By Jessica Kenley

Coudersport, PA–What many Potter County residents have long known as Gary’s Putter Golf is entering a new chapter — one focused on family vacations, tourism, and expansion for the future.

A group of three people enjoying a game of mini golf outdoors in a sunny setting. One man is preparing to putt while a woman and another man watch him. The background features a rustic wooden building and lush greenery.

Now rebranded as “Gary’s Family Resort,” the longtime business is located off of Route 6 on Cherry Springs Road in Sweden Valley. This small, hometown, mini-golf center remains deeply rooted in family tradition, with three generations of the Reese family still actively involved in the day-to-day operations.

The beloved, 100+ acre destination has been operating since 1961, and currently employs 17 workers. It is widely considered a rustic, charming, and affordable staple for outdoor recreation in Potter County, often described as a “hidden gem”.

A young boy with red hair wearing a blue Spiderman shirt is preparing to putt a blue golf ball on a mini-golf course, while other players are in the background.

Gary’s Family Resort features the largest (¾ acre) miniature golf course in the region with a unique country-western theme. Beyond the 27-hole mini-golf, the property offers a 1-acre pond for paddle boating, fishing, and duck and fish-feeding. There is also a children’s playground, zip lining, gem mining, and a restaurant to boot. 

The Resort also offers on-site camping with RV spaces or cabin rentals. If you rent a cabin or camp, mini-golfing is free, said Brandon Reese during an interview on the property. 

A group of five people playing miniature golf outdoors, with one player preparing to take a shot. The scene includes a lush green landscape, wooden structures, and vibrant flowers.

The atmosphere when walking up the covered wooden bridge that leads to the park, with ducks floating softly below, and the scenery of the PA Wilds as a backdrop, is cozy, light-hearted and nostalgic. There is a wooden gazebo and pavilion off to the left and the fun, colorful, theme-park-like putter golf greens to the right.

Gary, of Gary’s Family Resort, is usually on-site, and can be seen zipping around with shovels or lawn equipment, and is constantly tinkering around and maintaining the park, according to his grandson, Brandon.

A man with a beard stands holding a broom in front of a rustic outdoor area featuring wooden buildings, trees, and picnic tables.

Standing on the scenic property overlooking the river, General Manager Brandon Reese, 24, reflected on the business his grandfather began more than six decades ago.

“My grandpa Gary started building it in 1961, and then opened it in 1963,” Reese explained during an interview.

A happy family posing together on a mini-golf course, featuring a father, mother, and two young children, with a scenic green background and fun decorations in the environment.

“It’s really been a family-owned business the entire time,” Brandon said. “My grandpa’s the builder and creative thinker. My dad handles maintenance, repairs, electrical work, and projects, and I help manage operations and marketing.”

Today, Brandon, commenting on the fact that he has another full-time job, said, “It’s work, but it doesn’t feel like work.”

A person zip-lining above a clear lake with a wooden platform in the background, while another individual watches from the shore.

Brandon has been helping operate the business since he was a child and stepped into management responsibilities during his teenage years.

The resort’s cabins, operated as Airbnb-style rentals, are already seeing strong demand from visitors traveling to Potter County for attractions such as Cherry Springs State Park, the Pennsylvania Wilds, and other regional destinations.

“They’re pretty much booked every weekend,” Reese said. “People are coming from all over.”

The business recently welcomed Pennsylvania travel influencer Brittany Brown, known online as “Britt Around Town,” who visited the property to feature it on social media platforms that collectively reach tens of thousands of followers.

While tourism drives much of the business, Reese emphasized that local families remain at the heart of the resort’s mission.

A restaurant with outdoor seating, featuring a wooden deck with umbrellas, surrounded by green hills and a small stream.

Miniature golf costs just $6 per person, with children ages three and under admitted free. Seasonal passes are also available for local residents for $60.

“There’s not a lot for kids to do around here sometimes,” Reese said. “We want this to be a fun, family-friendly place where people can relax and enjoy themselves. Eat, stay, and play,” he said, smiling.

Exterior view of a restaurant named 'Jiffy Pup' with a colorful neon sign, featuring people gathered outside in the evening.

The resort also serves as a gathering place for birthday parties, church picnics, reunions, school groups, and community events throughout the summer season, with the gazebo able to seat 15 and the pavilion 75.

“We’re trying to bring more people into the area so it helps everyone — the local businesses, restaurants, and stores too,” he said.

Colorful fireworks exploding in the night sky above a line of trees and parked cars.

As the Reese family works to complete the rebranding process and continue expanding the property, one thing remains unchanged: the family-centered vision that has guided the business for generations.

A family enjoying a paddle boat shaped like a swan on a calm lake surrounded by greenery.

For Brandon Reese and his family, Gary’s Family Resort is more than just a business — it is a legacy built on hard work, creativity, and a love for Potter County.