Riverside Amusement Mini Golf – Lacrosse, WI

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Played on September 2, 2020

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

Throughout the summer of 2020, we got creative with our traveling to play mini golf due to COVID. We were eager to find places we could drive to and then head home all in one day. Ventures Up North (aka Brainerd) and Duluth (including Superior, Wisconsin) were fruitful and we discovered a few real gems hiding not far from home. With the pandemic summer nearing the end, I set my sights south of the Twin Cities. We had already visited Lark Toys but I was curious to see what was sitting not too far away across the river in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. Online photos of any of the courses in the area were scarce but I took a leap of faith on a solo day trip. I was pleasantly surprised by a 30-year-old course nestled between batting cages and a go-kart track.

Rating

All of the photos I saw online didn’t do this place justice. Maybe it’s because there aren’t a lot of Putt-Putt-styled courses that urge putters to use angled shots for aces in the upper Midwest but I felt like I stumbled onto a unicorn course. Riverside Amusement borrows a lot of the play design from traditional courses like Putt-Putt meant to provide a skilled challenge but this collection of 18 holes has a distinct flair and style. Numerous places on the first half of the course offer major risk-reward propositions with carefully placed openings that will lead you into the water if your aim is off. The journey to the top of the course and back to the start works well and feels substantial despite a lack of characters or a storyline. The white borders with the relatively new turf give it a look that is so fresh and so clean, clean. This course will appeal to the mini golf nerds who love a putting challenge. The newer turf plays a little slow so give it a smack. There was a lot of thought put into the design and layout of the whole course and I’m eager to get back to improve my score. Definitely a must-play in the area.

Rules of the course
A tempting opening to play a bounce shot on the left has a high risk/reward component
Simple white metal rails and fresh green turf for me and my blue Chromax ball
Uphill putt that could lead into the water or a nice bounce towards the cup
Better picture of the shape and the go-kart track
Pace is key!
Not only are the hazards interesting but I like the device for retrieving your ball from the water
Triple tiered piping
Steep. Top carpet does seem to be older/original.
Hit the ball too hard on this one and it will head right back to you
Angles and curves
18th hole has a unique turn
Line up your first putt so you can use the jump to get a good crack at the cup for a Whopper. If you miss, your ball is collected and you’re rewarded with having finished playing a fun course.

Riverside Amusement Website

1304 Interchange Pl, La Crosse, WI 54603

Pros
Smart and subtle design
Takes the angle / skill-focused putt-putt style and adds more of a challenge
A few unique holes and elements
Smart use of water features in the space

Cons
No shading from the sun on the course
Probably not going to be appealing for those who like a little more kitsch

Nerdy Notes

  • 18 holes, Par 44
  • $7.50 a round. Package deals available
  • Go-kart track & batting cages on-site too
  • Website listed odd / weekend only hours so I’d recommend calling ahead
  • Opened Memorial Day Weekend 1990
  • This course is not ADA accessible. There are many stairs and few access points to the putting area with a wheelchair.

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