Dating back to the early 1900s, duckpin bowling is a variant of traditional bowling with a much lighter and smaller ball and shorter pins.
The balls don’t have finger holes, are about the size of a softball and players get three rolls instead of two.
Here are four local places to get out of the heat and try your hand at duckpin, plus a bonus spot to go fowling. What is fowling, you ask? Find out more below.
Where to go duckpin bowling in Indianapolis
Pins Mechanical Co.
856 Carrollton Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Monday-Wednesday 4–11:30 PM; Thursday 4 PM–12:30 AM, Friday 12 PM–2:30 AM; Saturday-Sunday 12 PM–2:30 AM
Pins Mechanical Co. is a dog-friendly spot to go duckpin bowling as well as pinball, foosball, ping pong, patio pong, and more. Located in the Bottleworks District, this spot offers options to host an event, delight in happy hour specials and is accessible to those with mobility needs. Learn more about what they have to offer to patrons here.
Atomic Bowl Duckpin
1105 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Basement of Fountain Square Theatre Building)
Monday Closed; Tuesday 1–9 PM; Wednesday 1–9 PM; Thursday 1–10 PM; Friday 1 PM–12 AM; Saturday 11 AM–12 AM; Sunday 1–7 PM
The 1950s-themed Atomic Bowl Duckpin is a mid-century style bowling lounge located on the basement level of the Fountain Square Building with food and private event offerings. They offer a menu featuring everything from snacks and finger foods to sandwiches and salads. This spot has a retro feel with modern accommodations (even something on the menu for vegans, too) and libations abound.
Action Bowl
1105 Prospect St, Indianapolis, IN 46203 (Fourth floor of Fountain Square Theatre Building)
Monday Closed; Tuesday 1–9 PM; Wednesday 1–9 PM; Thursday 1–10 PM; Friday 1 PM–12 AM; Saturday 11 AM–12 AM; Sunday 1–7 PM
Originally opened in 1928 but gutted in 1957, Action Bowl has painstakingly refurbished their vintage duckpin bowling alley to its original 1930s decor for an authentic experience and offering great views of the city skyline.
They have eight restored vintage lanes and a menu featuring appetizers, salads, BBQ sandwiches, burgers and pizza.
They also feature a vintage billiard table and seating for 110 guests in the cafe area.
Nevermore Union Station
302 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Closed Sun-Tues. Open 5-11 PM on Wednesday; Thursday 5 PM-midnight; Friday 5 PM-1 AM; Saturday 12 PM-1 AM
“Lose track of time and experience a unique place filled with intricate design and immersive experiences; from elevated pub fare and cocktails to gaming and entertainment,” the Indy spot’s website promises. “Nevermore will never be a predictable destination.”
Aside from the ability to “get lost in literality,” you can try your hand at duckpin bowling and other fun activities in their game room.
What is fowling?
The game started as a one-lane mashup of football and bowling while tailgating at the 2001 Indy 500, according to the website for the Fowling Warehouse in Indianapolis.
Fowling Warehouse says the rules are simple – “It’s as easy as throwing a football at ten bowling pins until someone knocks them all down. BONK. Drink. Repeat. Check out the short, simple rules to find out about Fair Ups, Overtime, Sudden Death and more.”
Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis
1125 East Brookside Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46202
Closed Monday and Tuesday. 5-10 PM on Wednesday; 5 PM- 12 AM Thursday and Friday; 12 PM- 12 AM Saturday; 12-6 PM on Sunday.
You can try fowling for yourself, along with a full bar, hot pretzels, ramen, Hot Pockets and chips. You can also bring your own food or have it delivered.
The warehouse also boasts being the birthplace of the Mystery Beer Machine and has a golf simulator.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Four spots for duckpin bowling and retro vibes in Indianapolis and one for … fowling?
Reporting by Kurtcia Collazo and Joe Mutascio, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
