Winona Axe and Arcade

Winona Axe and Arcade

Reviews Summary

The consensus highlights an overwhelmingly positive experience, with most reviewers praising the fun atmosphere, excellent staff, and diverse activities like axe throwing and arcade games. Many appreciate the helpful instructors and reasonable pricing, making it ideal for families, friends, and group events. A few note minor issues with inaccurate closure information, but the majority highly recommend the venue for its entertainment value and friendly service.

About This Listing

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Rhythm Games
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Who Can Play?

Most arcades welcome all ages (some may have age restrictions for certain games)
Minors may need parent/guardian supervision (policies vary by location)
No gaming experience required - games range from beginner to expert level
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes recommended for safety
Valid ID may be required for certain attractions or age verification
Groups and parties welcome (advance booking may be required)

*Note: Age restrictions and policies may vary by arcade. Check with your local facility for specifics.*

First-Time Visitors

First-time visitors may need to sign a waiver or register for a game card. Staff are typically available to help explain games and provide tutorials. Some arcades offer newcomer specials or free play sessions to help you get started.

Common Restrictions:

Age-Based Some games may have height or age requirements for safety reasons
Capacity Popular games may have wait times during peak hours

*Note: Policies vary by arcade. Confirm with your local facility.*

What to Bring

Cash or card for tokens/credits (some arcades are cashless)
Valid ID for age verification or membership signup
Phone to capture high scores and memories (check photo policies)

*Note: Payment methods and requirements may differ by arcade.*

Preparing for Your Visit

Check arcade hours and peak times online before visiting
Eat beforehand or check if the arcade has food options
Bring friends for multiplayer games and competitions
Wear comfortable clothes you can move freely in
Avoid bringing valuable items that could be lost or damaged
Check for special events, tournaments, or discount days
Set a budget for games and stick to it
Stay hydrated, especially during long gaming sessions

*Note: Tips may vary by arcade type and location.*

How to Get Started

Most arcades accept walk-ins, but call ahead during busy periods or for large groups. Check for membership deals!

Other Helpful Info

Most visits last 1-3 hours depending on games and group size
Popular games may have longer wait times during weekends and evenings
Many arcades offer unlimited play packages or time-based pricing
Some locations host tournaments and special events regularly
Prize redemption available at many arcades - save your tickets!

*Note: Policies, pricing, and features differ by arcade. Contact your local facility for details.*

What to Expect from Pinball Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pinball table and dive into a vibrant, hands-on experience! Modern machines, like those from Stern or Jersey Jack, feature dazzling LCD screens, immersive themes (Star Wars, Stranger Things), and dynamic soundtracks. You’ll use flipper buttons to launch a steel ball, aiming for targets, ramps, and bumpers to rack up points. Each table has unique missions—hit specific targets to unlock bonuses or multiball modes for high-scoring chaos. Expect tactile thrills, flashing lights, and a lively crowd vibe, with tables rewarding skill and quick reflexes. Perfect for casual fun or competitive play, pinball delivers timeless arcade excitement in 2025.

What to Expect from Retro Games in Arcades

Step into the glow of retro arcade games and expect a nostalgic rush! Classics like Galaga, Donkey Kong, or Mortal Kombat await, housed in vibrant cabinets with joysticks, buttons, or trackballs. You’ll dodge enemies, chase high scores, or battle opponents in fast-paced, pixel-perfect gameplay. Modern restorations include sharp CRT or LED screens and authentic controls, preserving the 80s/90s vibe. Games are easy to learn but tough to master, offering quick sessions or deep challenges. With leaderboards and arcade crowds cheering, retro games deliver timeless fun in 2025.

What to Expect from Pool Tables in Arcades

Step up to a pool table and dive into a classic, hands-on game! Expect sturdy tables with smooth felt surfaces, cue sticks, and a set of numbered balls for games like 8-ball or 9-ball. You’ll chalk up, aim, and strike the cue ball to pocket balls with precision, mastering angles and spin. Tables are well-lit, often with vibrant designs, creating a lively atmosphere. Whether playing casually with friends or joining arcade tournaments, pool offers strategic, social fun that’s easy to pick up and endlessly engaging in 2025.

Addendum: What to Expect from Rhythm Games in Arcades

Get ready to groove with rhythm games! Expect vibrant machines like Dance Dance Revolution or Pump It Up, featuring touchpads, dance platforms, or instrument controllers. You’ll tap, step, or hit notes in sync with catchy songs, guided by colorful on-screen prompts. Modern setups include LED screens, powerful speakers, and eclectic playlists, from pop to techno. Games range from beginner-friendly to expert-level challenges, rewarding precision and flair. With arcade crowds cheering and online leaderboards, rhythm games offer an electrifying, music-driven experience in 2025.

