Whistling Wolf Mini Golf – Crosslake, MN

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Played on July 10, 2020 & July 16-18, 2021

Reviewed by Mr. Tee

We initially played these 18 holes last summer on our mini golf journey Up North. This course came highly recommended and we were excited to play. We didn’t get to meet the owner, Mike Stone, while visiting the course but subsequently crossed paths with him when we played Dreamland as he was finishing off building the Dream Course. In chatting with Mike, it was clear we were kindred spirits and we all had a similar interest in distinctive mini golf. Mike was kind enough to host us on our second visit to Crosslake and we were fortunate to be able to stay in a house right on the course, thus wake up and play multiple times. Rarely are we able to play courses multiple times that aren’t located within 30 minutes of our house so it was a special treat to stay adjacent to one of our favorite courses in MN.

Rating

The state of Minnesota doesn’t have a ton of the types of mini golf courses we put in our “top tier” but we cherish those places that take the game to the next level. Owner, operator and builder Mike Stone has created a course with distinct features that thematically match the Up North cabin community where it is located and manages to be equal parts, fun, challenging, and smart. Before we met and subsequently collaborated with him, we enjoyed this course. Heck, part of our excitement to collaborate with Mike was due to our appreciation for all of the mini golf courses he has built. There may be some mini golf purists that don’t love the chance for scoring zero on a few holes but we love the creativity and risk/reward opportunities that a handful of holes provide. Add in a number of both large and small North Woods characters across the course and a few very Minnesota hole names (“U Betcha”). The big bonus is that you have a separate and unique challenging putting course additionally on the premises in Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf. Throw in the charming setting under the trees, well-maintained greens, and a candy shop and oh, you know, you’re set for fun. Worth a road trip and a must-play if you’re Up North or in Crosslake.

Hole #1 in 2020. This was adjusted in 2021 to remove the pipes to give a different option up a slope to reach the hole.
Hole at the top of #2 gives an initial chance for a “0” score if you land an ace up the ledge on the the first putt.
Hard to see but Hole #3 has a “0” shot on the edge of the first slope. Hit it too soft and you’ll fall into the gully and water hazard. Requires perfect pace for the ace.
How could I not sit down on this bear bench?
Turf before replacement stiill played well on this “Good, Bad, or Ugly” hole
Bruce the Moose!

Get directions to everywhere with the MASH sign
Real and fake critters keep a keen eye on your putts
The Pink Putter is looking on at her well played first shot on this subtly challenging hole. Hit it too hard and you’ll jump the ball out of bounds.
Jumped for joy when I got a second chance to play in 2021 on the fresh new turf
All the looks when I’m trying to figure out how to take a good selfie of us
Did we have fun? All signs point to yes!
Last chance to sink a “0” on the toilet hole
Little details like this cabin perfectly connect the theme
Post-putting candy decisions to be made in the clubhouse

Whistling Wolf & Dark Moon Website

36006 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442

Pros

Charming Up North theme perfectly match for the course location
Fun and unique gameplay
Brilliant concrete work gives the shapes of the holes personality
Regularly and well-maintained turf considering
Canopy of pine trees provides shade during scorching hot days
Cute animal characters throughout

Cons

Can’t think of any especially after they replaced a lot of the turf

Nerdy Notes

  • 18 holes, Par 46
  • One side $8.50 ($7.50 for 12 & under), Play both sides $12.50 ($11.50 12 & under)
  • 2nd generation family-owned and operated
  • Several holes (2,3,8 & 18) offer the chance for a “0” score if you make it in the more difficult hole on the first shot. Otherwise, the more difficult hole is scored regularly based on strokes
  • Also home to Dark Moon Mega Mini Golf, a candy store, and other Crosslake goods
  • The Stone family also owns and operates the nearby Crosswoods Golf course

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