Leisure Lanes has long been a staple of the Monroe community. Dan Goepfert, general manager of Leisure Lanes, credits the BESX scoring system and bumper bowling with increasing the popularity of open bowling over the years, particularly with kids.

The new scoring system allows bowlers to choose between different styles of games like the traditional 10-frame game, monster games, character factory or “battle” mode.

Each game is faster-moving than the last, with only one throw per person as they take turns building monsters, building funny characters or destroying each other’s castles. There are 30 different games in total available on the scoring system.

Reservations are not required to bowl but are encouraged for large groups. All prices, including for shoe rentals, are available daily on the Leisure Lanes website.

The lanes also run a “Kids Bowl Free” program from May 1 to August 31 for kids ages 15 and under. Joining the free program gives kids two free games per day throughout the summer. Those interested can sign up at kidsbowlfree.com.

Even if you aren’t great with a bowling ball, the venue offers a variety of live entertainment options.

“Leisure Lanes has been doing live music since the 70s,” said Goepfert. He has been involved with the business since 1985. “We have a lot of local talent bands from rock and classic rock to blues and country,” he said.

Live entertainment typically takes place on Saturday nights during the league bowling season, from September to April.

Patrons can also enjoy daily food specials starting at 11 a.m. each day, as well as happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

“We try to update equipment as much as possible and appeal to everyone, whether hosting tournaments for the better bowlers or hosting events for the average bowler,” said Goepfert. “Through all the changes we have endured over the years, we still have the support from Monroe and all the surrounding communities.”

Like Leisure Lanes, Turner Hall remains a staple institution in the Green County Community. 

Deborah Krauss Smith is a volunteer with Turner Hall and serves as program coordinator for the Swiss Heritage Series. She also handles Turner Hall’s publicity, website and printing needs. Deborah Krauss Smith has been involved with Turner Hall since 1985 when she became director of the Monroe Swiss Singers.

“Believed to be the only Turner (gymnast) Hall of Swiss origin left in the United States, it is one of the oldest continuously operating Swiss entities in the country,” said Krauss Smith. The current building is listed on the National and States Registers of Historic Places.

The building has always been a hub of music and Swiss traditional dances, even in the face of adversity. 

“Ironically, the fire in 1936 that completely destroyed the original Turner Hall occurred during a dance,” she said. “It was reported that authorities had a hard time getting the dancers to leave because they were having such a good time.”

Turner Hall was rebuilt in 1938 and the dancers followed, evolving with popular styles over the years. The Sunday polka dances eventually turned as well. These dance sessions, featuring live polka bands, are open to all ages and skill levels.

Dances are held from 1 4:30 p.m. on designated Sundays with an admission cost of $12/person. A complete schedule, as well as additional information, can be found at 

https://turnerhallofmonroe.org/dances.html.

For those who prefer bowling shoes over dancing shoes, Turner Hall added bowling lanes in the 1950s and a smaller gym for the “Turners” — the German word for “gymnast.”

“Turner Hall’s family bowling lanes currently specialize in private gatherings and parties, large and small … whether the event is a special birthday party with pizza, a club or family gathering, or just a small group of friends who’d like to get together to bowl,” said Krauss Smith.  

Reservations are required for the lanes and pricing can be found by emailing bowling@TurnerHallofMonroe.org.

Turner Hall’s Ratskeller Restaurant is open to serve the public on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:30-8 p.m. Customers can enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine, including Kalberwurst and Schnitzel, as well as sandwiches and homemade soups. The Friday Night Fish Fry also remains popular with diners.

“For a long time, Turner Hall’s slogan or catchphrase has been ‘Where Old and New Worlds Meet,’” said Krauss Smith.  “While it provides a place for people to gather for good times and memorable events in their lives, maybe even more importantly, it provides a place and way for people in our area to reconnect with their roots and perhaps find grounding and stability in something that’s been around for a long time, even if one is not of Swiss descent.” 

— This story is part of our annual “Best You Yet” series highlighting local services that can help readers be the best version of themselves in the new year. This story focuses on the topic of local entertainment.