Features

Has Retro Games
Has Arcade Cabinets
Has Pinball Machines
Good for kids
Has Rhythm Games
Has Pool Tables
Wheelchair Accessible

Contact Information

Address

350 W 2nd St

Winona, Minnesota 55987

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 2-8PM
Thursday 2-8PM
Friday 2-10PM
Saturday 12-10PM
Sunday 12-6PM

Customer Reviews

Tons of games and a lot of fun! My 9 y/o loves the Guitar Hero room and I enjoy all the pinball machines options. 10/10 recommend for a night of family fun in Winona.

Awesome atmosphere and great staff. The staff make sure everyone knows what they're doing before leaving and it makes axe throwing a great experience, especially as a first timer. Arcade has so many great games and everything works. Very clean place. I've brought my kids during the day and it's also great for them. Highly recommend for a night out with a group.

We came for a family event and had a great time! The staff were attentive and incredibly helpful with tips and hints of how to correctly throw axes and many other incredible things. The arcade games were well maintained with many to choose from. I would highly recommend!

Went yesterday with my wife and played some pool and threw axes for the first time. I was super nervous but our coach (Ethan) was super understanding. Ended up getting a bullseye within 2 minutes of being by myself. Great prices as well! Definitely want to go again!

Axe & Arcade Went Above and Beyond for a Special Birthday We reached out to Axe & Arcade last minute to help a family in need. It was an 8-year-old boy?s birthday, but his mom had been hospitalized just days before after suffering a stroke. Understandably, the family?s focus was on her recovery, and some family friends quickly stepped in to try and create a special day for the young boy. Axe & Arcade was incredibly kind and accommodating, helping us pull together a birthday celebration on very short notic

New location coming soon! Whether you're looking for a good time with some friends, family, or looking for a place for your next company gathering or team building exercise. Winona Axe an Arcade is an awesome place to go and I highly recommend it! The staff is extremely friendly and willing to teach you about all the things between axe throwing and various tidbits of information regarding all the cool games they have. Check them out once the new location is open, this is a great place!

Awesome place and tons of fun old arcade games. Poot tables, dart boards. Ax throwing. And pinball!! Clean and family friendly. Knowledgeable employees to explain the games and pricing!! Can't wait to go back.

Went with a group ages 5 to 75 and everybody had a blast. Helpful and friendly staff, good value, all the games worked. So much fun throwing axes. Great collection of pinball!! Wow! We'll be back!

This place is amazing, loved the variety of old games I grew up with and the coolest pinball machines ever! Looks small from the outside, but it's actually a huge place with tons of room to explore all the games. I was also impressed with the amount of tokens we got for $20! Would definitely recommend it!

What a great way to spend an afternoon! Threw axes, spears, and throwing stars after a lesson from a young man who loved his job! The pinball and arcade games brought back memories of childhood and the air hockey and skeeball. . . well, I could have spent another 3 hours on that! Go check it out. It's definitely worth it!

Had an absolutely great time with the family playing the arcade games and enjoying an hour of ax throwing. Ethan was working and was very helpful and very informative and patient while training us how to ax throw. Great experience for all eight of us.

We brought a group of youth wrestlers her for an end of the year party. The kids and parents had such a great time playing games at the arcade! As parents we will definitely be back for axe throwing!! Thanks for such a fun afternoon guys!

What a fantastic venue. Lots of axe lanes. Drinks and snacks. The staff is welcoming, knowledgeable and fun. Some great classic video games, pinball Lots of space! You should stop by!

We stumbled upon this place by happenstance while exploring Winona for a few hours. The staff were super friendly and the place looks awesome! We didn't try out the arcade but there's lots to do in there. We did try out the axe throwing and appreciated the thorough teaching from Corey. The pricing was great for the time we were there and will for sure be back again!

This was so much fun. We were taught how to throw the Axes and we enjoyed a few games. Worth going.

What a fun place to celebrate my husband?s birthday! He loved it! And so did I! Ethan was very helpful in teaching us to axe throw!

Fun for all ages. Inexpensive entertainment for the family. Come throw a axe.

We had Ethan as our "coach" and he rocked! Helped us all so we could throw like the semi pros, lol. Nobody lost a limb and we all had a great time tossing axes and playing one of the many games available!

