Riverwood Golf Course
Riverwood Golf Course offers an 18-hole public parkland layout in Bismarck, North Dakota, blending rolling terrain with tree-lined fairways that reward accuracy and thoughtful play. Well-maintained greens and a welcoming clubhouse enhance this approachable yet challenging course for golfers of varying skill levels.
Course Overview
Riverwood Golf Course in Bismarck, North Dakota, presents an engaging public golf experience on its 18-hole layout, blending natural Midwestern woodlands with thoughtfully maintained fairways and greens. Offering a traditional parkland style, the course is framed by clusters of tall trees that not only lend a cooling shade during warmer months but also frame each hole with a classic setting that demands precision off the tee. The topography is gently rolling, which adds subtle contour to shots without overwhelming even mid-level players.
At approximately 6,300 yards and a par of 72, Riverwood balances challenge and accessibility. It rewards accurate ball-striking and strategic play, particularly with rough areas marked by tall grass that punish errant drives. The course’s design requires an attentive approach while remaining inviting for golfers developing their skills or those seeking a test of accuracy rather than brute distance.
The putting surfaces are generally well-maintained, with smooth greens that encourage confident putting. Trees contour many holes, shaping the shots and offering visual interest throughout the round. Although the course’s layout demands respect from lower handicappers, it remains manageable for those newer to the game, making it a solid choice for a wide range of golfers within the Bismarck area.
Riverwood supports a welcoming and practical atmosphere with amenities tailored to guests’ needs. A modest clubhouse sits near the first tee, providing essential services and shelter. While cart paths restrict some driving zones, walkers can navigate with decent footing if equipped with reliable golf shoes suited for mixed terrain. Carts are available but may encounter access limitations due to course rules, suggesting those looking for a faster pace or less restricted movement might opt to walk.
This course’s woodland setting during all seasons makes it visually appealing, especially when the foliage shifts in color during autumn. Players planning a visit should consider mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak play times and to enjoy cooler temperatures. Riverwood Golf Course remains a notable venue in Central North Dakota that emphasizes shot-making and classic golf course elements without unnecessary complication, making it a dependable stop for local golf lovers and visitors alike.
Course Highlights
Riverwood is characterized by tall trees lining most fairways, elevating the strategic element with natural obstacles. The course showcases well-groomed greens and rough patches of tall grass that emphasize accuracy. Its parkland design suits a broad spectrum of players, providing a satisfying balance between challenge and accessibility without unnecessary complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Jordin R
The quality of the course is fine. But don’t bother paying for a cart you’re better off walking. Half the holes are cart path only, and even the ones that aren’t have everything but the fairway as restricted. And it puts you into limp mode so you aren’t able to get out of the restricted. So if you hit your ball on the opposite side of the path you have to leave your cart, grab 4 clubs, and walk to it, then walk back to the cart. It put me in limp mode…. ON the cart path. With the restrictions they need paths on both sides. It also yells at you for being 10 minutes behind in pace of play…. When the only reason you’re behind is because you stopped at the turn to use the bathroom and buy drinks, stopping at the turn isn’t calculated into their program. We were trying to try out new courses instead of same old same old, but if we ever go back will probably only do 9 and walk as it will be faster.
Naaman Smith
I was deciding between Riverwood and Tom O’Leary to get a season pass to and after playing each Riverwood is the better course. The greens at Tom O aren’t maintained the best and had rough patches, the greens at Riverwood are in great condition. Riverwood is a challenging course with areas of tall grass as the rough for most holes making it a course that rewards accuracy. Riverwood has lots of trees which is great for staying cool in the summer. Riverwood is groomed very well and is a great course. The only thing Tom O has going for itself is it’s an easier course.
Anders Larson
Well kept for a public course. Course can be challenging with lots of trees lining the course. Seems to be in the process of updating things such as carts. Hopefully it’s just a slow process because the geo fence on the cart stop on the path
J L
We have been to Riverwood multiple times and loved it. But the last two times our experience was terrible. Staff was rude. Won’t be going back.
Papa Pineapple
Not coming back. Just finished a 9-hole with a couple of friends, and the staff experience was not great. We showed up at our tee time and the staff member took a while setting us up, which put us behind on time. At this point people had already gone before us, leaving us with barely any time to golf. We're all pretty new to golfing, and wanted to just have a fun time, but not like this. I personally only finished 2 holes, because we were behind in time, people were waiting behind us. We had to keep skipping holes because the people behind us were catching up. On the 5th hole, that same staff member from check-in drove up to one of us, rudely told him that we need to "hurry up," because we're holding up everyone else. At that point, Two of us quit playing entirely. We debated coming back early to ask for a refund, because nobody looking to have fun should be rushed through their first time golfing on an actual course. In the end we decided not too, as the other two finished their games. Waste of 62$, will not recommend, and will ABSOLUTELY never come back.
Jeffrey Wellum
We won’t be back. The course was nice and the greens were good. The group before us was late and cut in front of us on the first hole at our tee time . We then also let a twosome through on the first hole. The twosome were walk ups without a scheduled tee time. It went ok until the 15th hole when some Karen from a couple groups back came up and told one of the guys in our group to pick up the pace. (We still had the twosome in site in front of us). We paid good money to enjoy an afternoon of golf that was ruined because the overbooking of the course and an idiot that couldn’t mind his own business.
J L
We have been to Riverwood multiple times and loved it. But the last two times our experience was terrible. Staff was rude. Won’t be going back.
Jordin R
The quality of the course is fine. But don’t bother paying for a cart you’re better off walking. Half the holes are cart path only, and even the ones that aren’t have everything but the fairway as restricted. And it puts you into limp mode so you aren’t able to get out of the restricted. So if you hit your ball on the opposite side of the path you have to leave your cart, grab 4 clubs, and walk to it, then walk back to the cart. It put me in limp mode…. ON the cart path. With the restrictions they need paths on both sides. It also yells at you for being 10 minutes behind in pace of play…. When the only reason you’re behind is because you stopped at the turn to use the bathroom and buy drinks, stopping at the turn isn’t calculated into their program. We were trying to try out new courses instead of same old same old, but if we ever go back will probably only do 9 and walk as it will be faster.
Jesse Lee Dill
Beautiful scenery
Riley Johnson
The staff, especially those 2 goofy clown brothers, have 0 customer service skills, not a customer friendly course. Better off going to Tilt.
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Course Details
Access & Location
725 Riverwood Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504, USA
Riverwood Golf Course Clubhouse - basic amenities including pro shop and snack bar
Walking is permitted and encouraged; course features mixed terrain, so sturdy golf shoes are advisable
Open to public, no reservation required but recommended during busy times
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