Pros 
Cons A Bayfront View, But Is It Worth the Green?
Oliver's Bayfront Mini Golf certainly boasts a prime location, perched at 130 E Front St in Erie, PA. The setting, overlooking Presque Isle Bay, is repeatedly mentioned as a highlight by visitors. However, many reviewers suggest the view is where the positives largely end. While conveniently open seven days a week from 11 AM to 11 PM, many feel the course itself doesn’t live up to the potential of its waterfront locale. Pricing is a common sticking point, deemed “overpriced” for what the course delivers, especially considering alternatives in the area. Several patrons noted the added cost of parking further adding to the expense. The biggest draw, according to some, isn’t the putt putt golf itself, but the ability for adults to enjoy beverages while playing – a modest perk for a potentially underwhelming experience.
Here's a quick breakdown of what users are saying about the price versus value:
| Feature | Positive Mentions | Negative Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable (some) | Overpriced |
| Value | Quick entertainment | Underwhelming, basic |
| Location | Scenic Bay View | Requires paid parking |
| Adult Perks | Drinks available | N/A |
Course Design: A Lack of Imagination
The overwhelming consensus regarding the actual putt putt golf course design is…disappointing. Reviewers consistently use terms like “flat,” “monotonous,” and “basic.” It lacks the creative elements that define memorable mini golf experiences. Don’t expect windmills, water features, ramps, chutes, or even interesting landscaping. It's described as a simple, almost rudimentary, 18-hole experience. This simplicity is seen as a drawback, with one reviewer stating it "missing most of the basic features you would expect."
"This is the flatest and most monotonous mini golf course one could conceive of. Absolutely no creativity was used when designing the course."
This simplicity could be a benefit for very young children with short attention spans, as one parent pointed out. However, for most, it's a significant detractor, making the experience feel less like a fun outing and more like a quickly completed chore. The course's speed is also mentioned, suggesting a round can be finished in 30-40 minutes, which some view positively but others see as indicative of its brevity and lack of complexity.
Lighting & Technical Issues: A Flickering Frustration
Evening play at Oliver's Bayfront Mini Golf appears to be problematic. The course utilizes LED lights to illuminate the holes, but multiple reviewers complained about a significant flaw: flickering. This isn't a minor annoyance; it’s described as “distracting” and even “painful.” Furthermore, some balls are difficult to see against the course surface and are described as “dull”, compounding the issue with low light conditions.
This issue directly impacts the enjoyment of the game. Imagine trying to accurately putt when the path of the ball is obscured by a flickering light source! It’s a technical oversight that significantly detracts from the overall experience, especially as many users will be aiming to play after work or on weekend evenings.
A History of Disappointment & Local Concerns
Beyond the course's current shortcomings, a layer of local frustration colors many reviews. Several users express sadness over the closure of a previously beloved, family-run mini golf course across the street. They believe the city’s decision to construct a road and subsequently allow the Scott family to build Oliver's Bayfront Mini Golf was a detrimental one— a sacrifice of community charm for, in their eyes, a substandard and possibly opportunistic development.
This sentiment is repeated - a perception of prioritizing profit over enjoyment, and removing a unique local attraction in the process. There’s even a hint of resentment toward the “greedy Scott family” and the city leadership allowing the sale of local establishments. Some suggest seeking alternatives, like the course in Edinboro, which offers a wider range of entertainment options including bumper boats, batting cages and an arcade, as a more worthwhile experience.