This is such a great place. Zach and Ethan were absolutely amazing in regards to teaching us how to throw and play. The classic video game arcade took me back to my childhood and the experience was fantastic. Nothing I would change.

Great place for a party! We had my sons 14th bday there and it was a blast. Big thanks to the manager Ethan who took great care of us and made sure everything went smoothly.

Had a great time re-learning to throw an axe. The instructor was helpful and stayed to make sure we could stick it consistently and have a fun time. Will be going back, would recommend!

My family of 9 had the greatest time here. The co-owner Mark was incredible. He taught us how to throw all the weapons, was incredibly good with the young ones, and made sure everything was great. They also have one of the greatest retro arcades I've ever seen. I wish I still lived in Winona so I could come here more often.

Super awesome place....fun for all ages. We will be back for more fun at a very reasonable price. Helper where amazing from time you came in, to anytime we had a question ??????

Cool place! I love all the old arcade games!

Great place! We have went three times since the fall and it was great each time. Clean and fun and surprisingly exciting!! You are gonna love it!

Our team went here for a fun Friday outing and had a blast. Instructor was very helpful and the arcade is much bigger than it looks. It is a big place and we had plenty of room to spread out. We will definitely be planning another event here!

I think if you're going to have an arcade connected to your axe throwing, you should be a little more patient with people's children. The owner followed us around like a little puppy dog watching my toddler. Also, the games are very old and outdated, and some things didn't even work.

What a wonderful place ! We had such an amazing time and Shawn is an amazing teacher !!! Thank you !!!!

We had such a fun time here! The staff was attentive, helpful, and funny. Tyler was a great instructor- if you meet him, ask him to show you how to throw a jump shot. 10/10 recommend.

This is awesome, So much fun. The people here are so helpful. They give you a free lesson before you start. I would highly recommend giving it try. We had a big group for a Birthday party. They let us bring in some food. The kids had fun at the Arcade. Prices are very reasonable.

The arcade is so much fun and it don't cost a lot lots of retro game from when we were kids

Had a great time throwing axes. Our instructor was very helpful. Showing us different techniques of throwing with a variety of sharp objects. It was awesome. Price is reasonable. Also did the retro arcade 30 mins of open play for $5. It was a fun playing Donkey Kong, Ms Pacman on the old arcade machine.

Had a great time over at Winona Axe and Arcade! Their trainer did an amazing job, was very social, and definitely knew what he was doing! The facility itself is very well laid out and I love the art they've put on the walls! I didn't get a chance to use the arcade part but it looked like it'd be a blast! So many old school games there. We got to throw hand axes, knives, and a large axe! Definitely something I'll return to do again!

I love this place. It has become my new frequent hangout. if you look around enough, you can find a couple of games that don't require a token, great games, and great service

So much fun! Customer service was amazing! We loved Shawn and Tyler! They didn't even start the hour clock until our entire group of 8 could stick the target. They care about you and take care of you. Can't wait to come back!

A great place to take kids or friends. A great place for a date night.

We stopped in yesterday and had so much fun! Shawn was our coach and he was great. I've done axe throwing before but never got my axe to stick in the target until yesterday!

Had a party here and it was really fun. Axe coaches were all very nice and helpful for tips! Would definitely recommend trying it if you haven't already!

Awesome time, great environment, amazing helpful customer service dudes! We took our work team there for an event and everyone had a blast!!! Super safe, loads of fun, highly recommend!

Super fun spot for kids and adults

The staff were very helpful especially Ethan I will diffenetly be back

Tyler made our experience awesome at axe and arcade. He is a great character with the patience to show anyone some axe/knife throwing skills.

Had an absolute blast! the facility is huge and very well designed. The trainor did a fantastic job getting us all on target with the right techniques. We will be back for sure!

The manager was great! Very accommodating for our whole hockey team!

It's a very nice facility! Clean and spacious. The staff was knowledgeable and accommodating. We upgraded to the weapons package; highly recommend it.

I love every visit! Everyone here is friendly, helpful, and are great teachers! Definitely plan to keep bringing new people back!

Met the owner,Tyler, the night before. Told us to check it out. We had alot of fun and he even stayed open a bit later for us "out of towners" Ch3ck them out when your in town ot if Winona is your home. It will not disappoint!

Purchased a new game from them and could not be more happy.

Went here for my birthday! Spend time with family and friends. It was a BLAST! The staff are so helpful and fun. 10/10

Fun place, nice atmosphere, helpful staff. Had a great time playing the classic arcade machines with my kids.

Love the fact that they have DDR and NFL Blitz 99. A welcoming atmosphere and lots to do. Overall a great place that I highly recommend!

