A Century of Golf in the Wisconsin Northwoods
Trout Lake Golf Club has been woven into the fabric of Wisconsin’s Northwoods for more than a century. It began with the opening of its original nine holes in 1924, during a time when golf was steadily growing across the Midwest. From its earliest days, the club has been a place where tradition, nature, and community come together.
GOLF COURSE:
Rooted in History
Designed by Charles Maddox and Frank D. MacDonald together with the club’s founders, the course reflected the philosophy of early American golf architecture—working with the land rather than against it. The course gently meanders through remarkable Northwoods scenery, framed by towering pines, rolling terrain, and the natural beauty of nearby rivers and lakes.
By 1926, the vision was fully realized with the completion of the back nine, establishing Trout Lake as the oldest 18hole golf facility in Northern Wisconsin. Even in its earliest years, the course earned a reputation as a destination where both vacationing golfers and local players could enjoy a memorable round amid the quiet beauty of the Northwoods.
One of Trout Lake’s most distinctive features is its clubhouse—a lovingly preserved 1880s logging home that predates the golf course itself. Originally built during the logging era that shaped much of Northern Wisconsin, the structure has stood as a gathering place for generations. Over time, it has been carefully updated while maintaining its historic character and charm, including the iconic fireplace and screened porch overlooking the course.
The clubhouse remains a central part of the Trout Lake experience: a place to share stories after a round, connect with friends old and new, and enjoy the simple pleasures that have defined the club since its earliest days. Over the decades, Trout Lake has evolved thoughtfully while staying true to its original spirit.
CLUBHOUSE:
Historic Charm
