By Land or By Sea — Corporate Cruise vs. Golf Course Tournament for Minnesota Team Building

The warm days and pleasant evenings of Minnesota’s spring and summer present the perfect backdrop for hosting team building events. While there are a vast variety of venues available for this type of gathering, two of the most popular — boats and golf courses — seem tailor made for teams. Wondering which is good for your group? Find out here:

There’s something almost magical about sailing away on a boat. Whether it’s a yacht, a paddlewheel, or a pontoon, leaving behind the worries and cares that exist on dry land can be a welcoming respite. What’s more, the feeling of distance from daily life can actually bode well for team building, as it offers participants more bandwidth to focus on the task at hand.

The award-winning cruise professionals at Al + Alma’s Supper Club and Charter Cruises understand the importance of lifting up your entire team. Customized cruise details, live entertainment, onboard casino gaming, wine and beer tasting are just a few of the many details they’ll incorporate into your corporate cruise on Lake Minnetonka.

The only three-deck charter boat on Lake Minnetonka, Lady of the Lake offers your team the charm of a classic paddlewheel boat. With panoramic views of picturesque and historic sites, the Lady offers space for up to 100 to enjoy delicious custom-catered meals and a dynamic atmosphere ideal for group gatherings.

Escape the boring boardroom and bring your bunch aboard a luxurious yacht with Destiny Cruises. Traverse the sparkling waters of Gull Lake while enjoying a delicious catered meal, refreshing beverages, and the onboard AV equipment for presentations or slide shows. Guests staying at Cragun’s or Grand View Lodge Golf Resort? Destiny will pick them up.

Padelford Riverboats will take your team full speed ahead on one of many theme cruises, including Las Vegas Casino, Mardi Gras, Roaring 20s, Aloha Hawaii, and the Totally 80s cruise. Each cruise features a theme-related menu, with beverages and music to match. Enhancements, such as bands, DJs, photo booths, gaming equipment and staff, flowers and decorations are also available to customize your experience.

Adrift and scanning the horizon for new ideas? Set sail with Paradise Charter Cruises and the Minneapolis Queen. When they throw a party, they mean business. From elegant and sophisticated yacht cruises on Lake Minnetonka to classic and charming paddle-wheeler voyages on the Mississippi, your crew will benefit from the on-board ambiance and the splendor of the surrounding shoreline.

While the serenity of sail is unquestionable, golf enthusiasts insist that the tranquility found on a verdant golf course is just as soothing. In addition, a spirited golf tournament inspires both teamwork and competitiveness among its participants.

Take your team to tee up at the 27-hole championship course of Bunker Hills Golf Club + Event Center, featuring quiet carts, beverage cart service, practice range, and full-service restaurant/bar for post tourney review. For a larger banquet, the on-site event center can accommodate up to 480 guests.

Located in the heart of historic Anoka, Green Haven Golf Course + Event Center is your sweet spot for a team tournament. The 18-hole championship golf course is meticulously maintained as a park-like setting that’s easy driving distance from most anywhere in the metro. Tournament packages include green and cart fees, full catering service, and pre-tournament outdoor music and announcements.

Boost employee morale and performance with team building at Majestic Oaks Golf Club. Not only is it one of the Twin Cities’ premier golf clubs with two 18-hole courses and an executive 9, but your group will also enjoy unique banquet facilities, gorgeous ponds with fountains, and even a dinner theater.

Located in the stunning Mississippi River Valley along 3000 feet of shoreline, Mississippi Dunes will inspire players like nothing else can. The Dunes, a par-72 course features six par threes, fours and fives anywhere from 5000 to 6500 yards from tee to hole. Inside, a country club atmosphere houses the latest AV equipment, outstanding service, mouthwatering dining, and panoramic views.

Voted best public golf course for two consecutive years, Rush Creek Golf Club, will test your team with an 18-hole course that is both challenging and enjoyable. The scenic course has hosted many national events, including three LPGA Tours. In the clubhouse, the Highlander Restaurant welcomes players post tournament, serving fresh, local cuisine and is a much appreciated reward for worn out golfers.

Four-star rated Stonebrooke Golf Club extends several golf packages for your crew. Their professional planner can assist with all pre-tournament planning, as well as event day set up. With on course food and beverage service, your team will of course, still work up an appetite and thirst for the finest meals and drinks available at the full-service restaurant, lounge and outdoor terrace.

Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the 18-hole private course at TPC of the Twin Cities is accessible only when accompanied by a member. They do, however, offer their exquisite banquet facilities for use by the public with capacity to serve as many as 120 seated dinner guests. Private dining rooms for up to 40 are also available. Unparalleled service, an exceptional culinary team, and stunning course views make this venue a hole in one.

Whether by land or by sea, your team is sure to build confidence, leadership, and improved performance at any one of these exceptional Minnesota event venues.