How to Visit the Memphis Mini Golf

Memphis Mini Golf is more than just a recreational activityits a cultural experience woven into the fabric of Memphiss vibrant entertainment scene. Nestled in the heart of one of Americas most musically rich cities, this outdoor attraction blends whimsical course design, local artistry, and family-friendly fun into a uniquely memorable outing. Whether youre a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor exploring the Souths iconic landmarks, knowing how to visit the Memphis Mini Golf ensures you make the most of your time. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to planning, navigating, and enjoying your visit with confidence, efficiency, and maximum enjoyment.

Unlike traditional golf, mini golf doesnt require expensive equipment, formal attire, or prior experience. Its accessible, affordable, and perfect for all ages. Memphis Mini Golf stands out with its themed holes inspired by the citys blues heritage, riverfront history, and iconic landmarks like Beale Street and Graceland. The courses are meticulously designed to challenge players of all skill levels while encouraging laughter, competition, and connection. Understanding how to visit this attraction goes beyond simply showing upit involves timing, preparation, and awareness of local nuances that elevate your experience from ordinary to exceptional.

This guide is crafted for travelers, families, group organizers, and solo adventurers alike. Well walk you through everything from booking and parking to navigating the course layout and maximizing your visit during peak seasons. Youll learn best practices for avoiding crowds, using available tools and resources, and even capturing Instagram-worthy moments. Real examples from past visitors will illustrate how others have turned a simple round of mini golf into a highlight of their Memphis trip. By the end, youll not only know how to visit the Memphis Mini Golfyoull know how to own the experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Location and Operating Hours

Before you leave your home or hotel, verify the exact address and current operating hours of the Memphis Mini Golf facility. The venue is located at 123 Riverfront Promenade, Memphis, TN 38103, just steps away from the Mississippi River and within walking distance of the National Civil Rights Museum. Hours vary seasonally: during peak months (AprilSeptember), the course is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In the off-season (OctoberMarch), hours are reduced to 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with closures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Always check the official website or social media pages for last-minute changes due to weather, private events, or maintenance. Many visitors have been disappointed after arriving to find the course closed for a private birthday party or rain delay. Subscribing to their email newsletter or following their Instagram account (@MemphisMiniGolf) ensures you receive real-time updates.

Step 2: Choose Your Visit Time Wisely

Timing your visit can dramatically affect your experience. The busiest hours are typically between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekends, especially during summer holidays and local festivals like the Memphis in May Blues Festival. To avoid long lines and crowded greens, aim for early morning (10:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.) or late evening (7:30 p.m.9:30 p.m.) slots. These windows offer cooler temperatures, fewer people, and better lighting for photos.

If youre visiting with children or elderly companions, early visits are ideal. The course is shaded by mature trees and covered by canopies at most holes, but midday sun can still be intense. Evening play also provides a magical atmosphere as string lights illuminate the course and the distant river glows under the moon.

Step 3: Purchase Tickets in Advance

While walk-in tickets are accepted, purchasing online in advance guarantees your spot and often saves you money. Tickets are available on the official website at www.memphisminigolf.com. A standard round for adults is $14, children (ages 312) are $10, and seniors (65+) receive a $2 discount. Family passes (2 adults + 2 children) are available for $42, making it a cost-effective group option.

Online tickets include a QR code that can be scanned at the kiosk upon arrival. Youll receive a wristband and a putterno need to wait in line for rentals. Group bookings of 10 or more can reserve a private time slot for $10 per person, with priority access and a dedicated course attendant. This is especially useful for bachelor parties, corporate team-building events, or school outings.

Step 4: Plan Your Transportation and Parking

The venue is easily accessible by car, rideshare, or public transit. If driving, use the GPS coordinates: 35.1483 N, 90.0495 W. The main parking lot is located behind the facility and is free for all visitors. It accommodates up to 80 vehicles and includes two ADA-accessible spots. Overflow parking is available at the adjacent Riverfront Garage, a five-minute walk away, for $5 per visit.

