Pick up an axe, wind up overhead and give it a rip. Now all that’s left to do is wait for the “thunk!”

Detroit Axe, the first wholly-dedicated axe throwing arena in Michigan, is an adventurous hangout for groups looking for an exciting new experience.

The two-floor facility houses a bar and restaurant on the first floor, which serves a variety of American-inspired cuisine, including brisket, sliders, salads and homemade doughnuts. Axe throwers are encouraged to grab food and drinks while they watch from the sidelines, and they can also order food, drinks and Michigan draft beers on tap on the upper floor.

Detroit Axe
Detroit Axe, Detroit, Mich.
Credit: Detroit Axe

Upstairs, 12 caged lanes with red and blue targets painted on plywood can fit up to 12 people at a time. The facility can host up to 150 people at its max.

“We’ve had people come here to throw axes from ages 14 to 85 years old,” said Ben Potter, director of operations at Detroit Axe. “Our facility is a great place for groups.”

Detroit Axe is located on 9 Mile Road in downtown Ferndale and will be expanding to two new locations in 2020, including downtown Detroit in Cork Town and in Macomb County at the Partridge Creek Mall.

Detroit Axe
Detroit Axe, Detroit, Mich.
Credit: Detroit Axe

“For every set of targets a group is playing on, we have an axe master who is the groups’ personal coach for the entire experience,” Potter said. “Our axe masters are competitive throwers and compete in the National Axe Throwing Federation league, so they will be able to help everyone from beginners to seasoned throwers. We also make sure that every single person who comes through our doors leaves having stuck an axe in the target.”

Reservations made in advance are a guaranteed a two-hour time slot, and walk-in reservations will receive one-hour time slots on a first-come, first-served basis.

Groups wanting to make a reservation should book online in advance.

For more information about Detroit Axe, call 248-291-5650 or visit detroitaxe.com.

Article by Erica Zazo