We spent the year scouting, planning, walking fairways, and putting together a schedule tailored to the golf trip you’ve been talking about. Sixteen classics across South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Excellent courses, thoughtful hospitality, a challenge for every handicap, and the kind of round you never forget. If there was ever a year to make golf memories you will talk about forever, this is it.
The 2026 I-29 Golf Pass Trail: Your Ultimate Road Trip
The I-29 Golf Pass isn’t just a booklet of tickets; it’s a roadmap to the diverse golfing landscape of the Upper Midwest. From the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” in Le Mars, Iowa, to the glimmering lakes of northern South Dakota, this tour takes you through championship layouts, hidden prairie gems, and river valley classics. Here is the story of the course that awaits you.
The Sioux Falls Basecamp
Your adventure likely anchors in Sioux Falls, where the golf is as vibrant as the city itself. Beyond the fairways of Prairie Green and Elmwood, the city serves as the perfect basecamp. After your round, immerse yourself in the thriving downtown scene: sample award-winning craft beer from the vibrant local beer scene. For dining, you can grab upscale American fare at Blue Rock Bar & Grill or enjoy high-tech fun and food at Great Shots (a 10% discount I-29 Golf Pass perk!). For entertainment, catch a major touring act at The District or enjoy one of the 50 free concerts held all summer long at the Levitt at the Falls. This city is your complete post-golf reward.
- Prairie Green Golf Course (Sioux Falls, SD):
A Golf Digest top-five public course and a Dick Nugent design, this is prairie links golf at its finest. You’ll navigate wide fairways and strategic wetlands, but the real story is the “prairie wind”—an invisible hazard that demands low, piercing shots.
- Elmwood Golf Course (Sioux Falls, SD):
History lives here. They are celebrating 100 years in 2026! With 27 holes of classic parkland golf, you’ll walk tree-lined fairways that feel like a walk in a secluded park. Great practice facilities, a 5-hole short course, and a brand new clubhouse will make your round memorable.
- Kuehn Park (Sioux Falls, SD):
The perfect start to the trip. This executive 9-hole course is where you tune your wedges and irons before tackling the big beasts of the tour.
- Great Shots (Sioux Falls, SD):
Even when the sun goes down, the competition continues. The I-29 Golf Pass gets you discounts at this state-of-the-art entertainment venue, perfect for settling bets with food, drinks, and Trackman Range technology.
- Just minutes from Sioux Falls, Brandon Golf Course (Brandon, SD) dips into the dramatic Splitrock Creek valley for a test of nerve over muscle. Don’t let the yardage fool you—with water in play on 13 holes, this is a “target golf” sanctuary where strategy reigns supreme. Survive the signature risk-reward par-5 8th, then head to the hilltop clubhouse to watch golfers from the best vantage point in the state.
The Northern Swing: Lakes and Legends
Head north on Interstate 29, and the landscape quickly rolls into the stunning Glacial Lakes region. The land carved by ancient glaciers promises tranquil rounds among abundant water and hills.
- Brookings Country Club (Brookings, SD): Often cited as one of the best-kept secrets in the state, this course overlooks Lake Campbell. The manicured greens are pristine, and the views from the clubhouse patio are the perfect backdrop for a post-round burger.
- Lake Region Golf Club (Arlington, SD): Where golf meets the great outdoors. This course is a genuine escape, offering generous fairways and serene wetlands punctuated by views of Lake Albert and Lake Poinsett. It’s the kind of place where locals wave as you drive by, and the course offers a relaxing yet spirited round.
The Southern Loop: The Dutch Front & The River Cities
The I-29 tour continues south, crossing the state line where the courses take on a unique mix of Dutch heritage and dramatic river valley geography. The anchor of this stretch is Sioux City, a cultural hub brimming with arts, concerts, and fun. After testing your game on the championship layouts, your reward awaits with live music, entertainment, and non-stop action at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
- Landsmeer Golf Club (Orange City, IA):
Meaning “land by the lake,” this course pays homage to the area’s Dutch heritage. It’s a championship-caliber test that feels like a slice of the Netherlands transplanted to the Iowa plains.
- The Ridge Golf Club (Sioux Center, IA):
Named the 2012 Iowa Golf Course of the Year and featured in Golf Digest, this championship course is defined by its dramatic structure: a prominent central ridge that divides the course into two large parkland basins, where the clubhouse sits. This design gives the layout a sprawling, open feel and a challenging, meticulously maintained test for all skill levels.
- Willow Creek Golf Course (Le Mars, IA):
Drive into the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” for a golfing treat! Willow Creek offers 27 holes across three distinct nines, giving you total variety—from the original, classic tree-lined layout to the newer, open-links challenge. It’s the perfect stop for a rewarding round before grabbing that essential post-round scoop.
- Whispering Creek Golf Club (Sioux City, IA):
Prepare yourself. This is big-sky prairie golf with rolling, fast greens and fescue-lined fairways that can stretch over 7,000 yards. After taming this titan, retreat to the barn, the course’s signature rustic, barn-shaped clubhouse. Here, the Bar’N Grill offers a full menu of unique pub fare and cold drinks—the perfect reward for your bold play.
- Sun Valley Golf Course (Sioux City, IA):
This is the ultimate versatile stop for your crew. Known for its laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, Sun Valley requires no tee times and offers something for everyone. Play the regulation 9-hole course, hone your skills on the Par-3 short course, or grab a soccer ball and tackle the Foot Golf course! It’s the perfect, welcoming road trip break.
- Covington Links (South Sioux City, NE):
Cross the river into Nebraska, where a warm, classic Midwestern welcome awaits. Play a round among the cottonwoods on the banks of the Missouri River. With few bunkers but plenty of “Marty Mounds” and trees to navigate, it’s a different kind of challenge that focuses on strategic placement.
Where the Maps End: Finding the I-29 Golf Passes True Hidden Fairways
The beauty of the I-29 Golf Pass lies in the thrill of discovering off-the-beaten-path courses, inspiring curiosity and adventure for travelers.
- The Bridges at Beresford (Beresford, SD):
If you’ve always just driven past the Beresford exit, this is the essential small-town golf stop that will continually surprise you with its high quality and character. A genuine piece of regional history, this course is named for the repurposed historic bridges that span its water features.
- Springfield Golf Club (Springfield, SD):
A quiet favorite, this 9-hole gem offers expansive views of the Missouri River, set against a picturesque backdrop of rolling South Dakota hills. It’s the perfect place to experience a peaceful and friendly round, where the course design provides a challenge that is perfectly balanced by the welcoming atmosphere.
- Rock Valley Golf Club (Rock Valley, IA):
Tucked into northwest Iowa, this mature 9-hole layout holds the prestigious title of the 2015 and 2024 Iowa Golf Association 9-Hole Course of the Year. It’s a challenging yet fun course that punches above its weight, renowned for its pristine condition and incredible value.
- Alcester Golf Course (Alcester, SD):
This charming muni is the epitome of community golf. Play a classic 9-hole round that recently got an exciting facelift: the course now features a newly added par-3 hole and an upgraded par-4 stretched into a challenging par-5. Afterward, retreat to the newly constructed clubhouse, which features a patio offering unique views of the course.
The Final Hole: Your 2026 Golf Story
Don't just dream about an unforgettable golf adventure—make it a reality. Grab your 2026 I-29 Golf Pass today, gather your group, and set out to create memories and stories that will last a lifetime. The fairways are ready, the road awaits, and all that's missing is you. Gas up, pack up, and claim your spot on the ultimate road trip now.
