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Can Can Mini Golf: Artist-Designed Fun in St. Paul, MN
Ever wondered what happens when a giant tin can factory is taken over by artists with a passion for Can Can mini golf and vintage pinball? If you’re searching for truly unique things to do in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, you’ve likely grown tired of the same old options. You’re looking for an experience that combines fun, art, and a touch of the fantastically weird—a place that’s as engaging for adults as it is for kids.
Can Can Wonderland is an artist-driven indoor entertainment venue in St. Paul, MN, famous for its one-of-a-kind mini-golf course, vintage arcade, and live performances. This guide leverages extensive analysis of visitor data and official information to provide a comprehensive look at this one-of-a-kind destination. We will unpack the history, detail every attraction, and give you the practical tips you need to plan the perfect visit, ensuring you know exactly what makes this “micro-amusement park” a must-see.
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Your Complete Guide to Can Can Wonderland: Mini Golf, Art, and Arcade Fun in St. Paul
Can Can Wonderland isn’t just another entertainment center; it’s a sprawling, 40,000-square-foot arts-based venue that proudly calls itself a “micro-amusement park.” Located in the heart of Saint Paul’s recognized Creative Enterprise Zone, it’s a testament to the city’s vibrant arts scene. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a world that feels like a “Crazy Coney Island” of the imagination, where every corner holds a new surprise.
Here’s the deal:
- Artist-Designed Mini Golf: The main event is an 18-hole indoor Can Can mini golf course where every single hole is a unique work of art.
- Vintage Arcade: Your admission grants you unlimited free play on over 125 vintage arcade and pinball machines. No quarters needed.
- Live Entertainment: Two performance stages host everything from live music and comedy to drag shows and burlesque.
- Eclectic Food & Drinks: A full bar, a 34-option self-serve tap wall, and a quirky food menu featuring cereal-infused malts keep you fueled for fun.
The Story Behind the Wonderland: From Tin Cans to Can Can
The venue’s name, “Can Can Wonderland,” pays tribute to its history as the American Can factory and the populist French “Can Can” art movement, reflecting its mission to support local artists. Before it was a whimsical wonderland of fun and games, the building had a rich industrial past. It was home to the American Can factory, a massive facility that was once the country’s largest producer of tin cans.
Imagine this space, now filled with the sounds of pinball machines and laughter, once churning out millions of metal food cans for iconic brands like Campbell’s Soup, Carnation, and Del Monte.
This history is ingeniously woven into its identity. The “Can Can” in the name isn’t just about the tin cans. It’s also a direct nod to the populist French Can Can art movement, symbolizing the venue’s core mission. Built by local artists, Can Can Wonderland serves as a vital economic engine for the Twin Cities art scene, transforming a relic of industry into a celebration of modern creativity.
Quick Fact: The name ‘Can Can Wonderland’ is a clever nod to both the building’s industrial past making food cans and the populist French art movement!
Exploring the Main Attraction: The Artist-Designed Can Can Mini Golf Course
The main attraction is an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course, ranked #2 in the USA, where every hole is a unique work of art created by a different local artist, featuring imaginative themes and obstacles. This is not your average putt-putt. Forget simple windmills and ramps; here, you’ll find a course born from the unbridled imagination of the community. The designs were selected from over 200 proposals, resulting in a truly diverse and unforgettable playing experience. Evidence from numerous visitor reports and official sources confirms this is the best mini golf course for those seeking creativity over convention. In fact, its excellence has been nationally recognized, earning it the No. 2 spot in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
You’ll putt your way through an incredible variety of themes, including:
- A hole celebrating the Minnesota State Fair
- A ground-shaking natural disaster hole complete with a spinning tornado
- A nostalgic trip back to a 1970s Grandma’s living room
- An encounter with a giant hot pink wooly mammoth
- The iconic purple Prince tribute hole, officially named The Mini-Golf Hole Formerly Known as the Longest Hole
Pro Tip: While the artistic designs are incredible, be prepared for some functional quirks—it’s all part of the fun and challenge! Some holes are more about the journey than a perfect putt, embracing the wonderfully weird nature of the art.
A Closer Look at Notable Holes
Memorable holes include a Prince tribute, a giant pink mammoth, and a final putt into a golden toilet. The creativity of the Can Can mini golf course is best understood by looking at some of its most talked-about holes. Each one offers a different challenge and a completely different aesthetic.
Which hole would you be most excited to try first? The musical mountain or the ground-shaking natural disaster? Here are a few standouts that visitors consistently rave about:
| Hole Name | Unique Feature |
|---|---|
| Blue Toad | A ramp shaped like a long toad’s tongue. |
| Hot Tub Time Machine | Features Pinky, a giant hot pink wooly mammoth. |
| The Prince Tribute Hole | A long, entirely purple hole dedicated to the Minnesota legend. |
| The Golden Throne | The final challenge: putt into a gold toilet. |
Beyond the Greens: The Boardwalk of Amusements and Live Entertainment
Beyond mini-golf, Can Can Wonderland offers a vintage arcade with 125+ free-play games and two stages hosting diverse live shows like comedy, music, and drag. While the Can Can mini golf might be the main draw, the fun extends far beyond the fairway. The “Boardwalk of Amusements” is a retro gamer’s paradise, and the live entertainment ensures there’s always something new to see. The best part? The value is built right in.
Here’s what else you can do:
- Play Unlimited Vintage Games: Your admission fee includes unlimited free play on a massive collection of over 125 arcade and pinball machines. You’ll find everything from 1980s classics to rare electromechanical games dating back to the 1920s. Leave your quarters at home.
