Why Everyone's Talking About LaunchPad Golf The Meadows (And Why You Should Check It Out)

So there's this new place next to Mystic Lake Casino that's got everyone buzzing, and honestly? The hype is real.

LaunchPad Golf The Meadows just opened in Prior Lake, and it's basically solved the "what should we do tonight?" problem that plagues every group chat. It's golf, sure—but it's also not really about golf at all.

Picture this: you're in a heated suite with your friends, there's a full bar steps away, you've got food that's actually good (we'll get to that), and yeah, you're hitting golf balls. But you're doing it while sitting on a couch, watching your shot trace across 50+ TV screens, and nobody's judging your form because everyone's just having fun.

It's open year-round, which in Minnesota terms means you can do this in January without questioning your life choices. The 40 climate-controlled suites overlook a massive driving range, and the whole setup uses some pretty cool ball-tracing technology that shows exactly where your shot went. Competitive people love it. Non-competitive people love it. People who've never touched a golf club love it.

Let's talk about the restaurant, because this is where LaunchPad really gets it right. They're not serving sad nachos and calling it a day. We're talking chef-crafted menus with seasonal, local ingredients—sustainably-raised meat and poultry from nearby farms, vegetables that actually taste like something, seafood from responsible sources.

The menu's got everything: shareable plates for groups, flatbreads, burgers, tacos, salads. Plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options too, so nobody's stuck asking if there's anything they can eat. It's the kind of food that makes LaunchPad work as a dinner destination even if nobody feels like golfing.

Perfect. Neither do half the people who go there.

You don't need your own clubs—they're included. You don't need to know what you're doing. You don't need to stress about looking silly. The whole vibe is casual and social. Hit some balls, hang out, eat good food, watch whatever game's on. Some people take it seriously and book lessons. Some people just show up for the atmosphere. Both are totally fine.

Birthday party? Done. Bachelor/bachelorette party? Perfect. Company holiday party? Finally, one that doesn't feel like punishment.

Groups can book regular suites (1-6 people) or VIP suites (up to 12 people with private closed doors). The pricing's straightforward—$40-$60/hour for regular suites depending on when you go, $120-$180/hour for VIP suites. You're getting the space, the technology, the experience, and nobody's nickel-and-diming you with hidden fees.

Where: 2340 Park Place NW, Prior Lake (right next to Mystic Lake Casino)

Hours:

Booking: Reserve your suite online or call 952-496-6800. You can book multiple suites if you've got a bigger group. They recommend booking in advance, especially for weekend evenings and prime time slots (5pm-close).

The Vibe: Two floors, two bars, 50+ TVs, full-service restaurant, and that perfect mix of energetic without being chaotic.

LaunchPad Golf The Meadows is what happens when someone actually thinks about what people want from a night out: good food, a fun activity that works for everyone, comfortable space, and zero pretension.

You can golf. You can not golf. You can eat and hang out. You can host your whole company. You can bring a first date (actually a pretty solid move). You can celebrate something or just show up on a random Tuesday because you're bored.

It's one of those rare places that manages to be a lot of things without being mediocre at any of them. Minnesota winters are long—might as well spend them somewhere heated with good food and something fun to do.

Check out their menu and book your suite at launchpadgolf.com. And if you see us there, we'll be the ones in suite wherever, probably debating whether our golf form is "rustic" or "needs work."