Golf isn't the first thing people picture when they think "Northwoods cabin trip," but it should be. This corner of Wisconsin is dotted with courses cut straight through red and white pine forest, and a morning round pairs perfectly with an afternoon back at the lake. Here's how we'd plan a golf-and-cabin weekend around Eagle River.
In town
Where do you golf near Eagle River?
The most convenient option is Eagle River Golf Course, an 18-hole layout right in town, just minutes from either cabin. It's a classic Northwoods design — tree-lined fairways, water in play on several holes, and greens that keep you honest without punishing a casual round. It's the easy answer if you want to squeeze in golf without giving up much of your day at the lake.
Worth the drive
What other courses are nearby?
The wider Northwoods region has more courses than most first-time visitors expect — well over a dozen within a reasonable drive of Eagle River, ranging from relaxed executive courses to full 18-hole championship layouts. A short trip toward St. Germain and the Trout Lake area opens up some of the region's most respected courses, several carved out of dense pine forest with the kind of quiet you only get this far north.
Eagle River Golf Course
18 holes, right in town. The easiest option if you're staying close to the cabins and want to be back on the water by afternoon.
St. Germain area
A short drive brings you to well-regarded courses set through white and red pine forest — a favorite for visitors looking for a scenic, unhurried round.
Trout Lake area
Home to one of the Northwoods' oldest 18-hole courses, with mature tree-lined holes and classic small-town-Wisconsin charm.
Land O' Lakes
Farther afield, near the Wisconsin–Michigan border, for anyone up for turning the round into a scenic backroads drive.
Make a weekend of it
How does golf fit into a lake weekend?
The easiest rhythm is golf in the morning, lake in the afternoon. Tee off early while the course is quiet and the air is still cool, then head back to the cabin, drop the clubs, and be in a kayak or on the dock by lunchtime. If you're staying multiple days, split your rounds — one morning at the convenient in-town course, another spent driving out toward St. Germain or Trout Lake for a change of scenery. Pair either with a stop at one of the area's supper clubs for dinner, and you've got a full Northwoods day without ever feeling rushed. For more ways to fill the rest of your stay, our area guide rounds up the local favorites.
Where to stay for a golf-and-lake weekend
Both Pine & Dandy cabins put you within easy reach of Eagle River's courses and right on the water for the rest of the day — The O.G. on Lake Arbutus and The Grandy Dandy on the Sugar Camp Chain, each with kayaks, a hot tub, and a dock to come home to.
Good to know