Wildwood RV-Park & Campground Mini Golf – Shafer, MN

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Played on September 20, 2014 and June 13, 2020

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

Located across Highway 8 from the spectacular Franconia Sculpture Park and a mile or two from Taylors Falls is the Wildwood Campground. Driving by you may miss that they have a mini golf course but it’s not too far from the entrance. In fact, the only reason I knew it existed is because my family stayed here a few times when I was in middle school and high school.  I couldn’t find any old pictures but I do remember the course and clubhouse looking quite different in the late 80s and 90s. I have fond memories of playing here after a day at Wild Mountain’s water park and alpine slide. Sadly, both Wild Mountain and the course have not managed to age well with time.

Rating:

Sandtrap – Back in 2014, the course was literally coming apart at the seams. However, upon our revisit in June 2020, it appears they did some minor repairs and have maintained the course. It’s a pretty straight forward green turf and red landscaping brick design. The natural terrain is sloped and the layout actually incorporates the angles. A few of the holes are fairly challenging and at $2.50, you could do worse. Overall, it’s a dud, but the price is right. This place could easily be a solid Par course with a few more bells and whistles. As it stands, there are several options in the area that are a much better play and in better shape.

Photos from June 2020:

Photos from September 2014:

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Only $2.50 at least. Ball selection is ok but no blue or pink.
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Overview of the course
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Playground in the background. Two ways to the cup on the first hole.
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The Pink Putter posing and maybe pondering a purchase of a canoe?
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Mr. Tee trying to make a tough shot down the middle.
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Busted bricks
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Fairly common scene on this course.
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Despite it’s ramshackle construction, this was a very difficult hole.

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Mr. Tee giving a lay of the land. Note the turf coming off the hole he is standing on.
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Simple design but effectively challenging.
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Final hole. Ball is collected at the end. Relatively easy single shot hole-in-one
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Mr. Tee and this big ol’ cat

Link from Wild Mountain Recreation Area

20078 Lake Blvd, Shafer, MN 55074

Pros

Cheap
Somewhat challenging play
Some creative hole placement and layout

Cons

Poorly maintained greens and obstacles
Course is falling apart
No kitsch or personality

Nerdy Notes

  • $2.50. 18 holes
  • No par set for any of the holes or course but they do offer a scorecard
  • You don’t need to stay at the campground to play the course
  • Traditional golf putters with metal heads were available but we opted to use our own

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