By Natalie Hall

Whether you are looking for an artistic course or something harder than the average putt-putt, these mini golf courses are on-par. These creative, challenging courses prove that mini golf is not just for kids anymore. Grab your clubs and take a swing at the most creative mini golf courses in the metro area.

Artist Bruce Stillman’s creative course remains a work in-progress. Big Stone Mini Golf in Minnetrista currently has 14 holes, but Stillman continues to create new challenges and add on to his course. The holes are arranged around sculptures such as metal pumpkins and a stone spiral, and odds and ends like an overturned boat or a large metal bowl. Roast marshmallows, feed the goats and venture through the stone sculptures that populate the grounds.

The Centennial Lakes Park course in Edina rejected mini golf and opted for “golf in miniature” instead. With carefully manicured grass, sand traps, gardens and ponds, you will see why mini golf was just not big enough for this course. And with other summer activities, including fishing, lawn bowling and paddleboats, it’s easy to spend all day at the park.

Can Can Wonderland is an old can manufacturing plant in St. Paul that now houses a restaurant and bar with an 18-hole indoor mini golf course. Artists worldwide designed the course by responding to the wonderland’s question: “What is the mini golf hole you have always wanted to play?” The holes include creative themes such as the State Fair and Gramma’s Living Room, and the ends with The Hole Formerly Known As The World’s Longest Hole, a reference to Minnesota native, Prince.

Local artists partner with the Walker Art Center each year to create a mini golf course worthy of an art museum. The 18-hole course is aptly situated in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, featuring 14 favorites and four new obstacles. Each mini golf ticket also provides free admission to the Walker Art Center across the street.