Support Our Mini Golf Course Campaign

Build a Fun, Family-Friendly Attraction

Create Lasting Memories for Visitors of All Ages

Invest in the Future Growth of Our Community
Support Us
Your Support Makes A Big Impact!
The Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum are creating a one-of-a-kind, accessible mini golf experience for our community and visitors — and we need your help to make it a reality. This exciting project is designed to bring families together, create unforgettable memories, and provide a fun and welcoming attraction for guests of all ages.
A Strategic Vision: Uniting Our Museums Through Play
Our goal is to create a more cohesive museum experience using The Wizard of Oz theme to bridge both museums. In 2021, we raised $125,000 to purchase a vacant lot next to Judy Garland’s 1920s childhood home. After surveying visitors, members, and businesses, the overwhelming favorite idea was to build a Wizard of Oz–themed miniature golf course—an outdoor attraction that would generate summer excitement and provide crucial earned revenue to support year-round operations to the non-profit.
Project Scope:
- 18-hole Wizard of Oz–themed miniature golf course (at least 50% ADA compliance)
- “Ruby Slipper” Slide
- 20+ additional parking spaces
- Pathway connecting the main entrance to the golf course
- Main entrance revamp to improve traffic flow
- Tentative Goal: $1.5 Million
- Funds Raised and Pledge to Date: $350,000
Why It Matters:
- Investing in a fun, meaningful addition to a beloved nonprofit serving global visitors
- Advancing both museum missions while inspiring lifelong memories for all ages and abilities
- Creating a sustainable revenue source to support operations year-round
- Offering an interactive outdoor experience during peak summer months
- Engaging new audiences who may not otherwise visit the museums
- Expanding access with an inclusive, ADA-friendly attraction
Let’s Create Something Magical Together
- Sponsor: 18 Hole Sponsorships to build the course.
- Donate: Every dollar makes a difference. Help us reach our $1.2 million goal.
- Raffle: Contribute to our summer raffle or help us sell tickets at events
- Share: Spread the word! Share our campaign with friends, family, and on social media.
- Volunteer: Join our fundraising efforts—your time and skills make an impact.
Buy Raffle Tickets
Enter for a chance to win exciting prizes while supporting the campaign.
Raffle Details
Tickets are $20 each and available at:
Judy Garland Museum
2727 S. Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids, MN
The raffle drawing will take place during the:
“End of Summer Bash”
August 29, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Raffle Prizes
1st Prize : Arctic Cat Prowler Pro Side by Side. Provided by Northland Ag & Turf
2nd Prize: $500 Cash Prize. Sponsored by Superior Choice Credit Union
3rd Prize: Prize Pack Valued at $200. Sponsored by Paul Bunyan Communications
4th Prize: 1-Year Season Pass for Two. For the future mini golf course
5th Prize: 1-Year Museum Membership
Pay To Putt
Visitors can participate in our “Pay to Putt” fundraiser at the museum.
Pricing
- $5 for 5 putts
Participants can pay at the front desk to receive a golf ball and putter. If you make the putt, you’ll earn a free sucker or sticker from the front desk. All proceeds support the Mini Golf Course Campaign.
Hole Sponsorship
Businesses and community members can become sponsors for individual mini golf holes and help bring this project to life. Sponsorship opportunities provide visibility while supporting a meaningful community attraction.
Contact the museum Executive Director, Janie Heitz directly to learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits:
218-327-9276
jgarlandmuseum@gmail.com
Donate Directly
Direct donations of any size help us continue building this exciting project. Your generosity supports the development of an accessible, engaging mini golf experience for local families, visitors, and future generations.
Thank You for Your Support
Together, we are creating something truly magical for our community. Thank you for helping us build a destination where all can gather, play, and make memories for years to come.
Every putt counts.
