Fun mini golf courses to putt a round in the suburbs
The suburbs boast a wide variety of places to play miniature golf, ranging from courses nestled in parks near downtowns offering post-round adult beverages to larger adventure golf campuses where you can get your shot on and earn those all-important bragging rights.
By no means is our list comprehensive, but here are five of our favorites that provide a challenge and affordable, family fun.
Aloha Falls Miniature Golf
Located at the Libertyville Sports Complex, Aloha Falls touts two Hawaiian-themed courses, the Beach, which is more relaxing, and the more challenging Waterfall, once rated as one of the "Eight Most Difficult Mini Golf Courses" in the United States by the magazine Popular Mechanics.
Rates are $8.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids to play one course, or $12 and $11, respectively, for both. The facility at 1800 U.S. Route 45, Libertyville, also has a retro arcade where patrons can bring in their own, older Nintendo games for a communal playing experience.
For more information, call (847) 549-3630 or visit alohafallsgolf.com.
Coyote Crossing
The Carol Stream Park District course has 18 holes and features a range of family friendly specials during its season, which runs from May through September. On Mondays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., rounds are just $1, while drinks are just $1 on Wednesdays. On Fridays, a family of four can play for $15.
Coyote Crossing is located at McCaslin Park, 27W650 North Ave., West Chicago. For more information, call (630) 293-8371 or visit csparks.org.
Stone Creek
Nestled in a park near the scenic Fox River in Kane County, Stone Creek miniature golf is a river-themed course operated by the Geneva Park District at Sunset Park, 101 North St., Geneva.
The course features challenging obstacles like a water wheel and windmill, and is close to downtown Geneva. Sunset Park also features a disc golf course for those who want a doubleheader of "golf" fun.
For more information, call (630) 262-2228 or visit genevaparks.org.
Lost Mountain Adventure Golf
Located at 1535 75th St., Woodridge, Lost Mountain is built around a three-tired waterfall that rises 22 feet.
For 18 holes, it's $7.95 for golfers 13 and over and $6.95 for those 12 and under.
Convenient location off Interstate 355 makes this an easy stop to satiate your golfing desires. For more information, call (630) 985-4653 or visit lostmountainadventuregolf.com.
Congo River
Hard to miss off Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates, Congo River features two 18-hole courses built atop a mountain with an African jungle theme.
With plenty of water, hills, shots to holes hidden from the tee and other obstacles, both courses provide a challenge to even the most adept putter.
Prices vary from $13.95 for an adult to play both courses on a weekend to $6.95 for a player 12 or under to take on just one course on a weekday. For more information, call (847) 843-1778 or visit golfcongoriver.com. Located at 1325 N. Barrington Road, Hoffman Estates.