Last weekend, we decided to head out of town for the afternoon. We drove up north of Madison to Wisconsin Dells. The past several times we have visited the Dells, I had every intention of enjoying miniature golf with my family at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. But, we always added too many items to our agenda for the day -- and mini golf never happened. We made this the purpose of last weekend's agenda, and built our Saturday itinerary around that.
After a quick lunch somewhere new, we stopped by to the cloud-covered miniature golf course. It was overcast when we arrived, but the courses were just as beautiful and well-maintained as I remembered from playing mini golf in the Dells as a teenager. The water and waterfalls were bright blue, the planters were full in bloom and colorful and the staff was also friendly. By the time we ended our session, the sun was shining bright, the water was even richer in turquoise blue and the humidity was high.
We weren't overly impressed by our lunch and would have much rather have enjoyed one of our standard family picnics. I should have stuck with my gut and enjoyed the beautiful picnic area and spacious playground, located at the top of the Pirate's Cove facility. You may not have noticed it if you stopped by, as it's hidden just behind the golf course. Check it out the next time you stop in.
Just before we decided to undertake this adventure, a mask mandate was put back in place in our own county for indoor activities. Miniature golf at Pirate's Cove was going to be a comfortable and safe environment to spend time together outdoors and move our bodies. This was also going to be a new opportunity for our five year old. She had tried it a few years ago in Madison, when was too young to actually participate well. 5 1/2 turned out to be a great age to give this a try!
We chose to start out with Captain Kidd's course. This course was going be low par and take you through the fun cave and beautiful, blue waterfall. How perfect for our incoming kindergartener! It turned out to be perfect for our family.
Miniature golf here turned out to teach several lessons to our daughter over the eighteen holes. We worked on her golfing form, taught her the left from the right, worked on being honest and fair, reflected on being encouraging and kind to others, we counted strokes -- and more.
The course started scenic and ended even more scenic as each hole was approached. I could not get over the flowers, the pots, hanging plants and the turquoise blue waters. We love hiking and this was a nice blend of being active in another way, while still incorporating nature. I love that this is located just off of the Wisconsin Dells strip, but it is different. It's not another upside down house or go-karts or t-shirt shop. This is a great way to connect as a family and with nature. I heard lots of other groups laughing and having fun together, too.
We enjoyed miniature golf during the day. But this would also make a lovely evening activity. I mentioned that I would also like to bring our older children back in the fall when the weather is crisp and cool. Skip the movies and combine this with dinner and drinks for a romantic date night. Or add it to your next agenda when you visit one of the waterparks or attend the Wisconsin Dells Boat Tours.
There are five different courses which feature 91 unique holes at the Wisconsin Dells location. The four other courses, sound just as fun. We will be heading back soon for another challenge!
Black Beard's 18 holes is the easiest course and takes families to the highest point of the area - to the large waterfall. If you're interested in a lovely view of the Wisconsin River, you should choose Pirates Lookout 18, which also goes around the waterfall. Pirate's Challenge 18 visits the sundial and takes you over a lovely bridge. Captain Hook's 19 is located at the top of the hill and is medium to difficult level of difficulty.
You may choose just one course for the day. But if you have an entire afternoon free, you can purchase up to 91 holes of golf at a reduced rate. And children ages 4 years and under are free with adult paid admission.
Definitely add this outing to your next trip to Wisconsin Dells vacation or day trip.
