Best Public Golf Courses in Menominee County, Wisconsin: Top Picks for Golfers

Golf’s a big deal in Menominee County, Wisconsin. Folks love hitting the green when the weather’s nice.

Trying out new courses can help you find a favorite spot—or just add some variety to your weekends.

You can discover some of the best public golf courses in the area that offer great challenges and beautiful scenery for every skill level. Maybe you’re planning your next round, or maybe you’re just looking for something new to do—either way, these are worth a look.

1) Shawano Lake Golf Course

Shawano Lake Golf Course is open to the public. You’ll get a classic layout that works for both beginners and seasoned golfers.

The greens and fairways are in good shape. The location near Shawano Lake means you’ll catch some nice water views as you play.

Tree-lined fairways keep things quiet. Different tee options make it friendly for all skill levels.

There’s a pro shop and golf carts if you need them. Staff are usually around to help with questions or tee times.

If you want to hang out after your round, there’s a bar and grill on site.

Rating: 4.1 (163 reviews)
Location: W5714 Lake Dr, Shawano, WI 54166
Contact: (715) 524-4890
Website: Visit Website

2) Pine Hills Golf Course

Pine Hills Golf Course features an 18-hole, par 72 championship layout. The course winds through tall pines and sits on natural glacial terrain.

You’ll find tree-lined fairways and rolling hills that keep things interesting. It’s a good test for any golfer, no matter your skill.

The grounds look sharp and the course picked up a 2024 Reader’s Choice Award. It’s just northwest of Shawano, so it’s easy to get to but still feels tucked away in the Northwoods.

Inside the log clubhouse, you can unwind with a meal, Sunday brunch, or a drink. They also host private events—meetings, weddings, you name it—with staff who know what they’re doing.

If you want to make a weekend out of it, Pine Hills teams up with North Star Mohican Casino Resort for Stay and Play deals.

Rating: 4.5 (134 reviews)
Location: N9499 Pine Hills Dr, Gresham, WI 54128
Contact: (715) 787-3778
Website: Visit Website

3) Butternut Hills

Butternut Hills is a public course near Long Lake in northwestern Wisconsin. The fairways roll and the greens have some bite, so it’s fun whether you’re new or have played for years.

Every hole has its own vibe and scenery. Tee times start at 8:00 a.m. during the season.

It’s got that quiet, outdoorsy feel—perfect if you want to escape for a few hours. The bar and restaurant on site mean you can grab a bite or a drink before or after your round.

You can join their E-Club for updates and deals.

Rating: 4.6 (179 reviews)
Location: N2981 Golf Rd, Sarona, WI 54870
Contact: (715) 635-8563
Website: Visit Website

4) Maxwelton Braes Golf Course

Maxwelton Braes Golf Course is an 18-hole public course designed by Joseph R. Roseman. Since 1929, golfers have been coming here for its classic look and natural setting.

You’ll play on greens and fairways that are well taken care of, surrounded by trees and open land. There are bunkers in just the right spots to keep you on your toes.

Golfers of all levels can have a good time here. The peaceful setting makes it easy to focus on your game.

It’s close to main roads, so getting there isn’t a hassle. Staff know the place’s history and treat you right.

Rating: 4.3 (95 reviews)
Location: 7670 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Contact: (920) 421-4653
Website: Visit Website

5) Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course

Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course sits in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. It’s a public course with a solid, well-groomed layout.

Tall trees, wide fairways, and water hazards keep things interesting. Each hole feels a little different, which is nice.

You’ll get scenic views with a mix of woods and open spaces. The peaceful vibe is great if you want to play somewhere quiet.

You can book tee times by phone. There’s a pro shop, and the staff are usually pretty helpful.

A lot of golfers come back for the variety and steady greens.

Rating: 4.5 (257 reviews)
Location: W307N1897 Maple Ave, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Contact: (262) 367-2153

6) The Orchards at Egg Harbor

The Orchards at Egg Harbor is a public course in Door County, near Egg Harbor. You’ll play an 18-hole championship layout surrounded by countryside.

