Pleasant Hill Lanes Bowling Wilmington Delaware MCM Marvelous!

Open in 1962, Pleasant Hill Lanes bowling alley is a striking example of mid-century-modern commercial architecture left in the entire state of Delaware. (Striking - bowling  alley - see what I did there?) It is also one of the last remaining and continually open family-owned lanes in the state!

You’ll see their iconic ball-perched-atop-ball vertical sign spelling out bowling in orange letters before the low slung white stucco building comes into view on Newport Pike. Good thing too, as it preps you to be ready for the uphill entrance from the busy road. But once you’re up there, a plethora of vintage details await your appreciative eyes.

From the curved entrance canopy perched precariously on a concrete sliver to the crinkle-cut accordion zig zag of the stucco flanking the entrance, to the interior curved rock wall and checkerboard lockers, these lanes are a joy to visit for even non-bowlers. Even the snack bar - serving sandwiches, fries and more - retains the cantilevered metal elbowed seats, installed over 50 years ago.

Oh yes, you can bowl here, too! 24 lanes open 7 days a week until 11pm, or later on the weekends. League bowling, kids parties, and senior citizens, are all welcome. Though the original seating area has been modernized, that did allow for the lanes to be wheelchair and handicap accessible.

While the pictured triangular masking units are slated for replacement, Mod Betty was given a glimpse of the new ones by manager “Woody” Woodward and is pleased to see the design echos the MCM origins of the lanes.