Colonial Lanes Mini Golf – Iowa City, IA

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

Played August 10, 2019

I’ve had been through Iowa City many a time to take in live music with friends in the 00s. The small-town college atmosphere and amenities make this town a cultural oasis for the state with the overstated motto “fields of opportunities”. My overdue return this past year had me digging deeper to find what the IC had for mini golf options. In my pre-travel research, all I could find in Iowa City was a bowling alley that boasted a putting course. The quality of the course, price, and number of holes wasn’t clear online but I set my sights on stopping by to play in between bands at Grey Area.

I attempted to find pals to join me on my trek to Colonial Lanes but had no takers. Friends said the course was “ok” so I set out to play and document the course solo with modest expectations. Upon arrival, I was fortunate to bump into band members of another midwestern college town rock band, The Appleseed Cast, with their friends. I was introduced to them at the festival earlier in the day and crossing paths at the start of the course was perfect. Ben and Nick of the Lawrence rock band along with Sandra and Kelsey set out with me to give this newly discovered joint a spin.

Rating

Birdie – The upper midwest has very few official or Putt-Putt style courses. We’ve traveled far and wide so we’re familiar with the standard hole layouts that are the hallmark of the Putt-Putt franchise. Colonial Lanes borrows generously from the classic look and style but adds bowling obstacles to provide extra difficulty and a slight distinction from the standard green felt turf and orange rails. We’ve played a handful of courses that cost $2 but few of them are in playable shape. The stains on the putting surface from spilled drinks and slight wear and tear are the only things that stand out as needing a little TLC on this charming 18-hole course. Colonial Lanes will undoubtedly become a regular stop on future visits to this underrated Midwestern town.

As an added bonus, check out these hilarious older public access TV commercials below with local “celeb” Roger Luttski.

The exterior awning and signage made me hopeful about what could be inside

Straight-forward design plus bowling alley decor

If the brand name is misspelled, is it just a parody or homage and not a direct replication?

Most, if not all, of the holes are aceable with the right angles and pace

The Putt-Putt version of this hole is much easier without the pins and balls but I appreciate the extra challenge

The cup on the slope can make or break your score

Final hole is a common trope found on several traditional Putt-Putt courses we’ve visited

The bar, bowling alley, pinball game and decor are charming and of a style from the previous millennium

Colonial Lanes Facebook Page

Pros

Putt-Putt style holes that are mostly aceable
$2 per round is ridiculously cheap for 18 holes
Charming atmosphere and personality in the whole space
Bowling themed embellishments add challenge and distinct style

Cons

Putters, turf and a few of the structures could use some upkeep

Nerdy Notes