You’re driving down Bloomington Ferry Road, and if you aren't paying attention, you might just miss it. Tucked into the northeast corner of a massive 48-acre athletic complex in Bloomington, Minnesota, sits a little gem that locals just call "The Links." But the full name is The Links at Dred Scott.
It’s weirdly prestigious for a place where you use a neon-colored ball.
People usually show up at Dred Scott Playfields for the softball tournaments or the batting cages. They see the towering lights of the baseball diamonds and think "sports." Then they spot the waterfalls. Suddenly, they’re looking at an 18-hole miniature golf course that somehow managed to win a WCCO "viewers' choice" award for the best mini-golf in the state.
Is it actually the best? Honestly, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you want giant fiberglass pirates or windmills that whack your ball away, you’re going to be disappointed. This place is different. It’s "The Links." It’s designed to feel like a real golf course, just... smaller.
Why The Links at Dred Scott Feels Different
Most mini-golf places are loud. They have bright colors and statues of dinosaurs. The Links at Dred Scott goes the opposite direction. It’s 25% larger than your average mini-golf course, which gives it this weirdly spacious, airy vibe. You don't feel like you're playing on top of the group behind you.
There’s a lot of grass. Or, well, green turf.
The landscaping is actually pretty legit. They’ve got these cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring, and the whole place is covered in flowers and rock formations. It feels like a park within a park. But don't let the "pretty" factor fool you. The course is a par 48. If you’ve played a lot of "putt-putt," you know that’s actually kind of high.
The Water Hazards are No Joke
There are nine water hazards here. Nine! That’s half the course. You’ll be putting along, enjoying the sound of the waterfalls, and then—plop. Your ball is in a stream.
The design is "traditional." This means instead of gimmicks, you’re dealing with:
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- Dramatic elevation changes (lots of uphill battles).
- Faux sand traps (brown turf that slows your ball down).
- Narrow bridges and pipes.
- Holes placed on the tops of "mini-volcano" mounds.
One of the coolest—and most frustrating—features is that some holes don't have a barrier between the green and the ponds. If you over-hit your putt, your ball is gone. It requires a bit of actual touch, which is probably why they call it "The Links."
The Logistics: Prices, Hours, and "Cash Only" Quirks
If you’re planning a trip, you need to know a few things about how they run the place. It’s family-owned and operated, and it has that old-school feel.
Wait, do they take cards?
Yes, they take credit cards now, but keep in mind there’s a service fee for the swipe. If you want to keep it simple, bring cash. Interestingly, their bottled water is usually $1, and that is specifically cash only.
Current Pricing (Expect +Tax):
- Adults: $11.00
- Kids (12 and under): $9.00
- Seniors (62+) and Veterans: $9.00
They also have these "Manager's Special" packages. You can buy 15 rounds (the Birdie Package) or 25 rounds (the Eagle Package). The best part? These rounds never expire. If you buy a 25-round pack in 2026 and forget about it, you can show up in 2030 and they’ll still honor it. It’s a solid way to hedge against inflation if you're a local.
Timing Your Visit
They are seasonal. Don't show up in January expecting to putt through the snow.
- Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day.
- Spring/Fall: Usually open April 15th to September 30th with slightly shorter weekday hours (3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.).
If you want a deal, they have a "Happy Hour" from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. daily where you get $2 off. But here’s the catch: you have to physically print the coupon from their website. In a world of QR codes, they’re sticking to their guns with paper. It's almost charming.
The Name: It’s More Than Just a Park
It’s impossible to talk about this place without acknowledging the name. Dred Scott Playfields wasn't named after a golfer. It was named in 1971 to honor Dred and Harriet Scott, the enslaved couple who sued for their freedom in a landmark 1857 Supreme Court case.
They lived at nearby Fort Snelling for a few years, which was the basis of their legal argument that living in a "free territory" made them free.
The city of Bloomington installed four interpretive signs around the park. While most people are there for the sports, it’s worth taking five minutes to read them. It gives the whole location a layer of historical weight that you don't usually find at a place with a "practice putting green."
Is it Accessible?
This is a common question. The terrain at The Links at Dred Scott is pretty rugged for mini-golf. Because of the hills and the "natural" layout, the full 18 holes aren't fully wheelchair accessible. However, they have a workaround: the first six holes are accessible, and they allow guests to play those first six holes three times to complete a full "round."
It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a way to make sure everyone gets to play.
Actionable Tips for Your First Round
If you're heading out to Bloomington to play, here’s how to actually enjoy it:
- Check the Wind: Since it’s a wide-open park near the river valley, it can get surprisingly breezy. That light plastic ball will move.
- Master the "Mini-Volcano": On the holes where the cup is on a mound, do not be aggressive. If you miss, the ball will roll 10 feet back down the hill. Use a "die-at-the-hole" pace.
- Bring a Hat: There isn't a ton of shade while you’re actually on the course. The Minnesota sun can be brutal in July.
- Group Tactics: If you have more than 15 people, call ahead. They do discounts for big groups ($1 or $2 off per person), but you have to pay in one lump sum to get the deal.
- Post-Golf Snacks: They sell water, but that’s about it. If you’re hungry, you’ll need to head to the "Wheelhouse" building in the center of the playfields for concessions, or hit one of the spots nearby on Old Shakopee Road.
The Links at Dred Scott might not have the "kitsch" of other Twin Cities courses, but it wins on pure playability and scenery. It’s a clean, well-maintained challenge that feels a bit more "adult" than your average putt-putt track.
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If you want to visit, head to 10820 Bloomington Ferry Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438. Look for the cherry blossoms and the waterfalls.
To make the most of your visit, print your Happy Hour coupon before you leave the house and keep a few single-dollar bills in your pocket for that "cash only" water at the turn. You'll likely need it after navigating those nine water hazards.