Construction on the Bison Bend Mini Golf course at Frontier Village in Jamestown is running ahead of schedule, with the grand opening officially slated for June 1, 2027, according to a Jamestown Sun report.
What is the Current Timeline and Status of Bison Bend Mini Golf?
Construction crews have pushed past initial timeline projections. Allison Limke, a Jamestown Frontier Attractions board member, noted that the project’s contractor, Adventure Golf & Sports, arrived on site to place hole placements and fabricated interactive elements ahead of a planned spring installation.
The 18-hole miniature golf course is situated east of the amphitheater at Frontier Village. The current financial backing sits at approximately $600,000 secured through grants, investments, sponsorships, and donations toward the total $905,000 project cost. Limke stated that the initiative gained $100,000 in funding since Sept. 11.
Who is Building the Course and What Materials Are Used?
Kepida Contracting serves as the general contractor for the $905,000 project. Adventure Golf & Sports utilizes an interlocking grid system with turf overlaid on top.
“That interlocking piece underneath really helps the longevity of it because it can expand and contract with the seasons and keep everything nice and supple and the way you want it to be,” Limke explained regarding the installation.
Remaining construction items include landscaping work featuring native prairie plantings, grass seeding, tree planting, and the placement of benches and picnic tables. Work must also be completed on the putt hut—where guests pay for rounds and purchase beverages—alongside preparations for the Unison Bank Picnic Pavillion.
How Does the Course Incorporate Local History?
Each of the 18 holes features a distinct historical theme tied to Jamestown and North Dakota, complete with interpretive signage and theme-specific obstacles. A University of Jamestown history student assisted with crafting these historical interpretations.
Luke Zimmer, site supervisor at Frontier Village, highlighted the educational aspect of the attraction. “Our whole thing up there is to educate while having fun, and this is just another awesome way to do that,” Zimmer said. “You can walk through the Village and get those same experiences and then go play a round of golf and continue to learn about local history, so it really fits in with our mission in that way that we are educating with engaging and fun activities.”
- Hole 2: Focuses on bison bones and how Native American cultures utilized every part of the mammal.
- Hole 3: Sponsored by Jonny B’s Brickhouse, this hole highlights Anton Klaus—known as the “Father of Jamestown”—and commemorates his 1882 brick factory with red-colored bricks and bison patties as hazards.
- Hole 4: Features two bison hooves representing the steps the mammal takes.
- Hole Sponsorship (Otter Tail Power Co.): Showcases how prairie residents used bison chips to heat their homes.
- Hole 18: Displays a miniature version of the World’s Largest Buffalo, recounting how the 1959 monument established Jamestown as the Buffalo City.
What Accessibility Measures Are Included?
The front nine holes of the course are designed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Triumph Inc. provided recommendations to ensure full ADA compliance for this section of the course.
How Can Sponsors Participate and What Events Are Planned Ahead?
While specific hole sponsorships are not available, businesses and individuals can still sponsor items such as benches, shade awnings, or planters. Donors contributing $250 or more will have their names placed on a sponsorship board inside the picnic pavilion.
The official grand opening is targeted for June 1, 2027. However, organizers indicated that early access events, such as sponsor programs or donor events, may be held prior to that date if construction allows.
Frontier Village recorded 164,000 visitors to the World’s Largest Buffalo between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Organizers anticipate that the mini-golf attraction will encourage visitors to extend their stay in Jamestown and potentially add a lunch or supper meal to their itinerary.
For more information regarding sponsorships or donations, Luke Zimmer can be reached at (701) 509-7232 or via email at frontiervillagend@gmail.com.
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