Miniature Golf Day: Obstacles | History | Awesome Courses in New England |
Growing up, I was a big fan of mini golf—and honestly, I still am. Every summer meant games at the local course, where my favorite obstacle was a barber pole with a metal ramp. I’d send my ball up and around, clank-clank-clank, watching it swirl back down toward the hole. Nailing a hole-in-one there was the ultimate thrill. I also loved playing at the legendary orange T-Rex course on Route 1 in Saugus, Massachusetts. That place was iconic! I was heartbroken when it closed in 2015 after 50 years. Miniature golf has always brought joy, laughter, and just the right amount of friendly competition into my life. And let’s be honest—the best part? The obstacles.
A Brief History of Miniature Golf
Miniature golf dates back to the late 19th century in Scotland. The Ladies’ Putting Club of St. Andrews, established in 1867, was designed to give women a space to practice putting. Back then, it was considered unseemly for women to swing full clubs, so a putting-only course was created—making it the earliest known version of mini golf. As the game made its way across the globe, it evolved from basic putting greens into colorful, whimsical courses with themed challenges, elaborate designs, and, of course, those memorable obstacles we all love.
Today, mini golf is a cherished pastime for all ages. Courses come in every imaginable theme, from pirate adventures to outer space. But no matter how creative the course, it’s always the obstacles that steal the show.
Top 10 Mini Golf Obstacles That Keep Us Coming Back
The Windmill
No list is complete without the spinning windmill. Time your shot perfectly or risk being deflected into no man’s land.
Loop-de-loop
This rollercoaster-inspired obstacle adds a dose of thrill. A solid shot sends your ball soaring through the loop and straight for the cup.
Rotating Platforms
These platforms twist and turn under your ball, making timing everything. They’re frustrating and fun all at once.
Waterfalls and Streams
Add a touch of nature (and a risk of soggy socks). Water features are beautiful but tricky if your ball goes for a swim.
Bridges and Ramps
Mini golf meets engineering. You’ll need precision and luck to cross rickety bridges or climb steep ramps to the hole.
Animal Statues
From dinosaurs to dragons, giant animal figures guard many a green. Bonus points if they move or make sound effects.
The Castle Gate
This obstacle closes and opens like a medieval drawbridge. Wait for the right moment to make your move!
Elevated Spirals
Balls climb narrow, spiral ramps before circling downward toward the hole. It’s mesmerizing to watch—and even more fun to play.
Tunnel Shots
Shoot your ball through a narrow tunnel and pray it pops out where you want it. A classic move on any course.
Obstacle Mazes
A course within a course. Navigate the right path or risk watching your ball roll back to square one.
National Miniature Golf Day is celebrated on the second Saturday in May.
This day honors the fun and accessible game of miniature golf, a scaled-down version of traditional golf that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for over a century. Originating in the early 20th century, miniature golf quickly became a popular pastime, offering a whimsical and entertaining alternative to the more serious sport of golf.
So in honor of National Miniature Golf Day—celebrated every second Saturday in May, here’s a fun post about the whimsical world of mini-golf, from its coolest courses to its best movie cameos.
Awesome Miniature Golf Courses Around New England
Miniature golf courses come in all shapes and sizes, offering unique themes and challenges. Here are some of the best ones around New England. These courses offer a variety of themes and challenges, ensuring a memorable mini golf experience. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, these spots are perfect for family outings, date nights, or friendly competitions.
Connecticut
Sonny’s Place – Somers, CT
Sonny’s Place offers a Monkey Mayhem 18-hole mini golf course with beautifully landscaped greens, cascading waterfalls, and challenging obstacles. It’s a family-friendly destination that also features go-karts, a zip line, and an arcade, making it a comprehensive entertainment spot.
Copper Creek Mini Golf – Montville, CT
Located at Nature’s Art Village, Copper Creek Mini Golf presents a unique Old West mining town theme across its 18-hole course. With multiple ways to play each hole and wheelchair accessibility on the first nine holes, it’s designed for both fun and inclusivity.
