Pros 
Cons A Howling Good Time...Or Not? First Impressions of Howl In One Mini Golf
Howl In One Mini Golf, nestled inside the Great Wolf Lodge at 10401 Cabela Dr, Kansas City, KS, presents a somewhat mixed experience, earning a 3.7 rating from its patrons. Conveniently located off I-435 West, this 18-hole course aims to offer family fun, but reviews reveal a bit of a bumpy ride – both on and off the green. It's open seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM, making it accessible for spontaneous outings, and boasts accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. A key draw is its appeal to a wide age range; several reviewers noted the course’s design allows both young children (around 5 years old) and adults to enjoy a playful, albeit sometimes frustrating, game.
The course incorporates a unique central marsh and cartoon animal sculptures, adding visual interest. However, don’t expect groundbreaking course design. Several customers mention the holes feeling repetitive and lacking true challenge, even for younger players. The price point of $7 per person is generally considered reasonable for mini golf, although some feel it's too high considering the overall condition.
Here's a quick snapshot of what you can expect:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Inside Great Wolf Lodge, Kansas City, KS |
| Price | $7 per person |
| Difficulty | Moderate, leaning towards easy |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance & parking |
| Kid-Friendly | Yes, suitable for ages 5+ |
| Course Features | Marsh, animal sculptures, sand traps, slopes |
The State of the Greens: Maintenance & Amenities
A recurring theme in customer feedback centers around the course’s upkeep. While described as "neat" by some, others paint a less rosy picture. "Trashy," "unswept," and "broken pipes" are terms used to describe aspects of the environment. Divots and rough patches are common, often marked with rocks – a band-aid solution rather than proper repair. This lack of maintenance significantly impacted enjoyment for some families, leading to boredom and a feeling the course was simply "boring."
Beyond the course itself, amenity access is a point of confusion. Access to clubs isn't immediately obvious; currently, players need to retrieve them from the Buckhorn Exchange. This adds an unnecessary step to the experience, and without proactive signage, could cause frustration. Shade is also conspicuously absent - visitors recommend preparation by bringing hats or applying sunblock. The lack of dynamic elements - no moving obstacles or water hazards that readily claim golf balls - may disappoint players looking for more complex challenges.
Conflicting Claims: Difficulty and Fun Factor
The perceived difficulty of Howl In One Mini Golf is surprisingly polarized. Some reviewers boldly declare it the "hardest mini golf course around," praising its engaging design. They highlight the course's clever use of slopes and sand traps as enjoyable obstacles. Others state the opposite – that there’s "no challenge at all," even for young children. This discrepancy points toward a subjective experience heavily influenced by individual skill and expectations.
The overall “fun factor” seems to hinge on accepting the course for what it is: a relatively simple, low-stakes game geared towards families. Those expecting a truly challenging or visually stunning experience might be disappointed. However, reviews indicate that if you're simply seeking a way to spend an hour with kids and don't mind a few imperfections, Howl In One can provide a pleasant diversion. One reviewer aptly described it as having "a quaint touch" with its attempt at realistic sand traps.
Beyond the Course: Access and Value Proposition
The location inside Great Wolf Lodge is a double-edged sword. While extremely convenient for lodge guests, it also means non-guests must navigate the lodge's parking and potentially experience associated crowds. The instructions to "turn right" upon entering the parking lot are valuable to those unfamiliar with the layout. Importantly, the course is open to the public, eliminating the need to be a lodge guest to partake in the mini golf fun.
Several customers mentioned getting access through a "wolf pass," suggesting this bundled package offers good value. However, a standalone $7 price tag is perceived differently. Some believe it’s a fair price, while others feel it’s too expensive given the course’s condition. This points to a value proposition that varies greatly depending on how it’s accessed.
“This is better off free, there’s only sand traps and slopes to mess you up.” – A sentiment echoed by several less-than-impressed players.