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Best Mini Golf Course

By Fans' Choice On 6/25/25 at 12:00 PM EDT

Mini golf is the perfect summer outing for multi-generational families and fun-loving couples. But make no mistake about it: these selections aren't just about putting it past the pirate or into the volcano. Our panel looked for courses that were fun to play but also offered a fair degree of challenge, from varied overall layouts to creative hole designs that test your accuracy and decision-making skills ("Do I go for it, or opt for the layup?"). No two courses are the same, below, and many feature changes in elevation, winding paths and other tough obstacles. Best of all: some of our favorites even serve up topnotch fare and cocktails.

These 10 mini golf courses were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Into the Woods Mini Golf Copper Harbor, MI

Woods Mini Golf

Photo courtesy of Into the Woods Mini Golf Photo courtesy of Into the Woods Mini Golf

Putt your way through an enchanting miniature version of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula at Into the Woods. Flower gardens and tiny houses create a lovely backdrop for the course's 18 holes, which which offer a unique challenge to adults but are still fun enough for younger players. And after 3 pm, you can BYOB! If you're in love with the natural surroundings, you're in luck; you can admire the landscape from the course's outdoor lounge.

2. Orcas Island Mini Golf Eastsound, WA

Orcas Island mini golf

Photo courtesy of Orcas Island Mini Golf Photo courtesy of Orcas Island Mini Golf

If you're looking for one of the best mini-golf courses in Washington State, you've found it: Orcas Island Mini Golf winds its way through adorable (yet challenging) models of the San Juan Islands' most familiar sights. Tap your ball through all kinds of miniature boats, from ferries to fishing dinghies (one of the boats rocks in the water while you putt on it!), crossing bridges and dodging tiny orcas along the way.

3. Swingers Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

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Photo courtesy of Swingers Photo courtesy of Swingers

It's mini golf all grown up; Swingers Las Vegas sets an off-the-wall vibe while still being hip enough for the Strip. While you're attempting to avoid the colorful obstacles on the four courses, "caddies" will bring you drinks to help you keep your cool as the game heats up. Tempting street food refuels you for another round or a late-night tour of Swingers' grand location inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

4. Swingers Dupont Circle Washington, DC

Swingers Dupont Circle - April-2025- PWF

Photo courtesy of Swingers Photo courtesy of Swingers

You'll have a capital time at Swingers Dupont Circle, where you can putt through two lovely (and deceptively difficult) English garden-themed courses. While you play, sip a gin and tonic that's fit for the fanciest garden party—your drinks are delivered no matter where you are on the indoor greens. If you make it through the ninth hole of each course, keep the fun going at Carnival, Swingers' nostalgia-filled arcade.

5. Puttshack Lousiville Louisville, KY

Puttshack 16:9

Photo courtesy of Puttshack Photo courtesy of Puttshack

A glass of Kentucky bourbon in one hand and a putter in the other sounds like the recipe for a great night at Puttshack Louisville. Your tech-savvy golf ball tracks every hit and roll as you play your way through four nine-hole courses; it also records your score to make sure no one cheats! While you're there, sample a plate of Kentucky Tailpipes, spring rolls inspired by the city's famous Hot Brown sandwich.

6. The Woodlands Activity Center Mackinac Island, MI

Woodlands Activity Center-8 copy

Photo courtesy of the Grand Hotel/Woodlands Activity Center Photo courtesy of the Grand Hotel/Woodlands Activity Center

Hidden within the gorgeous lakefront landscape of Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel, the Gem is an 18-hole eco-friendly oasis that's perfect for family time. Each hole mimics an actual golf green, with low-cut fairways, rough areas and sand traps to navigate. You'll love exploring the natural beauty of the island along the course, even when you're digging through the ferns to find a lost ball.

7. Puttery Houston Houston, TX

Puttery NYC

Photo courtesy of the Puttery Photo courtesy of the Puttery

Leave the kids with a babysitter and plan your next date night at Puttery Houston, a trendy entertainment space that's part indoor mini golf, part full-service bar and upscale restaurant. This location features three nine-hole courses, all whimsically themed, with digital scorecards and cocktails you can sip while you swing. Housemade churro waffles sweeten the night before your next round of golf and drinks.

