Golf in Wisconsin Dells: The Real Courses, Not Just Mini Golf
Most people hear "golf in the Dells" and picture mini golf. There's plenty of that, but there's also real golf here, including one of the highest-ranked public courses in Wisconsin. I haven't played these courses yet, so this is a planning guide, not a review: what each course is, how it's laid out and how to book.
Season dates and rates change every year, so check each course's site before you go.
The courses at a glance
| Course | Holes | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Rock | 18 | The bucket-list round |
| Trappers Turn | 27, plus the 12-hole 12North | Variety, close to downtown |
| Cold Water Canyon | 18 | History and river views |
| Christmas Mountain (The Oaks) | 18 | A classic resort course |
| The Woods Short Course | 9 | A quick, easy round |
Wild Rock Golf Club
The headliner. Wild Rock is at the Wilderness Resort, designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, and built around an old quarry with sandstone ridges, big elevation changes and rolling greens. It plays 18 holes, par 72, up to 7,414 yards from the back tees, and it shows up on lists of the best courses in the state.
The course closed early in 2025 to resod its greens, rebuild the 14th green and improve drainage, and it reopened for the 2026 season. Book tee times on the Wild Rock website.
Short on time? Wild Rock's sister course, The Woods Short Course, is a 9-hole, par-30 course that's a good fit for newer golfers or a quick evening round.
Trappers Turn
Trappers Turn is on the Wisconsin Dells Parkway, about a mile from downtown, so it's the easiest to fit around everything else. It has 27 holes, in three nines called Arbor, Canyon and Lake, designed by Wisconsin native and two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North with Roger Packard.
It also has 12North, a 12-hole par-3 course with holes of 65 to 120 yards. It's a great way to get kids or newer golfers out on a real course, and it books separately from the main course.
Cold Water Canyon at Chula Vista
The oldest golf in the area. Cold Water Canyon's front nine dates to 1923, and the back nine runs links-style through canyon terrain along the river. It's at Chula Vista Resort on the north side of town.
Christmas Mountain Village
Just west of town, The Oaks is an 18-hole, par-72 course from 1985 that plays about 6,800 yards. The resort also has a second course, The Pines. The season usually runs from April to the start of November.
Near Baraboo
If you're spending a day at Devil's Lake, two courses in Baraboo are worth a look:
- Baraboo Country Club: a public 18-hole course near Devil's Lake.
- Fairfield Hills: play 3, 9, 12 or 18 holes, with a big driving range and indoor simulators for rainy days.
Tips for a golf trip
- Book tee times early for summer weekends, especially at Wild Rock.
- Plan around the season. Most courses run from about April to late October or early November.
- Split the group. Golfers tee off in the morning while everyone else hits a waterpark, then meet up for dinner downtown.
- Stay close. Both of my homes are a short drive from every course on this list.
FAQ
What is the best golf course in Wisconsin Dells?
Wild Rock at the Wilderness is the most acclaimed. Trappers Turn is the easiest to get to from downtown and has the most variety.
Is there a par-3 course in Wisconsin Dells?
Yes. 12North at Trappers Turn is a 12-hole par-3 course, and The Woods Short Course near Wild Rock is a 9-hole par-30 course.
When is golf season in Wisconsin Dells?
Roughly April through October, with some courses open into early November, depending on the weather.
