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The AMF-equipped, 24 lane Timber Lanes opened up in 1961 on US-31 South, 1/4 mile south of the Traverse City city limits. It also featured a snack bar, cocktail lounge, air conditioning, paved parking, under lane ball returns, pro shop, drilling room, and free bowling instruction.
The business was started by John (Jack) and Evelyn Mohrhardt with some friends. The Mohrhardt's bought out their partners in 1965. They added 8 more in lanes and a 300 seat nightclub in 1974. They added billiards in 1990 and the place was doing well. The couple then made a deal with Meijer to sell the property in 1996. This led to Timber Lanes closing in May 1998.
The couple then purchased Wildwood Bowling Center and renamed it Timber Lanes in 1998. They eventually converted that to a complete family entertainment center and renamed it "Lucky Jack's after Jack Mohrhardt. The alley is still going strong in 2023 and gets great reviews. I will create a separate entry for Lucky Jack's.