8. Puttshack Atlanta - Midtown Atlanta, GA

Puttshack 16:9

Photo courtesy of Puttshack Photo courtesy of Puttshack

A weekend DJ, four mini-golf courses that are fully ADA-accessible, an outdoor terrace to enjoy your poutine and paloma: Puttshack Atlanta in Midtown has food and fun for all. When you're done downing a gelato, you can party on each nine-hole indoor course with automatic scoring systems, bonus shots for extra points and hazards that'll lower your score but raise the laughter of you and your friends.

9. Puttery Dallas Dallas, TX

Puttery NYC

Photo courtesy of the Puttery Photo courtesy of the Puttery

This isn't your classic kiddie course with windmills; Puttery Dallas is a new way to do nightlife with its full bar, chef-created dining and four nine-hole indoor courses that'll have you snapping selfies with every quirky obstacle (the giant polar bear is a favorite photo op). One of the courses is on the rooftop, so you can swing your club and swig your cocktail as you take in views of the city skyline.

10. City Putt New Orleans, LA

CityPutt

Photo courtesy of City Putt Photo courtesy of City Putt

Tucked inside one of America's largest urban parks, City Putt is a mini-golf hidden gem. You'll love the theming, with one course decked out in all things New Orleans and the other celebrating the best of Louisiana. These Big Easy courses aren't easy; you'll need to muster all your putting skills to get around each obstacle (watch out for the gator statue!). After a round, cool off with a treat from the snowball stand.

About Newsweek Fans' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of journalists and sports fans. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at fanschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Linnea Bailey

Linnea Bailey is an award-winning journalist based in South Florida. Her freelance work can be found in Travel + Leisure, Southern Living, USA Today, Newsweek, and more. Linnea is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, The Family Travel Association, and The Adventure Travel Trade Association. A graduate of the University of Central Florida's journalism school, Linnea is also an avid sports enthusiast with a longtime love of college football and MLB. For more about her adventures, visit www.linneabailey.com.

Julie Bielenberg

Julie Bielenberg lives in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado with massive mountains and big country. She has been her State's number one agritourism writer for over two decades. She has contributed to, among others, Cowboys & Indians, Newsweek, Fodor's Travel, Spoke + Blossom, and Island Soul. From baseball to soccer to hoops, Julie's family is heavily involved in sports, and she doesn't miss an opportunity to sample the nachos at whatever venue she's visiting or working. Learn more about Julie's adventures at www.muckrack.com/julie-bielenberg.

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Shannon DalPozzal

Shannon DalPozzal is a writer and traveler, where she blends storytelling with a lifelong passion for unique American experiences. She spent her childhood summers at Huntsville Speedway in Alabama, cheering on her uncle from the grandstands and falling in love with the roar of engines and the thrill of the track. Now based in coastal Maine, Shannon is the Best-Selling author of Of a Woman: The Journey to Becoming and host of the podcast Unpacked with Shannon DalPozzal. She explores everything from memoir to motorsports with curiosity, heart and a keen eye for culture.

Gretchen Pahia

With more than 20 years in journalism and content creation, Gretchen Pahia is a wife and mother of two teenage boys. With articles published in several publications, she is a recognized writer covering a variety of different topics, including travel, dining, lifestyle, family and entertainment. Gretchen, who is not only a 3° black belt but also an avid sports fan, watches games whenever she can, cheering on her favorite teams! You can follow along on Instagram @gpahia.

Amy Piper

Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer, and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. A native Michigander, she travels through the lens of a food lover and has visited 47 countries and 45 states. Amy is also a collegiate sports fan, and she frequently travels to see her favorite team, the University of Michigan in action on the field. A favorite traveling, sports memory is seeing her beloved Wolverines win the Rose Bowl. You can follow her adventures at www.FollowthePiper.com.

Jamie Davis Smith - headshot-Newsweek Fans Choice

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a travel writer and attorney. She lives in Washington, DC with her four children. As a native of Philadelphia, Jamie is a lifelong fan of all of the Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles and Phillies. However, once her son introduced her to soccer, she was hooked. Jamie travels frequently to attend her children's sports events, including soccer, track, and cross-country. She and her children try to catch a game wherever they are in the world and have planned trips to cheer on their favorite teams. You can follow Jamie's adventures via www.instagram.com/wherejamiegoes.