Plenty of putt-putt: 11 mini golf courses in Eastern Iowa

Mini golf is a fun activity for people of all ages, especially on outdoor courses during the warmer months. Check out this list of mini golf courses in Eastern Iowa.

As the temperatures warm up, spending time outdoors becomes a priority for Iowans. And while golf courses are scattered across the landscape of the state, people don’t always have hours of time to dedicate to getting in a full round of golf. Luckily, miniature golf is a fun option that accommodates all skill levels and doesn’t require nearly as much time. So, get ready to putt your stuff on a mini golf course in Eastern Iowa.

Check out our list of 11 mini golf courses that are ready to test your putting skills and offer a round of fun. 

1. Mini Pines

3800 42nd St NE, Cedar Rapids

(319) 286-5588

Mini Pines is the mini golf course adjacent to Twin Pines Golf Course, one of several traditional 18-hole courses operated by the City of Cedar Rapids. Mini Pines features 18 holes and is a fully inclusive miniature golf course, one of just a few for individuals with mobility challenges. The course offers a fun and challenging experience for all players. It features a pond, a nine-foot waterfall, and a final “horse-race” hole where anyone can be the winner. Mini Pines stays open well into the evening hours thanks to lighting. And there’s a replica of the City’s famed Tree of Five Seasons sculpture. 

Mini Pines miniature golf is operated by the City of Cedar Rapids and is part of Twin Pines Golf Course. (Cedar Rapids Tourism)

2. Pinseekers 

1515 Anderson Place, Tiffin

(319) 853-8680

Since opening at the end of 2023, Pinseekers has been drawing groups of fun seekers to their “Top Golf” style driving range. But it also offers other games, including duckpin bowling and miniature golf. Its putting course is custom-built and designed by American Greens. Also open into the evening hours thanks to course lighting, this fun course offers a challenge for all skill levels, whether you head out with your family or friends. 

Pinseekers in Tiffin draws families for miniature golfing fun. (Pinseekers)

3. FX Mini-Golf

1100 N 18th Ave, Hiawatha

(319) 378-4247

Mini golfers in the Cedar Rapids area have another option at FX Mini-Golf. This is an 18-hole, lighted miniature golf course located within AirFX Trampoline Park. This outdoor course features ramps, jumps, tunnels, and tubes and is also handicap-accessible. Once you’ve gotten in a game or two, you can also check out the laser maze, ninja warrior course, climbing zone, and more inside. 

4. Lost Island Mini Golf

2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo

(319) 455-6702

Lost Island is renowned for its expansive waterpark and theme park, but it also features mini golf, providing eastern Iowans with a fun-filled experience. This tropical-themed miniature golf course, called Monaleo Adventure, features two 18-hole courses—one of which is handicap-accessible. The design incorporates native vegetation, along with volcanoes, rapids, dinosaur fossils, a skull pit, and more. It’s an outdoor adventure you won’t forget!

Lost Island’s mini golf course offers fun for the whole family, including handicap accessibility on one of its two 18-hole courses. (Lost Island)

5. Palmer’s Family Fun

1666 West Airline Highway, Waterloo

(319) 232-9384

At Palmer’s Family Fun, there are a ton of fun activities to choose from. They have go-karts, laser tag, archery tag, a driving range, batting cages, and a jumping pillow. But don’t skip out on playing the two 18-hole miniature golf courses. These fun outdoor courses offer a challenge with their fun obstacles that weave their way around the property. 

6. Waterfall National

3001 Wright Brothers Blvd, Cedar Rapids

(319) 848-4500

Airport National Public Golf Course on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids boasts Waterfall National miniature golf course. You won’t be surprised to learn that this course features several waterfalls as part of the mini golf course design. As fun as they are to be around, remember the goal is to keep your ball out of the water. Airport National also offers birthday party options and group outings. 

Waterfall National is a fun miniature golf course located just on the outskirts of Cedar Rapids. (Cedar Rapids Tourism)

7. Bass Farms

840 Bass Ln, Mt Vernon

(319) 895-6480

Of course, in Iowa, a trip to a farm might also include the opportunity to get in some putting practice. At Bass Farms just outside of Mount Vernon, you can not only pick up some veggies, plants, specialty foods, and ice cream—you can also play mini golf on their custom course. Stop by around holidays or during the fall season and enjoy a variety of other farm activities, such as hayrack rides, pumpkin launching, and more. 

8. Derby Grange

13079 Derby Grange Rd., Dubuque 

(563) 556-4653

Dubuque’s Derby Grange golf course has a miniature golf course for the whole family to enjoy. The course has been around since Derby Grange opened in the mid-1990s. The scenic views overlooking Dubuque are an added bonus to spending time on this mini golf course. Plus, you can play a second round for just $1. There’s also a driving range and batting cages on site in case you want to add in more activities to your visit. 

9. Tavern Blue

805 2nd St., Coralville

(319) 569-1136

Head to Tavern Blue when you need to grab some food and drinks to go along with your miniature golfing adventure. Located in Iowa City, this entertainment establishment offers a fun challenge on its beach-inspired miniature golf course. There’s also a whole host of other fun activities to entertain a whole group, including foosball, darts, table games, and live music during evening hours. 

10. Tee-Rex Mini Golf

1110 N. Quincy, Ottumwa

(515) 650-1665

Tee-Rex Mini Golf is another great indoor miniature golf option. Located inside Quincy Place Mall in Ottumwa, this putt-putt course is dinosaur-themed, which the kids will especially love, as you are transported 65 million years in the past to putt your way around dinosaur replicas. At certain times, you can also participate in blacklight mini golf. There’s a cute gift shop filled with dinosaur-themed items. Plus, there’s a classic arcade also located in the mall, in case you want to keep the fun going. 

11. Putt-A-Round FM

203 1st St., Fort Madison

(319) 372-3335

You can’t miss the giant soft serve ice cream cone on First St. in Fort Madison. But people don’t just stop for the ice cream. Putt-A-Round FM features an 18-hole mini golf course and batting cages. You also can’t miss the giant golf ball on a tee on one of the holes! The course is reportedly a bit challenging on a few holes, but it’s a great spot for family fun. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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