A new attraction will open in 2023 near Cassville, inspired by the natural beauty and tourism at Roaring River State Park.

James and Shannon Beemer, owners of Zone 4 Mini Golf & More, said the new mini golf course, which features the longest hole in the world, will open on March 1, 2023. The name, they said, was inspired by Roaring River.

“Zone 4 came about because of Roaring River,” James said. “Roaring River has 3 zones for fishing. Everything here is very nature themed.”

The couple live in Shell Knob, recently moving from Maryville in the northwest corner of the state.

“I’ve been coming to Roaring River since I was about 8 years old,” Shannon said. “I was fortunate enough to introduce my husband and family to it. We bought a house in Shell Knob two years ago.”

Before they purchased their home locally, the couple often spent their vacations in the area.

“I have always wanted to have a mini golf course,” James said. “This idea is all about having an affordable, fun, family recreation activity. This area really needed something.”

The Beemers’ children are all grown and live on their own.

“In Maryville, we had a business selling portable buildings,” James said. “That is actually where the buildings on this lot are from.”

Zone 4 Mini Golf & More has a completed a 19-hole mini golf course, with the last hole a record-breaker’.

“The last hole is 535 feet long,” he said. “The Guinness World Record has the longest hole at 459 feet and 6 inches.”

In addition to the worlds longest mini golf hole, Zone 4 Mini Golf & More will also have batting cages.

“We have two token-operated batting cages and two manually-operated pitching machines,” he said. “We even built a dugout for teams to use. We are also building a general store and a concession area.”

Shannon said they are looking for Missouri-made products to have in the store, along with souvenirs and antiques.

“We have already reached out to a company that makes popcorn and soda/ coffee,” she said. “For concessions, we would like to have the normal stuff, but also even meals with some picnic tables set up where people can sit and eat.”

The Beemers have decided on a season for which Zone 4 Mini Golf & More will be operating.

“We are going to open on March 1 — Opening Day at Roaring River,” James said. “We will close for January and February, and we aim to be open seven days a week, weather permitting.”

There is also a stage on the grounds the Beemers’ built, planning to have live entertainment.

“One thing about starting a local business is supporting other local businesses,” Shannon said. “We believe in staying as local as possible.

“We have been very fortunate in the people we have worked with. We have worked with Element 79, Jason Taylor from Dyno Dirt Works, who has been a rock, Johnny and Shawn Bishop from Bishop’s Lawn Care, Roden Pump Service, Chad from Butler Home Improvement, 7 Valleys Concrete, and Havrick Farms.”

The design and layout however was done by James himself.

“We have had a tremendous local team,” James said. “None of us have built a mini golf course before this, but here we are with a 19-hole completed course.”

The Beemers closed on the property where Zone 4 Mini Golf & More, sits on Aug. 25.

“We started building immediately,” James said. “All of this is about having fun for everyone.”

Zone 4 Mini Golf & More will have a safe and fun atmosphere.

“We believe in local businesses,” Shannon said. “We buy everything local. We don’t even use Amazon. When you buy local, you are helping a mom and pop, not a big company.”

James and Shannon have already tested out the mini golf course, as well as some other passersby.

“It will take about 30-45 minutes to complete the course,” James said. “But, we want you to take your time and enjoy it. We have some beautiful handmade wood carvings by Sarah Converse.”

Since living here, the Beemers have enjoyed a number of local festivals and community events.

“We are looking forward to the Christmas parade,” Shannon said. “We are ready to be involved in those types of things.”

James and Shannon have been married for nearly 12 years.

“We work together and live together,” Shannon said. “That is just how we are — we like to be together, and we hate being apart.

“Roaring River just means so much to me. My grandma and grandpa would take me there regularly for vacations. We were able to bring my grandma down here last summer for a visit, her love for this area is what brought us here. She passed away on Aug. 6, at 94 years old.”

When Zone 4 Mini Golf & More opens, it will be hiring several employees.

“We want to be very hands on,” Shannon said. “But, we will have many different parts that will be operating at the same time. This is our dream and our name is associated with it.”

A website for Zone 4 Mini Golf & More is being developed, but people can follow the business on Facebook for more information and updates.

Zone 4 Mini Golf & More is located at 16007 Hwy. 76 in Cassville.