A slice of heaven sits on the east shore of Lake Riley. And that is Bearpath Golf & Country Club – a friendly, family focused golf and country club that welcomes members from all parts of Eden Prairie and surrounding communities as well as those from within the Bearpath neighborhood. And, contrary to general understanding more than 50% of Bearpath’s members hail from outside of the Bearpath neighborhood.
Bearpath’s world class recreational facilities are situated on 465 acres of meticulously managed grounds and offer far more than championship golf. Bearpath is a special place, known for recreation, rejuvenation, and refuge from busy lifestyles where members can enjoy a friendly tennis match, paddleball, or pickleball (coming soon), swimming in the pool, working out in the fitness center or yoga studio, host a family get-together, or relax with friends or family in the dining room, at The Nick Bar, or at one of the outdoor firepits. Spending time at Bearpath is where our members would most like to be!
But the golf course, of course, is the star of the show.
“Bearpath is the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in the Upper Midwest,” said Greg Olson, general manager of Bearpath. “Jack designed and personally oversaw construction of our golf course alongside his design team and architects. Bearpath officially opened when Jack played his inaugural round of golf at Bearpath in August 1996.”
Jack’s vision of championship golf at Bearpath instills a major focus of enjoyment for all levels of golfers. For the low handicappers who are looking for the ultimate challenge of a course over 7,000 yards in 18 holes – or for more casual golfers who would rather keep it under 5,000 yards – you will find all of that and more throughout the course at Bearpath.
At Bearpath, you also find yourself surrounded by natural beauty. The property was originally shared by four neighboring farms, and today – as many years ago – Middle Riley Creek meanders throughout the grounds, the community, and the golf course to form a natural and cohesive environmental setting for future generations to enjoy for years.
This spring, Bearpath will be completing the final phase of its $8.5 million Nicklaus Master Plan golf course renovation, which began with the back nine renovation in September of 2021 and will conclude when the front nine golf holes reopen this June. As part of the comprehensive renovation Master Plan, Bearpath re-grassed all its greens, aprons, and approach areas repositioned and re-lined the bunkers, reshaped fairways, and approaches, added several key greenside boulder rock walls, renovated the practice putting green, driving range and chipping area, and installed a new 18-hole putting course. “It was all part of our commitment to preserving Jack’s vision for our Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship Golf Course,” said Bearpath’s Director of Golf, Kevin Cashman.
“There are many membership activities available to those who do not play golf,” added Lindsay Ellison, Membership Director at Bearpath. In addition to racquet sports, poolside, and swim team activities, Bearpath offers ongoing youth activity programming all summer long. During the fall and winter months, members participate in outdoor activities including paddleball leagues, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing to name a few.
Bearpath has separate dining areas for families and adults who would prefer peace and quiet. If members choose to relax and enjoy food and a beverage in a friendly pub setting, then they are eager to head down to The Nick Bar for lead bartender Mo’s signature Mo-Fashion.
Bearpath is also the perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, corporate events, or other special occasions of any size. Bearpath’s gorgeous flower-lined patio and luxurious ballroom can comfortably accommodate up to 300 guests. Bearpath’s own on-site catering team and full-service event planner’s attention to detail will create a memorable party for you and your guests. For those who are not members but are looking to host a corporate event, a family get together, a team building session or a wedding, Bearpath’s meeting and event facilities are available to the public as well. Let them help turn your dream event into a reality!
Bearpath’s three membership tiers grant access to precisely the amenities you would most like to enjoy. You may visit bearpathgolf.com or call (952) 975-0123 to learn more about Bearpath, the “Eden of Eden Prairie.”
“I like to make people think when they play golf. That would be my stamp on this course.”
– Jack Nicklaus