Maine
Desert of Maine – Freeport, ME
This 18-hole adventure mini golf course is uniquely set amidst natural sand dunes, offering a blend of beautiful landscaping, water features, and sculptures that reflect the desert’s history. It’s a distinctive experience that combines fun with a touch of education.
Raptor Falls Mini Golf – Arundel, ME
Raptor Falls stands out with its animatronic dinosaurs and modern mini golf layout. The course provides an engaging experience for all ages, complemented by locally made ice cream for a delightful treat.
Massachusetts
Skull Island at Bass River Sports World – South Yarmouth, MA
This Cape Cod classic is a must-play for mini-golf lovers. Skull Island features 18 pirate-themed holes with waterfalls, caves, and a giant pirate skull centerpiece. The creative layout and tropical vibe make it perfect for families, date nights, or anyone chasing that nostalgic summer thrill. It’s a top destination for vacationers looking to add some swashbuckling fun to their Cape trip.
Kimball Farm – Westford, MA
Kimball Farm isn’t just a place to get legendary ice cream—it’s also home to one of the most beautifully landscaped mini-golf courses in Massachusetts. Their Adventure Style course weaves through fountains, rock gardens, and even a covered bridge. After your game, you can enjoy bumper boats, batting cages, or grab a cone and watch the sunset. A New England summer staple!
Pirate’s Cove – Various Locations (Hyannis, South Yarmouth, and more)
Pirate’s Cove is a well-known chain of themed mini-golf courses, and Massachusetts is lucky to have multiple locations. Each one features lush, immersive pirate scenery—from rope bridges and treasure chests to waterfalls and lookout towers. It’s a great pick for families, especially with younger kids who’ll love the swashbuckling atmosphere. The South Yarmouth course is especially popular and beautifully maintained.
New Hampshire
Hobo Hills Adventure Golf – Lincoln, NH
Hobo Golf in Lincoln is a super fun course with loads of water features and silly, whimsical obstacles that make every hole a surprise. The course is nestled in the White Mountains, and when the trees are bursting with vibrant autumn color, it feels like you’re putting through a New England postcard. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the course winds through lush landscaping with bridges, waterfalls, and quirky characters. It’s one of those places where the fun is just as much about the scenery as the score.
Chuckster’s – Chichester, NH
Chuckster’s boasts the world’s longest mini golf hole and offers a variety of attractions, including go-karts and batting cages. The course is designed to provide fun challenges for all skill levels.
Mel’s Funway Park – Litchfield, NH
Mel’s Funway Park features an 18-hole mini golf course with beautifully landscaped greens and water features. The park also offers go-karts, laser tag, and a variety of other family-friendly activities.
Rhode Island
Mulligan’s Island – Cranston, RI
Mulligan’s Island offers two 18-hole courses themed to make players feel like they’ve landed on a volcanic island, complete with a volcano that shoots fire and cascading waterfalls. It’s been recognized as one of the best mini golf courses in Rhode Island.
Adventureland Family Fun Park – Narragansett, RI
Adventureland features a fantastic mini golf course that’s part of a larger amusement park, including batting cages, go-karts, and an arcade. It’s a great spot for family fun.
Vermont
Stowe Golf Park – Stowe, VT
Professionally designed to simulate a real golf environment, Stowe Golf Park offers a miniaturized golf course experience. Players can enjoy the challenge of reading greens and navigating natural obstacles.
Champ’s Trading Post Extreme Mini Golf – Grand Isle, VT
This course offers a fun and challenging mini golf experience with creative hole designs and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great spot for both kids and adults to enjoy.
Celebrate National Miniature Golf Day by visiting a local course or enjoying one of these films that highlight the fun and charm of mini-golf. Whether you’re playing a round or watching a movie, mini-golf offers entertainment for everyone.