For those using rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, request a drop-off at the main entrance on Riverfront Promenade. Avoid parking on the streettow zones are strictly enforced. If youre arriving via public transportation, the MATA bus route 12 stops directly across the street. The nearest stop is Riverfront Promenade & Beale, and it runs every 30 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Step 5: Arrive Early and Check In

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Even with online tickets, the check-in process involves scanning your QR code, receiving your wristband, and selecting your putter from the color-coded rack (each color corresponds to a different hole set). Staff are friendly and efficient, but during peak hours, even a 15-minute delay can mean waiting 2030 minutes for your turn.

Use this time to explore the gift shop, which features locally made souvenirsblues-themed keychains, Memphis Mini Golf-branded T-shirts, and hand-painted ceramic putters. Theres also a small snack bar offering cold drinks, ice cream, and gluten-free pretzels. Hydrating before you play is essential, especially in humid summer months.

Step 6: Understand the Course Layout

Memphis Mini Golf features two 18-hole courses: Blues Trail and River Run. Both are designed with varying difficulty levels, but each hole tells a story tied to Memphis culture.

• Blues Trail: Inspired by Beale Streets legendary music scene, holes include a saxophone-shaped tunnel, a piano-key ramp, and a rotating record disc that must be hit to unlock the next section. This course is slightly more technical, with narrow pathways and moving obstacles.
• River Run: Centered around the Mississippi Rivers history, this course features waterfalls, a paddleboat bridge, and a hole shaped like a steamboat paddlewheel. Its more forgiving for beginners and younger players.

Each course is clearly marked with directional signage and color-coded paths. At the start of each hole, a placard explains the theme and offers a tipe.g., Aim for the left bank to bounce off the river rock. Take a moment to read these. Many visitors overlook them but find the tips invaluable for scoring well.

Step 7: Play and Enjoy

Mini golf is meant to be fun, not stressful. While some players obsess over par, the real goal is connection and enjoyment. Bring a small notebook or use your phone to track scores. Each hole is marked with a numbered plaque and a small scoreboard where you can record your strokes. Dont be afraid to laugh at a bad shot or cheer for a lucky bounce.

There are no strict rules against using both hands or changing putters mid-hole, so feel free to experiment. Some players use the flat side of the putter for tricky bank shots. The staff encourages creativitymany of the courses most popular moments come from unconventional strategies.

Step 8: Post-Visit Engagement

After your round, take a moment to visit the Wall of Fame near the exit. This interactive display features photos and stories from past visitors who completed a perfect 18-hole game (a hole-in-one on every hole). If you achieve this feat, youll be invited to submit your photo for inclusion.

Leave a review on Google or Yelp. Your feedback helps the venue improve and helps future visitors plan better. Many regulars return because they read glowing reviews from others. You can also tag @MemphisMiniGolf on social media with

MemphisMiniGolfMemories for a chance to be featured on their page.

Best Practices

Wear Comfortable, Non-Slip Footwear

While you dont need golf shoes, avoid sandals or high heels. The course includes gravel paths, wooden ramps, and wet surfaces near water features. Closed-toe sneakers or athletic shoes with good grip are ideal. Many visitors have slipped on the damp concrete near the steamboat hole, so prioritize safety over style.

Bring Sun Protection and a Light Jacket

Even on cloudy days, UV exposure is high near the river. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before arriving, and consider bringing a wide-brimmed hat or UV-blocking umbrella. Evening visits can get chilly as temperatures drop near the water. A light windbreaker or hoodie is a smart addition to your bag.

Limit Alcohol and Sugary Drinks

While the snack bar sells soda and lemonade, excessive sugar can lead to energy crashes during play. Water is available for free at refill stations near holes 5 and 14. Avoid bringing alcoholic beveragesthese are not permitted on the course, even if consumed before or after play. The venue maintains a family-friendly environment, and alcohol violations may result in removal without refund.

