Something big is happening at Orchard Place, and it’s not another strip mall. It’s way more exciting. Picture this: bowling, bocce, axe throwing, volleyball leagues, arcade games, great food, fire pits, patios, and a place that turns an average Tuesday night into something you actually look forward to.
That’s what’s coming to Apple Valley. Skyline Social & Games — a beloved, family-owned entertainment hub from up north — is officially expanding from Hermantown (just outside Duluth) to the Twin Cities metro. The new location will break ground soon, and doors are set to open in fall 2026 at 15555 English Avenue, Apple Valley, MN.
A Family-Owned Brand With Deep Minnesota Roots
Before we talk about what’s coming, let’s rewind a bit. Skyline Social & Games has been a staple in Hermantown for nearly 70 years. Yep — seven decades of bowling, league nights, and late-night laughs.
The Kolquist family has owned and operated Skyline for three generations, growing it from a small local bowling alley into one of northern Minnesota’s most popular year-round entertainment centers. Their Hermantown location welcomes over 1,000 guests a night in the summer, 600 sports teams, and more than 2,000 annual corporate events.
Now, they’re bringing that same energy — plus a few new upgrades — right here to Apple Valley.
What You Can Expect in Apple Valley
If you’ve been waiting for more things to do around here, this one’s for you. The Apple Valley Skyline will be a massive, 97,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor entertainment complex packed with options for families, friends, and companies looking for a fun night out or a go-to event space.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
🎳 20 bowling lanes — 14 regular and 6 VIP lanes with a private lounge
🎯 12 duckpin bowling lanes
🪓 Axe throwing with five bays and a chill lounge area
🕹️ A 60-game arcade with a redemption store and two party rooms
🏐 9 sand volleyball courts
🌽 12 cornhole courts & 4 bocce courts
🔥 Outdoor bar, patio, and fire pits
🍔 Restaurant and indoor/outdoor bar with crowd-favorite food and drinks
🎉 Banquet rooms, meeting spaces, and party rooms for birthdays, team outings, and corporate events
All of it will be surrounded by 73 new trees, outdoor lighting designed to be neighbor-friendly, and nearly 330 parking spaces.
And if you’re wondering what kind of atmosphere to expect — think industrial-meets-Minnesota-cozy. Designers are blending reclaimed barnwood, vintage tin, and smooth maple from bowling lanes to give it that modern-yet-warm vibe.
More Than a Venue — A Boost for the Community
This isn’t just about having a new place to hang out (though that’s a pretty great perk). The new Skyline is also bringing serious benefits to the area.
Once it opens, the Apple Valley location is expected to create 120–150 new jobs — everything from servers and event staff to league organizers and kitchen crew. It’s also projected to bring in nearly $800,000 in annual sales tax revenue and $250,000 in property tax to the city.
So yes, it’s going to be fun — but it’s also going to be good for Apple Valley.
Fun That Doesn’t Take a Season Off
If you know Minnesota, you know how quickly the weather can change. Luckily, Skyline doesn’t care if it’s January or July — the fun keeps going.
From winter bowling leagues to summer volleyball under the lights, Skyline is built for year-round play. Inside or outside, there’s always something happening — whether that’s trivia night, a family birthday, or a company happy hour.
And they make it easy to plan, too. Their “Skyline Playbook” is a simple process where you share your vision for an event, and their team handles the details. You just show up, play, and enjoy.
What Makes Skyline Special
Skyline isn’t trying to reinvent entertainment — they’re perfecting it. The idea is simple: give people a place where they can eat, play, relax, and connect.
You can come for a league night with coworkers, bring your kids for arcade games and pizza, or meet friends for drinks by the fire pit. It’s all in one place, and it’s all designed to make it easy to just… have fun again.
And while the venue is built for scale, it’s still got that family-owned touch. Every detail — from the food and drinks to the way they host parties — comes with that personal, friendly service that’s made Skyline a staple up north.
Why Apple Valley?
Apple Valley already has a strong community vibe — and Skyline wants to build on that. The Orchard Place site (right by Lunds & Byerlys on Pilot Knob) is surrounded by parks, growing neighborhoods, and a population that’s been asking for more entertainment options close to home.
When Skyline opens in 2026, you’ll finally have a spot where kids, teens, parents, and coworkers can all find something to do.