Rome, WI in Fall and Winter: Cabins, Trails, and Things to Do

Short answer: Rome and Nekoosa, Wisconsin don't shut down when golf season ends. Fall brings color, quiet lakes, and the last rounds of the year. Winter brings snowmobiling, ice fishing on Petenwell and the Rome lakes, Friday fish fry, and cabins with hot tubs and saunas, all within about 10 minutes of Sand Valley Golf Resort.

Most people only know this area as golf country. Then the courses close, the crowds leave, and something better happens. The lakes go quiet, the pines get snow on them, and you can actually get a table on a Friday. Here's the off season from people who live here.

Fall: the best kept secret

Early to mid October is when central Wisconsin turns color, and the mix of pines and hardwoods around the Rome lakes makes for good drives and better walks. Days are cool, nights are fire pit weather, and the lakes are yours.

A few fall picks:

• Late season golf: Sand Valley and the two Lake Arrowhead courses play into the fall depending on weather. Check each course's calendar, and read our guide to the best time of year to play Sand Valley.
• Roche-A-Cri State Park: climb the staircase to the top of the rock for the view, then find the petroglyphs at the base. Check the park's site before you go, since stair and trail access changes with the season.
• Quincy Bluff and Wetlands: quiet prairie and pine trails near Friendship. Best at sunrise for wildlife.
• Get off the pavement: rent a UTV or e-bike from Tri-Lakes Power Sports, or hit the sand trails at Dyracuse Park near Necedah.
• Something to drink: Up North Brewing for a local pint, or Fawn Creek Winery for a tasting flight.

Winter: snow, ice, and saunas

When the snow comes, this turns into a different kind of trip.

Snowmobiling. The local snowmobile club, the Rome Sno-Bandits, has been around since 1978. Every November their volunteers brush and sign the trails before the season. Trails open once there's enough snow and the ground is frozen, and conditions change week to week, so check county trail reports before you trailer the sleds up. All the winter homes listed below have parking for your trucks and trailers.

Ice fishing. Once the ice is safe, people fish Petenwell Lake, one of Wisconsin's biggest flowages, plus the three Rome lakes: Lake Arrowhead, Lake Sherwood, and Lake Camelot. For live bait and tackle, Rome Outdoors is right on Highway 13 in Rome. The Rome Sno-Bandits also run the Petenwell Palooza Ice Fisheree, a Saturday ice fishing contest with adult and kids divisions. Check Travel Wisconsin for this year's date. And never guess on ice thickness. Ask at the bait shop before you walk out.

Golf, but indoors. Golden Ferret Golf Sims in the Town of Rome runs three simulator bays with 300+ courses, plus a full bar, pool, and darts. It's how the golf crew survives January.

Supper clubs and fish fry. This is peak season for it. The Branding Iron Supper Club on Highway 13 in Wisconsin Rapids does steaks the classic way. Cal's Corner in Nekoosa has Friday fish fry and broasted chicken on Wednesdays. Hoozel's at the Lakes is the easy pick for pizza and a drink. More in where to eat near Sand Valley.

Day trips. Granite Peak on Rib Mountain near Wausau is a solid day trip north for downhill skiing. The Wisconsin Dells is about an hour south and is known for its indoor waterparks, an easy winter day with kids.

Where to stay when it's cold

In winter you want a hot tub. Every home below has one, plus parking for trucks and trailers:

• Archer Place: hot tub for 8, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and a huge game room. Sleeps 17. For big winter groups and holiday gatherings.
• Tomahawk Trail: 5 bedrooms, hot tub, game room, and a screened patio. Sleeps 12.
• Wildwood Retreat: hot tub, infrared sauna, and game room. Sleeps 12. Our top pick for a cold weekend.
• Hidden on the 17th Hole: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, private hot tub, and beach access on Lake Arrowhead for summer. Sleeps 8.
• Brown Bear Cabin: private hot tub, pool table, and indoor putt putt for when it's too cold to golf. Sleeps 8.
• Timber Nook: a rustic woodland cabin with a hot tub and sauna, game room, and fire pit. Sleeps 8.

Local winter tips

• Stock up on the way in. The Kwik Trip in Rome covers basics, and Rome Country Meats & Deli in Rome's town center has fresh meat for a big winter dinner. For real groceries, the Walmart in Wisconsin Rapids is 15 to 20 minutes away. Don't plan on running out for something during a storm.
• Most guests drive in. Milwaukee is 2.5 to 3 hours, the Chicago area 4 to 4.5, the Twin Cities about 3.5, and Iowa 3.5 to 6. Check road conditions before you leave, especially after a storm.
• You need a car. There's no reliable Uber or Lyft out here, and in winter you want a vehicle that handles snow.
• Pack real winter gear. Boots, layers, and a hat. Central Wisconsin cold is no joke in January.
• Call ahead for dinner. Some local spots cut hours in the off season.
• Lake access changes. Piers and docks come out in the fall, so ask us if the water matters for your trip.

FAQ

Are there winter cabin rentals with hot tubs in Rome, WI?

Yes. Archer Place, Tomahawk Trail, Wildwood Retreat, Hidden on the 17th Hole, Brown Bear Cabin, and Timber Nook all have hot tubs, and Wildwood Retreat and Timber Nook add a sauna.

Is Sand Valley open in winter?

Golf season winds down in late fall, depending on weather. Check sandvalley.com for current course dates. For golf in winter, the simulators at Golden Ferret Golf Sims in the Town of Rome run year round.

Can I snowmobile around Rome, WI?

Yes. The Rome Sno-Bandits snowmobile club maintains trails in the area. Trails open based on snow and frost, so check county trail reports before you go. Our winter homes have room to park a truck and trailer.

Where can I get bait for ice fishing near Rome, WI?

Rome Outdoors on Highway 13 carries live bait and tackle. Ask there about ice conditions before heading out.

Where do I buy groceries near Rome, WI?

Kwik Trip in Rome for basics, and Rome Country Meats & Deli in Rome's town center for fresh meat. For a full grocery run, Walmart in Wisconsin Rapids, about 15 to 20 minutes away. Bigger stores are in Plover or the Wisconsin Dells.

The short version

Fall is for colors, trails, and the last rounds of the year. Winter is for snowmobiles, ice fishing, fish fry, and a hot tub at the end of the day. Book a home with a hot tub, stock up in Wisconsin Rapids on the way in, and enjoy having the place to yourself.

Browse all our homes or book direct. Our direct rates are lower than Airbnb or VRBO.