and a restaurant. The club is part of the larger Island Resort & Casino, which provides deluxe accommodations, multiple dining options, a full-service spa, and various entertainment venues, making it a comprehensive destination for leisure and relaxation.
The name “Sweetgrass” is derived from the sweetgrass plant, which holds significant cultural and spiritual value in Native American traditions, especially for the Potawatomi people. Sweetgrass is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Throughout the course and resort, elements of Potawatomi culture are integrated, including cultural markers, storytelling panels, and design elements that reflect the heritage of the Hannahville Indian Community.
Sweetgrass Golf Club hosts a variety of events and tournaments, including the Epson “Road to the LPGA” Tour. This event is part of the LPGA developmental tour, attracting professional female golfers from around the world. These professionals consistently praise the course design and natural features.
Architect Albanese also designed Sage Run, the other 18-hole layout at the golf club. It’s more rugged with holes weaving up, down and around an immense drumlin that runs through the acreage.
Greywalls and Timberstone are both within one hour of Sweetgrass, and also ranked among the top 20 tracks in golf-rich Michigan. Many visiting players mix and match their golf itinerary given the collection of first-class courses.
