1 / 2The Black-Barn
📍 Gaylord, MI
The Black-Barn is a recently opened indoor entertainment venue at 121 S Indiana Ave, Gaylord, MI. Activities include fowling (football bowling) and axe throwing. Full birthday party packages available.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with kids aged 6 and up, especially during Michigan's colder months when outdoor options dry up. Birthday party packages are a strong fit for groups of 8-15 kids - staff manage the full session. Fowling is easy to learn and highly physical, making it engaging across a wide age range.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →112 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Linzie Schmidt
5 months ago
“Had my son’s Birthday party here and he and his friends had the BEST time! The birthday package was WELL worth it, and after 2 hours we had 11 sweaty red faced kiddos that were all asking to come back again. Staff was absolutely amazing and SO accommodating. They added to the fun and handled a pack of excited kids with patience, fun and kindness that you just don’t see many places anymore! 10/10 can’t wait to come back again! Thanks for everything!”
Darian Griffith
5 months ago
“New place that recently opened up and it is a fun weekend activity! We participated in the fowling (football bowling) and it was so much fun! They also have axe throwing which we will try next time ❤️ definitely recommend if you need something to do!!”
Lacey Fugate
5 months ago
“Great place, good vibes. Owner and employees are welcoming and friendly. Prices are low and laughter is high. 1000% recommendations… we attend a 9 year olds birthday party tonight there, the kids were all treated so kindly and free to be kids.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
The Black-Barn opened in Gaylord as Northern Michigan's indoor entertainment option when outdoor weather shuts down. The venue anchors its lineup around fowling - a hybrid of football and bowling where players knock down pins with a football - alongside axe throwing lanes. Birthday party packages are comprehensive, with staff handling setup and activity coordination for groups of kids. Multiple reviewers 11 children left a two-hour party exhausted and asking to return.
