Ypsi Arbor Bowl (Gone)
Ypsilanti, MI Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
Here's another shot of the incredible marquee for Ypsi-Arbor Bowl in Ypsilanti. The sign used the outlines of bowling pins to spell the word "BOWL," making it one of the most creative bowling alley marquees around. It was well worth stopping for a few games, or simply to admire the sign from the parking lot. 10-08
Ypsi-Arbor Bowl opened in 1961 and remained a community favorite for 50 years before closing in 2011 during the recession. At the time, it was the last remaining bowling alley in Ypsilanti. Locals even had a sense of humor about the sign. When the neon letters occasionally burned out, the missing "B" and "L" inspired the nickname "Ypsi-Arbor OW."
Fortunately, the famous marquee escaped the wrecking ball. After the bowling alley closed, the sign was sold at auction and rescued by a private sign museum in South Dakota. The building itself wasn't as lucky and was demolished in 2013, with the site eventually redeveloped as a Fresh Thyme Market.
UPDATE: The Ypsi Arbor Bowl closed down and apparently the iconic sign was auctioned off and purchased by an unknown sign museum in South Dakota. Ypsi Arbor Lanes was Ypsilanti's last remaining ten pin alley. Many thanks to Mark Hackett for update. 06-12
UPDATE: Although the bowling alley is gone, the iconic bowling pin marquee was saved and relocated to a private sign museum. The former Ypsi-Arbor Bowl site is now home to a Fresh Thyme Market. 06-26
Bowl Era Lanes (Demolished)
Hammond, IN Photo courtesy Don Gardner
One of the most memorable features of Bowl-Era Lanes wasn't its sign at all—it was the colorful tile mosaic on the front of the building. Depicting a 1940s-style bowler in mid-throw, the artwork gave the old bowling alley a personality all its own and remained long after the lanes had closed. 10-08
Bowl-Era traced its roots to a former roller-skating rink that was converted into a bowling alley in 1953. It also made Indiana bowling history by becoming the first alley in the state to install AMF automatic pinspotters in 1954, eliminating the need for manual pinboys. For decades it served local bowlers and hosted The Times Bowling Classic, one of the region's premier tournaments.
The building sat vacant after closing in 1995 until severe storms caused part of the roof to collapse in 2008. Declared unsafe, the longtime landmark was demolished later that year, taking the distinctive bowling mosaic with it.
UPDATE: The Bowling Man mosaic is from the Bowl Era Lanes on Calumet Ave in the Southside of Hammond, Indiana. The lanes closed down many years ago, but, I believe, is still standing. It had lanes upstairs and downstairs, a pro shop, and an old time Calumet Region bowling alley bar. Bowl Era was an old time alley, and was hurt badly when Stardust Lanes opened across town on Columbia Ave in the late 60's. Bowl Era also had a White Castle across the street, which remains. Many thanks to Mark R. Dongu for update and identification of the location of this "bowling man" mosaic. 07-07
UPDATE: The Bowl Era Lanes had its roof collapse and appears to be in danger of being demolished soon. 10-08
UPDATE: Bowl-Era Lanes was demolished in 2008 following storm damage. Sadly, the unique tile mural that decorated the front of the building was lost as well. 06-26
Clique Bowling
St. Louis, MO Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier
The Clique Bowling Center in Grand Rapids is one of those neighborhood bowling alleys that just feels like it's been there forever. Better yet, the vintage neon sign is still glowing, making it a great stop for anyone who appreciates old-school roadside Americana. 10-07
Opened in 1953, Clique has been welcoming bowlers for more than 70 years. One thing that makes it a little different is its unusual two-level layout, with bowling lanes both upstairs and downstairs. Add a classic neighborhood bar and grill, and it's easy to see why this place has remained a local favorite for generations.
The neon marquee is still the star of the show. As more and more vintage bowling alley signs disappear, it's always nice to find one that's still doing exactly what it was designed to do which is getting your attention and inviting you inside for a game or two.
