First time golfing here and it was a fantastic experience for my wife and me. A couple…read morehighlights: - several holes had amazing views of the river valley so much so that the couple we were golfing worh took lots of photos - the greens were challenging but in a fun way as lots of slope and very well maintained. - the course had a really relaxed vibe and fellow golfers were very friendly. - the staff was super friendly from the person washing carts who got us set up to the pro shop to the beverage cart server to the restaurant/bar where we had lunch after our round. Everyone had a smile and that definitely contributed to a fantastic atmosphere. The course had lots of terrain and mature trees but wasn't too punishing for novice golfers (90-110 scores) who only play a couple rounds per summer typically but are working to play more often. I would highly recommend making the drive during the summer and can only imagine the views in early fall with the river valley leaves. Finally it looks like the clubhouse / restaurant is set up to host events and wedding receptions with amazing views. We will be back as the views, course, and staff made the easy 1 hour drive from Eagan well worth it.

We golfed here for the first time and the views were well worth a road trip. A free pass, won at…read morethe Golf Expo in Minneapolis from Treasure Island, brought us here. A couple of switchbacks on the road bring you to a ridge overlooking the Mississippi River. The tee boxes, fairways, and greens were in great shape. The forward tees were around 4800 yards which is a bit more on the shorter side but the many narrow fairways created plenty of challenges. Staff was friendly. Carts did not have GPS. We had a great experience and would gladly return for another round.

Was looking for family fun over the Xmas break and the Badlands Snowpark was perfect. This place…read morehas multiple runs and tow ropes to meet any level. Other places just have a single run which gets boring after a while in my opinion. The cost is $25.00 per person and tickets must be purchased through their website. Highly recommend to get out of the house and go.

This snowpark is intense. Make sure you have protective gear for your kids (helmets, etc.) and know…read morewhat you're getting into.

It was pretty fun. Tried skiing for the first time nothing against them just not a huge skier…read more Their sledding was really fun I would do that one all the time.

We all had so much fun. Very reasonable prices. Concessions were also reasonable... 3 hot…read morechocolates, a water, 2 bags of chips, ff, and a pretzel with cheese was under $13. U can tube from open to close.

Afton is a solid resort within a half hour drive of the Twin Cities airport and downtown St Paul…read more Part of Epic for pass holders (Afton was acquired by Vail Resorts in 2012). The teaching staff is excellent, as are the group lesson ratios, especially if you're in the ARC ski-racing program. Big airy bright base lodge with reasonable prices. And no one this close to the metro has this much terrain to choose from. Afton's not Kitzbuhel, but the snow just might be better.

A beautiful area right next to Afton State Park. I am not a skier but this is the third ski area…read moreto review based on looks and amenities without being too generic. A few years ago I was fascinated with the multitude of machines making snow and thought more movie production companies should be using these machines to make a more realistic snow scene. At any rate the chalet is top notch there are scenic slopes and they are constantly updating the site. Urban development is creeping down from the north into Afton so enjoy the ride out here as a respite from cookie cutter developments and another Applebees before the snow hilly countryside is gone.

Stunningly beautiful, sweet hosts, great story. It was so peaceful and relaxing. Breakfast was…read moreall local & homemade. Bed was super comfortable. Convenient for the bike trails with great inside scoop on the area. We will be back! The only bummer was many of the restaurants in the area are closed Monday & Tuesday so lunch & dinner those days was a bit tough.

We had an outstanding stay at the resort in June. The service from Donna and her staff were…read moregreat, especially the fresh breakfasts. We and our golden retriever felt welcome throughout the resort. We loved the Lammas and the dog play area. The grounds were beautifully maintained. We would definitely recommend the resort for anyone looking for a pet friendly getaway.

We had four of us there going there today. All four of us are a little bit computer, illiterate and…read moresigning into their website to save the money on the lift ticket. Prices was absolutely the worst thing I've ever done in my life. It was so bad we packed up our year and left Welch Village left missed out on over 500 bucks today lift tickets a couple beers food They have to make the systems easier somehow

If I could rate it zero stars I would. I took my friend to Welch on 11 January 2026 to teach him…read morehow to ski. We got there at about noon and we had paid for a full day pass (totaling $90 per ticket) and he had also paid for ski rentals to learn (totaling another $45). Everything was going good up until a few hours in my ski lift ticket had fallen off of my jacket due to the flimsy plastic zip ties they give you to put the lift ticket on your jacket. instead of continuing to ski I decided to do "the right thing" and go inside to get a replacement. once inside I dealt with a rude woman at the front desk and had asked her if I could get a replacement ticket because mine fell off. Keep in mind once a ticket is purchased via Welch's website you are given a barcode to get your ticket. I had the barcode pulled up on my phone while I was asking to get a replacement ticket and the woman looked at me like I had 2 heads refusing to scan my barcode.. then asked for my name not 30 seconds later she comes back to me and says I can't get a new one without buying one or I could have my friend (who is learning how to ski) ride the chairlifts to "track it down". I've gone to Welch for over 10 years now and have never had something so ridiculous happen while I was there. Do better Welch...

FYI I am not a skier and I've only snowboarded once. This review is for the hiking opportunity…read more First time I did this was with friends in a fitness group. It was late summer and hiking uphill in the heat, I huffed and puffed like an out of shape smoker. 2nd time I came by myself on a cooler fall Sunday afternoon and I walked it twice. There are 2 ways to tackle this. Start on left and hike by a water tower or start by tubing hill on right and walk up. The views overlooking the highway and crystal lake are awesome. They are now closed for hiking til spring due to ski season ramping up. The trails are also mountain bike trails but I never encountered anyone. The hike only takes 30 minutes to get up and down. More if you doddle and stop to take pictures. Bring a bottle of water along and dress light. I carried a fanny pack as I didn't want to leave my phone and money in my car.

What Buck Hill lacks in terrain it makes up for in personality. The staff is excellent and most of…read morethe beginning to ski group lessons end up being private or 2:1. Our two youngest kids both learned to ski at Buck and we wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Before we start, as of May 2026, the zip line course has permanently closed due to high insurance…read morecosts I always get a pass, come back year after year! Great snowboarding and skiing! Always something new in the works! Great parks and trails! Great board shop aswell. Fantastic spot! Maybe they should offer mountain biking in the summer...

When we say we grew up at Trollhaugen, and have lived our lives here at times - we mean it…read more For pete's sake we've had people married here. (The most beautiful wedding and experience.) The hills are alive with the sound of a Troll's call. Everybody who works here is just wonderful - part of the family. Trollhaugen pizza is the best pizza for you and me, positively. Snowboarding and skiing is an amazing experience here, love tubing too. If you're nervous about going, don't be, you got this. Love this place, highly recommend. GO TROLL - Now and always. -The Tight Squad