Pinball in Wisconsin

If you're a fan of pinball, then District 82 Pinball is a place you need to visit. This De Pere, Wisconsin location has over 110 machines, and they only open for events and tournaments. That means you'll have to plan your trip around one of their frequent tournaments if you want to check it out.

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Don't worry though – these guys take their pinball seriously. The machines are in incredible condition, and the competition is fierce. Many of the top competitive players in the world travel to District 82 Pinball for tournaments.

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So if you're looking for a great place to play some pinball and meet some of the best players in the world, District 82 Pinball is definitely worth checking out.

The Garcade in Menomonee Falls, WI is a massive homage to classic gaming built for family fun. This retro arcade and pinball hall has over 150 video games, 30 pinball machines, air hockey, dance and rhythm machines, foosball and more. Pay admission and play all day. Pinball and air hockey tournaments and DDR meetups. Wonder who plays at The Garcade? Just check out those high scores. 

I/O Arcade Bar is Madison, WI’s place for drinkers with a gaming problem. Located in a refurbished warehouse, this arcade bar bills itself as a place for “nerds of all kinds” with an 80's vibe reminiscent of Aladdin's Castle at the mall. I/O has a large selection of video and pinball games, including Deadpool and Godzilla Premium, all run on quarters, or choose from a library of board games. I/O is a 21+ venue but hosts all-ages hours every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm.

If you want to take a break from the everyday grind and reminisce on the good times of your childhood, be sure to check out Up-Down Milwaukee, the Milwaukee outpost of the Up-Down Arcade chain.

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This Milwaukee barcade is the perfect mix of old-school nostalgia and new age fun, with 13 pinball machines on location comprised of classic Bally and Williams tables plus a few modern Sterns for good measure. The arcade also has skee ball, video arcade games, craft beers on tap, creative cocktails, and hand-made pizzas with unconventional toppings like bacon mac n' cheese.

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It's a great spot for an adults night out - emphasis on "adult", don't bring the kids! And if you're up for some fresh air while you play up your favorite retro classics, they also have a rooftop patio to enjoy when it's nice out.

Craft beer, pub grub, and pinball, is there a better combination for a good time? Titletown Brewing company makes their own craft beer on site and partners with local eateries like Primal Eats for on-site food. They have 9 pinball machines on location, and of course if you're a Green Bay Packers football fan, you'll need to take a photo with their statue out front!

Nerdhaven Arcade in Madison, WI is a gamer’s paradise where you can find rare gems like F-Zero AX, Hogan's Alley, Dungeons and Dragons, and Paperboy in the arcade or try to feed a pinball to a T-rex on Jurassic Park. Nerdhaven’s pinball machines run on tokens, but the arcade games are priced with families in mind – pay for an adult and get a kid in free or pay $5 for each kid that outnumber adults in your party. Join a pinball league or rank in a tournament. Snacks and sodas for sale.

Landmark Lanes in Milwaukee, WI is a great place for a day or night of physical gaming fun. Whether you’re looking to strike up a party with friends at the bowling lanes or show off your pinball prowess at one of Landmark’s 6 pinball machines (featuring machines from both classic and modern eras), Landmark Lanes has it all!

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If you’re not an avid bowler or pinhead, Landmark also offers pool tables, darts, skee ball, air hockey, and arcade-style basketball among many other games. All ages are welcome until 9pm when Landmark Lanes transforms into a 21+ only venue – perfect for adults looking for a night out. And if you get hungry while playing games or need something to sip on between rounds of bowling – Landmark has got you covered with their full bar and pizza!

Blackbird Bar in Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood is the dive bar of your dreams. Featuring five lovingly curated pinball machines—including modern Sterns and some classic Bally/Williams like Congo and World Cup Soccer—it’s more of a bar that offers pinball as an additional activity than a dedicated gaming arcade.

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Blackbird Bar also has a photo booth to capture memory-making moments forever, along with an eclectic atmosphere that guests love. To top it all off, Blackbird Bar serves up craft beers, ciders, cocktails, wine and more to satisfy your thirst! So if you're looking for fun things to do in Milwaukee and you love pinball machines and a dive-bar atmosphere, then Blackbird Bar is the perfect hangout spot for you.

This one should be obvious! It's cheesesteaks (the best of the hot sub family) and pinball. If you can't have a good time here, then we can't help you. Of course it helps that they also have a full bar, as well as a small selection of classic arcade and redemption machines.