Pirate’s Cove in Traverse City

Every year, my husband and I visit Pirate’s Cove in Traverse City. We first discovered it five year ago and have been going ever since. It’s a “must do” location when we go to Traverse City. Pirate’s Cove is primarily miniature golf. However, it’s not your typical course. The courses (two 18-hole) are surrounded by lush landscaping of Caribbean-style lineage and cascading waterfalls and streams. As you make your way up the terrain, you overlook the course, filled with pirate-themed props and decorations, such as a sinking pirate ship. It’s all very elaborate and beautiful to look at as you wind your way through their clever course. Putt your way through the world of 18th century pirates – under cascading waterfalls, across a natural stream and past pirate ship ruins. Pirate’s Cove also teaches you a little bit about pirates and piracy at each hole with a small plaque describing a pirate’s infamous misdeeds and history of piracy in the Caribbean. Don’t just take my word for it, though. AAA Living Magazine rated Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf as “Best in Michigan” for finest miniature golf course in the state.

Pirate’s Cove has more than just “adventure golf”. They also have the Pirate’s Plunge Water Coaster that is fifty feet in the air. You climb up the tower and have your choice of two slides, green or blue. You simply get on an inflated raft and slide down the twists and turns. The rafts are big enough to accomodate 2 adults, or one adult and two small children. To dry off, you can head on over to the go-carts. They have a fleet of 18 go-carts and an 828 foot track. They have two-seat carts, too.

Pirate’s Cove also has bumper boats, with squirt guns attached, in their contoured pool. Kiddy cars (for two to eight year olds) on their own track. They’ve recently expanded and improved the track this year. For those too young for the go-carts, this is ideal and the kids get to ride around in little kid-sized Jeeps.

Finally, Pirate’s Cove has a game room (Blackbeard’s Den) full of video and arcade games. There are a ton of games, so you won’t have to wait too long for a turn. And after you are completely tired out from all Pirate’s Cove has to offer, there’s a Dairy Queen right next door.

There are three courses of miniature golf, two 18-hole and one 36-hole. The Captain’s Course is $7.50 (adults) and children for $6.50. Blackbeard’s Challenge (more difficult than the Captain’s Course) is forty-five cents more and the 36-Hole Adventure is $12.95 for adults and $10.95 for children. You can buy a bracelet for the water coaster ($4.95 for 5 rides of $6.95 for 30 minutes) or buy Pirate Tokens to use for the various attractions (i.e. Bumper Boats, Go-Carts, etc.).

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf is open 10am to 11pm everyday (from the last weekend in April to the 3rd weekend in October) and is located on US 31 North (the main road along Lake Michigan). Pirate’s Cove also has other locations in Michigan: Petoskey and Houghton Lake (just opened this July).