Best Miniature Golf Courses Across the United States Worthy of a Road Trip

Sep 21, 2024

We’re bringing you another fun travel guide, this time on National Mini Golf Day! We’ve scoured the country for some of the best and most interesting Mini Golf Courses around. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, there’s no denying the incredible joy and excitement that comes with a round of Mini Golf. It’s a little bit cheesy, a little bit challenging, and a whole lot of fun, and we know you’ll have a blast if you add any of these to your upcoming road trip itineraries.

First up on our list, we’re starting with a course in our own backyard! Just a hop, skip, and a jump away in Lincolnshire is the incredible Par-King Mini Golf Course. This unique vintage miniature golf course has been open since 1955 and currently features two course options featuring 18 holes, 19 obstacles and 7 water holes! Plus, every two to three years, the course is updated with a mixture of refurbished vintage features as well as cutting edge new features. Visitors be forewarned this is a cash-only venue, and even if you’re just walking along there is a non-player fee to join in, but we’re pretty sure everyone’s going to want in on the fun. It can get pretty busy, however, thanks to its sterling reputation, so make sure you arrive with that in mind and have a little extra patience. The course is open to anyone 48” tall and up, so your littlest ones will be out of luck.

Up North just a few hours drive away in Madison, Wisconsin, you’ll find the unique indoor and outdoor miniature golf courses of Vitense Golfland! Rated #1 in the state of Wisconsin, and ranking in the top favorites across the US, Vitense allows visitors to select from 2 18-hole outdoor course and 1 indoor 18-hole course. This unique facility offers fun for all ages and skill levels and provides many interesting challenges beyond the basic putt-putt course! You’ll find yourself strolling under waterfalls, ducking and walking under a giraffe’s legs, stepping up a lighthouse, climbing a mountain, and so much more. It’s a fully interactive experience across all 54 holes total on the three courses. You’ll never find anything quite like it, making a perfect experience for memorable family vacations!

Next up on our list is Ninja Golf! In Granger, Indiana, offering up three 9-hole courses winding their way through a stunningly maintained Japanese Garden. Leaving behind the kitschy, cheesy attractions of a roadside course, this upscale option offers a peaceful and fun excursion. We really love the fact that two of the three available courses are also ADA accessible, making it a great option for those who utilize mobility aids, have disabilities or sensory issues, and may be traveling with service animals in tow. In addition to the mini golf course, there’s also a very special Throwing Star Course, a ninja training laser maze, a nature walk through Habu Forest, a karaoke lounge, and a Kabuki Theatre. For the most affordable option, you can opt to do all 27 holes for a mere $12 each per adult and $8 per child; note that add-ons like the Throwing Stars and Laser Maze are additional.

Continuing our run of Midwest Mini Golf courses, we’re heading over to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where we are enjoying the Mini Pines Mini Golf. Located adjacent to the Twin Pines Golf Course, this 18-hole family friendly miniature golf course is a surefire hit! The course has been designed with accessibility in mind for all patrons, meaning it is very easy to walk through and has multiple accommodations for mobility disabilities and devices. Along the way you’ll catch some views of the neighbouring golf course, a pond area, and an impressive 9-foot waterfall! If you’re looking for a chance to take some family photos without holding up the game, don’t worry – there are multiple designated photo ops along the course for you to enjoy. You can also rent a “party pad” if you’re coming with a large family group, and opt for a Party Fore Pack add-on for a round of golf and a meal.

Following up on the fun, we’re visiting our neighbors in Cooper Harbor, Michigan and checking out “Into the Woods” Mini Golf and Gardens. This charming and whimsical mini golf course offers 18 different holes that allow you to put your way through the Keweenaw wilderness area. When you’re done with your round, be sure to check out the gift and garden shop as well as a fine selection of pet-friendly dog toys!

Then we’re hopping over to Minnetrista, Minnesota for the unique Big Stone Mini-Golf and Sculpture Garden experience! You’ll find creative giant animal sculptures scattered around the course, which is surrounded by beautiful landscaped and manicured gardens featuring live animals. It’s another top-rated golf course in the US that you don’t want to miss, with 14 holes each offering a uniquely challenging obstacle and curated sculptured hole. When you’re done playing a round, you simply must take a stroll through Big Stone Advancing Art’s Sculpture Garden featuring captivating kinetic sculptures! While you’re visiting, see how many of the animals you can spot as you make your way to each hole; there are geese, ducks, chickens, horses, ponies, cattles, goats and more! If you’re big on family photos, we also think you’ll love taking a picture with “Pig in a Plane”! And of course, stick around in the evening to enjoy a bon-fire in Stonehenge to close out the evening with an extra bit of oomph.

Other must-see mini golf courses around the country include: