Discover Ahlgrim Acres: A Mini-Golf Experience Like No Other
Golf gets grim at Ahlgrim Acres, a peculiar mini-golf course located underneath an Illinois funeral home. Built in the basement of Ahlgrim Family Funeral Services in Palatine, a suburb of Chicago, this free-to-play, nine-hole course embraces a macabre theme, blending fun with an eerie twist.
The Story Behind Ahlgrim Acres
The course was constructed in 1964 by Roger Ahlgrim, a lover of mini-golf who sought to make use of the spare room in the building’s large basement. With its distinctive design and haunting atmosphere, Ahlgrim Acres has become a local landmark cherished by residents and visitors alike.
Unique Features of the Course
- Highlights include a moving guillotine, a mausoleum, and a sand trap featuring Roger Ahlgrim’s sculpting skull from mortuary school.
- The course hosts thousands of rounds each year, attracting both local residents and international visitors.
Community Engagement
Ahlgrim Acres serves as the centerpiece of “the community room,” which includes various recreational activities, such as a full-sized shuffleboard court and a ping pong table. This unique space is utilized for numerous gatherings, notably children’s birthday parties and community events.
A Unique Atmosphere
Located twenty feet below ground with no windows, a neon sign collected from a local barber shop illuminates the basement, adding to the intriguing ambiance. This unique setting, along with an array of local memorabilia, makes Ahlgrim Acres a must-visit destination.
Merchandise and Unique Offerings
Visitors can find a variety of homemade merchandise available for purchase, including shirts and badges that carry the unique branding of Ahlgrim Acres.