Bel-Air Bowl (Formerly Panorama Lanes)
Belleville, IL
Photo and info courtesy Dennis Dixson

This bowling alley has a history that's a little different from most. Bel-Air Bowl originally operated as Panorama Lanes before another bowling alley across town, also called Bel-Air, closed and moved into this location. Along with the name change came a remodel of the old Panorama neon sign. While the restoration brought the marquee back to life, I have to admit I liked the original version a little better. More info can be found at http://www.belairbowl.com/. 10-07

Even with the updated look, the sign remains one of Belleville's better-known bowling landmarks. It's a nice reminder that sometimes a sign doesn't disappear altogether—it simply evolves along with the business behind it. That's part of what makes documenting places like this so interesting.

UPDATE: Bel-Air Bowl remains open, and the remodeled neon marquee continues to welcome bowlers to the longtime Panorama Lanes location. 06-26

Starlite Lanes
Lebanon, MO
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The neon glows beautifully at Starlite Lanes in Lebanon, one of several classic Route 66 landmarks still lighting up this stretch of Missouri. Even better, it's located almost directly across the street from the famous Munger Moss Motel, making this one of the best spots in town for anyone who appreciates vintage roadside neon. 01-08

Starlite Lanes has welcomed bowlers for generations, but it's the colorful marquee that catches the attention of travelers cruising the Mother Road. Seeing the Starlite sign glowing across from the Munger Moss creates a scene that's becoming harder and harder to find along Route 66. If you're exploring Lebanon after dark, this is definitely a stop worth making.

UPDATE: Starlite Lanes remains open, and its classic neon marquee continues to light up Route 66 alongside its famous neighbor across the street. 06-26

Crestwood Motel
St Louis, MO
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Crestwood Bowl is quite a sight to see along old Route 66. Its massive neon marquee has been catching the attention of motorists since 1958 and remains one of the best surviving bowling alley signs on the Mother Road. If you're exploring the St. Louis area after dark, it's well worth a stop. 01-08

The 24-lane bowling center has been a Route 66 landmark for decades, even hosting a Professional Bowlers Association tournament in 1964. The sign itself has become almost as famous as the bowling alley, thanks to its sweeping mid-century design and colorful neon. It was later restored with assistance from the National Park Service's Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program, helping ensure it will continue lighting up Watson Road for years to come.

UPDATE: Crestwood Bowl remains open, and its restored neon marquee continues to welcome bowlers and Route 66 travelers alike. 06-26

King Pin Lanes
Springfield, MO
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

Here's a great shot of the King Pin Lanes marquee in Springfield. I always liked the way the giant bowling pin and crown were worked into the design. It was a clever concept that gave the sign plenty of personality, especially after dark when the neon was still intact. 01-08

King Pin Lanes opened in 1960 and has remained a popular neighborhood bowling center for decades. While the bowling alley is still going strong, the sign has changed quite a bit over the years. Around 2005, the original neon tubing was removed, leaving only the framework behind. It's still recognizable, but it's hard not to wonder how impressive it looked when the crown and bowling pin glowed at night.

UPDATE: King Pin Lanes remains open, but the vintage neon has been removed from the marquee, leaving only the original sign structure. 06-26

Cressmoor Lanes
Hobart, IN
Photo courtesy Kevin Heggi

Cressmoor Lanes in Hobart features one of those classic bowling alley marquees that's hard to drive past without noticing. The colorful "Bowling - Food - Tap" sign really comes to life at dusk, making it a favorite stop for anyone who enjoys vintage roadside neon. 10-08

The 16-lane bowling center dates back to the mid-1950s and has been a longtime gathering place for local bowlers, youth leagues, and community events. While it's a smaller neighborhood alley, its neon marquee has always given it a much bigger presence along the road.

UPDATE: Cressmoor Lanes has been temporarily closed since early 2026 because of medical issues within the owner's family. Fortunately, the classic neon marquee still survives. 06-26