Oldest Bowling Alleys In America

oldest bowling alleys in america

Table of Contents

oldest bowling alleys in america

The history of bowling dates back centuries, but it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that the sport took off. Bowling as we know it today dates back only to the early 1900s. As the country grew, so did the popularity of this quintessentially American pastime.

Today, there are bowling alleys all over the country. Even though they’re found in small towns and big cities alike, they have a few things in common. Here’s everything you need to know about the oldest bowling alleys in America.

Highland Park Bowl

Opened in 1966 in Los Angeles, California, Highland Park Bowl is the oldest continually operating bowling alley in the United States. Located in the Westwood area of Los Angeles, Highland Park has been the scene of many high-profile events and parties.

In addition to hosting significant sporting events, such as a Miss Universe pageant, it was also used to film scenes in “Gone in 60 Seconds.” This bowling alley has kept its original charm as it’s updated slightly with league bowling and entertainment games such as foosball.

Boutwell’s Bowling Center

Boutwell’s Bowling Center was built in 1959 in Concord, Hampshire, New Hampshire. Since then, it has been a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Boutwell’s has hosted countless area events such as charity fundraisers.

It has also hosted many business conferences and parties in the past few years, including a private party for the vice president of an oil company.

It’s one of the oldest bowling alleys in America! Boutwell’s Bowling Center in Concord, NH, has been a location for many events, including parties and business meetings.

Lower Columbia Bowl

Located in the Columbia neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, the Lower Columbia Bowl is among the oldest bowling alley in America. The bowling alley opened in 1957, making it one of the first to open in the country.

The center was initially called Columbia Bowl, but it was changed in 1973. It was renamed Lower Columbia Bowl and has since been used by many children and parents during birthday parties. In addition to bowling, Lower Columbia offers a meeting room for meetings and parties.

Bryant Lake Bowl and Theater

This was built in 1936 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The theater holds approximately 300 patrons and is one of the most significant stages in the city. The theater has shows that feature local bands and comedians.

In addition to bowling and theater, this bowling alley also offers a restaurant where families can enjoy good food.

It is one of the most historic bowling alleys in America! Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bryant Lake Bowl and Theatre has been a spot for many events. The bowl offers affordable bowling and entertainment, plus it has a meeting room for business meetings.

Mahall’s

Built in 1930, Lakewood, Ohio’s Mahall’s Bowling Center is among the first bowling alleys to open in the United States. The bowling alley opened when there were more than 50 alleys in Lakewood. It has been owned by three different families, leading to architectural changes and upgrades.

In addition to bowling and entertainment, this center has a restaurant with good food.

It is one of the oldest bowling alleys in America! Mahall’s Bowling Center in Lakewood is an excellent spot for a party with family or friends. The center offers affordable entertainment and provides for business meetings as well.

Atomic Bowl Duckpin

Built in 1928, Indianapolis, Indiana’s Atomic Bowl Duckpin is one of the oldest bowling alleys in America. Duckpin started in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1928 precisely because of the number of duckpin bowling alleys across the United States.

The building is designed to look like a boat and offers exciting entertainment, including a bandstand on the first floor. Duckpin offers bowling and entertainment for customers under 18 years old and family-friendly entertainment in its movie house.

Solvay Recreation Alleys

In New York, you can visit the Solvay Recreation Alleys, located in Syracuse, New York. Two bowling alleys were built in 1907 and 1909. The oldest two lanes are not today’s lanes for bowling but were used only for team competitions.

The modern bowling lanes were built in the 1990s under the direction of architect Charles Gittins and are unique thanks to their functional design that enhances the experience everyone has while they bowl.

The buildings hosting these historic bowling alleys are safe and well maintained by Solvay Recreation Alleys staff, who preserve their history and keep them up-to-date with new technology so customers can have a great time while they bowl!

Garden Bowl

If you’re in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and you’ve never visited the Garden Bowl, then you forget about one of the best historical bowling alleys in America. The Garden Bowl is a decorative bowling alley built back in 1913 in the small town of New Holland. The building has been used for bowling since its first use, but it has been renovated and remodeled to fit all types of customers.

The exciting thing about this bowling alley is that a theater is located on the first floor of this building. The theater shows classic movies, and great artists such as Meryl Streep and Johnny Cash’s daughter, Rosanne Cash perform together!

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Play Bowling?

Bowling is very inexpensive. As a family, you can expect to pay around $20 per person. The bowling alleys will charge each individual according to the weight of their ball and the game they are joining. They also have a variety of other games to choose from, such as pool, foosball, and video games.

Does the Bowling Alley Charge a Specific Age Restriction?

There is no age restriction on the bowling alley. However, there are family-friendly games located on the first floor of the building, but younger children may not be able to play those games.

How Much Could I Bowl for an Hour?

An average person can bowl for about four hours in a single hour, so you can expect to pay about $20 per person for a family. You might want to consider going with company or friends, making it more affordable than paying yourself. There are also packages available; they might be able to help you with your plan if you are getting a group together or if you’re going with someone in mind.

Some people find it best to get one full day and split up what they have left into other days because it is only $20 per person each time! Also, you could consider renting shoes or sweatshirts if you have them lying around your own house.

Summary

Now you have a basic idea about where bowling came from and how bowling became a popular form of entertainment for people across America. It’s fantastic to know where this form of joy comes from and how the history behind it is so fascinating. Have fun trying these bowling alleys out!

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

I play bowling almost daily, and on the days I'm not? I'm writing about my day and what I need to do to improve myself as a better bowling player.

Shmulik Dorinbaum

Shmulik Dorinbaum

I play bowling almost daily, and on the days I'm not? I'm writing about my day and what I need to do to improve myself as a better bowling player.

Recent Posts

Some Crazy Shots!