Capri Lanes (Demolished)
Columbus, OH
Photo courtesy Michael Sekeres

The colorful script at Capri Lanes could brighten an evening before anyone stepped inside. This Columbus north-side marquee was worth pulling over for another photograph. 10-09

Opened in 1965, the 32-lane center served generations of league bowlers and families. It closed in 2022 after 57 years, and the building was demolished for senior housing.

UPDATE: The neon sign escaped demolition and was restored. It is now displayed inside a Columbus medical office building, giving the old marquee another audience. 06-26

Do Ri Me Lanes (Removed)
Photo courtesy Steve Felder

Do Ri Me Lanes gave travelers along U.S. 40 in the Richmond–Centerville area quite a roadside surprise. Musical styling, bold lettering and bright neon made the marquee worth a second look—and perhaps a stop for a few games. 10-09

The bowling center later became Legends Lanes and then New Horizon Bowl, but the original sign remained the memorable part for roadside fans.

UPDATE: The Do Ri Me bowling alley sign in Centerville, IN disappeared this year. The bowling alley is still there, but they've put up a boring little generic sign in the place of that wonderful old sign. Many thanks to Ken Bailey for update. 07-03

UPDATE: The bowling alley continues to operate today as New Horizon Bowl, but the famous Do Ri Me neon marquee has been removed. Unfortunately, one of Richmond's most memorable roadside signs is no longer there to greet passing motorists. 06-26

Sherman Bowling Center
Muskegon, Michigan
Photo courtesy Mark Hackett

The Sherman Bowling Center in Muskegon offers a great nighttime photo opportunity. Watch the rotating “BAR” sign above the neon marquee—just don’t get hypnotized. 09-10

Opened in 1958 with 28 lanes, the center expanded to fifty just two years later. The rooftop sign added its own entertainment, giving passing motorists something to admire without renting bowling shoes.

UPDATE: Sherman remains open with bowling, billiards, comedy and banquet facilities. Its rotating neon marquee continues lighting Sherman Boulevard. 06-26

Gage Bowl
Topeka, KS
Photo courtesy Greg West

The Gage Bowl bills itself as a "Complete Fun Center," and one look at the neon marquee tells you they're not kidding. The bright sign has been catching the attention of passing motorists for decades, making it one of those classic roadside landmarks that's hard to drive past without taking a second look. 10-09

The bowling center opened in 1959 and has remained a popular gathering place ever since. While plenty of neighborhood bowling alleys have disappeared over the years, Gage Bowl has continued to evolve, offering much more than just bowling. Today you'll also find arcade games, billiards, food, and other family entertainment, making the "Complete Fun Center" slogan just as fitting now as it was years ago.

UPDATE: Gage Bowl remains open, and its classic neon marquee continues to welcome bowlers and travelers along Gage Boulevard. 06-26

Luxury Lanes (Demolished)
Ferndale, MI
Photo courtesy Mark Hackett

The Luxury Lanes marquee promised “Bowling Is Fun for Everyone.” A giant red arrow and colorful neon made a convincing invitation along Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. 04-01

Opened in the mid-1940s, the alley welcomed generations of Detroit-area bowlers. For roadside fans, its sweeping arrow and cheerful slogan were attractions of their own.

UPDATE: A February 2008 fire destroyed the bowling alley. The building was subsequently demolished, and the familiar neon marquee was lost. 06-26

Evergreen Towers Bowl (Demolished)
Evergreen Park, IL
Photo courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 1990

Hidden behind the front row of businesses, Evergreen Towers Bowl wasn't the kind of bowling alley you'd notice unless you knew it was there. The 32-lane center occupied the rear of a large commercial building that also housed a mattress store, an optometrist, and P.J. Flaherty's nightclub. Three neon signs lit the property, two of which can be seen in this 1990 nighttime photo advertising Hawks, Bulls, and Bears games on the big-screen TV inside the lounge. Many thanks to Bruce R. Cassi for info. 04-07

Evergreen Towers Bowl remained a popular neighborhood destination for years, offering bowling, a lounge, and a billiard parlor under one roof. While the businesses out front changed over time, the bowling alley remained tucked away in the back until declining business forced it to close in 1994.

UPDATE: The building was demolished in 1995 after the remaining tenants either closed or moved out. Today, the site is occupied by an Aldi grocery store, and all three neon signs are gone. 06-26

Plaza Bowl (Removed)
Marion, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

The Plaza Bowl marquee gave Marion motorists plenty to admire after dark. Colorful neon turned the bowling alley’s roadside welcome into a reason to stop for a photograph. 06-07

The center brought together league bowlers, families and weekend crowds. Even without heading inside, visitors could appreciate the bright advertisement above the entrance.

UPDATE: The bowling alley has closed, and the building was converted to retail use. The vintage neon marquee has been removed. 06-26

Key Lanes (Demolished)
Fort Wayne, IN
Photo courtesy Alan Culley

A giant gold skeleton key distinguished Key Lanes in Fort Wayne. Paired with neon lettering, it gave this neighborhood bowling alley an advertisement that was easy to remember. 07-07

The center operated for nearly fifty years before closing in 2009. Its pro shop also helped launch the business that became Classic Products Corporation in 1959. Equipment, lockers and even the wooden lanes went to auction after closure.

UPDATE: The building was demolished following its 2009 closure. The oversized key and neon lettering are gone. 06-26