Hawktree Golf Club is North Dakota’s premier public golf destination, a standout Jim Engh design on the outskirts of Bismarck, set across rolling hills, native prairie grasses, and sweeping views with dramatic elevation changes, black-sand bunkers, water features, and that wide-open Great Plains feel. Often ranked among the best in the state (and nationally acclaimed as a top public course), it’s a challenging, fun links-style layout that’s pure prairie golf joy, unexpected for the region and worth the trip for serious players seeking something unique.

Quick Facts

  • One championship 18-hole course: Par-72, over 7,000 yards from the tips, public daily-fee
  • Prairie links style: Natural elevation shifts, rough fescue-like grasses, strategic bunkers (including signature black sand), water on several holes, and wildlife-filled open terrain
  • Seasonal play: Late spring to early fall; peak summer for warm days (70s-90s F) and long daylight; shoulder seasons for value and fewer crowds
  • Top acclaim: Frequently #1 or top public in North Dakota (Golf Digest, Golfweek); Jim Engh’s bold, creative design with big visuals and shot-making rewards
  • Public-friendly: No resort on-site, but easy Bismarck lodging nearby plus packages through local deals or the Triple Golf Challenge (with Links of ND and Bully Pulpit)

Dakota has a rich history full of both Native history and the history of the U.S.A. From pioneering towns to Native memorials there is a lot to learn there, plus golf!

Perfect For…

  • Guys’ Trips: High-energy rounds with elevation drama and risk-reward holes, post-golf beers at the clubhouse grill, friendly bets on tough approaches, and easy multi-day play (pair with nearby courses for a ND golf road trip)
  • Families: Forgiving forward tees and wide fairways make it accessible; Bismarck-area hotels with pools/spa; non-golfers enjoy city sights, Missouri River activities, or nearby parks

Top Standout Course

Hawktree golf course

Hawktree Golf Club (Jim Engh Design)

The main event — a modern masterpiece that weaves fairways around Burnt Creek, with eight holes hugging the water and others climbing hills for panoramic prairie vistas. Bold contours, elevated tees (watch your ball fly forever), huge greens with subtle breaks, and creative bunkering — challenging from the back but playable up front. Signature holes feature dramatic drops, forced carries, and that “wow” factor Engh is known for. Often called one of the most fun and visually stunning courses in the Midwest — a bucket-list stop for prairie golf fans.

Great Stay-and-Play Resorts & Spots

  • No on-site resort, but Bismarck has plenty: Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, or Hampton Inn (many with packages or deals near the course)
  • Golf packages: Check northdakotagolf.com or local CVB for Bismarck bundles; Triple Golf Challenge pass for Hawktree + Bully Pulpit + Links of ND saves big
  • Nearby lodging options include vacation rentals/VRBO for groups wanting space

All Key Hawktree Golf Highlights at a Glance

  • Hawktree Golf Club (18 holes, Jim Engh prairie links masterpiece)
  • Plus full practice facility, driving range, putting green, and pro shop
  • Nearby pairings: Bully Pulpit (Medora), The Links of North Dakota (Williston) for epic ND trips

Pro Tips

  • Book tee times early via hawktree.com or apps like GolfNow; peak summer weekends fill up; GPS carts included for strategy
  • Fly into Bismarck Municipal (BIS); course is just a short drive northwest (off Highway 1804)
  • Pair golf with Bismarck/Mandan classics: steakhouses, craft beer, Missouri River cruises, or the state capitol sights
  • Embrace the wind and elevation; play smart angles; forward tees keep it enjoyable for all; bring bug spray for prairie evenings

Time to conquer the prairie hills, chase birdies across wide-open fairways, and reset with North Dakota’s best golf experience. Hawktree is calling your escape.