- Catch a Live Show: With two separate stages, the entertainment calendar is always packed. Depending on the night, you might find live bands, stand-up comedy, dazzling drag performances, burlesque shows, or even karaoke.
- Learn to Tap Dance: Don’t forget your dancing shoes! Fridays feature “Tappy Hour,” an all-levels tap dancing lesson that’s open to everyone. It’s a unique and engaging way to kick off the weekend.
Fueling Your Fun: What to Eat and Drink
The venue offers artisan pizzas, snacks, and a full bar, with unique features like cereal-infused malts and a 34-option self-serve tap wall. Can Can Wonderland’s food and beverage program is just as creative and eclectic as its amusements. Whether you need a full meal or just a fun snack, the menu is designed to delight. They also cater to different dietary needs, with both vegan and gluten-free options available.
Food highlights include:
* Handcrafted artisan pizzas
* Sandwiches and other satisfying snacks
* A concession stand with classics like popcorn and ice cream
Drink highlights are where things get really interesting:
* A Full Bar: Enjoy specialty cocktails, beer, and wine, which you can take with you while you play mini golf.
* Self-Serve Tap Wall: Pour your own adventure with 34 self-serve taps featuring local craft beers, ciders, and more. You pay by the ounce, so you can sample as many as you like.
* Cereal Malts: This is the must-try signature item.
The soda fountain lets you blend your favorite cereal into a malt—and you can even make it a boozy adult version!
Planning Your Visit: Pricing, Location, and Hours
Located at 755 Prior Ave N in St. Paul, mini-golf costs ~$15 per person with discounts available. Parking is free in multiple lots. Mini-golf is first-come, first-served. Getting all the practical details straight is key to a smooth and fun visit. Here is the essential information you need to plan your trip to experience Can Can mini golf and all the other attractions.
Pro Tip: Weekends get very busy! Since mini-golf is first-come, first-served, consider a weekday visit or arrive early to get your name on the list.
Pricing Structure
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mini Golf (Adults) | $15 |
| Mini Golf (Kids <12, Seniors, Military) | $13 |
| General Admission (Varies) | $10 – $12 |
Note: General admission often includes free play on all arcade games, but pricing structures can vary. Always check their official website for the most current information.
Location & Parking
* Address: 755 Prior Ave N, Suite #004, Saint Paul, MN 55104
* Parking: Free parking is plentiful. Options include an underground lot with 100 spaces, a smaller lot behind the building, and four additional free outdoor lots located on Prior Avenue, including one directly across the street.
* Public Transit: The venue is also accessible via the Metro Transit Green Line.
To make your mini golf experience even more fun, consider bringing your own set of uniquely designed balls that match the artistic vibe of the course.
FAQs About Can Can Mini Golf
This section directly answers the most common questions about visiting Can Can Wonderland, based on aggregated visitor experiences and official information.
How much does it cost to go to Can Can Wonderland?
A round of mini-golf is typically $15 for adults and $13 for kids/seniors. General admission, which often includes the arcade, may be a separate fee of $10-$12. The cost depends on what you want to do. Here’s a quick breakdown:
* Mini Golf: $15 for adults; $13 for kids under 12, seniors, and military members.
* General Admission: A separate fee, usually between $10-$12, grants you access to the venue and includes the free-play arcade.
Can you make reservations for mini golf?
No, Can Can Wonderland does not take reservations for mini-golf; it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, you put your name on a waiting list for a tee time. On busy days, especially weekends, there can be a wait, so it’s wise to arrive early or plan your visit for a weekday if possible.
Is Can Can Wonderland good for kids and families?
Yes, Can Can Wonderland is considered kid-friendly and suitable for all ages, offering fun for the whole family. The combination of whimsical mini golf, free arcade games, and fun food like cereal malts makes it a hit with children. However, be aware that after 9 PM on certain nights (like Fridays and Saturdays), the venue may become 21+ only.
Are the arcade games free to play?
Yes, admission to Can Can Wonderland typically includes unlimited free play on all 125+ arcade and pinball machines, with no quarters needed. This is one of the best value propositions of the venue. Once you’re inside, you can hop from game to game without ever reaching for your wallet, making it a paradise for retro gaming fans.
Where do you park for Can Can Wonderland?
Free parking is available in an underground lot, a small lot behind the building, and four outdoor lots on Prior Avenue, including one across the street. Finding a spot is generally easy. The most convenient options are:
* An underground lot with 100 spaces.
* A limited-space lot directly behind the building.
* Four clearly marked, free outdoor lots along Prior Avenue.
Final Summary: Why Can Can Wonderland is a Must-Visit
Can Can Wonderland is far more than just a place to play Can Can mini golf; it is a vibrant, one-of-a-kind celebration of art, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated fun. It successfully blends its unique industrial history with a forward-thinking mission to support local artists, creating an environment that is genuinely unlike any other in Minnesota. From its nationally-ranked, artist-designed course to an arcade that lets you play for free all night, every element is crafted with creativity and visitor delight in mind.
It stands out as a top-tier entertainment destination because it delivers on three key fronts:
- Unmatched Creativity: Every mini golf hole is a distinct piece of art, ensuring a surprising and memorable experience.
- Incredible Value: Unlimited free-play arcade games, diverse live entertainment, and unique food options provide hours of fun for a reasonable price.
- Authentic Local Flavor: As an artist-built and independently-owned venue in the Creative Enterprise Zone, visiting Can Can Wonderland directly supports St. Paul’s local arts community.
Ready for an adventure in art, games, and pure imagination? It’s time to plan your trip to Can Can Wonderland
Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
