Swap your campfire’s orange flicker for neon waterfalls tonight—Pirate’s Cove is only five minutes from your Bonanza campsite and it glows like buried treasure after dark. Whether you’re herding sugar-rushed kids, planning a Reels-worthy date, or treating grandkids to one more “wow,” this guide shows you exactly when to arrive, what to pack, and where the best black-light brag shots hide.
Glow beats “I’m bored” every time—see how to stretch fun past sunset. One walkable mini-golf course, four personas, zero guesswork—dive in. Want the shortest path from s’mores to scorecards? Keep reading.
Key Takeaways
Before the glow-ball even leaves your putter, skim these need-to-know nuggets so you can hit the course running and spend less time Googling in the dark. Each point below answers a common camper question in seconds.
• Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf glows under black lights after dark.
• It sits 5 minutes by car (20-minute walk) from Bonanza Camping Resort.
• Open mid-March to October (sometimes mid-November); last games end around 10–11 p.m.
• Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset to see the first neon lights.
• Five themed courses give 91 total holes. Captain Hook’s is easiest; Pirate’s Challenge is hardest.
• Best start times: families 7 p.m., couples 9 p.m., seniors 6 p.m., large groups 6:30–7 p.m.
• Prices: about $10 adults, $9 kids; children under 4 play free. Second round costs less.
• Buy tickets online to skip the line; $2 glow-ball upgrade makes photos pop.
• Bring closed-toe shoes, light jacket, bug spray, neon or white clothing, phone power bank, hand sanitizer.
• Use phone night mode for pictures; top spots are the waterfall, cave, and high bridge.
• Paths fit strollers, benches give rest stops, and free parking waits by the clubhouse.
Now you’re armed with the cliff notes; scroll on for deeper tips, maps, and photo hacks that turn those takeaways into flawless night-golf execution.
Fast Facts at a Glance
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf lives at 193 US Hwy 13, Wisconsin Dells, and operates daily from mid-March through October, often extending into mid-November when Mother Nature cooperates (official listing). Closing times shift by season but usually fall between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., giving campers ample after-dinner playtime. Five themed courses add up to 91 holes, free parking hugs the clubhouse, and Captain Scoopy’s dishes ice cream until the last putt.
A brisk 20-minute sidewalk stroll or a five-minute drive from Bonanza Camping Resort lands you under the glowing sundial. Strollers roll easily on Captain Hook’s wide paths, and benches pepper the hillside for grandparents or tired teens. Questions? Call 608-254-7500 or tap piratescovewisdells.com before you lace up.
Map Your Voyage: Door-to-Door Directions
Drivers simply exit Bonanza onto Wisconsin Dells Parkway, swing south for half a mile, then pop into the first Pirate’s Cove lot; if that front asphalt is full, slip around Captain Scoopy’s where an overflow area waits just 200 feet from the starter hut. Pedestrians head out Stand Rock Road, press the crosswalk button at US-12/13, and follow the well-lit sidewalk to neon glory. The walk stays stroller-friendly the entire way, though a clip-on reflector helps motorists spot late-night wanderers.
Cyclists score the quickest arrival: lock frames to the wooden fence beside the sundial, but mount a front light for the ride home because Stand Rock Road gets shadowy after 10 p.m. Rideshare apps work, yet surge pricing spikes once fireworks and waterparks close, so booking your return trip before tee-off saves yawning kids from curbside suspense. However you travel, sunset congestion rarely lasts more than a song or two on the radio.
Pick the Perfect Tee Time
Dusk swings from about 5 p.m. in November to nearly 9 p.m. in June. Slide into the ticket line 30–45 minutes before true darkness to check in, practice a warm-up putt, and still catch the first wave of UV brilliance. Staff happily flip on black lights early if clouds crowd the sky, so ask with a smile.
Families aiming to beat toddler yawns do best at 7 p.m.; the Adventure Couple’s golden slot hovers around 9 p.m. when crowds thin and neon pulses brightest. Grand RVers chasing calm greens should arrive by 6 p.m., while Youth Group Coordinators can stagger tee times between 6:30 and 7 p.m. to keep chaperones spread evenly. Weekend waits hover under ten minutes before sunset but can stretch to twenty-five from 8 to 9 p.m.—another vote for online tickets if you crave straight-to-green speed.
