When pilots peruse air navigation reviews for their maiden flight to Voyager Village’s landing strip, they discover fine print that’s a bit curious. Regarding landing, one reviewer alerted his fellow pilots to anticipate “the occasional deer or golf cart crossing.”

Whereas a pilot may scratch his or her head at sharing space with a golf cart, long-time Voyager Village linksters know that teeing off in the presence of an airplane is all part of their wondrous back-to-nature experience. That’s right, the 6,600 yard Voyager Village Golf Course in Danbury, WI, is one of the few golf layouts in the world to include its own landing strip.

So, if you’re up for a unique golf experience this summer, you’d be wise to make the two-hour trek by car, or 40-minute jaunt by plane, to this forested land of milk and honey. Upon arrival, you’ll discover Voyager Village not only delivers superb golf, there’s also fishing, boating, miles of hiking and ATV trails, pickleball, and kayaking.

50 Years Of Golf, Lakes, And Wildlife
If you think Voyager Village’s marriage of golf, airplanes, and 5,200-acres of Northwoods utopia is a flash-in-the-pan, think again. This coexistence of vacationers, pristine environment, and engaging wildlife is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary.

For Assistant General Manager Ryan Christopherson, it’s almost like he was meant to be working at Voyager Village. “As a teenager, my first job was at Lake Arrowhead Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. That property was designed by Ike Isaacson, the same person who designed Voyager Village. Five years ago, when I first walked on to the Voyager Village property, it felt like I had already been here or that I stepped into a Twilight Zone episode,” Christopherson recalled.

Feeling this welcome familiarity is all part of the Voyager Village master plan. Christopherson had previously worked at golf courses in California and Oregon. When asked “what’s different” about his Voyager Village environment Christopherson had a quick reply. “The people. The employees and residents are so nice. Everyone is like family,” Christopherson said.

Conditions Where Everyone Wins
A valuable member of the Voyager Village family is General Manager Steve Johnson. You should know that Johnson is also the Voyager Village Superintendent. What happens when a golf community’s general manager is also in charge of golf course maintenance? Golfers reap the benefits of a course that annually delivers awesome conditions. “Steve knows this area and our seasons so well. In the five years that I’ve been here, Steve just keeps topping himself. Everybody wins,” Christopherson said.

A key element in what makes Voyager Village a remarkable golf experience is how comfortable the wildlife is with their golf course surroundings. Proof of this natural connection is a family of fox who have taken residence on the finishing hole. “There is a fox den located to the left of our 18^th hole. At any given time, you’ll find four to six fox that have no problem posing for a photo,” Christopherson said.

Family friendly diversions are bountiful at Voyager Village. If you’re looking to introduce a child or a beginner to golf, Voyager Village has a picturesque solution. What their 9-hole Par 3 course on Birch Lake lacks in distance, it makes up for in beautiful views. Five of the nine holes offer water features. Alongside the 7^th hole green, you’ll also find one of Wisconsin’s largest oak trees.

Let’s Play Two
If Twin Cities commuters need an added incentive to explore Voyager Village, Christopherson dangles a tantalizing option. “We offer a second 18 holes for just $25 including cart,” Christopherson said.

For pilots seeking a scenic day trip, Voyager Village is as good as it gets. The lake country aerial views leading up to Danbury, are mesmerizing in their beauty. Once a pilot touches down on Voyager’s smooth as silk landing strip, that’s when things really get tasty.

The Voyager Village Grill is one of Danbury’s best restaurants. It’s also an easy walk from where the planes settle in. Executive Chef Jeffrey George has got you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy skillet breakfasts, broasted wings for lunch, and famous burgers for dinner. Pilots and golfers from around the Midwest believe that Voyager Village is a convenient and scenic escape.

Feel It When You Drive

Since re-opening in April following COVID, Christopherson is amazed by the turnout of golfers, as well as how Superintendent Johnson has exceeded previous heights with course conditions.

As Voyager Village celebrates its 50^th year welcoming golfers, pilots, and vacationers, Christopherson offers sage advice for those who commute or fly to his Danbury, workplace. “Take the drive north to Voyager Village. You’ll be glad you did.”