Door County draws visitors for a lot of reasons: the shoreline, the villages, the food, the fall color, the festivals. But for a significant portion of the people who make the drive up every year, the golf is the whole point. The peninsula has quietly built one of the strongest collections of public and semi-private courses in the Midwest, and the combination of world-class scenery, well-maintained fairways, and the unhurried pace of life up here makes a golf weekend in Door County feel unlike just about anywhere else.
Whether you’re a scratch golfer chasing a bucket-list round or a casual player who just wants a beautiful afternoon on the links, Door County has a course for you. With nearly a dozen options spread across the peninsula from Sturgeon Bay to Washington Island, there’s no shortage of places to tee it up. This guide covers every golf course in Door County in 2026, with everything you need to know to plan your round.
Why Door County Is a Great Golf Destination
Part of what makes Door County so appealing for golfers is the variety. The peninsula offers everything from championship 18-hole layouts to short executive courses, private clubs to fully public courses, lakeside resort experiences to woodland rounds tucked deep inside a state park. No matter what kind of round you’re after, something here fits the bill.
The scenery is a big part of the appeal. Many of the courses on the peninsula play along or near the water, with views of Green Bay or Lake Michigan framing fairways that most Midwestern courses simply can’t match. The fact that Door County itself is a slower, more deliberate place to be only adds to the experience. A round of golf up here becomes something more than just a round of golf. It becomes the kind of day you talk about long after you get home.
Golf also pairs naturally with everything else the peninsula has to offer. A morning tee time followed by lunch in Ephraim or Egg Harbor, an afternoon on the water, and dinner at one of the excellent restaurants scattered across the county makes for a genuinely great day. The courses are spread along both the Highway 42 corridor on the Green Bay side and the Highway 57 corridor on the Lake Michigan side, making it easy to build a multi-day itinerary that mixes golf with everything else the peninsula does well. For help planning the rest of your time, the Door County itinerary guide has suggestions for every travel style and schedule.
The golf season on the peninsula typically runs from early May through October, with peak conditions in summer and early fall. September and October are worth special consideration. The crowds thin out, the temperatures are comfortable, and the fall foliage turns the wooded stretches of courses like Peninsula State Park Golf Course into something truly spectacular. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, a fall golf trip to Door County is hard to beat.
Peninsula State Park Golf Course in Ephraim
Peninsula State Park Golf Course is the crown jewel of Door County golf, and it has been for a long time. Established in 1917 as a six-hole course, it grew to nine holes in 1923 and expanded to a full 18-hole layout in 1931. It has been one of the most beloved public courses in Wisconsin ever since, earning a four-star rating from Golf Digest and the loyalty of golfers who return year after year specifically to play it.
The course sits inside Peninsula State Park in Ephraim, winding through majestic forests of white cedar, oak, beech, and maple with regular glimpses of the Niagara Escarpment and sweeping views of Eagle Harbor and the village of Ephraim below. The back nine in particular delivers some of the finest scenery of any public course in the Midwest. The fairways are well-maintained and watered, the greens are consistently in excellent shape, and the whole operation is run by Peninsula Golf Associates, a non-profit that leases the course from the State of Wisconsin and reinvests proceeds directly back into the course.
Along the ninth fairway sits a 40-foot Memorial Pole dedicated to the Potawatomi Nation, whose members occupied this land in the 1800s. A large stone marker nearby honors Chief Kahquados, the last chief of the Potawatomi Nation. These landmarks add a layer of historical significance to a round that already has a great deal going for it.
In addition to the 18-hole championship layout, the course has an award-winning six-hole par-3 short course that is perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants a quick round without committing to a full 18. Holes range from 60 to 120 yards with natural grass tees and greens, and it is a genuinely enjoyable standalone experience. The clubhouse restaurant is open to the public, tee times can be booked online for future dates, cart and club rentals are available on site, and PGA and LPGA instructors offer lessons throughout the season. Same-day tee times require a phone call to the clubhouse at (920) 854-5791 rather than online booking.
