Real Golf And Mini Golf Collide At This Unique Minnesota Course

I have loved miniature golf since I was a kid. As I've gotten older, I've grown to love traditional golf, too.

While they both have a lot in common, there are a number of distinct differences between the two versions of golf.

On a recent trip to the Twin Cities, I discovered a new course that further blends the two styles of the game together into an experience that can't be found elsewhere in Minnesota, at least as far as I know.

It's not "mini golf", it's"golf in miniature"

While looking for some unique and interesting things to do in the Twin Cities while I was in the area this spring to also visit the tulip blooms at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and the Tulip House in Minneapolis, I discovered this beauty.

At the Centennial Lakes Park in Edina, there's an 18-hole putting course that most people would probably describe as mini golf, only it's different.

The differences?

First off, the whole course looks like a shrunken-down golf course. The playing surface is real grass. There are real sand traps, boulders, trees, and ponds. The landscaping is beautiful, and the greens and "fairways" undulate quite a bit like you'd find at a nice golf course.

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While your only club is a putter, it is definitely "golf in miniature", rather than the traditional "mini golf" you're used to. No windmills or clowns at this course!

What's the playing experience like?

It kind of feels like "adult mini golf" to me. The park grounds make you feel like you're at some nice golf course, and while there aren't any quirky obstacles, the course offers plenty of challenges.

Remember how I mentioned that the course is like a shrunken-down golf course? The holes at this course are long compared to a traditional mini golf course. The holes range from 57 feet all the way to 125 feet. Most holes are a par-3, with a couple of par-2 and a few par-4 holes.

In all, the par-51 18-hole championship course is 1,662 feet in length, and takes about an hour and 45 minutes to play. While all ages and abilities are welcome, the course recommends players be at least 8 years old due to the difficulty of the course.

READ MORE: These are the 10 best-rated city parks in Minnesota

There is a 9-hole option that takes about 45 minutes to play as well, which offers enough challenge for experienced players, but also is easy enough for kids to play.

I played the 18-hole course, and it was incredibly fun and relaxing. While it clearly isn't, it kind of feels like you're playing a regular round of 18 at a golf course!

What else do you need to know to play here?

Like a normal mini golf course, they have putters for you as part of your price to play. The 18-hole course is $11 per person, and play is first-come, first-served, just like any other mini golf course. Even though it isn't normal "mini golf", you do still get your pick of colored golf balls to use.

The 9-hole option is $7 per person and is also first-come, first-served. No reserved tee times are accepted.

The check-in area has a small concessions stand that offers (non-alcoholic) beverages and cold treats for the summer season.

The hours vary slightly through the season, but they open in the morning hours each day, accepting golfers through the day, with the last paid admission accepted one hour before sunset, so you can finish your round before they close. You can see their hours here.

The Centennial Lakes Park is also near a shopping area with ample parking on the west side of the course.

In addition to the putting courses, they also have paddleboats to rent for the waterway that runs through the park space, as well as other lawn games like lawn bowling during the summer months.

During the winter, the park offers ice skating.

Take a tour of the course in this photo gallery so you can see what it's like!