Over the years, searching for candlepin bowling near me hasn’t always been effortless. Even though this unique sport is quite popular here in Massachusetts, it has still always taken a bit of digging to find the alleys closest to where I live or where I’m going. So, I’ve created this post to serve as a comprehensive answer to your “candlepin bowling near me” search queries.
Where to go candlepin bowling
For starters, the style of bowling known as “candlepin” can only be found here in the Northeast U.S. and Canada. It was invented in Worcester, Massachusetts in the 1880s and remains a popular variation of bowling here today, though its reach is still pretty limited. (You can still find plenty of “regular” bowling here too, though.)
In fact, even though candlepin bowling is commonly understood as the “New England style” of bowling, not all New England states offer it. For whatever reason, you won’t find any candlepin bowling alleys in Rhode Island or Connecticut.
Your “candlepin bowling near me” search queries will only get you results in these U.S. states:
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Vermont
- and, interestingly, the two non-New England states of New York and Ohio
…and these maritime Canadian provinces:
Map of all the candlepin bowling alleys
This map actually started out as my own personal master list of candlepin bowling near me, but I’m happy to now be able to share it with you! This map includes all the currently operating (and forthcoming) candlepin bowling alleys that exist today.
The black pins represent alleys with candlepin bowling only; the red pins are alleys that have both candlepin and ten-pin; the lone teal pin is the one alley that offers both candlepin and duck pin; and the yellow pins represent the two candlepin bowling alleys that are set to (re)open this year (2024).
To save this map: Click on the star ⭑ next to the map’s title to save this to your Google Maps. To use this map: Open Google Maps on your phone, click “Saved” at the bottom, then click on “Maps.”
Candlepin bowling near me: in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is the birthplace and home of candlepin bowling and, as such, has more alleys than any other state (or province). In fact, we’re downright spoiled with candlepin opportunities here. (I don’t hate it.) Ironically though, there are currently no candlepin bowling alleys in Worcester, the city of its origin (though that’s hopefully to change soon).
For a detailed list of all 53 candlepin bowling alleys in Massachusetts, check out my full guide in that link. It has location and contact information for each alley as well as a dedicated Massachusetts Google map.
Check out the Massachusetts locations seen in these TV shows and movies that feature candlepin bowling.
Candlepin bowling near me: in New Hampshire
Though it’s not a ton, New Hampshire still has a good number of candlepin bowling alleys, mostly scattered throughout its southern half. It also has some of the oldest, dating all the way back to the 1930s.
For a detailed list of all 12 candlepin bowling alleys in New Hampshire, click that link for my full guide. It includes location and contact information for each one plus a dedicated New Hampshire Google map.
Candlepin bowling near me: in Maine
With 20 candlepin bowling alleys, the state of Maine certainly provides. Like New Hampshire, the alleys in Maine are mostly scattered along the southern half and seacoast.
Check out my full post on candlepin bowling in Maine for a detailed list of all 20 bowling alleys. It includes location details, contact information, and lots of other helpful info.
Candlepin bowling near me: in Vermont
Vermont, on the other hand, makes it quite a bit harder to find candlepin bowling. They used to have many more, but most of them have closed in recent years. Now, only 3 remain in the Green Mountain State (and one of them is basically Canada).
Get all the necessary information on Vermont’s 3 candlepin bowling alleys in my full post in that link. Alleys may be scarce here but I’ve got all the information need + a dedicated Vermont map.
Candlepin bowling near me: outside of New England
At this point in time, there are only 2 states outside New England that offer candlepin bowling—New York and Ohio, and I have guides for those too.
For all the details on New York’s 2 candlepin bowling alleys, click that link for my full post. One of the spots is brand new and totally unique as far as candlepin alleys go.
If you’re looking to go candlepin bowling in Ohio, check out my full post in that link to get all the details you need on the state’s one whole alley.
Candlepin bowling near me: in Canada
For whatever reason, candlepin bowling has become super popular in the Maritimes of eastern Canada. Here, you can find candlepin bowling in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (And these are the only two places you’ll find it in Canada; what gives Prince Edward Island?!)
In fact, candlepin is not only the dominant form of bowling here, but it’s actually the only way they do it here. (My favorite find today was the Reddit post where the guy asks if there are any bowling alleys in Halifax that have “bowling with the big balls…the kind you see in the Hollywood movies and what not.”)
For all the details on where to candlepin bowl in New Brunswick, that link will take you to my full guide. And if you’re interested in candlepin bowling in Nova Scotia, see my dedicated post in that link.
FAQs about where to go candlepin bowling
TL;DR – Here are some quick answers to the most-asked questions surrounding where to go candlepin bowling:
Is candlepin bowling only in Massachusetts? No. Even though the sport originated here, and there are more candlepin bowling alleys in Massachusetts than anywhere else, it does exist in several other states (and two Canadian provinces).
How many states have candlepin bowling? As of January 2024, there are 6 U.S. states that have candlepin bowling—Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Vermont.
How many candlepin bowling alleys are there in Massachusetts? As of January 2024, there are currently 51 active candlepin bowling alleys in Massachusetts (with two more set to open this year).
Is there candlepin bowling outside New England? Yes. You can also go candlepin bowling in New York, Ohio, and Canada (throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia).
Is candlepin bowling a New England thing? Yes. Even though you can go candlepin bowling outside of New England, it’s most definitely a “New England thing.”
Candlepin bowling near me – additional resources
- Traveling for candlepin bowling? Find great places to stay here on Booking.com (though Expedia and Hotels.com usually have good deals too).
- Need to rent a car? Check out the best local rental car deals here.
- Interested in local tours and activities? Check out the fun options on Viator and Get Your Guide.
Like this post? Have more questions about finding a candlepin bowling alley near you? Let me know in the comments below. Have fun on the lanes!
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Where to Go Candlepin Bowling in Ohio (2024): Yes, Ohio!