Pros 
Cons A Course Divided: First Impressions & The Groundskeeping Dilemma
Burke Lake Mini Golf, nestled in Fairfax Station, Virginia, currently holds a respectable 4.3-star rating, but recent feedback paints a more nuanced picture. While many visitors report a fun experience, a consistent thread of criticism revolves around the course's upkeep. Several reviews mention that the facility is “really run down” and in desperate need of “TLC.” The landscaping, specifically, appears to be a significant concern, with reports of “bad landscaping” and “filthy ponds.” This immediately impacts the overall aesthetic and creates a feeling of neglect for some patrons.
The entry fee structure also raises eyebrows. While the mini golf itself is accessible to those paying with credit or debit cards, and welcomes families with children, non-Fairfax County residents face an additional $12 parking fee. This seemingly hefty charge feels particularly jarring when coupled with concerns about the course’s overall condition. Here's a quick breakdown of costs:
| Visitor Type | Mini Golf Cost | Parking Cost (Non-Residents) | Total Cost (Non-Residents) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairfax County Resident | (Not Specified) | $0 | (Not Specified) |
| Non-Fairfax County Resident | (Not Specified) | $12 | (Not Specified) |
One review poignantly states, “The grounds is not well maintained and they charge extra 12 dollars to access the place.” It’s clear that the perceived value doesn’t quite align with the total expense for out-of-county visitors.
Challenging Play or Just Odd Design? Course Features & Gameplay
Despite the visual shortcomings, Burke Lake Mini Golf offers an interesting, if somewhat quirky, gameplay experience. The course is described as providing “a good challenge on a good bit of holes,” with “a decent variety” among the obstacles. Reviewers note the greens are “thin and slick – Very Fast!” and feature “breaks and undulating greens,” making for a more demanding putting experience than typical mini golf.
However, this challenge isn't universally praised – some reviewers find the hole designs to be illogical. One visitor commented that “the challenges doesn’t make sense… Looks like any other mini golf place but it's not.” This suggests a potential disconnect between the intended difficulty and the actual playability of certain holes.
That said, the course does feature some attractive elements. The "waterfall on the course is beautiful," according to one patron, adding a point of visual interest amidst the general state of disrepair. Plus, for Halloween enthusiasts, the course transforms into “Goblin golf” for the month leading up to the holiday, offering a seasonally themed experience with “Nicely decorated” effects.
Amenities & Accessibility: What You Can Expect
Burke Lake Mini Golf excels in certain areas of accessibility. It boasts a “Wheelchair accessible entrance,” “Wheelchair accessible parking lot,” and a “Wheelchair accessible restroom,” making it a more inclusive option for players with mobility needs. Onsite services are available, though the course doesn’t currently have a restaurant. A restroom facility is provided.
The park operates on limited hours, particularly during the week:
- Monday - Wednesday & Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Therefore, planning a visit requires checking the schedule carefully.
Beyond the mini golf itself, the park also offers a "train tour" reported as being “really fun,” adding an extra dimension to a visit. It seems to be a popular spot, with one review noting "a good crowd," indicating potential wait times, especially if you're a smaller group. (The reviewer recommends groups of at least three to minimize waiting.) Age groups are loosely defined as youth (ages 2-16) and adults (ages 17-64) though this doesn’t appear to affect pricing or course access.
Staff & Overall Experience: Friendly Faces Amidst the Flaws
Despite the aforementioned issues with maintenance, a consistent positive comment centers around the staff. Visitors repeatedly call the employees “really friendly,” contributing to a generally positive atmosphere. One reviewer stated they “had no issues during the time I stayed there,” which suggests that while the physical environment may be lacking, the customer service is commendable.
It’s a relatively simple experience, intended for “Fun to play with friends," and the combination of a friendly staff and challenging (if occasionally baffling) course layout appears to be enough to earn return visits for some. However, it's undeniable that potential patrons should enter with informed expectations. Burke Lake Mini Golf isn’t presented as a pristine, perfectly polished experience. Instead, it's a course with charm, potential, and a clear need for investment and upkeep.