Seasonal membership passes are available for anyone planning multiple rounds during the season and represent strong value for frequent visitors. If you only play one course on the peninsula, make it this one.
Address: 9890 Shore Road, Ephraim, WI 54211. Phone: (920) 854-5791.
Alpine Resort Golf Course in Egg Harbor
The Alpine Golf Course in Egg Harbor has been one of the most storied golf destinations on the peninsula since the resort opened in 1922, and the course itself overlooks Green Bay from the bluffs above Egg Harbor with some of the most dramatic scenery anywhere on the peninsula. The redesigned Alpine Legacy nine-hole course features revamped tee boxes, refined fairways, enhanced greens, and updated bunkers that blend modern maintenance with the natural beauty of the landscape.
Hole 9 is the course’s signature moment, with the fairway descending dramatically from the bluff with panoramic views of Egg Harbor and the Bay below. Hole 3 is a precision par-3 surrounded by sand that demands an accurate tee shot, and the dogleg par-5 fifth hole rewards smart course management over power. It is a genuinely memorable layout in a setting that few courses anywhere can match.
However, it is important that anyone planning a visit to Alpine in 2026 understands the current situation at the property. The golf course operation is separate from the waterfront resort and cottage operation, but the overall Alpine property has been the subject of an active and evolving landlord dispute in 2026. The resort operator has issued a letter to guests acknowledging that a landlord dispute has blocked access to the waterfront property, including cottages, offices, and the reservations system, and that cottage reservations may not be honored for the 2026 season. The golf course, which is on separately controlled land, may be operating independently of the waterfront resort situation, but anyone making plans around Alpine should check directly with the operation before booking.
Visit alpineresort.com for the most current information on operations. Phone: (920) 868-3000.
The Orchards at Egg Harbor
The Orchards at Egg Harbor is one of the more demanding courses on the peninsula, and for serious golfers that is a significant part of its appeal. The 18-hole championship course plays through woods, meadows, and orchards on a layout that feels as though it grew naturally from the landscape rather than being imposed on it. It is a par-72 course with a rating of 75.0 and a slope of 131, and the winds off the lake add another variable that makes club selection and shot-shaping genuinely important throughout the round.
The course is beautiful in the way that truly challenging courses tend to be. It demands full attention, rewards precision, and punishes mistakes in ways that make every well-struck shot feel earned. The way the layout settles through orchards and woodland gives it a distinctive character that is hard to find elsewhere in the Midwest. If you’re a serious golfer looking for the most rigorous test on the peninsula, The Orchards is the answer.
The course also has a reputation for playing harder than its rating might suggest on certain days, particularly when the lake breezes pick up. Going in with that expectation rather than being surprised by it makes for a more enjoyable round. Address: 8125 Heritage Lake Road, Egg Harbor, WI 54209. Phone: (920) 868-2483.
Cherry Hills Golf and Lodge in Sturgeon Bay
Cherry Hills Golf and Lodge in Sturgeon Bay is a friendly, accessible 18-hole par-72 course that has been steadily improving its conditions and player experience over the past decade. With gentle elevation changes and relatively few major hazards, it is a welcoming option for golfers of all skill levels who want a pleasant round in a beautiful setting without the pressure of a particularly demanding layout.
What makes Cherry Hills especially practical as a golf destination is the on-site lodge, which makes it a solid choice for anyone looking to stay close to their golf rather than commuting from elsewhere on the peninsula. The combination of accessible play, reliable course conditions, and on-site lodging makes Cherry Hills a dependable choice for a golf getaway, particularly for groups or families with a range of ability levels. It is also one of the more affordable options on the peninsula, which matters when you’re planning a multi-round trip. Address: 5905 Dunn Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Phone: (920) 743-3240.
Idlewild Golf Club in Sturgeon Bay
Idlewild Golf Club in Sturgeon Bay sits just steps from Potawatomi State Park and offers one of the most interesting and varied layouts on the peninsula. The 18-hole course winds through trees, water, and bunkers on terrain that keeps you thinking from the first tee to the last green, with no two holes feeling quite alike.
