Duckpin bowling rolls into Stateline with a twist on tradition

BELOIT, Wis. (WTVO) — Bowling has long been a favorite pastime in the Rockford area, both as a competitive sport and a casual weekend activity.

But now, a quirky variation of the game is gaining traction—and it’s turning heads at Henry Dorrbaker’s Pub & Play in Beloit.

Duckpin bowling, a scaled-down version of traditional bowling, is quickly becoming a local hit. With smaller pins and a ball roughly five inches in diameter—without finger holes—duckpin offers a fresh challenge for seasoned bowlers and newcomers alike.

“You can throw this ball a lot faster and farther than a normal ball, which can be a little tricky,” said Peter Kelly, assistant general manager at Henry Dorrbaker’s. “You can also roll a little bit slower and try to control a little bit more. Or, you can overcorrect and overspin it.”

Unlike standard lanes, duckpin lanes are shorter, which many assume makes the game easier. But the smaller ball and tighter space can throw off even experienced bowlers.

“The shorter lane, most people think it makes this easier,” Kelly said. “But actually it gives it a stranger feel, especially with the smaller ball.”

Kelly added scores in the 200s aren’t uncommon at Dorrbaker’s but he’s never seen anyone roll a perfect 300. But that doesn’t mean it’s for lack of trying.

“We have our regulars that come in at least once a week,” server Kayla Reynolds said. “They start with bowling before they do anything else. Sometimes they sit and eat. But most of the time they stay here for an hour or two and get their bowling in.”

Henry Dorrbaker’s opened in November 2024. It is the only bowling alley in Beloit and the only duckpin bowling alley in the Stateline.

A brief history of duckpin bowling

Duckpin bowling dates back to the late 19th century, with early mentions appearing in newspapers as far back as 1893.

While its exact origins are debated, a popular story credits baseball Hall of Famers John McGraw and Wilbert Robinson—both of the old Baltimore Orioles—with inventing the game around 1900 at their Baltimore bowling and billiards hall 

The name “duckpin” is said to come from the way the squat, lightweight pins scatter when hit—resembling ducks taking flight. Unlike ten-pin bowling, duckpin players get three rolls per frame due to the difficulty of knocking down all ten pins with the smaller ball.

The sport gained popularity throughout the East Coast in the early 20th century, and in 1927, the National Duckpin Bowling Congress (NDBC) was formed to organize and promote the game 

Despite its early success, duckpin bowling saw a decline in the late 20th century, partly due to the lack of modern equipment and the dominance of ten-pin bowling.

Today, duckpin is experiencing a resurgence, especially in smaller entertainment venues where its compact size and nostalgic appeal attract a new generation of bowlers.