Bowling history runs deep in Wisconsin. The sport was likely brought here by immigrants from Germany, where bowling goes back to ancient times. Alleys are often the lifeblood of social activity in small towns while sprawling centers with dozens of lanes in larger communities attract casual and league keglers from miles around. These standout alleys – a mix of retro and tricked-out contemporary – are prime spots to grab a meal and take down some pins while offering a beyond the run-of-the mill experience that makes them worth the drive. Check websites for open bowling hours.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
1. Sister Bay Bowl
10640 N. BAY SHORE DR., SISTER BAY
A six-lane alley located inside a Door County supper club has stood since 1964 on the site of a once-popular hotel dance hall. After a meal of lake perch or scallops, head upstairs and ask the bartender to set up a lane in this throwback alley. Sister Bay Bowl features old-style ball returns, and bowlers hand-tally their pin totals, so download an app if you forgot how to score or ask a friendly employee. Open for dinner daily and lunch on Fridays and Saturdays.
2. Black Earth Lanes
1031 MILLS ST., BLACK EARTH
Open since 1946, this place west of Madison offers a retro bowling experience with an eight-lane setup featuring original wooden lanes and manual scoring. Although fully renovated, it maintains its unique charm and quirky midcentury vintage decor. Mannequins line the lanes and 1950s-era nuclear bomb survival guides cover the walls. The menu offers locally sourced food and drink menu items.
3. Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley
2929 ALLIED ST., ASHWAUBENON
Two miles from Lambeau Field, this 60-lane center offers a range of experiences as well as a full-service bar and restaurant and a children’s arcade. There’s “cosmic” bowling, which features black and laser lighting and colored pin deck lights, and “unreal” bowling, an interactive experience with high-end graphics and audio and animation tracking the ball amid theme-based backgrounds.
4. Dale’s Weston Lanes
5902 SCHOFIELD AVE., WESTON
Named for owner Dale Elliott, this alley near Wausau lays claim to being among the state’s largest bowling facilities with 60 full-synthetic lanes available to roll. There’s also a billiards hall and a bar and grill on site at this sprawling facility.
5. Lakeshore Lanes
2519 S. BUSINESS DR., SHEBOYGAN
Born from a 1977 fire that destroyed the Playdium Lanes, Lakeshore Lanes now packs a host of contemporary amenities – 24 synthetic lanes with wood approaches and automatic scoring, plus a bar and grill and banquet hall. Moon Glow bowling is a big hit on Friday and Saturday nights.
6. Wagner’s Lanes
2159 BRACKETT AVE., EAU CLAIRE
The 26-lane alley is part of The Complexx, a modern and innovative sports and entertainment facility that also features a rooftop bar, full food menu and courts for volleyball, cornhole and volley-pong that are open year-round (under an inflatable dome during colder months). There’s occasional live music and always free popcorn.
