Pros 
Cons A Whirlwind of Putts: Course Overview & Accessibility
St. Louis Union Station Mini Golf offers a convenient and accessible entertainment option, particularly appealing following a ride on the nearby St. Louis Wheel. Located within the historic Union Station in Downtown West, the course provides a quick, family-friendly activity. However, don't expect sprawling landscapes; it's notably compact, with 18 holes fitted into a relatively small area. Several reviewers note this, referencing its "crammed" feel.
The facility excels in accessibility - a major plus for many visitors. It's fully equipped with:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and parking.
- Wheelchair accessible restrooms.
This inclusivity makes it a welcoming choice for a broad range of players. Alongside the mini golf itself, Union Station boasts a restaurant and readily available restrooms, furthering the convenience. Payment options are also modern with acceptance of both credit and debit cards. It's clearly geared towards families, and multiple reviews confirm it's "good for kids," making it a potential stop during a larger family outing.
The Gameplay Experience: Fun, But Repetitive?
The consensus regarding the actual gameplay leans towards "fun, but basic." While players consistently mention having a good time, the course itself is often described as lacking significant variety. Multiple reviews point out a repetitive nature between holes, with little to differentiate each challenge. One reviewer poignantly stated, “the course was pretty much the same from hole to hole.”
Despite its simplicity, the course appears to offer a reasonable level of challenge. It's described as “fun and challenging,” suitable even for introducing beginners to the game – as one visitor experienced in their very first mini golf outing. Players appreciate the detail of being able to choose their ball color. A typical round takes approximately 25 minutes, although this can increase due to crowding, as experienced by visitors who found themselves waiting behind larger groups.
Here's a quick breakdown of player opinions on gameplay:
| Aspect | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Challenge | Fun & Challenging | Basic |
| Variety | - | Repetitive |
| Length of Play | ~25 minutes | Can be longer due to crowds |
| Overall Enjoyment | Good Time | - |
Staff Interactions & Operational Considerations
Customer service appears to be a point of inconsistency. Several reviewers highlighted a less-than-helpful experience with the on-site staff. Specifically, one individual requested assistance with understanding the scorecard and found the employee to be unhelpful. This contrasts with the generally positive atmosphere of the location.
Operational aspects, like providing scorecards and pencils, also seem to be lacking. Some visitors were surprised, and inconvenienced, by their absence. This suggests a potential area for improvement in enhancing the overall experience.
Crowds during peak times are also a factor to consider. A reviewer explained they even skipped a hole to avoid a long wait behind a large family. Though open seven days a week from 10 AM to 10 PM, planning a visit during off-peak hours might be beneficial to avoid congestion. Masks were required at the time of some reviews – unless eating or drinking, a factor to keep in mind for current visitors.
The Price of Location: Value for Money?
The most common complaint revolves around the perceived value for money. With a price point of around $10 per person (or $43 for a group of three), many reviewers feel the cost doesn’t quite justify the experience. This is largely attributed to the course’s small size and lack of elaborate features. The prime location within Union Station, a popular tourist destination, is believed to inflate the price.
Consider these perspectives:
"It wasn’t really worth the $10. I’m assuming the cost is because it’s a tourist type of thing with being at Union Station."
"Wouldn’t return at the price of $43 for three people."
However, bundled ticket options, combining admission to the St. Louis Wheel and mini golf, can alleviate the cost concerns. One reviewer specifically recommended purchasing a combined ticket to save money. Ultimately, the perceived value seems to hinge on expectations: if you’re seeking a quick, convenient activity after visiting other Union Station attractions, it might be worthwhile. If you’re looking for a highly elaborate or lengthy mini golf experience, there may be more cost-effective options elsewhere.