Novelty Golf and Games and The Bunny Hutch

For something novel visit Novelty Golf and Games, then hop over to the "Hutch."

For a dose of nostalgia and a great way to spend a summer evening, drop by Lincolnwood’s Novelty Golf and Games for a few rounds of miniature golf. Founded in 1949, this family-owned business off of Devon Avenue is considered one of the best courses in the Chicago area. There are two 18 hole courses.

Replete with the icons that have made miniature golf somewhat of a cult—odd obstacles such as bridges, giant fiberglass figures such as shoes, elephants, castles, moats and even humpty-dumpty (one reviewer referred to it looking like a set from a David Lynch film)—Novelty is indeed a throwback to the days of yore.

Miniature golf, once known as “garden golf” and was even played on rooftops. The game flourished in the 1930s and gradually morphed into what was dubbed “Rinkiedink” golf involving unique and crazy courses. Next arrived the courses that soon dotted the American landscape. Few of the authentic ones remain, making Novelty a local gem.

Strands of illuminated light blubs glow over the courses. The grounds are meticulous with flower beds and towering pine trees. And while golfing, players can hear the bats crack at Novelty’s batting cages.

This is a great place to take a date or the family and you can get a keepsake of the evening by having your photos taken in one of the city’s few still operable photo booths. If you work up an appetite from battling the obstacles, hop on over to The Bunny Hutch located adjacent to the course.

The popular burger shacked opened in 1946 and little has changed. A burger or hotdog with fries costs under $5 and there’s great outdoor seating in the summer months.

Novelty closes in mid-October for the winter and re-opens in April. The Hutch, too, limits its hours, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the warmer months and only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the temperatures drop. Not being able to visit either makes for a long winter. But comfort arrives with that first burst of warm air when Novelty’s light blubs brighten the night.