They built it so anyone can have a good time, no matter your skill. Fairways are generous, greens are big, and you’ll run into some water and sand.

The course is kept in good shape during the season. There’s a pro shop for gear and a driving range if you want to warm up.

After your round, the clubhouse grill is there for food and drinks.

Rating: 4.6 (115 reviews)
Location: 8125 Heritage Lake Rd, Egg Harbor, WI 54209
Contact: (888) 463-4653
Website: Visit Website

7) Fairways of Woodside Golf Course

Fairways of Woodside Golf Course brings you an 18-hole championship layout out in the countryside of southeastern Wisconsin. It’s designed for everyone, so you don’t need to be a scratch golfer to have fun.

They’ve got modern golf simulators—great for practice, rain or shine. The place hosts a lot of outings and events, including business groups.

Annual passes are available if you want perks and savings. The vibe is all about enjoying yourself, especially if you’re coming out with a group.

Rating: 4 (183 reviews)
Location: W235 N8518, Clubhouse Cir, Sussex, WI 53089
Contact: (262) 246-7042
Website: Visit Website

8) Desmidt’s Golf Course & Country Club

Desmidt’s Golf Course & Country Club gives you a public course with a mix of holes for all levels. It opened in 1964 and added a new championship nine in 2000.

You’ll find both an executive par 29 and a par 36 layout. The original nine holes have rolling terrain—good for beginners, but not boring for veterans.

The new nine has separated fairways, which makes each hole feel private. There are four tee boxes per hole, so everyone can play their way.

Sand bunkers and ponds come into play on several holes. The grounds are kept up nicely, with lots of flowers for a pop of color.

After your round, you can chill in the clubhouse or out on the patio overlooking the ninth.

Rating: 4.2 (65 reviews)
Location: N7559 Shaffer Rd, Crivitz, WI 54114
Contact: (715) 854-7939
Website: Visit Website)

9) Currie Park Golf Course

You can play a round at Currie Park Golf Course, a public spot just outside Milwaukee in Wauwatosa. It’s open to all skill levels—so, whether you’re new to golf or have been playing for years, you’ll fit in.

The course sits among mature trees and green fairways. It feels laid back, whether you’re out for a casual game or a little friendly competition.

Tee times are flexible enough for different schedules. You’ll also find practice areas if you want to work on your swing.

The grounds usually stay in good shape through most of the season. Staff are friendly, and you can just call ahead to book a tee time.

Rating: 4.3 (229 reviews)
Location: 3535 N Mayfair Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Contact: (414) 453-7030
Website: Visit Website

10) North Shore Golf Club

North Shore Golf Club sits just outside Menominee, so it’s easy to get to if you’re nearby. The course welcomes the public and is known for being friendly and well-kept.

You’ll play on a scenic course with views of woods and water. Besides golf, there’s a restaurant, bar, and banquet hall, which makes it a good spot to grab food or hang out after your round.

The club also hosts weddings and events, so sometimes the vibe is a little more lively. If you plan to play here often, check out their membership or season pass deals.

Those passes can save you some money and come with a few perks for regulars.

Rating: 4.6 (62 reviews)
Location: N2315 M-35, Menominee, MI 49858
Contact: (906) 863-8421
Website: Visit Website

Golf Course Amenities and Facilities

Menominee County, Wisconsin, has public golf courses with practical features to make your round enjoyable. You’ll find places to practice, plenty of equipment, and clubhouse services for comfort and convenience.

Practice Ranges and Putting Greens

If you want to warm up or tweak your swing, several public courses offer practice ranges. At Riverside Golf Club, you can use a full driving range and a 100-yard practice hole.

These spots are nice for beginners and experienced players looking to improve. Most clubhouses have putting greens nearby.

You can work on short game skills or just get a feel for the course speed. Practice areas are usually well-kept and pretty reliable.