The finishing island green is one of the most memorable closing holes in Door County golf, requiring a well-struck shot to carry the water and hold the putting surface under pressure. It is the kind of finishing hole that stays with you. Five sets of tees accommodate golfers of every ability level, which makes Idlewild genuinely versatile regardless of where you fall on the handicap spectrum. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a manageable introduction to a full-length course or a skilled player who wants something with character and challenge, Idlewild delivers on both counts. Address: 4146 Golf Valley Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Phone: (920) 743-3334.
Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Egg Harbor
Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Egg Harbor is the peninsula’s private club option, and for golfers who prioritize exclusive access, premium conditioning, and a quieter, more focused experience, it is worth exploring. Membership levels vary to suit different playing patterns and commitments, and the club is known for maintaining some of the best course conditions in Door County.
The club is not open to public walk-in play, but it is worth noting for visitors who have a connection to a member or are considering the peninsula as a longer-term destination. For the right golfer, Horseshoe Bay represents the top end of what Door County golf has to offer in terms of a curated, exclusive experience. Address: 5335 Horseshoe Bay Road, Egg Harbor, WI 54209. Phone: (920) 868-9141.
Maxwelton Braes Golf Course in Baileys Harbor
Maxwelton Braes Golf Course sits on the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula in Baileys Harbor and is one of the more underrated rounds available to visitors. The 18-hole par-70 course spans Highway 57, creating an interesting split-course experience as you cross from one side of the road to the other. It is a relaxed, scenic round that rewards those who discover it and tend to come back.
The lodge at Maxwelton Braes is genuinely worth knowing about for anyone interested in a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stay on the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula. The rooms are spacious, the setting is peaceful, and staying on site puts you right where you need to be for an early morning tee time. Season passes are available for regulars who want to make Maxwelton Braes their home course during a Door County summer. Address: 7670 State Highway 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202. Phone: (920) 421-4653.
Deer Run Golf Course on Washington Island
Deer Run Golf Course on Washington Island is the most adventurous round on this list, and that is a meaningful part of its appeal. Getting there requires taking the ferry from the Northport Pier at the northern tip of the peninsula, but that journey becomes part of the experience rather than an obstacle. The Washington Island ferries run regularly in season, and the crossing takes about thirty minutes.
The nine-hole course itself is genuinely challenging, with water and sand throughout a compact layout that packs more character into nine holes than many 18-hole tracks manage. Despite being just nine holes, it earns the attention of golfers who seek it out specifically for the experience of playing a course on an island that few visitors ever discover. If you’re making the trip to Washington Island anyway, which is worth doing entirely on its own merits, adding a round at Deer Run turns a ferry ride into a full golf day. Spend time exploring the island before or after your round, and you’ll have one of the more memorable afternoons of any Door County trip. Address: 1885 Michigan Road, Washington Island, WI 54246. Phone: (920) 847-2017.
Stonehedge Golf Course in Egg Harbor
Stonehedge Golf Course in Egg Harbor is a nine-hole course that offers something genuinely different from the rest of the peninsula’s options. In addition to traditional golf, Stonehedge is one of the only courses in the area to offer footgolf, where players kick a soccer ball around the course instead of hitting a ball with a club. The format follows standard golf rules and etiquette but with a very different skill set, and it tends to be a hit with groups, families, and anyone looking for an active outdoor activity that doesn’t require a golf background.
Footgolf is available after 3pm to keep things organized alongside regular play, which means the course accommodates both formats without significant disruption to either. For a quick nine holes of traditional golf or an afternoon of footgolf, Stonehedge is an easy, accessible stop that works well for a wide range of ages and ability levels. It is particularly good for families with kids who might not be ready for a full round on a traditional course. Address: 4320 County Road E, Egg Harbor, WI 54209. Phone: (920) 868-1861.
