Door County isn’t just Wisconsin’s premier summer escape—it’s one of the Midwest’s most scenic and underrated golf destinations. Surrounded by water on three sides with 300 miles of shoreline, cherry orchards, coastal bluffs, lighthouses, and charming harbor towns, the peninsula offers a blend of resort-quality experiences and relaxed, small-town character.
From Egg Harbor to Sister Bay, the golf courses throughout Door County deliver dramatic lake views, rolling terrain, tight tree-lined corridors, and a surprising amount of variety. Whether you’re planning a golf weekend with friends, a family trip, or a romantic getaway with a few rounds built in, Door County has a course—and a vibe—for every golfer.
How Far Is Door County from Chicago?
Door County sits far enough from Chicago to feel like a true escape, yet close enough to reach comfortably in a single drive. From downtown Chicago to Sturgeon Bay—the southern gateway to the peninsula—it’s roughly 245 miles, or about 4 to 4.5 hours by car depending on traffic. Reaching the northern tip in Sister Bay adds another 45 minutes, bringing the total travel time to about five to five and a half hours.
The route is straightforward, following I-94 north past Milwaukee before cutting through scenic small towns and farmland as you approach the peninsula. For many Chicago golfers, that easy, predictable drive is part of the appeal: Door County feels worlds away without requiring a flight or a full day of travel.
Here is the complete guide to playing golf in Door County, including every top course, what makes each one unique, and insider tips to maximize your trip.
The Best Golf Courses in Door County
1. Horseshoe Bay Golf Club — Egg Harbor
Horseshoe Bay Golf Club
Style: Private (limited public access via special packages)
What Makes It Unique: Championship pedigree, elevated Lake Michigan views, immaculate conditions
Horseshoe Bay is widely regarded as the best golf course in Door County, and one of the top private layouts in Wisconsin. Sitting high above the lake and framed by rolling hills, the course offers a combination of classic Midwestern parkland holes and dramatic views of Green Bay.
Architect Rick Robbins crafted a layout that is challenging but fair, with wide fairways, well-placed bunkering, and greens that reward precise approach shots. The back nine, with its sweeping panoramas and risk-reward scoring opportunities, is especially memorable.
Signature Features
Beautifully conditioned bentgrass from tee to green
A finishing stretch (16–18) with sweeping water views
Private-club service and practice facilities
Occasional guest play through partner resorts or package offerings
If you can secure access, it’s worth the effort—Horseshoe Bay delivers a private-club experience with the charm and scenery only Door County can provide.
2. Peninsula State Park Golf Course — Ephraim
Peninsula State Park Golf Course
Style: Public
What Makes It Unique: Historic, classic design inside a state park; one of Wisconsin’s most scenic public courses
Located entirely within Peninsula State Park, this course has been a Door County favorite since 1917. It blends vintage golden-age architecture with peaceful wooded corridors and some of the region’s most photogenic lake views.
The front nine plays through tall pines with subtle elevation changes and tight fairways. The back nine opens to more expansive views, including the famous par-3 8th hole, which overlooks the water and Eagle Harbor.
Signature Features
Historic 18-hole layout with classic shot values
Incredible overlooks—including the iconic 8th
A relaxing, state-park atmosphere with wildlife sightings
Playable for all skill levels
This is a must-play for any Door County golf trip—affordable, scenic, and quintessentially Wisconsin.
3. The Orchards at Egg Harbor — Egg Harbor
The Orchards
Style: Public
What Makes It Unique: Resort-friendly routing, generous fairways, and standout par 3s
Built on former apple orchards, The Orchards blends open meadowland holes, hardwood forests, and large, modern greens that invite aggressive play. It’s one of the most enjoyable public courses on the peninsula—challenging enough for better players but friendly and forgiving for casual golfers.
The layout features a balanced mix of par 4s and several picturesque par 3s over wetlands and ponds. Conditions are typically excellent, and the course is known for being one of Door County’s most consistent and reliable public golf experiences.
Signature Features
Wide fairways and large, receptive greens
Many risk-reward options off the tee
A fun and memorable set of par 3s
Ideal for groups with mixed skill levels
Modern clubhouse with great patio dining
If you’re staying near Egg Harbor—or even if you’re not—this course should be on your list.
4. Alpine Golf Course — Egg Harbor
Alpine Golf Course
Style: Public (rebuilt and renovated)
What Makes It Unique: Iconic views of Egg Harbor; newly redone holes with classic resort feel
For decades, Alpine was known more for its breathtaking views than the golf itself. But after a multi-year renovation and redesign completed in 2022–2023, Alpine has become a true highlight of Door County golf.
The resort rebuilt greens, improved conditioning, updated bunkering, and rerouted the course to maximize its coastal character. The revamped 9-hole “Bluff Course” is the star, featuring one of the most scenic shots in Wisconsin—the downhill par-3 overlooking Egg Harbor and the sunset over Green Bay.
Signature Features
Dramatic elevation changes
Lakeside holes with picture-perfect views
New greens and modernized architecture
Great option for casual or vacation golfers
This course has new energy, new design elements, and new relevance—and it’s better than ever.
