April 11, 2025
Find Your Favorite Course in Wisconsin Dells
Though it’s famous as a vacation destination, “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” may not be the first place that comes to mind for golf in Wisconsin. That perception is changing quickly, as Wisconsin Dells golf courses continue to expand their offerings for beginners and advanced players alike – including several facilities that are widely recognized among the state’s best.
Cold Water Canyon Golf Course is an 18-hole course at Chula Vista Resort. Opened as a 9-hole layout in 1923, Cold Water Canyon was the first golf course in the Wisconsin Dells area and one of the first in the state. The historic front nine is known for tight, wooded fairways that run alongside a winding river canyon. A links-style back nine and new clubhouse were added in 1999. The course has recently added a high-tech golf simulator, which allows you to virtually golf some of the most coveted courses across the United States.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 18 holes
- DIFFICULTY: Good for all skill levels
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, GPS golf carts, simulator, driving range, beverage/snack cart service, clubhouse restaurant, lodging packages, lessons, memberships
- FUN FACT: With a classic parkland-style front nine and a Scottish links-style back nine, golfers at Cold Water Canyon get to experience two different types of course layouts in the same round.
The region’s beautiful landscape is front and center at Christmas Mountain Village Golf Course. It has a 9-hole course (The Pines) and an 18-hole course (The Oaks), with several holes traversing the picturesque Wisconsin River Valley’s bluffs, including Christmas Mountain. The tree-lined layouts, stunning vistas, and on-going landscape enrichments keep the golfers coming back from near and far.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 18-hole championship course (The Oaks), 9-hole course (The Pines)
- DIFFICULTY: Beginner to expert
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, practice putting green, driving range, GPS golf carts, café, restaurant, lodging, season passes
- FUN FACT: Christmas Mountain features two unique greens – one shaped like the state of Wisconsin, the other in the shape of Illinois.
Originally a 9-hole course, Fairfield Hills Golf Course & Driving Range has recently added three holes. In addition to the standard 9- or 18-hole options, it now offers golfers the unique choice of playing 3 or 12 holes – making it ideal for time-pressed players or beginners. Fairfield Hills also has the area’s largest driving range and two state-of-the-art golf simulators.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 12 holes
- DIFFICULTY: Great for new golfers, as well as more experienced players looking for a quick round
- AMENITIES: Area’s largest driving range, practice putting green and bunker, clubs and pull-cart rentals, golf carts, snack bar, golf shop, lessons, HD golf simulators, season passes/punch cards
- FUN FACT: Fairfield Hills was named 9-Hole Course of the Year by the Wisconsin Golf Course Owners Association in 2018 & 2023.
Spring Brook Golf Course is another great option for players who are short on time or just learning the game. This meticulously groomed 9-hole gem features a stunning layout amidst a classic Northwoods pine forest. Spring Brook’s rolling terrain and pristine conditions are framed by a picturesque backdrop of woods.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 9 holes
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging play for all ages and skill levels
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, clubs and pull-cart rentals, golf carts, vacation home rentals, Spring Brook Sports Bar & Grill, golf package specials, memberships
- FUN FACT: Players get a complimentary beverage if they make birdie on the signature hole (#6). The dogleg par-4 has an undulating green and natural area hazard running the length of the hole.
Trappers Turn Golf Club was the first “destination” course in Wisconsin Dells. Designed by former U.S. Open Champion Andy North and Roger Packard, its panoramic, tree-lined fairways, Scottish flair, and challenging elevation changes generated an immediate buzz when it opened. Trappers Turn Golf Club is now part of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, which has continued to keep it among the state’s elite. It recently added a 12-hole, par-3 short course and a one-acre lighted putting green with a 12-hole putting course – the only one of its kind in the state.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 27 championship holes can be played as three different 18-hole combinations, plus 12-hole short course
- DIFFICULTY: Although the range of tees makes it playable for all levels, it is as difficult as any course in the Midwest, measuring just under 7,000 yards for tournament play.
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, large practice facility, 12-hole putting course, GPS golf carts, club rentals, full-service restaurant, lodging packages, lessons, memberships
- FUN FACT: PGA Hall of Famer (and Wisconsin native) Steve Stricker won the Wisconsin State Open here in 1998.
Wild Rock Golf Club has it all. It features dense woods, beautiful views, water hazards, and dramatic elevation changes, not to mention several intimidating forced carries. This stunning course was designed by rockstar architects Michael Hurdzen and Dana Fry, creators of U.S. Open site Erin Hills. Like Trappers Turn, Wild Rock is widely recognized as one of Wisconsin’s top courses. It was named one of the “Best Resort Courses in America” by Golf Digest in 2015 and has twice served as a U.S. Open regional qualifying site. Wild Rock will be even better in 2025, as it is undergoing a major bunker refurbishment and has added a new fleet of carts with 10-inch screens and enhanced GPS. Wild Rock also offers a 9-hole executive course, The Woods Short Course.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 18-hole championship; 9-hole executive course
- DIFFICULTY: Like Trappers Turn, Wild Rock can be one of the state’s toughest courses, playing at over 7,400 yards. However, with six sets of tees, it is accessible for beginners and intermediates as well.
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, practice putting green, driving range, GPS golf carts, café, restaurant, lodging, season passes
- FUN FACT: Wild Rock’s signature hole, the par-3 #15, forces players to carry their ball over a former quarry.
Wisconsin Dells at the Forefront of Short Course Trend
In recent years, golf facilities nationwide have added shorter, less time-consuming, less expensive courses designed to attract more beginner players. Wisconsin Dells golf courses are squarely at the forefront of this trend, with the new 12North par-3 course at Trappers Turn Golf Club joining existing beginner-friendly courses like The Woods Short Course at Wild Rock, Fairfield Hills Golf Course & Driving Range, Spring Brook Golf Course, and Christmas Mountain Village Golf Course’s 9-hole course, The Pines.
Designed by Andy North, 12North offers 12 holes ranging from 50 to 120 yards, with tee boxes that can be stretched for more accomplished players. Even though it’s barely over 1,000 yards, it’s no pushover; most players will use almost every club except their driver. Like the full-length courses at Trappers Turn Golf Club, 12North has sophisticated bunker complexes, elevation changes, and exposed sandstone – not to mention panoramic views.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 12 holes (par-3)
- DIFFICULTY: With its multiple tee options and undulating greens, 12North is challenging for everyone from beginners to scratch players.
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, large practice facility, 12-hole putting course, GPS golf carts, club rentals, full-service restaurant, lodging packages, lessons, memberships
Featuring beautiful, wooded scenery and an island green, The Woods Short Course is ideal for experienced players to squeeze in a quick nine holes or for beginners to work on their game.
- NUMBER OF HOLES: 9 holes
- DIFFICULTY: Great for beginner golfers and players of all abilities
- AMENITIES: Pro shop, GPS carts, mobile app, club rentals, practice area, clubhouse restaurant, additional dining options, lodging packages, memberships
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