UPDATE: Clique Bowling Center remains open, and its classic neon marquee continues to light up the Grand Rapids night. 06-26
Bowledrome
Howell, MI Photo courtesy Mark Hackett
The Howell Bowl-E-Drome is another bowling alley that's managed to keep up with the times while hanging onto its vintage charm. Stop by for a night of cosmic bowling, or just pull into the parking lot and admire the classic Bowl-E-Drome marquee out front. 01-08
Opened in 1946, Howell Bowl-E-Drome has been welcoming bowlers for generations. The 20-lane center has been updated over the years with modern scoring and glow bowling, but thankfully the vintage sign still greets visitors along Grand River Avenue. It's a great reminder that some neighborhood bowling alleys still know how to make a first impression.
UPDATE: Howell Bowl-E-Drome remains open, and its classic roadside marquee continues to welcome bowlers to Howell. 06-26
Tropicana Lanes (Rem..)
Richmond Heights, MO Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier
Tropicana Lanes is one of the last classic bowling alleys in the St. Louis area. The original marquee featured bold "BOWL" lettering that made it an easy spot to recognize from the road. While the sign has changed over the years with AMF branding, you can still see the bones of the original design underneath. 10-07
Opened in 1960, Tropicana Lanes quickly became one of Missouri's largest bowling centers with 52 lanes under one roof. One of the owners also owned nearby Lucky Strike Bowl in Hazelwood, another well-known St. Louis bowling alley whose giant marquee has since disappeared. Fortunately, Tropicana has managed to survive while many of its contemporaries have not.
Today, the bowling center continues to welcome league bowlers, tournament players, and casual visitors. Although the original lettering has been updated, it's nice to see another vintage bowling alley that's still doing what it was built to do.
One of the owners also owned the Lucky Strike Bowl of Hazelwood, MO. Unfortunately, the Lucky Strike has been gone for a while and the building is now subdivided.
Tropicana Lanes
Richmond Heights, MO Photo courtesy Dirk Burhans
UPDATE: Tropicana Lanes remains open, and while its marquee has been modernized over the years, the classic structure continues to greet bowlers along Clayton Road. 06-26
Warren, Ohio has long been home to some great roadside sights, and Echo Lanes was certainly one of them. Its classic tiered marquee, complete with stacked "BOWL" and "LOUNGE" panels topped by a crown, was a real eye-catcher. If you were passing through town, it was worth stopping for a game or two—or at least dropping by the lounge before heading back out on the road. 10-07
Echo Lanes has been welcoming bowlers since the early 1960s and remains a popular neighborhood gathering place today. The bowling alley has kept pace with the times by adding cosmic bowling, league play, and family activities, but for many roadside fans, the vintage marquee was always the star of the show.
Sadly, that familiar landmark is no longer there. The iconic tiered sign was blown over and destroyed around 2024, bringing an end to one of Warren's best examples of classic bowling alley signage.
UPDATE: Echo Lanes remains open and continues serving the Warren community, but its famous tiered roadside marquee has been lost. 06-26
Metro
Bowl
Crystal Lake, IL Photo courtesy Don Gardner
The Metro Bowl in Crystal Lake is another great neighborhood bowling alley that's still doing things the old-fashioned way. Its vintage marquee, complete with a bowling pin and ball, is reason enough to pull over. If you're in town, stop in for a few games and enjoy a place that still feels like a step back in time. 10-08
Metro Bowl has been a Crystal Lake tradition since the 1950s and remains family owned today. The bowling alley has changed very little over the years, with hardwood lanes, vintage pinsetters, and a classic atmosphere that's becoming harder and harder to find. Even better, the neon sign out front is still in great shape and continues to welcome bowlers downtown.
If you visit, don't forget to bring cash. Metro Bowl has stayed true to its roots and still operates as a cash-only business, adding to the old-school feel that keeps people coming back year after year.
UPDATE: Metro Bowl remains open, and its classic pin-and-ball marquee continues to light up downtown Crystal Lake. 06-26
Ypsi Arbor Bowl (Gone)
Bowl Era Lanes (Demolished)
Clique Bowling
Bowledrome
Tropicana Lanes (Rem..)
Echo Lanes Bowling Alley (Rem.)
Metro
Bowl
