The 1956 U.S. Women's Open was the eleventh U.S. Women's Open, held July 26–29 at Northland Country Club in Duluth, Minnesota. It was the fourth edition conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA). Kathy Cornelius won her only major championship in an 18-hole playoff over amateur Barbara McIntire by a score of 75 to 82. Northland was designed by noted course architect Donald Ross.