Since Rip Van Winkle encountered a group of ghostly partyers playing nine-pins bowling has been a popular form or recreation in the Catskill Mountains. During winter months, when outdoor recreation opportunities dwindle, natives and newcomers turn back to bowling alleys, many of which have served the region for the better part of a century. While the alleys themselves might be antique, the modern approach and amenities to the sport are a huge draw for families and young singles. Survival for many bowling alleys has meant expanding them into multi-activity centers, adding popular food and beverage options and fostering a “retro” vibe.
More often than not, bowling alleys in the region are small scale, eight to 20 lanes. They often operate on Rip Van Winkle time, which means visitors need to check current social media and call ahead to be sure they will be open and have lanes available for the visit. But the extra effort will ensure a memory-making experience for both the bowlers and the non-bowlers at a cost affordable on nearly every budget.
Between Margaretville and Arkville in Delaware County, ArkBowl has become one of the region’s premier bowling destinations. Paul W. Collyer, better known as Paulie has coupled bowling a slow smoked, grilled, Americana barbecue menu and nostalgic décor, drawing a hip “in-the-know” crowd to hear the live bands he pulls in, often on mid-week nights. Paulie’s music background is as notorious as his food and the events he promotes have quickly risen to “legend” level with every performance presented viewed as a celebration. From New Orleans jazz to Chicago blues, the impresario has shown he knows his music. Special theme nights draw niche crowds. A Thursday night open mic schedule draws talented acts and individuals trying out new music or playing old favorites. Friday night is Latino night with food to match the music. Reggae Sundays and Catskill Country Chicken Mondays help make every night special. And of course, there’s the bowling. School kids arrive on bikes and scooters, families, often with three generations participating and date night couples all get competitive the minute the bowling shoes are tied. The ArkBowl is one of those special places where natives and newcomers meet, greet and interact with each other; using the common languages of good music, good food and good fun. Hours are regular but like all regional bowling alleys, they are influenced by the action of any given day and may close earlier than posted times if no one is in the house on a given evening. The ArkBowl is located at 42366 NY Rt. 28, Arkville, NY 12406. For more information and current schedules visit thearkbowl.com or check out their social media.
In Walton, the soundtrack of a night out is once again the clatter of pins. Walton Lanes, a retro gem on the village’s Water Street, has been polished and restored after years of silence, reopening in early 2025 with 10 gleaming lanes, fresh equipment, leagues, birthday parties, and Saturday morning youth bowling. Manager Lou Klinegardner calls it “a work in progress,” but the vibe is unmistakable: small-town bowling back in full swing. Once abandoned and stripped to its bones, the alley now anchors a revived block of shops and salons — proof that in the Catskills, even a shuttered bowling alley can be reborn as a community hub and weekend destination. For more information email WaltonLanes2025@gmail.com or call 607-510-2060.
East Main Lanes and Lounge in Sidney offers a 10 lane bowling alley with automatic scoring on synthetic lanes. Leagues and tournaments are offered for regular bowlers but open bowling hours are available. Like many regional bowling operations, East Main Lanes is available for birthday parties and other celebrations. The kitchen is small with a snack counter and full bar service is available. East Main Lanes and Lounge is located at 1 East Main St., Sidney, NY 13838. More information is available at eastmainlanes.com
The Hoebowl Bowling Center in Catskill is known for casual games, featuring vintage wooden lanes and anattentive staff. The family-oriented facility offers 24 lanes equipped with automatic scoring, snack bar, lounge, and video arcade. Hoebowl is located at 305 W Bridge St, Catskill, NY 12414. More information is available on Facebook or by calling 518-943-4980
The Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown features an eight-lane alley with leagues and parties. As indicated in its name, bowling is just one of the recreational opportunities offered at the sports center. With a program unique to its community, open bowling hours are interspersed with dedicated hours that range from a Preschool Bowling offering to Senior Citizens bowling. The alleys can be rented for private parties and like all regional offerings, open bowling hours are subject to change. The Clark Sports Center is located at 124 County Highway 52, Cooperstown, Ny 13326. More information is available at clarksportscenter.com.
In Schoharie County, the Middleburgh Lanes and Laundromat let bowlers combine work and pleasure. The small bowling alley with a snack shop offers loaded cheese fries, plus a laundromat. League bowling fills most evening hours but open bowling on Saturday and Sunday afternoons is a hoot. Middleburgh Lanes and Laundromat is located at 108 Chestnut Lane, Middleburgh, NY 12122. More information is available at 518-827-6880 or via email at midlanes@midtel.net
The newly renovated Bowling on Broadway in Monticello re-opened in July offering two floors packed with fun, modern bowling lanes and arcade games. For bowlers there are 12 modern lanes accompanied by two special mini lanes for kids. More than 45 arcade games and a pizza shop keep everyone happy and occupied. Party packages and group events are encouraged. Bowling on Broadway is located at 498 Broadway, Monticello, NY 12701. More information is available by calling 845-796-2695
Ulster County plays host to Patel’s Kingston Lanes, the biggest of the bowling alleys in the region. With 40 lanes, the seven day a week operation offers endless opportunities for making memories. Leagues, open bowling and private parties and celebration are all on tap here. The extensive snack bar menu offers treats for every age group. A game arcade keeps non-bowlers busy. Unique to Patel’s lanes is axe throwing, with three lanes devoted to the up and coming recreational activity. With longer hours than most regional bowling alleys, the family operated facility hosts Cosmic Bowling in the dark on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Patel’s accepts reservations as long as they are made at least two hours in advance of arrival, guaranteeing visitors the bowling experience they hope to have. Patel’s Kingston Lanes is located at 644 E. Chester St., Kingston, NY. More information is available by calling 845-338-1414
