6 Vintage Ohio Bowling Alleys That Closed (And 4 Still Keep The Lanes Alive)
Ohio once had a bowling scene that felt straight out of a time capsule, filled with neon lights, jukeboxes, and the comforting crash of pins on polished wood.
While some beloved lanes have rolled their last frame, a few still keep the tradition alive with retro charm and loyal crowds.
From shuttered icons to timeless survivors, each alley tells a story of strikes, spares, and the kind of community spirit that never truly fades.
1. Colerain Bowl (Cincinnati)
Nothing says nostalgia like a place where your grandparents bowled their first dates.
Colerain Bowl served Cincinnati’s northwest side for decades, complete with wood-paneled walls and leagues that ran six nights a week.
When it shut down, the neighborhood lost more than a bowling alley. It lost a gathering spot where friendships were forged over greasy fries and rented shoes.
That old-school charm is hard to replace in today’s flashy entertainment world.
2. Brentwood Bowl (Springfield Township)
Springfield Township’s Brentwood Bowl was a Saturday night staple for families who wanted affordable fun without the mall crowds.
Opened in the mid-20th century, it featured classic manual scoring and a snack bar famous for its hot dogs.
Closing in the early 2000s hit locals hard. Brentwood Bowl wasn’t just lanes and pins; it was birthday parties, first crushes, and league trophies that gathered dust on mantels.
Progress sometimes bowls over the places we loved most.
3. Glenmore Bowl (Cheviot)
Cheviot’s Glenmore Bowl had a reputation for being the friendliest spot in town, where the staff knew your shoe size by heart. Its neon sign glowed like a beacon for bowlers craving a night of strikes and gutter balls.
After it closed, the building sat empty for years, a ghost of good times past. Glenmore Bowl proved that even the most beloved local haunts can’t always survive shifting entertainment trends and rising rent costs.
4. Midway Lanes (Akron)
Akron’s Midway Lanes was where serious bowlers came to play, hosting tournaments that drew competitors from across the state.
Its lanes were immaculate, and the atmosphere was electric on league nights.
Shutting down left a void in Akron’s bowling community. Midway Lanes wasn’t fancy, but it had heart and history in every scuff mark on the floor.
Sometimes the best places are the ones that never try too hard to impress you.
5. Bowlero Lanes (Dayton)
Dayton’s Bowlero Lanes had a quirky charm, from its mismatched chairs to the jukebox that only played hits from the 70s and 80s. Regulars swore by the pizza, which somehow tasted better after a spare.
When Bowlero closed, it felt like losing a quirky uncle who told bad jokes but always made you smile.
The building was eventually demolished, erasing another piece of Dayton’s working-class entertainment history. Goodbye, weird pizza. We miss you.
6. AMF Main Lanes (Columbus)
Columbus lost a piece of its bowling soul when AMF Main Lanes rolled its last frame.
This place was huge, with dozens of lanes and a cosmic bowling setup that made Friday nights feel like a disco. Corporate ownership couldn’t save it from changing tastes and competition.
AMF Main Lanes was where college kids blew off steam and families celebrated milestones. Now it’s just another parking lot, because apparently we need more of those.
7. Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl (Columbus)
Named after a legendary pro bowler, Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl is still rolling strong, keeping the vintage vibe alive with well-maintained lanes and a loyal crowd.
Walking in feels like stepping back to when bowling was king. They host leagues, tournaments, and open play, proving that old-school bowling can still thrive.
Wayne Webb’s isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel or add laser tag. It just does what it does best: honest bowling with zero gimmicks.
8. Madison Bowl (Cincinnati)
Madison Bowl in Cincinnati keeps the retro spirit alive with its classic lanes and neighborhood feel. Regulars treat it like their second home, and the staff remembers your name after just one visit.
It’s not flashy, but that’s the point. Madison Bowl offers straightforward fun without the bells and whistles of modern entertainment complexes.
In a world obsessed with upgrades, sometimes staying true to your roots is the smartest play of all.
9. Shawnee Lanes (Chillicothe)
Chillicothe’s Shawnee Lanes has survived decades by staying humble and keeping prices reasonable. It’s the kind of place where kids can still afford a few games without draining their allowance.
Families return year after year, creating traditions that span generations. Shawnee Lanes proves that you don’t need fancy tech or trendy themes to stay relevant.
Just good lanes, decent snacks, and a welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel like a regular from day one.
10. Poelking Lanes South (Centerville)
Centerville’s Poelking Lanes South keeps the golden age of bowling alive with pristine lanes and a dedication to league play. It’s where serious bowlers and casual players coexist without drama.
The pro shop is stocked, the equipment is top-notch, and the atmosphere is pure bowling zen.
Poelking Lanes South isn’t stuck in the past; it’s honoring it while staying relevant. That’s the secret sauce for any vintage spot trying to survive in modern times.