Shoop Park
A charming 9-hole golf course on Lake Michigan, offering stunning views and affordable play. Perfect for a scenic and budget-friendly round.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Shoop Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming 9-hole golf course on Lake Michigan, offering stunning views and affordable play. Perfect for a scenic and budget-friendly round.
"Unbeatable for the price, with amazing views of the lake and a lighthouse. A true gem!"
🎯 Unbeatable Price
Walk 9 holes for around $11-$13. A true steal for the views and experience!
👟 Bring Your Walking Shoes
The course is very walkable and affordable for walking play. Enjoy the scenery on foot!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 252 reviews
Type
Golf Course
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lake Michigan Views
Holes near the shoreline
Stunning panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Wind Point Lighthouse. A golfer's paradise with breathtaking scenery.
Charming 9-Hole Layout
Entire course
A unique 9-hole course with varied holes, including elevation changes and a tree in the fairway. Offers a fun, strategic challenge.
Wind Point Lighthouse Glimpse
Select holes
Catch glimpses of the historic Wind Point Lighthouse from various points on the course, adding to the scenic charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Affordable Lakeside Golf
Embrace the Challenge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wind Point-Shoop Park: the Pacific Grove Golf Links equivalent of Wisconsin. Fly into MKE or ORD, play 9 holes warmup for $11, enjoy being right on Lake Michigan. Par 35(M), 2 par 5’s and even a tree in the middle of the fairway. Then hit Erin Hills, Lawsonia and Whistling Straits.
Been here - for $11 walk it's hard to beat. There's some other $10-15 walks in the area but this is the most worth it. Going up the coast on hole 2 (pic 1) really makes you feel like you're somewhere else. First half plays kind of links-y, then the later half puts you out into…
🎯 Unbeatable Price
Walk 9 holes for around $11-$13. A true steal for the views and experience!
👟 Bring Your Walking Shoes
The course is very walkable and affordable for walking play. Enjoy the scenery on foot!
🌬️ Wind is a Factor
The breeze off Lake Michigan can significantly impact your shots. Factor it into your club selection.
⛳ Fairways Can Be Firm
During dry spells, fairways play firm, like a Scottish links course. Enjoy the unique challenge!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Unbeatable Price
Walk 9 holes for around $11-$13. A true steal for the views and experience!
👟 Bring Your Walking Shoes
The course is very walkable and affordable for walking play. Enjoy the scenery on foot!
🌬️ Wind is a Factor
The breeze off Lake Michigan can significantly impact your shots. Factor it into your club selection.
⛳ Fairways Can Be Firm
During dry spells, fairways play firm, like a Scottish links course. Enjoy the unique challenge!
💡 Precision Over Power
Smaller greens and varied holes reward accurate shots more than brute force.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shoop Park is widely praised as a charming 9-hole gem offering incredible value with stunning Lake Michigan views and glimpses of the Wind Point Lighthouse. Golfers appreciate the affordable green fees and the unique, strategic challenges presented by the course's layout and wind conditions. While fairways can be firm and conditions aren't resort-level, the overall experience is highly satisfying for those seeking a scenic and budget-friendly round.
"This is super little 9 hole course on Lake Michigan and has all kinds of different holes. It’s 5 stars on views, layout and greens. The fairways need work. For $13 to walk is a steal. Much better than Washington Park GC in Racine."
Paul Quella (PQ5876)
"If you’re looking for a low-key, scenic 9-hole course that won’t drain your wallet, Shoop Park Golf Course is worth a swing. Nestled right along Lake Michigan’s shore in Wind Point / Racine, the course treats you to some genuine lake views and even glimpses of the Wind Point Lighthouse.
What works well:
• The setting is a highlight. Some holes wrap close to the lake; the breeze off the water adds character (and challenge).
• It’s affordable, especially for walking play. For a modest investment you can enjoy a full round with charm.
• The course forces you to use variety: with shorter yardages and small greens, precision can pay off more than power.
• The elevation changes—such as a tee box 50 feet above the green on one par-3—add a fun twist.
What you should know (trade-offs):
• The fairways are not irrigated, so during dry stretches they get firm and can play like a traditional “Scottish style” course.
• Greens are mostly flat; they aren’t dramatically contoured, so if you’re looking for tricky, breaking putts, you might be disappointed.
