A campsite in Gaylord, Michigan, has expanded its on-site entertainment with the installation of an 18-hole mini-golf course, reflecting a broader trend among outdoor hospitality operators to diversify guest amenities.
Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort, which markets itself as an “outdoor hotel,” recently completed the installation of a Modular Advantage Mini Golf course supplied by Adventure Golf and Sports.
According to information provided by the resort, the mini-golf course includes a range of obstacles designed to resemble features found on traditional golf courses, such as sand-like traps and varying terrain.
The course is built using interconnected panels beneath the turf surface, a system developed by Adventure Golf and Sports to support multiple hole configurations while also addressing drainage concerns. The first nine holes are flat and designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities, while the back nine introduces more complex elements, including inclines, ponds, and fountains.
The mini-golf installation is part of a larger development plan at Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort. Once fully built out, the property is expected to accommodate 227 RV sites, 30 fully furnished camper cabins, and 14 glamping yurts.
In addition to mini-golf, the resort has outlined plans for lawn game courts, a waterpark, pickleball courts, and cycle rentals, positioning the property as a destination with a wide range of recreational options beyond overnight accommodation.
Rob Platt, co-owner of Alpen Bluffs Outdoor Resort, highlighted the design of the course and its reception among guests. “I’ve never seen mini-golf holes with sand traps included. They’re not filled with sand, but they have a beige-coloured turf surface to look like sand surrounded by rough turf,” he told Intergame.
Platt also pointed to the resort’s returning guest base, adding, “We’ve had a lot of repeat customers, which is great, and I think they’re all having a great time.”
For campground, RV park, and glamping resort operators, the addition of attractions such as mini-golf can serve multiple purposes. Beyond providing entertainment, these amenities can increase dwell time on-site, support premium pricing, and differentiate a property in competitive regional markets.
Modular systems, in particular, may appeal to operators looking for flexibility in layout, phased development, or future reconfiguration as guest preferences evolve.