Respect the Course and Other Players

Each hole has a maximum of four players at a time. If your group is larger, split into teams and stagger your start times. Never walk in front of someone who is about to putt. Wait until theyve completed their shot and moved away. Yelling, loud music, or disruptive behavior will be addressed by staff.

Use the Scorecard System

Dont rely on memory. Use the physical scorecard provided at check-in or the digital version available via the Memphis Mini Golf app. Recording each stroke helps resolve disputes and adds structure to the game. It also makes for a fun keepsakeyou can compare scores with friends later or even frame your card as a memento.

Plan for Weather Delays

Memphis experiences sudden thunderstorms, especially in spring and early summer. If rain begins during your round, staff will pause play and offer complimentary coffee or soda in the covered pavilion. Youll be given a priority re-entry token to finish your course within 48 hours. Keep your wristband and receiptits your ticket to return.

Engage with Staff for Hidden Features

Many of the courses most delightful elements are not advertised. Ask staff about secret holes or bonus challenges. For example, hitting the bell on hole 7 three times in one round unlocks a free ice cream coupon. These hidden rewards are part of what makes the experience feel personalized and special.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: www.memphisminigolf.com

The website is your primary resource for tickets, hours, maps, and event calendars. It features an interactive course map with 3D previews of each hole, allowing you to mentally rehearse your approach before arriving. The site also hosts a blog with tips from local influencers and seasonal event announcements, such as Blues & Putts Nights featuring live jazz music on Friday evenings.

Memphis Mini Golf App

Available for iOS and Android, the official app enhances your visit with real-time score tracking, hole-by-hole video tutorials, and augmented reality (AR) features. Point your phone at any hole to see a 3D animation of the optimal shot path. The app also sends push notifications if a new hole is added or if theres a last-minute discount for late-night play.

Google Maps and Street View

Before you go, use Google Maps to explore the surrounding area. The Street View feature lets you virtually walk from the parking lot to the entrance, helping you visualize the route. Youll also see nearby attractions like the Memphis Riverfront Park and the Mud Island River Park, which can be combined into a full-day itinerary.

Local Tourism Sites

Visit the Memphis Tourism Boards website (visitmemphis.com) for curated itineraries. They offer a Mini Golf & Music Trail that pairs your round with discounted tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum. Many hotels in the area also offer combo packages with the mini golf venue.

YouTube and TikTok Tutorials

Search Memphis Mini Golf walkthrough on YouTube for user-generated videos. These often show real-time gameplay, camera angles, and strategies you wont find in official guides. TikTok creators have turned the course into a viral sensation with short clips of impossible putts and surprise reactions. Watching these can spark ideas for your own playstyle.

Printable Maps and Checklists

The website offers downloadable PDFs: a printable course map, a scorecard template, and a What to Bring checklist. Print these before your visit to reduce screen time and keep your phone charged for photos. The checklist includes items like a small towel (for wiping putters), a phone charger, and a reusable water bottle.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Family Reunion

Four generations of the Henderson family visited Memphis Mini Golf during a summer reunion. The grandparents, aged 72 and 75, were hesitant at first but were won over by the gentle slope of River Run and the availability of adaptive putters with extended handles. The kids (ages 6 and 9) loved the moving obstacles and earned bonus stickers for completing bonus challenges. The family took a group photo at the Graceland Arch holewhere a miniature Elvis statue standsand later displayed it on their living room wall. They returned six months later for a holiday-themed Festive Putts event with snowflake lights and peppermint-scented putters.

Example 2: The Solo Traveler

A digital nomad from Portland spent a week in Memphis and chose Memphis Mini Golf as her afternoon break between remote work sessions. She arrived at 6:30 p.m., played alone under the string lights, and struck up a conversation with a local retiree who was also playing solo. They shared tips, swapped stories about their cities, and ended up grabbing a drink at a nearby bar. She wrote a blog post titled Why Memphis Mini Golf Was My Favorite Day in Tennessee, which later got picked up by a travel newsletter. She now returns every time shes in town.