5. Maxwelton Braes Golf Course — Baileys Harbor
Maxwelton Braes
Style: Public
What Makes It Unique: Classic 1920s architecture; quiet, laid-back experience
Maxwelton Braes is one of the peninsula’s oldest courses, designed in 1929 and still holding true to its vintage charm. Wide fairways, squared-off greens, and traditional shapes—this is old-school Midwest golf at its most authentic.
Located minutes from Baileys Harbor, the course plays firm and relatively fast, with subtle elevation shifts and gentle doglegs. It’s less about challenge and more about rhythm, relaxation, and stepping back in time.
Signature Features
1920s-era shotmaking and strategy
Walkable, enjoyable routing
Hard-to-beat peacefulness; no crowds
Ideal for a casual 18 o a laid-back morning round
If you appreciate classic design, Maxwelton Braes is a low-key gem.
6. Cherry Hills Golf & Lodge — Sturgeon Bay
Cherry Hills
Style: Public
What Makes It Unique: Traditional layout, friendly atmosphere, great for groups
Located just north of Sturgeon Bay, Cherry Hills offers value, charm, and accessibility. The layout is classic parkland style—tree-lined fairways, small greens, and midwestern simplicity.
It won’t overwhelm you with length or trickery, but it’s a comfortable, enjoyable round with some fun holes, especially on the back nine.
The lodge onsite also makes it a great base for a golf group looking for simple, clean accommodations close to the course.
Signature Features
Affordable rates
Cozy, quiet golf lodge on property
Relaxed, friendly staff
Great for beginners or high-handicap golfers
Cherry Hills makes the game approachable and unpretentious—something Door County still needs.
7. Idlewild Golf Club — Sturgeon Bay
Idlewild
Style: Public
What Makes It Unique: One of Door County’s toughest tests; dramatic water hazards
Idlewild is a favorite among more competitive golfers thanks to a layout that blends tight driving corridors, forced carries, and heavily protected greens. It’s wooded, secluded, and full of character.
This course has arguably the best shot variety in southern Door County, with several par 4s that require precise tee shots and a collection of par 3s that demand both distance control and accuracy.
Signature Features
Woods, wetlands, marsh carries
Strategic layout—must think your way around
One of the peninsula’s more challenging courses
Ideal for mid- and low-handicap players
If you want a test—but still want the peace and beauty of Door County—Idlewild is the pick.
Door County Golf by Region
Southern Door County (Sturgeon Bay)
Best for: Budget-friendly rounds, group lodging, beginner-friendly courses
Includes: Idlewild, Cherry Hills,
Central Door County (Egg Harbor, Fish Creek, Ephraim)
Best for: Iconic views, historic layouts, top-tier public golf
Includes: Horseshoe Bay (private), Peninsula State Park, The Orchards, Alpine
Northern Door County (Sister Bay, Baileys Harbor)
Best for: Quiet, scenic rounds in nature
Includes: Maxwelton Braes, smaller 9-hole options
Top 10 Signature Holes in Door County
Peninsula State Park – Hole 8: The most photographed hole in Door County.
Alpine – Bluff Course #9: Drastic downhill shot into Egg Harbor.
Horseshoe Bay – Hole 17: Panoramic water backdrop.
The Orchards – Par-3 6th: Wetland carry and dramatic green.
Idlewild – Hole 14: Water-protected green; tough par 4.
Maxwelton Braes – Hole 7: A classic dogleg framed by old trees.
Cherry Hills – Hole 12: Scenic and surprisingly challenging.
Peninsula State Park – Hole 10: Elevated tee and sweeping views.
Alpine – Course reopenings: Newly designed par 5s with modern shaping.
Horseshoe Bay – Finish: 16–18 offer a private-club level crescendo.
Planning Your Door County Golf Trip
Door County is built for long weekends, and golf pairs naturally with its restaurants, wineries, beaches, and hiking.
Best Time to Visit
May–June: Perfect temperatures, fewer crowds, great rates
July–August: Peak season; book well in advance
September–October: Arguably the BEST—fall colors + empty weekday tee sheets
Where to Stay
Egg Harbor is centrally located for the most golf options
Fish Creek & Ephraim are ideal for families or couples
Sturgeon Bay offers affordability and easy access to Idlewild and Cherry Hills
Tee Time Strategy
Door County courses are popular, especially in summer. Book:
Peninsula State Park: 2–3 weeks ahead
The Orchards: 1 week ahead
Alpine: Several days ahead
Horseshoe Bay: Only through access programs
Maxwelton Braes, Idlewild, Cherry Hills: Often available same week
Why Door County Is a Hidden Midwest Golf Haven
Door County doesn’t have a Whistling Straits or an Erin Hills—but that’s the point. This is Wisconsin golf without the crowds, the pressure, or the premium price tag.
You get:
Authentic Midwest layouts
Dramatic scenery
Friendly small-town service
Affordable greens fees
Courses with personality and history
And you get it all within a compact peninsula where no golf course is more than 40 minutes from another.
Door County feels like a golf destination that’s been hiding in plain sight, evolving and improving each year—with Alpine’s renovation proving the region’s commitment to great golf.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Golf Getaway
Whether you’re teeing off above the waters of Green Bay, walking historic fairways inside a state park, or playing a quiet sunset round surrounded by cherry orchards, Door County offers an unforgettable golf experience.
This is a place where golf feels like vacation—laid-back, scenic, and deeply satisfying.
For Chicago golfers, it’s one of the great weekend escapes in the Midwest.
