Bowling, Arcades, Food, and An Endless Amount Of Fun
Story By: Stone Quinn, Sports Editor
Photos By: Gemma Redeker and Adelaide Martinsen
Empty lanes stretch across the alley, ready for the next round of bowlers to arrive. (Adelaide Martinsen, April 2025)
Grand Junction was named the best place to relocate in Colorado out of 22 cities evaluated in a USA TODAY Home study according to The Daily Sentinel. Along with its stunning sunsets, adventurous outdoor activities, and mouthwatering food, the city is also known for its unique hangout spots—one of the key things that sets it apart. Among these local favorites, one spot is consistently mentioned when people ask, “What should we do?” That place is Freeway Bowl.
Located at 1900 E Main St., Freeway Bowl is more than just a bowling alley. While it offers great lanes, it’s also one of the top places for kids and teenagers to hang out, making it a staple for youth and families in the area.
“We’re here because it’s Senior Ditch Day,” said Heidi Thorn, a senior at Grand Junction High School. “It’s a tradition where all the seniors skip school—hence the name. There’s an event here today with $10 games, and a bunch of us decided to come.”
Heidi and her classmates chose Freeway Bowl as their go-to spot for the day. It’s a place where teens can come together, take advantage of fun deals, and enjoy a safe and entertaining environment. It’s not just about the bowling—it’s the full experience that makes it a favorite.
“They have the best food. Yeah, I like the food here, just to be completely honest,” Heidi said. “This is one of the more calm places to hang out in town. Not always a lot of people, but even if there are, it’s never that loud. The music’s always really good too.”
Freeway Bowl’s lounge serves up local favorites like pizza, chicken tenders, and onion rings. In a town full of action, sometimes people just want a relaxed, social setting—and Freeway provides exactly that.
It’s also a popular destination for birthday parties, offering a wide, open seating area for groups. Throw in four pool tables and an arcade full of ticket-earning games, and there’s no shortage of entertainment.
Of course, bowling remains the main attraction. It’s a sport that brings people together, and Freeway Bowl takes that seriously by hosting a variety of leagues throughout the year. From youth leagues to adults-only nights, there’s something for every skill level and age group.
Years of strikes, spares, and gutter balls have left their mark, each ball a quiet witness to games long past. (Adelaide Martinsen, April 2025)
“I’ve seen quite a few people that have come to from just coming in not knowing what to do to next. Know they’re having their own balls, their own shoes, like all that stuff. It’s like, hey, that’s awesome,” said Aj Missile, a longtime Freeway Bowl employee. “It’s always cool to see someone who’s never played in the sport actually go out and buy stuff”
Aj, an employee who has worked at Freeway for the past 5 years, tells how he has seen just quickly bowling catches on with the community. One second, they are just trying it, and the next moment, they have every accessory, but he understands.
“Both my parents worked here, and my mom still does,” said Missle. “From a young age, we’d always come down when they were working or doing inventory. My sister and would hit the lanes and just have fun.”
Stills highlights growing up at Freeway, which those early memories reflect the welcoming, family-friendly culture that Freeway Bowl has fostered over the years—a place where everyone feels at home. It’s that same atmosphere that keeps Aj coming back, both as an employee and a bowler.
Leaning into the lane with practiced ease Donnie Gilbert, chases strikes in the quiet comfort of an afternoon game. (Adelaide Martinsen, April 2025)
“We still enjoy it to this day. We come down on Monday nights for $1 games and bowl with our grandfather,” Missile added. “My whole family is really into bowling. Everyone here feels like one big family.”
Freeway Bowl is more than a place to roll a strike—it’s a place where memories are made. In a city already full of adventure, it’s the community connection that keeps Freeway at the heart of it all.
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