September 21 is World Miniature Golf Day: Celebrate at Glow in the Park

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – Tucked into a shopping center in Oshkosh is a vibrant hidden gem of fun and entertainment. Surrounded by a movie theatre, restaurants, and a garden center is Glow in the Park, an indoor miniature golf course and pinball arcade.

“Mini golf is kind of a universal thing, right? So anybody can play it. Everybody pretty much knows the gist of it. But when you go to these different places, 90% of the time they’re gonna be different and unique to where it’s not the same repetitive thing,” said Joshua Holz, the owner of Glow in the Park. “A lot of these courses that you go to. It’s unique, right? It’s like a piece of art. So you won’t get that experience anywhere else. And that’s why at our course, I didn’t wanna do the same thing over and over. It is different. It can be challenging to some. But a lot of people like that challenge.”

A Glowing Experience

Glow in the Park features 18 holes of miniature golf, spread through five themed rooms. All of the holes were designed, built, and painted by local artists.

“ All of the walls, literally all of the walls, from top to bottom in the course are done from floor to ceiling, in blacklight paint by local artists,” Holz said. “They spent weeks nonstop, like eight to 12 hour days, just doing all these beautiful murals.

Those murals and designs make Glow in the Park shine.

About a year and a half ago, Holz wanted to add a little something extra to the business. The solution? Pinball. Now Glow in the Park is the 5th largest pinball arcade in the state. 

“We have 24 modern pinball machines. Pinball’s kind of making a comeback. So along with the 18 holes, we have 24 pinball machines as well,” he said.

Where to play miniature golf

Glow in the Park, at 300 S. Koeller Street in Oshkosh is open 2-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 to 8 pm on Sunday. Reservations are highly encouraged on the weekends and can be made online. 

It costs $12 to play 18 holes of mini golf, and each pinball machine is a dollar to play.

Holz also owns the miniature golf course near the outlet mall in Oshkosh, called Oshkosh Mills Adventure Golf. That outdoor course is open Friday through Sunday until Oct. 12.

World Miniature Golf Day

Sept. 21 is World Miniature Golf Day, so if you want to celebrate this weekend, check out your local mini-golf courses with your friends and family. Play a round or two. Better yet, organize a mini-golf crawl and visit several courses.