Pros 
Cons A Dragon’s Tale: First Impressions & Course Highlights
Magic Dragon Mini Golf in Pekin, Illinois, consistently receives glowing reviews, boasting a solid 4.5-star rating. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised by the course's challenge and charm. It’s clear this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill mini golf experience. Several reviewers specifically call out the unique course decorations and props, reflecting local Pekin history – particularly its coal mining past. Expect to see mine carts and other related relics integrated into the landscape.
Beyond the historical touches, the real standout feature, frequently mentioned, is the opportunity to play a hole inside an actual caboose! This is a novelty that sets Magic Dragon Mini Golf apart and generates considerable excitement. One traveler on a mission to play mini golf in all 50 states declared it one of the best they've seen, highlighting the peaceful park setting and the delightful antics of local squirrels and chipmunks. The course cleverly incorporates slight hills and obstacles into each hole, making it engaging without being overly difficult, even for younger players (a 9-year-old was specifically mentioned as having a good time).
Here’s a quick summary of what makes the course special:
- Unique Hole Designs: Expect more than just flat surfaces - hills and obstacles add challenge.
- Historical Integration: Decorations reflect Pekin’s mining heritage.
- The Caboose Hole: A truly memorable and unique experience.
- Family-Friendly: Challenging but enjoyable for all ages.
The Pekin Experience: Location & Amenities
Magic Dragon Mini Golf is situated within a larger recreational area in Pekin, close to a community pool and a beautiful park. This location contributes to a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. While Pekin itself is described by one reviewer as having a limited selection of restaurants and shops, its outdoor recreational opportunities “almost make up for it”. Finding the exact parking spot for Putt the Magic Dragon can be a bit confusing, so plan accordingly!
The course also offers convenient amenities. A concession stand is on site, providing snacks and drinks to keep players fueled. It also functions as the payment area, offering a streamlined process. A thoughtful addition noted by multiple reviewers is the availability of free bug spray – a welcome perk, especially during mosquito season. Expect reasonable prices, both for admission and concessions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 210 Recreation Dr, Pekin, IL 61554 |
| Nearby | Community pool, park |
| Concession Stand | Snacks, drinks available |
| Bug Spray | Free for customer use |
| Price | Fair and reasonable |
Staff & Service: A Friendly Face
A consistently praised aspect of Magic Dragon Mini Golf is its staff, especially Suzanne, who works at the service window. Reviewers repeatedly mention her friendliness and kindness. One couple, traveling the country to play mini golf in every state, specifically highlighted her warm welcome and engaging conversation – a stark contrast to some less hospitable cashiers they'd encountered elsewhere.
Suzanne’s additional touch of providing nuts for the local squirrels and chipmunks further enhances the positive atmosphere. This attention to detail and genuine care for the environment and its inhabitants contribute significantly to the overall experience. In a world where customer service can often feel transactional, the staff at Magic Dragon Mini Golf clearly goes the extra mile. Given this positive commentary, interacting with staff is likely to be a highlight of a visit.
“Suzanne at the service window puts out nuts for them [squirrels and chipmunks]. … Thank you Suzanne for your kindness. It has brightened our day.”
Operational Details & Recent Concerns
Magic Dragon Mini Golf operates seven days a week with consistent hours: 12 PM to 9 PM Monday through Friday, and 12 PM to 8 PM on Sunday. However, information from a review indicates a potential issue with Friday night availability – one reviewer questioned why the course was closed on a Friday night. As of 2016, the phone number listed is (309) 353-1244.
While overwhelmingly positive, it's important to note that reviews are somewhat dated (with the most recent being from June 2016). It's always advisable to check current hours and confirm accessibility, particularly regarding potential seasonal changes or special events. Potential visitors should verify operation hours to ensure their mini golf plans aren’t impacted.