Advertisement However, the pristine year-round resort, nestled among the pines and oaks near tiny Arkdale in the heart of Wisconsin, is gearing up for winter.
Without question, the 2-year-old course is drawing high praise from golfers throughout the state and beyond. These same golfers are among thousands of outdoors enthusiasts who are discovering the resort offers many other recreational opportunities 12 months of the year. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Northern Bay may be the best kept secret in central Wisconsin.
Located on the shores of Castle Rock Lake, Northern Bay features all sorts of water activities in spring, summer and fall in addition to the highly acclaimed course, with seven replica holes from legendary courses in the United States.
Winter activities feature ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hiking, relaxing by a campfire or sitting before the fireplace in one of the charming condos.
“The lake is probably one of the first attractions to this area,” said Ryan Ranguette, director of golf and head golf professional. “It’s a relatively calm lake and we have extremely good fishing with walleyes, bass and panfish.”
Vacationers often tow their own boats to Northern Bay to enjoy what Castle Rock Lake has to offer. Northern Bay also has its own beach bar with live entertainment during the summer. Pontoon boats, paddle boats and jet skis also are available to rent. The resort also offers water ski instruction.
The beach is gorgeous and may be the cleanest you will find in the state. The sandy beach also is raked and groomed each day.
The golf course recorded just more than 18,000 paid rounds last year.
The number of rounds jumped to more than 21,000 this year.
Ranguette said occupancy rate of the 200 rental condo units was between 70 percent and 80 percent during July, and it was not uncommon to have up to 500 people on the spacious resort layout at any one time.
While golf, fishing and water sports appeal to condo guests in the summer, ice fishermen and winter sports enthusiasts are enjoying condo life, too.
“We have excellent ice fishing,” Ranguette said.
“Anglers walk right out the back of their condos and onto the ice and pop up their ice shanties. They hang out there for the day and then hang out in the clubhouse at night.”
The Northern Bay clubhouse is open year-round and features all sorts of beverages and a full-service menu, which appeals to anglers as well as skiers and snowmobilers.
Ranguette said there are more than 200 miles of snowmobile trails in Adams County with the main route running through the resort.
Plans also call for a groomed, cross-country ski trail on the property this winter.
The completely furnished, luxurious fieldstone and cedar condominiums are spacious with two or three bedrooms and two or three baths. They accommodate up to 10 people.
Future plans include miniature golf, with one course for kids and another longer chipping-putting version for adults.
Northern Bay describes itself as only 30 minutes north of Wisconsin Dells and a million miles away from the ordinary.
Bob Lamb can be reached at (608) 791-8228, or blamb@lacrossetribune.com.
If you go
WHAT: Northern Bay Golf Resort and Marina, 1844 20th Ave., Arkdale, Wis.
WHERE: Northern Bay is located about 80 miles east of La Crosse.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Fully furnished condos that can accommodate up to 10 people are available. Rates vary depending on season, room type and extras. Rental homes with four or five bedrooms, including laundry facilities, also are available.
FOR RATES AND information: Call 1-866-784-2291 or check online at www. NorthernBayResort.com.