Pro Shops and Equipment Rentals

Most courses have a pro shop stocked with balls, tees, gloves, and apparel. Forgot something? You can pick it up here, or rent clubs if you don’t want to bring your own.

Staff can handle quick repairs, like regripping clubs. They’ll also offer advice about the course or help you pick the right balls for your game.

A lot of places rent out golf carts, which makes getting around easier.

Clubhouses and Dining Options

Clubhouses are where you check in and unwind after your round. You’ll usually find comfy seating, locker rooms, and sometimes showers.

Some clubhouses are the social heart of the course. Dining options range from snack bars to full restaurants.

Menus are often simple—think sandwiches, burgers, and drinks. A few spots have patios with views of the course, which is always a plus.

You’ll find both quick counter service and relaxed table settings, depending on the place.

Seasonal Considerations for Playing Golf

Golf in Menominee County, Wisconsin, really depends on the season. Temperature, course openings, and weather patterns can all change your playing experience and course availability.

Best Times of Year to Visit

The best golfing months here are usually early May through October. Most courses open when it’s warm enough and the ground isn’t soggy.

Late spring and early fall have the most comfortable weather—mild temps and not so many bugs. Summers can get hot, but you get those long days and lush fairways.

If you want to dodge crowds, try weekdays in late May or September. Sometimes courses open early or stay open late if the weather’s weirdly warm, like this recent early opening.

Weather and Course Conditions

Weather here changes fast, so it’s smart to check the forecast before you book a tee time. Early in the season, courses might only allow walking because the turf is wet or soft.

Frost delays are pretty common in spring and fall. Rain can close courses for a bit or make carts off-limits.

July and August sometimes bring heat waves, which can stress the turf. Courses might limit play or adjust maintenance then.

Most public courses try to stay open as long as possible, but the usual golf season in Wisconsin is May to October.

Keep an eye on daily updates from your course. That way, you won’t get caught off guard and can enjoy your round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Menominee County, Wisconsin, has public golf courses with different ratings and features. Some courses are tough, while others are more about value and a laid-back round.

What are the top-rated public golf courses in Menominee County, WI?

Shawano Lake Golf Course gets high marks for its views and well-kept fairways. Pine Hills Golf Course is popular with locals and visitors because of its playable layout and friendly staff.

Butternut Hills and Maxwelton Braes Golf Course are also solid picks for consistent quality. Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course is known for good conditioning and that classic design feel.

How do North Shore Golf Club’s ratings compare to other public courses in the county?

North Shore Golf Club gets good reviews for its greens and layout. Still, courses like Shawano Lake Golf Course and Pine Hills Golf Course usually score a bit higher with regulars.

You can check out user reviews for North Shore and other courses on Yelp’s Menominee public golf courses list.

Where can I find a map of the best public golf courses in Menominee County, WI?

A handy course directory with maps and club details is up on GolfPass’s Menominee golf course directory. It’s useful for checking locations and basic info.

Which public golf courses in Wisconsin offer the best value?

Pine Hills Golf Course and Butternut Hills are known for fair prices and good course conditions. Maxwelton Braes Golf Course also gives you that classic golf vibe for a reasonable rate.

If you’re after budget-friendly options, Yelp has a list of local public courses to help you compare.

What are the characteristics of course rankings, like a 155 slope rating, in Menominee County?

A slope rating of 155 means a course is really tough—especially for high-handicap players. In Menominee County, most public courses have a slope between 120 and 130, so they’re pretty accessible for most golfers.

Harder courses might have more hazards, longer holes, or tricky greens. That’s what usually bumps up those slope numbers.

How does the municipal golf course in Menominee County rank against private ones?

People in Menominee County really appreciate municipal courses for their accessibility and affordable green fees.

Sure, private clubs tend to offer more in the way of amenities, but municipal courses still manage to deliver decent playing conditions.

Public spots like Shawano Lake and Pine Hills hold their own when it comes to layout and course care.

Honestly, sometimes they even stack up surprisingly well against a few of the private clubs nearby.