Came in with a large group and couldn't have been more impressed. Everyone had a blast and the service was second to none, if you're looking for a good time, you'll find it here!

Great time throwing axes, friendly staff!

Drove here to find a sign on the door saying closed due to moving. Website says they are moving in July so it was disappointing that their website and Google listing aren't accurate. I'm not going to go to the Facebook page after checking Google and the website

Great place to hang and have some fun.

Fantastic atmosphere and staff. It is great to see Winona get more activity options that are family-friendly.

Alot of old reto game from when I was a kid

Awesome place to share with friends and family

Cool place. Fun for all ages and very friendly people!

Top notch guys, amazing advice on everything involving the sport. Got my kid hooked and i love it.

New pinball machines that are meticulously maintained. Clean and fast.

Awesome experience will come back for more fun

Coolest spot at town!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s it like visiting an arcade today?

It’s a mix of nostalgia and high-energy fun! Many arcades blend retro classics like Pac-Man and pinball with modern VR games, racing simulators, and rhythm challenges — often with music, lights, and a social vibe.

Is it better to go alone or with friends?

Both can be great! Solo visits let you focus on your favorite games, while going with friends adds competition, teamwork, and laughs. Many people plan arcade meetups as a casual hangout or even date spot.

What should I bring to an arcade?

Usually just yourself and a way to pay (some arcades still use coins, others use cards or apps). If you're competitive, bring your A-game. If you're social, bring friends or meet new ones over multiplayer games.

What’s the best time to visit an arcade?

Weekdays or early afternoons are usually less crowded — perfect for focused play. Evenings and weekends bring the buzz, especially at barcades or venues with DJs, tournaments, or themed nights.

Can I meet new people at arcades?

Absolutely! Arcades attract a mix of casual players and serious gamers. Whether you're jumping into a four-player co-op or chatting between rounds, it's a fun, low-pressure way to connect over shared interests.

Are arcades still just for kids?

Not at all. While many arcades are family-friendly, there are also adult-oriented ones with full bars, 18+ nights, or vintage nostalgia themes. Arcades today cater to everyone — from first-timers to lifelong gamers.

Are there events or tournaments I can join?

Yes! Many arcades host regular competitions, retro nights, cosplay parties, and more. Whether you're into high scores or just want to watch and vibe, events add an extra layer to the experience.

What if I’m not great at arcade games?

No worries — arcades are about having fun, not being perfect. Try a variety of games, ask others for tips, and remember: the vibe is more “let’s play” than “let’s win.”

Are pinball tables still good in this modern age?

Yes, pinball tables in arcades remain a blast. Their hands-on, skill-driven gameplay delivers a thrill digital games can’t match, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Newer tables from Stern and Jersey Jack feature LCD screens and themes like Avengers or Stranger Things, keeping things exciting. Arcades are seeing a pinball resurgence with vibrant scenes and tournaments like IFPA events drawing crowds. Though less common than video games, pinball’s tactile charm and community vibe make it a standout arcade experience in 2025.

Are retro games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Absolutely, retro games in arcades remain a thrilling draw in 2025! Classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter II offer simple yet addictive gameplay, blending nostalgia with timeless challenge. Modern arcade cabinets often feature crisp displays and restored controls, enhancing the experience. These games thrive on quick reflexes and strategy, with vibrant pixel art and iconic soundtracks that spark joy. Arcades host tournaments and leaderboards, fostering a lively community. While modern games dominate, retro titles provide a unique, accessible thrill that keeps arcades buzzing.

Are pool tables in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, pool tables in arcades remain a fantastic draw in 2025! Games like 8-ball or 9-ball offer tactile, skill-based fun that blends strategy and precision. Modern tables feature smooth felt, responsive cues, and vibrant designs, enhancing the classic experience. Arcades foster a social vibe with casual matches or competitive tournaments, appealing to all skill levels. Unlike digital games, pool’s physicality—lining up shots, feeling the cue’s weight—keeps it timeless.

Are rhythm games in arcades still good in this modern age?

Yes, rhythm games in arcades are a vibrant hit in 2025! Titles like Dance Dance Revolution and Beatmania deliver high-energy fun, blending music, movement, and precision. Modern machines boast vivid displays, booming sound systems, and diverse song libraries, from J-pop to EDM. They challenge reflexes and rhythm, with competitive leaderboards and tournaments fostering a lively community. Arcade dance floors are regularly packed, proving rhythm games’ immersive, physical thrill keeps them a standout in today’s gaming scene.