Mini golf, putt-putt, mini putt—this beloved summertime activity has stood the test of time. First played in the early 20th century, mini golf continues to be the perfect event for a family outing, a first date, or to simply pass the time on a slow summer day. Whether you want to play mini putt in a KISS-themed wonderland or practice your swing on a course in the basement of an Illinois funeral home (yes, that's right), these 10 incredible mini golf courses are not to be missed. Here are some of the very best in the country.
Par-King has existed in one form or another since 1950, changing names and locations a few times over the years but still maintaining its presence as one of the most elaborate and spectacular mini golf courses in the nation. Par-King features two innovative 18-hole courses with 19 moving obstacles and seven water holes. It has been described as the "world's most unusual golf course." Par-King will also happily host your corporate events, day camps, birthday parties, and large groups.
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Opened in 1963, Around the World is one of the "oldest and most original" golf courses around. The design of the course was inspired by its creator's exploration around the globe. Highlights include historic landmarks such as a New York City subway replica and the Taj Mahal as well as fixtures like a giant Paul Bunyan statue and an oversized sombrero. Test out your mini golf skills on this historic course.
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Part ice skating rink, part gymnasium, and part mini golf course, Lexington Ice Center has been drawing guests in droves since its opening. Find three 18-hole courses here, each with a biblical theme: Old Testament, New Testament, and Miracles. Lexington Ice Center's courses have received praise from CBS Sunday Morning Edition and was named in the Travel Channel's "Top 10 Most Unique Miniature Golf Courses."
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Urban Putt is San Francisco's first indoor miniature golf course and one of its most magnificent. Crafted with Rube Goldberg-style creativity, this course features 14 ultra-high-tech hole designs. Urban Putt was created by a "dream team" of "industrial designers, robotics engineers, welders, and artists," according to their site, and is unlike any mini golf course you've ever seen. Not only is there great golf to be played, there's also a full-service restaurant upstairs with hearty American eats and two bars stirring up innovative cocktails.
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Prepare to be transported to Neverland! You can just feel the magic in the air at Captain Hook's Adventure Golf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. During play, you'll get to explore a dangerous skull cave, step aboard Captain Hook's ship, and even help rescue Tinkerbell. This whimsical course is beautifully designed and will bring plenty of joy to any Peter Pan fan.
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Disney just does it right. The Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf courses at Walt Disney Resort have been dazzling guests since opening in 1996. Themed after the cherished Disney film, "Fantasia," the Fantasia Gardens course is ideal for families with younger children as it is designed to be a much easier play than your average course. If you'd like to put your putting skills to the test, try your hand at the Fantasia Fairways course which is a Par 72 and was named one of the longest and most challenging mini golf courses in the world by Golf Digest.
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Crave Golf Club boasts a 19-hole indoor course and a 19-hole rooftop course. It's not every day that you get to play mini golf on a rooftop! The obstacles of both courses are of the sweet and sugary variety—everything is designed after your favorite sweet treats. Putt your way past cocoa cliffs, ice cream canyons, and gumball trees! After you've finished, try out one of their escape rooms or play a round of mini bowling. After that, make sure to grab a bite at their Sweet Shop. We're certain you'll be craving a sugary treat after playing here.
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Themed after the features of an aquarium with sand castles, sharks, tropical fish, and mini volcanoes, it doesn't get much more classic than Duffer's in Wildwood. This waterfront course evokes waves of nostalgia with its old-time feel. Get serenaded by musical pelicans as you play this waterfront course and make sure to grab a scoop at the ice cream parlor before you leave.
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Do you want to rock and roll all night? And party every day? If you find yourself in Vegas, put your putting skills on display at the uniquely-designed KISS-themed mini golf course by Monster Mini Golf. Located in a 13,000-square-foot space, this course is glow in the dark and features never-before-seen KISS props. Get ready for giant guitars, oversized platform boots, and the musical backdrop of KISS's best tunes.
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This mini golf course stands out among the rest. Why? Because it's housed in the basement of a funeral home. Since 1964, Roger Ahlgrim's extra basement space transformed into a "Community Room" with a nine-hole mini golf course, full-size shuffle board, ping pong table, bumper pool table, and a foosball table. Boasting a spooky haunted theme, the course has design features such as a guillotine and a mausoleum. It's the perfect Halloween destination. Please note: The Community Room is never used during funeral business.
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