Cincinnati mini golf course approved for The Banks, opening targeted by November

The Cincinnati Park Board voted Wednesday to approve plans for a new mini golf course at The Banks, advancing a project city leaders hope will add another family-friendly attraction to Cincinnati’s riverfront district. 

The development, known as Cincinnati Legends Putt House at Freedom Park, is expected to occupy a vacant lot near Freedom Way and could welcome visitors before the end of 2026.

According to reporting by WVXU, the board approved a three-year lease agreement that allows developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate to move forward with construction. The developer plans to invest approximately $1 million into the project.

The course will be located on Lot 18 at The Banks, situated between The Filson and Yard House. The site sits across from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, one of the region’s most visited cultural destinations.

Cincinnati mini golf project moves into development phase

The approval marks the latest addition to ongoing efforts to expand entertainment options at The Banks. City and county leaders have spent years transforming the riverfront district into a destination that combines housing, dining, offices, entertainment, and public gathering spaces.

According to WVXU, the planned course will feature 19 holes and celebrate notable people connected to Cincinnati. Each hole will include information and displays recognizing local figures, creating a mix of recreation and local history.

Developer Jeffrey Anderson told local media that the displays could rotate over time, allowing the attraction to highlight different Cincinnati legends and historical figures. The concept aims to give visitors an experience that reflects the city’s identity while providing a recreational activity for families, tourists, and downtown visitors.

Earlier this month, FOX19 NOW reported that Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Hamilton County officials supported the project as part of broader efforts to increase activity along the riverfront.

The proposal also includes operational and security measures. Planned features include:

• Security cameras throughout the property
• Perimeter fencing
• Managed operating hours
• Staff oversight during business hours

Developers said these measures will help maintain a safe environment while accommodating visitors throughout the week.

Cincinnati mini golf expected to open by November

Project leaders say the timeline remains dependent on permitting and construction schedules. However, Anderson told reporters that he hopes to open the attraction by November.

The target opening date would allow the course to begin operations before the holiday season and provide another entertainment option for residents and visitors downtown.

According to WVXU, proposed operating hours include:

• Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday
• Noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

The course is expected to appeal to a wide audience, including families, office workers, convention attendees, and tourists exploring the riverfront area.

The Banks has continued adding attractions in recent years. The district already hosts restaurants, bars, residential developments, event spaces, and public gathering areas. Officials have sought additional activities that attract visitors during daytime and evening hours beyond major sporting events.

The mini golf project represents a relatively low-cost way to activate vacant land while larger development plans continue to evolve.

Cincinnati mini golf adds another attraction to The Banks

The proposed attraction arrives as The Banks continues its expansion along the Ohio River. Public officials have emphasized the importance of creating year-round destinations that encourage both local and tourist spending.

According to FOX19, officials view the project as a temporary but meaningful use of the site. Future redevelopment plans remain possible, but the lease allows the property to generate activity and revenue in the meantime.

One notable element of the agreement involves support for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. WVXU reported that the developer committed to providing $100,000 annually to the Freedom Center during the lease term.

Supporters say the arrangement creates benefits for both the entertainment project and a major cultural institution located nearby.

The mini golf course also aligns with broader trends seen in cities across the country. Urban entertainment districts increasingly include experiential attractions that encourage visitors to spend more time in mixed-use developments. Mini golf venues, interactive games, and family-oriented activities have become common additions to downtown districts seeking to diversify their visitor base.

City leaders believe the project can complement existing attractions without requiring major infrastructure investments. The course’s location near restaurants, entertainment venues, and riverfront amenities may help increase foot traffic throughout The Banks.

For Cincinnati residents, the project represents another chapter in the continued development of the riverfront district. Since opening, The Banks has evolved from a large redevelopment vision into one of the city’s most active destinations. The addition of a mini golf course could further strengthen its appeal to visitors seeking entertainment beyond sporting events and nightlife.

The Park Board’s approval removes one of the final major hurdles for the project. Developers will now focus on securing permits and beginning construction. If the timeline remains on track, visitors could be playing mini golf at The Banks before the end of the year.

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