Five Courses, Five Vibes
Blackbeard’s 18 starts beside a roaring waterfall that photographs like liquid lava once the black lights snap on. Couples and influencers flock here for the summit bridge selfie, yet kids still squeal at every glowing barrel. Captain Kidd’s 18 dives through a cave beneath that same cascade, and the echo of giggles turns each putt into a pirate shout-out (course map).
Pirate’s Lookout 18 loops higher, trading splashy effects for Wisconsin River vistas and extra bench seating—perfect for grandparents needing a breather. Competitive spirits choose Pirate’s Challenge 18, where slanted sandstone fairways and a summit crossing raise both stakes and heart rates. Captain Hook’s 19 crowns the hill with the widest, smoothest walkways; stroller wheels glide, mobility aids roll, and glow-stick necklaces swirl like tiny lighthouses against the turf.
Ticket Treasure Chest: Rates, Combos, Discounts
Standard 18-hole rounds hover around $10–$11 for adults and $9 for kids, but under-fours play free with paying grown-ups. Adding a second round the same night shaves a couple of dollars off each ticket, and the $2 glow-ball upgrade sparks Instagram feeds—totally worth it for those pulse-popping shots near the waterfall.
Adventure Couples can buy digital tickets on their phones, flash the QR code at the counter, and skip the cashier queue after 8 p.m. When available, ask for the “Sunset-to-Starlight” 36-hole wristband—two different courses, one price, double the content. Grand RVers enjoy mid-week senior rates; just show ID. Youth Groups wrangle steep savings: 12+ players pay $6.28 each with a Wisconsin tax-exempt number or $6.70 without, and every ten paid teens earns a comp for a chaperone. Shelter add-ons run a modest fee, locking in a lit table for snacks or scorekeeping.
Pack Like a Pro
River breezes can drop temps 10–15 degrees after sunset, so tie a light flannel around your waist to keep hands free for putting. Closed-toe shoes beat sandals because dew often settles on sandstone paths. Mosquitoes clock in at dusk, so dab unscented repellent to stay itch-free without perfuming nearby golfers.
White tees, neon greens, and electric yellows explode under UV bulbs—easy win for kid smiles and TikTok loops. Toss a pocket sanitizer into your kit for shared putter moments, and stash a credit-card-sized power bank if you plan on 4K night video. Families pushing strollers should clip a reflector or glow stick to the handle so fellow adventurers see you cresting blind corners.
Play & Snap: Course Etiquette and Viral Photo Tricks
Smartphones hate low light, yet night-mode bridges the gap; brace elbows on a rail, kill the flash, and let the sensor soak in those neon blues. Best backdrops include the sundial, the cave mouth on Captain Kidd’s, and the high bridge on Blackbeard’s—each angles toward ambient glow without in-frame streetlights washing shots out. Posting during your round pushes real-time FOMO to friends back at the campground, earning instant likes while the glow is still fresh.
Safety stays simple: keep one hand free for railings, teach kids the three-minute-per-hole pace, and retrieve strayed balls quickly from streams. A tiny LED key-light helps color-blind or low-vision players spot their glow balls in foliage—just tilt the beam down so you don’t bleach your neighbor’s purple-hued pirate skulls. Staff also remind guests to keep putters below waist height when walking between holes, keeping both lenses and ankles intact. The course is lively but never rowdy, so families and retirees relax knowing etiquette rules still hold after dark.
Group Game Plans from Campground to 18th Hole
Ring the clubhouse at least two weeks before arrival if your campground crew tops a dozen; staff can block sequential tee times so everyone starts together. Many leaders run a two-round format—an early lap before sunset, concession break for ice cream, and a black-light finale—to crown an overall champ. Remind players not to lose that first scorecard or the math gets mutinous.
Picnic shelters convert into glow-stick craft stations with a small deposit, keeping snacks and score tallies under one lit roof. Splitting skill levels speeds the night: beginners roll through Captain Hook’s 19 while competitive teens battle Pirate’s Challenge 18. Bus or van drivers will find dedicated spots near the back fence, and even with kids the average 18 holes clocks in at 60–75 minutes, keeping curfew curbs happy.