• Course condition is decent, but some areas show wear. It’s not a pristine resort layout—but for what it is, it holds up nicely.
• Because it’s small and public, you won’t find a full driving range or lots of bells and whistles.
Overall thoughts:
This is a solid, charming 9-hole gem. If you enjoy relaxed rounds, don’t mind a course with character (and quirky challenges), and want to soak in lake ambiance, Shoop Park delivers. It won’t wow you like a championship course, but for its price and setting, it’s a satisfying and memorable play."
Tom Polous
"Amazing views and friendly staff as well as customers. If you're looking to learn or sharpen parts of your game, this is a very welcoming course to do either. No one is in a rush and a great place to slow down and enjoy the game!"
Mike Moe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shoop Park is located in Wind Point, Wisconsin, near Racine. The closest major airports are Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). From MKE, it's about a 30-40 minute drive. From ORD, it's a longer drive, around 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the park.
Yes, there is parking available at Shoop Park for visitors. It's generally ample, especially during weekdays.
Public transport options to Wind Point are limited. While buses serve the Racine area, reaching Shoop Park directly via public transit might be challenging and time-consuming. Driving is highly recommended.
The most straightforward route from Milwaukee is to take I-94 East towards Chicago, then exit onto WI-11 East (Racine Ave) and follow signs towards Wind Point. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Yes, Shoop Park is close to the Wind Point Lighthouse and Washington Park Golf Course in Racine. You can also explore the Racine Zoo or the Racine Art Museum for a fuller day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Shoop Park is renowned for its affordability. Green fees for 9 holes are typically around $11-$13 for walking, making it one of the best deals in the area.
While booking in advance is often recommended, especially on weekends or during peak season, Shoop Park is a public course and walk-ons are usually accommodated. It's wise to call ahead or check their website for the most current policy.
The course typically opens in the morning and closes around dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website or call for the most up-to-date information.
As a municipal course, Shoop Park already offers very low rates. While specific discounts might not be widely advertised, the base price is exceptionally competitive.
Information on club rentals is not widely available. Given its nature as a more basic municipal course, it's advisable to bring your own clubs. If rentals are available, they would likely be basic sets.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
Reviews indicate that while the greens are generally well-maintained, the fairways can be firm and show wear, especially during dry periods. This contributes to a 'Scottish style' playing condition.
Yes, Shoop Park offers a unique challenge with its elevation changes, a tree in the middle of a fairway, and the wind off Lake Michigan. It requires strategic play and precision rather than just power.
The course boasts spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Wind Point Lighthouse. Many holes are situated close to the shoreline, offering a beautiful backdrop for your game.
As a smaller municipal course, Shoop Park does not typically feature a full driving range or extensive practice facilities. It's more focused on the on-course playing experience.
Absolutely! The affordable rates and welcoming atmosphere make it a great place for beginners to learn and practice. The shorter yardages and focus on precision can be beneficial for developing golfers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on extensive food and beverage services at Shoop Park is limited. It's a golf course focused on play, so it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks or plan to dine elsewhere after your round.
Yes, the surrounding Racine area offers various dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants. You can find places serving local Wisconsin fare or classic American cuisine.
Typically, public parks and golf courses allow visitors to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. It's always a good idea to check for any specific park rules, but generally, this is permitted.
Racine is known for its Kringle pastries, a Danish-style pastry. You'll also find classic American diner food, seafood along the lake, and various ethnic cuisines.
Details about a full-service clubhouse or bar are not prominent. Shoop Park is primarily a golf course, so extensive amenities like a bar are unlikely.
📸 📸 Photography
The most photogenic spots are along the holes that run closest to Lake Michigan, offering expansive water views. Don't miss capturing the Wind Point Lighthouse from the course.
Yes, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light hits Lake Michigan beautifully. The combination of water, sky, and the lighthouse provides excellent landscape photography opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The 'golden hour' before sunset is particularly stunning.
While the primary purpose is golf, visitors can often access scenic areas for photography. However, be mindful of golfers and respect the course rules. It's best to check with park management if you plan an extended photography session without playing.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the lighthouse or distant shoreline features. A polarizing filter can enhance the blues of the sky and water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit