High Scores & Bullseyes
Raise a glass to your new high score
If the idea of throwing axes and tearing into some arcade or pinball games sounds boring, this page might not be your thing. (Also, what happened to you?) But if this sounds exciting and perhaps long overdue, read on for the best places to grab a drink and engage in some serious fun.
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504 Mt. Rushmore Road #2, Rapid City
This two-level barcade features drinks, coal-fired pizza and the latest in arcade games as well as a retro dungeon filled with classic games and one intense Pac-Man air hockey table. Press Start is open to all ages from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, noon to 2 a.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
201 N Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls
This alcohol-free entertainment complex's latest additions include ax-throwing, a 7-D theater, and Hyper Bowling plus the tried-and-true fun of go-karts, arcade games, mini golf and more. Thunder Road is open every day. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, and Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m.
127 W 10th St., Sioux Falls
Craft beer and pinball are a dream for some (including this author). Make your replays happen at Bonus Round Downtown. This 21+ barcade is open from 4 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Sunday except for Friday and Saturday, when you can enjoy brew and games until 1:30 a.m.
221 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls
Being South Dakota’s biggest city means offering plenty of chances to enjoy some pixelated action, especially at Sioux Falls’ biggest barcade. EightyOne is 21+ and open 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Sunday.
2101 W 41st St. in the Western Mall, Sioux Falls
Being the oldest locally owned arcade in South Dakota means generations have come to know and love the Electric Rainbow. Earn prize tickets playing skee ball and more. Test your video game and pinball skills. Bonus: The Electric Rainbow is across the hall from the West Mall 7, Sioux Falls’ second-run theater, where movies are almost as cheap as the Rainbow’s games. Killing time before or after a film has never been easier or more fun. Electric Rainbow is open ever day from noon to 8 p.m.
3718 S Westport Ave or 119 W. 10th St., Sioux Falls
The first ax-throwing spot in Sioux Falls quickly became a city favorite, thanks to two locations, beer & wine options, and some excellent escape rooms. The Westport location is open 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The 10th St. location — known as Rough Cut Social — is open 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
811 Disk Drive, Suite 6, Rapid City
Rapid City’s first ax-throwing spot believes you should “let the good times throw.” You can “ax it out” for yourself on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
2508 Wilbert Court, Suite C, Brookings
From cricket to tic-tac-toe and more, enjoy 8 different ax-throwing games at Woody’s. The fun happens 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
3106 W 57th Street, Sioux Falls
Enjoy a glass of beer, wine or soft drink as you become an “axpert” at JJ’s. JJ’s is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
937 E North St., Rapid City
Being bored is impossible at Decory’s Entertainment Company, thanks to ax-throwing as well as detailed escape rooms and Archery City, which combines archery and tag for maximum fun. Winter hours are 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.
301 E 3rd St., Yankton
Have some delicious pizza and beer to enjoy ax-throwing, golf simulation, shuffleboard and more at The Boat House just two blocks from the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. Get some year-round fun in 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
130 Centennial St S, Aberdeen
Play. Eat. Repeat. That's the creed at Allevity Entertainment, a 20,000-square-foot game center that features arcade games and ax-throwing as well as laser tag, mini bowling, Spin Zone Bumper Cars, an interactive climbing wall, and the Ballocity Children's Playground. No matter what your age, you are sure to find some fun in this northeastern SoDak game center.
3120 S Mayfair Drive, Sioux Falls
The latest video game systems are truly amazing, but they’re also expensive. Galaxy Gaming took care of the hard part, offer all ages a chance to play the latest home consoles and hottest new games (including PC). But there’s so much more to this temple of fun. You can also enjoy virtual reality and laser tag! Get your game on from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturdays. That’s right. Friday and Saturday offer all-night gaming!
2111 S Minnesota, Suite B, Sioux Falls
Going to what's referred to as "pinball parlor" makes everything feel a little nicer. Get your flippers moving at The Pinball Room, where games are regularly rotated and the beer is always cold. Open 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
3315 6th Ave SE, Aberdeen
Celebrate the glacial lake history of the area by throwing axes like your ancestors. Bonus: Special "glow throw" nights let you aim & throw in a rad fluorescent-colored atmosphere. Open Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Book a lane or plan the greatest work retreat ever here.
101 N. Broadway, Watertown
Don't let the name fool you -- this bar's arcade is open for players of any age. The pinball games at the Guest House are supplied by Retro Bros. Pinball, a pinball restoration & distribution company composed of two brothers that love the thunk of bumpers and the success of a high score. Enjoy a cold beverage as you flipper your way to a replay.
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