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D&D Travel - The Old Catskill Game Farm, Catskill, New York July 25, 2020... Back in its heyday, the Catskill Game Farm was a major attraction in the Northeast. The old, abandoned zoo is now comprised of about 150 acres and 3.5 miles of paved walkways. One hundred thirty structures survive in various stages of decay. The game farm operated from 1933 to its closing in 2006. According to Wikipedia, "The Catskill Game Farm was opened in 1933 by Roland Lindemann and was still owned by the Lindemann family, as Catskill Game Farm Inc., at the time of its closing. At first, it held only deer, donkeys and sheep. In 1958, the United States Department of Agriculture recognized Catskill Game Farm as a zoo and it became the first privately owned venture to achieve such status. The collection was then allowed to grow more exotic and at the time of its closing, it hosted roughly 2,000 animals representing over 150 species - imported from around the world. The zoo spanned more than 914 acres, most of which was used to breed animals for other zoos worldwide. Only about 136 acres were available for public viewing and then only in the summer and autumn." Current owners - Ben & Cathy Ballone - have converted the Giraffe Barn into a lovely inn, however the entire property has been up for sale. Until then, you can stay at the Inn (only Inn guests are allowed to explore the park remains now - see their website link below for details).
Map of the Old Catskill Game Farm Many family memories were made at this place. We have made an effort to identify a few of the remains where possible; perhaps you will remember them - and others - as you you peruse the 70 images below. Please take your time, enjoy and let us know what you might remember! - Dennis and Donna images copyright © 2020, Dennis A. Hubbs, D&D Travel Services, LLC Click here for details on visiting this relic of Americana, while you still can! |
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 The Long Neck Inn is a converted Giraffe barn and is a veritable museum of park memorabilia! |
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 Above and next 4 images: Inside the Long Neck Inn, a converted Giraffe barn with five rooms on the upper level...and lots of game farm memorabilia preserved inside! |
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 Time has ravaged many of the buildings on site... |
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 Several rain shelters in the park provided a dry place to hang out during inclement weather |
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 A cat cage... |
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 Moats in the African section, presumably once filled with water, prevented the animals from escaping |
 Above and below: what remains of the inside of the Rhino House... |
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 Above and next 2 images: The pond at the entrance to the Recreation & Amusements section. Here Bears and Baboons were exhibited. A playground and several rides were available... |
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 This was likely the Crocodilian area... |
..and this was the miniature golf kiosk |
 An old milk crate from Moon's Dairy, in Catskill, NY. |
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 Old ice cream machines sit among the ruins... |
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 The small wishing well sign indicates that all donations were given to charity |
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 One of the amusement ride locations, now overgrown with brush... |
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 Along the upper level of the park are the remains of the bleachers and show ring where animal shows were performed. An Elephant ride was offered here as well. |
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 Above and below: This was once the train ride end-point terminal, where the "Bonnie Jean Special" stopped after taking visitors through the Bird Section/Gardens.
The old Bonnie Jean (courtesy of Pinterest) |
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 Piles of old train tickets line the floor of a booth...Many are marked as Adults, $1.00; Children, .75¢ |
 This was the Train Station entrance, next to the Animal Nursery... |
 Nature is still in residence in the park... |
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 The Nursery Building |
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 Fairy Tale Nursery House in the Animal Nursery area |
 ...and another nursery hut. |
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 A final image - This tree simply grew around the old fencing. Where there is a will, there is a way!
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| Thanks for your visit! Places like these are disappearing all over the country. We are so glad to have had the opportunity to explore what is left of this amazing spot while we still could! Many thanks to the Ballone family - we wish you the best in the future... - D&D |
 
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