2021 Updated Wild Abyss at The Wilderness – Wisconsin Dells, WI

Played on July 11, 2021

Reviewed by the Mr. Tee

Back in January 2020 before COVID, we visited and reviewed The Wild Abyss during a winter getaway to the Wisconsin Dells. The course was not in great shape and parts of it were closed for repair. Towards the end of 2020, we were excited to learn that both courses owned by The Wilderness, Wild Fun Zone & The Wild Abyss, were remodeled and updated by Creative Works. As I was passing through on my way back from Chicago, I figured I’d see how the new version of the course looks and plays.

Rating

The updates to this 9-hole indoor course were absolutely needed. It was clear they had a remodel in mind back when we visited in 2020. Given the specific footprint of the course already included aquariums for real fish and that it is inside a building with a waterpark, the blacklight under-the-sea theme felt smart to maintain. The new dimensional characters and shoot-throughs were well made especially given the lighting. The borders of all the holes, Electric Edging, are a relatively new product from Creative Works that I was eager to see in person. Not only did they look nice in the dark but they were far more durable than expected. The ball bounced off them well too. All of the holes are fairly short, simple, and straightforward. There is an obvious starting point for all of the holes so I’d suggest the course just yanks out the cheap little orange tee-off mats especially since they aren’t even secured in place. Overall, this is a decent indoor course option and a significant improvement upon the previous iteration.

Entrance to the Wild West region of the Wilderness. Course is on the lower level

Last time I played it was a sandtrap so I’m nervous to see how it plays now.

Nice to know that someone is taking note of my game

Short lil turtle shoot-through hole to ease into it.

Didn’t have to worry about letting the faster players pass by given the place was quiet. This is one of the “longer” holes

Simple obstacles but not loving those flimsy orange tee off mats

Having a good time and getting a super low score

More shoot-through and wheelchair accessible transitions between that are designed well

The lit up hard plastic walls look fantastic and were rock solid enough for a person to stand on them without any give. Curious to see how those age over time.

Under water vibes. Don’t love tee off mats in general but they are even worse when not affixed.

One of the few obstacles that take the ball off the carpeted surface

Orca hangs from the ceiling near hole 18 where you finish the course up a short ramp

Took note of this self-serve ball machine. Only see a few and liked the look of this one

Wild Abyss at the Wilderness Website

511 E Adams St, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 (Wild West Region)

Pros

Underwater theme enhanced by fish tanks
Creative and lit up border walls
Indoor option during long Wisconsin winters and rainy days

Cons

Tee off mats
Relatively flat and short holes

Nerdy Notes

9 Holes. Par 20
$6 per player, ages 2 and under FREE. Price does not include tax
Located in the Wild West region of Wilderness Hotel complex
Multiple waterparks, restaurants, and amenities throughout the massive space of the Wilderness
The whole course appears to be fully ADA accessible!