If you drive down County Road 8 in Prior Lake, past the rolling hills and the suburban sprawl that keeps creeping further south, you'll find a massive wooden gate. Most people see the sign for the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club and assume it’s a private fortress for guys in orange vests and double-barrel shotguns. They aren't entirely wrong, but they're missing about 80% of the story.
It’s big. Really big.
We are talking about 600 acres of prime Minnesota real estate that has managed to survive the "development" itch of the Twin Cities for decades. Honestly, it’s a miracle the whole place hasn't been turned into a subdivision of five-bedroom craftsmans yet. But the Horse and Hunt Club holds its ground because it fills a specific niche that almost doesn't exist anymore in the Midwest. It’s a mix of a high-end country club, a rugged outdoor range, and a legitimate culinary destination.
The Sporting Clay Obsession in Prior Lake
Most people show up here for the lead. The sporting clay courses are, by most accounts, some of the best in the country. If you've never done it, think of it like golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you're trying to vaporize a flying orange disc with a shotgun.
The courses are designed to mimic real-life hunting scenarios. One station might have a "rabbit" clay bouncing across the dirt, while the next has a "teal" soaring straight up into the canopy. It’s challenging. You will miss. Probably a lot. But that’s sort of the point. The club hosts major tournaments, including the likes of the North American Fitasc Championship, which draws shooters from across the globe to this specific patch of dirt in Prior Lake.
What makes it work is the layout. You aren't just standing on a flat line. You’re walking through the woods. The stations are tucked into the timber, making it feel way more like a hike with a purpose than a shooting range. It’s social, too. You’ll see corporate groups in brand-new gear standing next to guys who have been shooting the same weathered over-under for forty years.
The Hunter’s Reality
Let’s talk about the hunting. This is a controlled hunting preserve.
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For some purists, "released" birds are a point of contention. However, in a state where wild pheasant populations can be wildly unpredictable due to harsh winters or habitat loss, the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club provides a guaranteed experience. They have fields designated for pheasant, chukar, and quail.
It is a massive resource for dog training. If you have a young Pointer or a Lab that needs to understand the "find it, flush it, hold it" rhythm, you can’t exactly wait for a lucky weekend in South Dakota. You bring them here. The club has professional trainers on-site, and watching a well-trained dog work these fields is honestly more interesting than the shooting itself.
Beyond the Gun: The Equestrian Side
The name isn’t just branding. The "Horse" part of the Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club is a massive operation that often gets overshadowed by the shooting sports.
They have miles of groomed trails. While most public trails in the metro area are paved or shared with aggressive mountain bikers, these are private. It’s quiet. You can actually hear the wind in the trees instead of traffic on Highway 13. They offer boarding, which is a lifesaver for horse owners living in the southern suburbs who don't have ten acres of their own.
The indoor arena is a beast. It allows for year-round riding, which, given Minnesota's penchant for six-month winters, is the only way to keep a horse in shape. They do lessons, too. It’s not just for the elite; they’re pretty welcoming to beginners who just want to learn how to not fall off.
The Secret of the Trigger Grill
Here is the thing that people from Savage or Lakeville usually discover last: the food is actually good.
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It’s called the Trigger Grill.
You’d expect burgers and fried baskets—and they have those—but the menu leans heavily into wild game and upscale lodge fare. We are talking elk burgers, walleye, and legitimate steaks. The vibe is very "Northwoods Lodge." Heavy wood beams, taxidermy on the walls, and a massive fireplace. It’s the kind of place where you can sit in muddy boots and no one gives you a second glance, yet the person at the next table might be closing a million-dollar business deal.
People host weddings here. A lot of them. It sounds weird to get married at a "Hunt Club," but once you see the pavilion and the way the sun sets over the tall grass in the fall, it makes total sense. It’s rustic without being "cheap."
The Membership Question
Do you have to be a member? Basically, no, but it helps.
The club operates on a "public welcome" basis for many things, but members get the perks—cheaper rounds of clays, preferred hunting rates, and access to certain events. It’s not like the stuffy golf clubs where you need three references and a blood sample. It’s more of a "pay for what you use" model with a community feel.
Why Prior Lake Matters
Location is everything. Prior Lake used to be "out there." Now, it’s a core part of the Twin Cities commute. The Horse and Hunt Club acts as a buffer. As the surrounding area gets filled with strip malls and grocery stores, this acreage stays wild.
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It’s a massive contributor to local conservation. By maintaining these 600 acres as huntable land and prairie, they are preserving a drainage and ecosystem that would otherwise be pavement. They work closely with organizations like Pheasants Forever. It’s an interesting paradox: a place dedicated to hunting birds is one of the primary reasons those birds have a place to exist in Scott County at all.
Common Misconceptions
People think it’s intimidating. It isn't.
I’ve seen people show up who have never held a firearm in their lives. The instructors there are surprisingly patient. They have a "First Steps" program specifically for people who are nervous. They walk you through the safety—which is intense and non-negotiable—and get you hitting targets within an hour.
Another myth: It's only for men.
Wrong. The "Women on Target" events and the general rise in female shooters have changed the locker-room atmosphere. It’s very much a family environment now. You’ll see kids as young as 12 learning gun safety alongside their parents.
Practical Steps for Visiting
If you're thinking about checking it out, don't just wing it.
- Check the Calendar. They host massive events like the Game Fair or regional shooting tournaments. On those days, the place is packed. If you want a quiet lunch or a quick round of clays, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Book a Guide. If you’re hunting, especially if you don't have your own dog, pay for the guide. The experience goes from "walking in a field" to "educational masterclass" the second a pro handler joins you.
- Dress for the Dirt. This is a working club. Even if you're just going for dinner, leave the fancy heels at home. The parking lots are gravel, and the wind off the fields can be brutal.
- Try the Sporting Clays first. It’s the lowest barrier to entry. Rent a gun, buy a box of shells, and see if you actually enjoy the mechanics of it.
- Look into the Winter Leagues. Minnesota winters suck. The club runs leagues through the snow. They keep the paths clear, and shooting clays in a light snowfall is actually pretty surreal.
The Minnesota Horse and Hunt Club isn't trying to be a modern, sleek sports complex. It’s old-school. It smells like woodsmoke and gun oil. In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital and sanitized, having a place in Prior Lake where you can still get some dirt under your fingernails is probably why it's more popular now than it was thirty years ago.
Whether you're there to train a pointer, ride a horse, or just eat a really good steak near a fireplace, it’s a slice of Minnesota culture that hasn't been diluted by the suburbs yet. Take advantage of it while the gates are still open.
Actionable Insights:
- For Beginners: Call ahead and book an introductory sporting clays lesson. They provide the ear protection, eye protection, and the firearm.
- For Diners: The Trigger Grill is open to the public; try the walleye or the seasonal wild game specials for the most authentic experience.
- For Local Residents: Monitor the "Game Fair" dates in August. It is one of the largest outdoor festivals in the country and happens right on these grounds, but traffic in Prior Lake becomes a different beast during those weekends.