Pros 
Cons A Roaring Good Time or a Rough Putt? Unpacking the Green Lagoon Golf Experience
Green Lagoon Golf, located in Chisago City, Minnesota, has quickly become a local talking point with its unique dragon-themed indoor mini golf course. Boasting a 4.3-star rating, this veteran-owned establishment offers more than just a game – it's a full family entertainment experience. But is it worth the trip? Reviews are… mixed. The core draw seems to be the novelty of the course itself, particularly the ambitious 13-par 10th hole aiming for a Guinness World Record. However, the execution appears to be a point of contention for some players. The facility actively promotes itself with onsite services and catering to families, offering a variety of attractive amenities. Let’s dive into what people are saying.
- The Good: The new course is overwhelmingly praised for its creativity and impressive design. Several reviewers specifically mention the fun and unique aspects of the dragon theme.
- The Ice Cream Factor: A consistent highlight is the generous servings and wide selection of ice cream available. It's repeatedly mentioned as a major plus, even for those primarily visiting for other reasons.
- Accessibility & Inclusivity: Green Lagoon Golf scores points for its accessibility features, including wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, and seating, ensuring a wider range of patrons can enjoy the fun. Plus, active military discounts are available.
- Family Friendly Vibe: The atmosphere consistently comes across as welcoming to families, making it a solid option for a day out with kids.
Course Condition: Dragons & Deterioration
While the concept is lauded, a significant number of reviews highlight issues with the course's physical condition. The wooden platforms supporting the holes are reportedly softening and becoming uneven. The carpeting, described as thin and fast-playing, is peeling in places. This impacts playability meaning people are skipping holes to continue. This negatively affects the experience, despite the ingenious hole designs.
Here's a breakdown of the concerns:
| Issue | Frequency in Reviews | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Uneven Platforms | High | Impacts ball roll, creates frustrating lies |
| Peeling Carpet | Moderate | Affects ball speed and predictability |
| Poor Hole Engineering | High | Holes deemed "unplayable," leading to skipped turns |
| Lack of Garbage Cans | Moderate | Creates a littered appearance |
| Rubber Mulch Interference | Moderate | Hinders ball movement |
| No Ball Retrieval for Water Hazards | Moderate | Loss of balls, frustration |
One serious golfer noted the course's "ball physics" are a 5/5, hinting at a fundamentally sound design struggling under maintenance issues. The contrast between the initial concept and the current state is a recurring theme.
Beyond Mini Golf: What Else Does Green Lagoon Offer?
Green Lagoon isn't just about mini golf. The facility expands its appeal with additional features, contributing to its family-friendly atmosphere. Beside the renowned mini golf course, customers point to the presence of a driving range, adding another dimension to the recreational offerings.
- Driving Range: While updates are happening (a new desk for observation is reportedly under construction), the driving range offers a classic practice option.
- Glow Golf Nights: Date nights are getting a boost by offering glow golf, complete with glowing necklaces and animated dragons, providing a different spin on the standard mini golf experience. Several reviews mention it as a fun event, although one noted the color of the ball matters for visibility.
- Payment Options: Green Lagoon accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, as well as NFC mobile payments, offering convenience for customers.
- Service Options: Customers can expect that all services are provided onsite, like paying for a round or ordering an ice cream.
The Price of Play: Is It Worth the Investment?
The cost of admission is frequently brought up in reviews, often described as “overpriced.” A round for two adults and two children can run around $50, which some feel is excessive considering the condition of the course. Several customers directly suggest considering alternatives before visiting, particularly if experiencing the course is the primary objective.
"Keep on driving past this place. The dragon theme is cool but that is it. Overpriced-$50 for 2 kids and 2 adults to play… Unfortunately an expensive hard lesson learned for us."
However, it’s important to note that ice cream prices are considered reasonable and that the occasional ice cream reward for kids adds to the overall positive experience, potentially cushioning the blow of the higher mini golf cost. Ultimately, the value proposition depends heavily on individual expectations and tolerance for course imperfections.