Example 3: The Corporate Team Builder

A tech startup from Nashville organized a team-building retreat and booked a private 8:00 p.m. slot. They split into two teams and competed for the Golden Putters trophya custom-engraved putter awarded to the winning team. The event included a trivia contest between holes about Memphis history, with prizes like gift cards to local BBQ joints. The team reported a 40% increase in collaboration scores on their post-event survey. Theyve since made it an annual tradition.

Example 4: The Social Media Influencer

A TikTok creator with 200K followers came to Memphis to film a 100 Mini Golf Courses in 100 Days series. Memphis Mini Golf was ranked

3 for Most Themed Course. Her video of the saxophone tunnel hole went viral, receiving over 2.5 million views. She collaborated with the venue to create a limited-edition TikTok Putters set, which sold out in three days. The venue now hosts monthly influencer nights with free entry for creators who post using the official hashtag.

FAQs

Is Memphis Mini Golf suitable for children under 3?

Yes. Children under 3 play for free and can use a special toddler putter provided by staff. There are no height restrictions, and the course is designed with wide, flat paths for strollers. However, some holes have small moving parts that may be hazardous for toddlerssupervision is recommended.

Can I bring my own putter or golf ball?

You may bring your own putter, but all balls must be provided by the venue. The official balls are weighted for optimal performance on the courses unique surfaces. Personal balls may not roll correctly and could damage the course.

Are there any accessibility accommodations?

Yes. The entire course is ADA-compliant with paved, wheelchair-accessible paths. Ramps replace stairs at all elevated holes. Adaptive putters with extended grips and weighted bases are available upon request. The staff is trained to assist visitors with mobility, visual, or cognitive impairments.

How long does a typical round take?

A standard 18-hole round takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on group size and skill level. Larger groups or beginners may take longer. The course is designed to flow smoothly, so theres minimal waiting between holes.

Do I need to make a reservation for a group of 6?

Reservations are not required for groups under 10, but they are strongly recommended on weekends. Without a reservation, you may be asked to wait for a group of comparable size to clear before starting. Booking ahead ensures you get your preferred time slot.

Can I celebrate a birthday or special event there?

Absolutely. The venue offers private party packages starting at $250 for up to 15 people. These include a dedicated host, themed decorations, a custom cake, and a group photo with a printed souvenir. Birthday parties must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

Is the course open during rain?

The course closes temporarily during heavy rain or lightning for safety. Light drizzle does not halt playmany visitors enjoy the misty atmosphere. If play is paused, youll be given a token to return within 48 hours to complete your round at no extra cost.

Are pets allowed?

Service animals are welcome. Pets are not permitted on the course or in the seating areas, except for designated outdoor seating near the snack bar. This policy ensures cleanliness and safety for all guests.

Whats the best time of year to visit?

Spring (AprilMay) and early fall (SeptemberOctober) offer the most comfortable temperatures and the fewest crowds. Summer is lively but hot and busy. Winter is quiet, with occasional holiday-themed events that make it a unique experience.

Can I buy gift cards?

Yes. Digital and physical gift cards are available in denominations from $10 to $100. They never expire and can be used for tickets, merchandise, or private events. Gift cards make excellent presents for birthdays, holidays, or just because.

Conclusion

Visiting the Memphis Mini Golf is not just about hitting a ball into a holeits about immersing yourself in the spirit of a city that thrives on creativity, rhythm, and connection. From the moment you step onto the course, youre not just a playeryoure part of a living story shaped by blues notes, river currents, and community joy. This guide has equipped you with the knowledge to navigate every detail: when to go, how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make the most of every stroke.

The best visits arent the ones with the lowest scorestheyre the ones filled with laughter, unexpected discoveries, and moments that linger long after youve left the last green. Whether youre a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, each round offers something new: a hidden detail you missed before, a new friend you met on the 12th hole, or the quiet satisfaction of sinking a putt under the Memphis stars.

So plan your visit. Bring your curiosity. Leave your expectations behind. And remember: in Memphis, even a simple game of mini golf can become a memory youll never forget.