Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf – Crosslake, MN

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Played on July 10, 2020

Reviewed by the Pink Putter

On our first getaway from home during the 2020 pandemic, we headed “Up North” to the Brainerd area of Minnesota. Our friend Joe Holme had recommended Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf at Whistling Wolf to us quite some time ago, so we knew we had to check it out. The best part of this story is that just six months later, in early 2021, we had the opportunity to meet Mike Stone, the owner and creator of this unique course.

Us with Mike Stone, the creator and owner of Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf
Mr. Tee and Ruggles chatting with Mike on the course.

We met Mike when we were visiting the brand new and not-yet-open Dreamland down in Dripping Springs, TX. Mike was brought down to design and build all of Dreamland, and was working on their smaller course during our visit. It was a blast getting to know him and learn about his inspiration and process.

Rating

Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf is a bit different than your average mini golf course. There are no silly gimmicks to be found here, just pure putting challenge. This course has 9 gigantic holes varying from 50′-100′ in length with a variety of obstacles, hills, curves and water hazards throughout. Each hole has three different pin points/cup locations, so there are actually three unique 9 hole courses – so 27 holes in all. Each pin position has a different color – green, red or black. As the player, you get to choose which color you’d like to aim for.  When we arrived, we weren’t given any instructions as to how to play the course, so we were a bit confused as to the game play. But we figured it out and chose to go for red on each hole. We’d definitely recommend this course for the serious golfer or putter, but for kids and families, we suggest the adjacent Whistling Wolf course instead.

Posing by the sign on the front of the building
An overview of the course with its main water feature
Mr. Tee near the giant butterflies
Putting for red
Mr. Tee works his way out from behind the rock
View of the main clubhouse from the other side of the water
Three different cup options
Putting at hole 18 – one of the original remnants from the original course on the property that was made by Mike’s dad

Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf website

Pros
Large, challenging holes
Nicely landscaped with central water feature
Clean and well maintained
Great repeat playability

Cons
Slightly confusing game play
Perhaps too challenging for families with kids

Nerdy Notes

  • 9 holes, each with three unique cup placements = 3 unique 9 hole courses
  • red, black or green flag in each cup
  • rubber covered putters
  • Par 35
  • One side $7.50 ($6.50 for 12 & under), Play both sides (Dark Moon and Whistling Wolf) $11.50 ($10.50 12 & under)
Dark Moon scorecard

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