Rome, Wisconsin
Home of Sand Valley Golf Resort and the five-lake chain — a four-season destination at the quiet edge of the Wisconsin Northwoods.
Rome is a township in Adams County, about two and a half hours north of Chicago. For most of its history it was a quiet lake community. Then Sand Valley Golf Resort arrived in 2017 and turned this corner of central Wisconsin into one of the most talked-about golf destinations in the world. The lakes are still here. So are the supper clubs. The Rome Collective sits at the intersection of both.
The five lakes
3,400 acres, full-recreation lake. Boating, water skiing, two championship golf courses (Lakes and Pines) right on the water.
Quieter, family-friendly. Sandy beaches, calm coves for paddling, easy fishing for panfish.
Small and tucked away. Best for sunrise canoe runs and pontoon evenings.
Wisconsin's second-largest lake. Big water, walleye and musky, sandy public beaches.
Fourth-largest in the state. Famous for walleye and crappie; long sunset cruises.
Threads it all together. Kayak rentals at multiple put-ins.
Things to do in Rome, WI
- Golf: Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, The Lido, Sedge Valley, The Sandbox · Lake Arrowhead Lakes & Pines · Bullseye Golf Club
- On the water: Pontoon, kayak, fish, swim. Public launches on every lake.
- Trails: Hundreds of miles of ATV/UTV and snowmobile routes, many running directly past Rome Collective properties.
- Hiking & state parks: Roche-A-Cri State Park (300-ft bluff), Quincy Bluff & Wetlands, Buckhorn State Park.
- Day trips: Wisconsin Dells (35 min), Stevens Point (45 min), Granite Peak skiing in Wausau (1 hr).
- Supper clubs: Lure (Sand Valley), Mulligan's, Anchor Bay, Roman's Pub, The Ridges.
Related reading
Rome, WI FAQ
Where is Rome, Wisconsin?+
Rome is a township in Adams County, central Wisconsin, about 2 hours northwest of Milwaukee, 1.5 hours north of Madison, and 3.5 hours from Chicago. It's best known as the home of Sand Valley Golf Resort and the five-lake chain — Camelot, Sherwood, Arrowhead, Petenwell, and Castle Rock.
What is there to do in Rome, WI?+
Golf at Sand Valley or Lake Arrowhead, boat and fish the five lakes, ride the UTV/ATV and snowmobile trail network, visit Bullseye Golf Club, hit Roche-A-Cri State Park for hiking, or take a day trip to Wisconsin Dells (35 minutes south).
What restaurants are in Rome, Wisconsin?+
Local favorites include Lure Bar & Kitchen at Sand Valley, Mulligan's Pub & Eatery, The Ridges restaurant at Lake Arrowhead, Roman's Pub, and Anchor Bay Bar & Grill on Lake Petenwell. Wisconsin supper club tradition is alive and well here.
What's the closest airport to Rome, WI?+
Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in Mosinee is about 35 minutes north. Madison (MSN) is 90 minutes south, Milwaukee (MKE) is 2 hours southeast, and Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) is roughly 4 hours.
Is Rome, Wisconsin a year-round destination?+
Yes. Summer is peak for golf, boating, and lake days; fall brings color and quieter rounds; winter draws snowmobilers and ice fishermen across the chain. Most Rome Collective rentals operate year-round.