27 Pines Golf Course in Sturgeon Bay
27 Pines Golf Course in Sturgeon Bay is a nine-hole par-27 course designed for beginners, younger golfers, and anyone who wants a low-pressure round without the time or physical commitment of a longer course. The shorter holes make it approachable for newer players while still providing a genuine golf experience in a pleasant outdoor setting. It is a solid starting point for visitors who are curious about golf but not yet ready to tackle a full championship layout, and it works well as a warm-up round before stepping up to one of the longer courses on the peninsula. Address: 5611 Silverdale Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Phone: (920) 746-8762.
Little Sweden Golf Course in Fish Creek
For guests staying at Little Sweden Resort in Fish Creek, there is a PGA-recognized nine-hole golf course right on the property. No tee time is required, free club rental is available for guests who did not bring their own, and the convenience of stepping out of your accommodation directly onto the first tee is a genuine perk that is hard to replicate at a standard golf course. It is not the most challenging course on the peninsula, but for an easy, pressure-free golf experience as part of a resort stay, it is an excellent option. Address: 8984 State Highway 42, Fish Creek, WI 54211. Phone: (920) 868-9950.
How to Plan the Best Golf Trip to Door County
Book tee times in advance. This is particularly important for Peninsula State Park Golf Course and The Orchards at Egg Harbor, which fill up quickly on summer weekends. Peninsula State Park allows online booking for future reservations, though same-day tee times require a call to the clubhouse. Most other courses on the peninsula also accept advance bookings and it is well worth making them rather than arriving and hoping for availability on a busy Saturday morning in July.
Consider staying close to your golf. Several courses on the peninsula offer on-site or nearby lodging specifically for golfers, and the combination of accommodation and access in one location makes for a more relaxed trip. Cherry Hills, Maxwelton Braes, and Little Sweden Resort all offer this kind of stay-and-play experience. For a broader look at lodging across the peninsula, the guide to where to stay in Door County covers options at every price point and location.
Build a two or three-course itinerary rather than trying to cram in every option. The courses are spread across a 70-mile peninsula and while it is theoretically possible to play multiple rounds in a single day, the better approach is to pair each round with the other things that make Door County worth visiting. Play Peninsula State Park in the morning, have lunch in Ephraim, explore the shoreline in the afternoon, and finish with dinner at one of the great restaurants in the area. That combination is what makes a Door County golf trip memorable rather than just a series of rounds.
Think about the time of year carefully. Summer weekends in July and August are the busiest periods on the peninsula, both on and off the course. If you have any flexibility, a mid-week trip or a visit in September or October gives you better tee time availability, cooler and often more comfortable playing conditions, and some of the most beautiful scenery of the year as the fall color builds across the wooded stretches of courses like Peninsula State Park and Idlewild.
Don’t overlook the nine-hole options. The peninsula has several excellent shorter courses that deliver a complete and enjoyable round in less time, which matters when you’re trying to balance golf with everything else Door County has to offer. Deer Run on Washington Island, Stonehedge’s footgolf option, and the Peninsula State Park short course are all worth considering as part of a broader golf itinerary rather than as lesser alternatives to the full 18-hole layouts.
Door County’s golf scene is a genuine asset that doesn’t get the national attention it deserves, and that relative obscurity is part of what makes it special. The courses are well-maintained, the settings are extraordinary, and the experience of playing golf here, surrounded by the bluffs and bays and forests of the peninsula, is something that stays with you. Whether you build your whole trip around the links or work a round into a broader Door County itinerary, the golf up here is well worth making time for.
For more on what else the peninsula has to offer while you’re up here, explore the complete Door County travel guide and the picks for the best restaurants in Door County for ideas on how to round out your days between rounds.
Related Guides
- Peninsula State Park: Everything You Need to Know
- Biking in Door County
- Kayaking in Door County
- Things to Do in Door County with Kids
- Best Places to Stay in Door County
- Best Restaurants in Door County
- Door County Itinerary Guide
