Best Bowling in the Detroit Area

Story by Michelle Martin

No other city in the world can claim a title that Detroit has held for generations – it’s the bowling capital of the world.

In 1941, the Detroit-based “DTC Quarterly” gave the city that moniker, adding that Detroit had more alleys and bowlers per capita than anywhere else in the world. Metro Detroiters love to bowl – and they have a lot of great places to do it.

Have some time to “spare?” Visit some of metro Detroit’s best places to bowl.

Garden Bowl

The Garden Bowl in the Majestic Complex on Woodward has been the city’s go-to bowling alley for over 100 years. The small venue has 16 historic lanes and is known for rock-n-bowl, featuring glow-in-the-dark lanes, disco lights and music.

Thunderbowl Lanes

Said to be the largest bowling alley in the country, this Allen Park venue has attracted some of the world’s best bowlers. The 90-lane bowling alley also is home to the Greater Detroit Bowling Association Hall of Fame and often hosts PBA championships.

Bowlero Lanes

A local favorite since 1957, Bowlero Lanes in Royal Oak was remodeled in 2019 with a ‘70s-style alley and cocktail bar. The bowling alley also has karaoke and live music on some nights.

Lakeshore Lanes

Lakeshore Lanes in St. Clair Shores has been a family favorite since 1950. The bowling alley is kid-friendly – many school groups and child birthday celebrations are often held there.

Merri Bowl Lanes

It’s not often you’ll find a bowling alley that has a fireplace and outdoor patio, but Merri Bowl Lanes in Livonia has exactly that – plus 40 lanes for bowling. The bowling alley also has rock-n-bowl, featuring music, laser and disco lights and haze machines.

Bonanza Lanes

Located in Warren, Bonanza Lanes has served generations of area families. The bowling alley also has a pro shop so you can purchase balls and other equipment.

Star Lanes at Emagine

This small bowling alley is located in the Emagine Entertainment complex in Royal Oak, so you can watch a movie before or after a game of bowling.

5-Star Lanes

With 50 lanes, 5-Star Lanes in Sterling Heights attracts people from throughout the area. The retro-themed bowling alley also has cosmic bowling and golf simulators.

Luxury Lanes

This Ferndale bowling alley features cosmic bowling – a glow-in-the-dark experience with music. It’s also a favorite spot for adult and child birthdays.

Woodland Lanes

Family owned and operated, Woodland Lanes in Livonia has a pro shop. It also hosts glow-n-bowl – neon-colored balls roll down the lanes under disco lights and toward glowing pins.

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