Disc golf started gaining traction in Wisconsin when the first courses were created between the late 1970s and 1990s. Since the 2000s, hundreds of new courses have popped up all around the state and the sport has become much more recognized by the public. Let's highlight a few of Wisconsin's most beautiful and challenging disc golf parks and "disc"over what makes each one so special.
1. Highbridge Gold - Highbridge
Established in 2004 and acting as a champion course, Highbridge Gold leads players through a hilltop area while offering great views of the Chequamegon National Forest. One surprising feature is that there is even a bear den located by the course. As intimidating as this course may seem, it is still great for newbies and beginners alike.
2. Justin Trails Classic & Justin Trails Big Brother - Sparta
Justin Trails offers one of the longest and largest disc golfing experiences on this list with its impressive two 18-basket courses. The Classic course goes up a mile in length and is rated as one of the highest in the state with its setup and wildlife viewing opportunities. Big Brother is a more intimidating course for experienced players and not for the faint of heart. Continuing for more than 3 miles and containing a mix of elevation changes and densely wooded areas can prove quite the challenge.
3. University of Wisconsin - Parkside East & West - Kenosha
Another large course is the UW-Parkside East & West courses. More scenic than challenging, these courses offer both beginner and advanced baskets for each tee. Plenty of prairies and slightly wooded areas make for a relaxing evening of disc golf that is sure to be worth your time.
4. Sandy Point Resort Disc Golf Ranch - Lac Du Flambeau
Traveling way up north for the summer months? Look no further than Sandy Point Resort, which offers an exciting Northwoods course. The resort ensures that the course is well maintained and remains an excellent choice in entertainment right before you decide to hit up the lake beaches. You'll certainly be experiencing the great outdoors during this course.
5. Silver Creek Park - Manitowoc
We move from the lake lands of northern Wisconsin down to Lake Michigan for our next stop at the acclaimed Sliver Creek Park. Silver Creek offers an impressive course holding 27 challenging holes. Don't let its size intimidate you because the course offers many different tees that accommodate an assortment of skill levels. Even if you begin to feel tired you can relax on the side at one of the many different picnic areas the park offers.
6. Charles Langer Family Park - Marshall
Located just east of Madison outside the community of Marshall is Bird's Ruins at Charles Langer Park. A course that starts off in a swampy area with some challenging holes soon circles around into a wooded area before ending off on the nearby prairie. Just be sure you keep an eye on your disc in this deceiving course, otherwise you might be swimming to retrieve it. As one of the newest parks on our list that opened in 2012, you're sure to find a diversity of ecosystems at this course.
7. Tower Ridge I & II - Eau Claire
We are headed back into the deep woods with Eau Claire's Tower Ridge I. The long and narrow fairways tend to prove tricky, so be ready with your aim game if you are up to the challenge. Tower Ridge II requires more technical shots as it swerves its way through the densely wooded area. Both courses combine for a whopping 36 holes and even intersect at hole No. 8.
8. Standing Rocks - Stevens Point
Our last stop takes us to the heart of Wisconsin and offers a fun final challenge for those ready to conquer it. Hills and wooded areas sprawl along this massive 33-hole course. Especially popular among campers from the Portage County park system, it attracts many eager guests every year. Overall, this course will demand that you are accurate with your throws and that you commit with the follow-through or you'll be digging through weeds to find your discs.
What are some of your favorite disc golfing spots around the state? Let us know on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Ken Virden is a public relations intern for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.
1. Highbridge Gold - Highbridge
Established in 2004 and acting as a champion course, Highbridge Gold leads players through a hilltop area while offering great views of the Chequamegon National Forest. One surprising feature is that there is even a bear den located by the course. As intimidating as this course may seem, it is still great for newbies and beginners alike.
2. Justin Trails Classic & Justin Trails Big Brother - Sparta
Justin Trails offers one of the longest and largest disc golfing experiences on this list with its impressive two 18-basket courses. The Classic course goes up a mile in length and is rated as one of the highest in the state with its setup and wildlife viewing opportunities. Big Brother is a more intimidating course for experienced players and not for the faint of heart. Continuing for more than 3 miles and containing a mix of elevation changes and densely wooded areas can prove quite the challenge.
3. University of Wisconsin - Parkside East & West - Kenosha
Another large course is the UW-Parkside East & West courses. More scenic than challenging, these courses offer both beginner and advanced baskets for each tee. Plenty of prairies and slightly wooded areas make for a relaxing evening of disc golf that is sure to be worth your time.
4. Sandy Point Resort Disc Golf Ranch - Lac Du Flambeau
Traveling way up north for the summer months? Look no further than Sandy Point Resort, which offers an exciting Northwoods course. The resort ensures that the course is well maintained and remains an excellent choice in entertainment right before you decide to hit up the lake beaches. You'll certainly be experiencing the great outdoors during this course.
5. Silver Creek Park - Manitowoc
We move from the lake lands of northern Wisconsin down to Lake Michigan for our next stop at the acclaimed Sliver Creek Park. Silver Creek offers an impressive course holding 27 challenging holes. Don't let its size intimidate you because the course offers many different tees that accommodate an assortment of skill levels. Even if you begin to feel tired you can relax on the side at one of the many different picnic areas the park offers.
6. Charles Langer Family Park - Marshall
Located just east of Madison outside the community of Marshall is Bird's Ruins at Charles Langer Park. A course that starts off in a swampy area with some challenging holes soon circles around into a wooded area before ending off on the nearby prairie. Just be sure you keep an eye on your disc in this deceiving course, otherwise you might be swimming to retrieve it. As one of the newest parks on our list that opened in 2012, you're sure to find a diversity of ecosystems at this course.
7. Tower Ridge I & II - Eau Claire
We are headed back into the deep woods with Eau Claire's Tower Ridge I. The long and narrow fairways tend to prove tricky, so be ready with your aim game if you are up to the challenge. Tower Ridge II requires more technical shots as it swerves its way through the densely wooded area. Both courses combine for a whopping 36 holes and even intersect at hole No. 8.
8. Standing Rocks - Stevens Point
Our last stop takes us to the heart of Wisconsin and offers a fun final challenge for those ready to conquer it. Hills and wooded areas sprawl along this massive 33-hole course. Especially popular among campers from the Portage County park system, it attracts many eager guests every year. Overall, this course will demand that you are accurate with your throws and that you commit with the follow-through or you'll be digging through weeds to find your discs.
What are some of your favorite disc golfing spots around the state? Let us know on social media using #DiscoverWisconsin.
- Ken Virden is a public relations intern for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesday on the Life page in the Times.