I have few more nostalgic childhood memories than mini-golf. These little temples of friendly competition were many of our first experiences with competitive sport, and they were dressed up in a fantastical environment. Mini-golf courses were like stepping into another world – be they themed around an old-timey circus, a pirate hideout, or an alien planet – or, in the case of one old mini-golf course, an old-fashioned fishing village. Located right on the Canadian border, the Bonnie Castle Greens mini-golf course in Alexandria Bay was a truly unique all-ages adventure – but those days are long past. Today, it’s a fascinating abandoned place in NY.

Divided into two eighteen-hold courses, dubbed the American Adventure and the Canadian Adventure, the Bonnie Castle Greens mini-golf course has fallen into disrepair today, but many remnants of the quirky attraction it once was remain amid the overgrowth. It feels frozen in time – a uniquely New York adventure whose day has come and gone. Step into this unique abandoned place in NY for a virtual hike through the Bonnie Castle Greens.

Highlighting the beautifully eerie work of Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo, discover more fascinating abandoned locations across America in our Vacant Series. These unique man-made structures have been left abandoned and are slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Editor’s Note: Due to the nature of abandoned destinations, many of the places featured in this series are off-limits to visitors or have actually been demolished. We do not condone trespassing and other illegal activity but rather encourage readers to enjoy learning about these fascinating destinations. 

Like a unique fairy tail kingdom in upstate New York, the Bonnie Castle Greens still stand proud over Alexandria Bay.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
However, a closer look reveals that this massive 32-hole mini-golf course is far from what it used to be. In fact, it's fallen into disrepair.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Covering 38 acres and multiple buildings, the golf course has been abandoned for years, and the wear and tear can be seen everywhere.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
In many places, it looks like the grounds have been abandoned in a hurry. Hundreds of golf clubs can be found on the wall – but the course isn't in any shape to shoot a round.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
The entire area has a whimsical, nautical vibe to it, and many of the larger structures are still intact, if a little run down.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
The most striking spot on the grounds is the rustic cottage, which still feels like it stepped out of a fairy tale today.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Inside the rotunda, it's a very different story, as this charming cottage is now a run-down storage spot.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
The further you head away from the center of the course, the more this unique area starts to feel like a truly abandoned location.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
This is a very run-down area, and while the overall Alexandria Bay area is still thriving, this once-colorful golf course is a shadow of its former self.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo
Despite this, there are still little pockets of magic and beauty around the Bonnie Castle Greens mini-golf course, especially at sunset. No doubt, many locals and visitors dream of someone coming in to restore this area to its former glory.
Johnny Joo/Odd World Studio, Contributed Photo

Did you know about this unique abandoned place in NY? Due to its out-of-the-way location, it’s not clear if there are any future plans to redevelop the Bonnie Castle Greens mini-golf course, but the town of Alexandria Bay remains part of a thriving tourist scene, complete with a massive go-kart track, as well as one of New York’s most impressive waterfront resorts, Capt. Thomson’s Resort.

Special thanks to Cleveland-based photographer Johnny Joo of Odd World Studio for the photos used in this article. For more images, check out his website, Architectural Afterlife. Discover even more spooky places in Vacant: Inside 13 Eerie and Fascinating Abandoned Locations Across America. 

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