Although Nebraska has thousands of bowling alleys, you’ll only find this unique type of bowling in one spot in the whole state.
The tiny panhandle town of Potter, population 337, has the only operating duckpin bowling alley west of the Mississippi - and possibly the only remaining hand-set one in the country.
Google Maps
The alley operated in Potter from the 1920s into the early 1950s, then sat in disuse for decades.
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
In the early 2000s, the community began to pull together to restore this unique historic space.
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
Local groups donated time, funds, and supplies to make the old duckpin bowling alley shine once again.
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
So what exactly is “duckpin” bowling? It’s a variation of bowling that uses smaller pins (which resemble a flock of ducks when flying around wildly) and 6" balls.
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
The alley in Potter uses a variant of the game that uses little pins with bands of rubber around them which increase the crazy flying action.
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
These pins are hand-set, meaning that someone has to sit at the end of the lanes to re-set the pins after each frame. This is a fun job to give the kids!
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
The bowling alley is in a kind of unlikely place: in a second-floor space above a store and next door to Potter Sundry, home of the Tin Roof Sundae. (Due to the stairs, the bowling alley is not handicap accessible.)
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
Speaking of Potter Sundry, don’t forget to stop in for a treat before or after your game! The restaurant was closed for a while, but it’s back now and just as nostalgic and charming as before.
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
There are no concession services in the bowling alley, but players are allowed to bring their own refreshments. There’s even a refrigerator to keep things in.
Google Maps
Facebook/Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley
The Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley is technically open 24/7. It operates on the honor system: you either call or send a Facebook message to arrange a time and receive the PIN to open the door, then leave your fee inside ($25/hour). The system works perfectly in this sweet little town, where the community has such strong pride in what they’ve built. Bowling here – and visiting Potter in general – is a unique experience that everyone in the family is sure to love.
Learn more about the Potter Duckpin Bowling Alley on their website or Facebook page.
While you’re visiting Potter, why not make a whole trip of visiting the Panhandle? Here’s a whole list of reasons to visit this underrated part of Nebraska.
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