Snack & Chill Options Before the Last Putt
Captain Scoopy’s Ice Cream and Candy Store stays open until closing bell, dishing scoops, floats, and neon-colored rock candy that doubles as course-side props. If hunger hits harder, two late-night eateries sit within a five-minute walk along US-12/13—perfect for couples seeking post-game apps or youth groups eyeing budget-friendly pizza by the slice. Soda machines by the sundial keep caffeine within arm’s reach if you’re racing the clock to finish all 91 holes before lights-out.
Benches encircle the main waterfall, offering a mist-cooled seat for grandparents while kids putt nearby. Those benches also shine for tripod setups: capture slow-shutter shots of glowing water arcs without blocking foot traffic. Grab a quick panorama from the highest bridge, then saunter back down for one last scoop before the cashier shutters the window.
When the last putt drops and the neon fades, you’re barely five minutes from cracking open a cold drink at Bonanza Camping Resort. Let glow-in-the-dark brag shots turn straight into starlit s’mores, no late-night traffic required. Reserve your campsite, cabin, or RV pad now, and make Pirate’s Cove just one easy swing in a whole week of north-woods memories—your adventure starts the moment you click “book.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How late is Pirate’s Cove open for glow golf and do I need to reserve?
A: From spring through October the clubhouse typically closes between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., with staff happy to keep the black lights blazing until the last paid group finishes; walk-ups are welcome, but buying digital tickets on your phone lets you skip the cashier line and head straight to the starter hut.
Q: How far is Pirate’s Cove from Bonanza Camping Resort and what’s the easiest way to reach it after dark?
A: The course sits just five minutes away by car or a well-lit 20-minute sidewalk stroll; drivers follow Wisconsin Dells Parkway south, while walkers press the crosswalk at US-12/13 and stay on the paved path all the way to the glowing sundial.
Q: Is the night course fully lit and safe for younger kids?
A: Every fairway is washed in steady black light plus path lighting, railings edge steep spots, and staff patrol the hill, so even six-year-olds see each obstacle clearly while parents relax knowing visibility and supervision remain solid.
Q: Can we push a stroller the whole route?
A: Yes—Captain Hook’s course was built with the widest, smoothest concrete, and all main paths are ramp-grade, so umbrella strollers roll easily right up to each hole and back.
Q: What does it cost for a family of four and are there glow upgrades?
A: Expect about $40–$42 for two adults and two kids, with under-four players free; add a $2 UV-reactive glow ball per person for that extra pop in photos or pay a few dollars more per head to replay a second course the same night.
Q: Do seniors or mid-week campers get a break on price?
A: Mid-week afternoons and evenings bring a senior discount—just flash an ID and shave a couple dollars off the standard adult rate, making a relaxed round easy on fixed budgets.
Q: What about large groups or youth trips—any special rates or chaperone comps?
A: Parties of 12 or more unlock $6-and-change tickets, every ten paid teens earns one free chaperone pass, and the office will block sequential tee times if you call at least two weeks ahead.
Q: How busy does it get and will online tickets really help?
A: Crowds peak between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on summer weekends, when waits can stretch to twenty-five minutes; flashing a phone QR code lets you hop the queue and start swinging while others are still picking putter colors.
Q: How long should we budget for 18 holes with kids or grandparents?
A: Most families finish in 60–75 minutes, even with photo breaks and a few wayward balls, so you can tee off after dinner and still tuck everyone in before campground quiet hours.
Q: Are the greens even and are there benches to rest on?
A: The turf is level enough for steady footing, but if knees need a pause benches pepper the hillside—Pirate’s Lookout boasts the most seating plus river views that glow under UV.
Q: Can we bring snacks, drinks, or our own glow sticks?
A: Personal glow sticks and small sealed snacks ride along fine, yet most families grab ice-cream scoops or candy from Captain Scoopy’s beside the starter hut so sticky fingers stay outside the RV.
Q: Where are the best photo spots for Reels or TikTok?
A: The sundial at the entrance, the cave mouth on Captain Kidd’s, and the rope bridge over Blackbeard’s waterfall all explode with neon color and zero street-light glare, giving you instant “glow goals.”
Q: Is there parking for RVs, buses, or big vans?
A: Free lots wrap the clubhouse, and a back-fence row accommodates long vehicles or motor-coach groups so drivers can park once, stroll fifty yards, and join the first tee without fuss.
Q: What if weather moves in or little legs run out of steam?
A: Staff give same-night rain checks when storms roll through, and you’re free to pause for benches or ice-cream breaks mid-round as long as you rejoin the course before closing bell.