This week’s Back Roads is the work of The Land Correspondent Tim King. Photos by Jan King. Eagle Lanes keeps rolling along...

Not too long ago, a woman in a wheel chair came to Eagle Lanes in Eagle Bend, Minn. with members of her family. The idea was, Grandma was going to spend some time watching her grandkids bowling. That sounds like a good way for a 102-year-old woman to spend some time.

But Al Woida, a former cream can truck driver and grandpa of 24, thought he had a better idea.

Woida, who has owned Eagle Lanes with his wife Betty, for 30 years, is convinced anybody can have fun bowling. The emphasis is on the fun. So, he asked the lady if she’d like to bowl. She, of course, declined. After all, 102 and in a wheel chair … how could she?

Well, with a series of assistive ramps, Al got her down on the lane rolling a ball in the general direction of the pins. Apparently she was whooping and giving high fives. The kids and grandkids said they hadn’t heard her laugh so much for a long time.

Al told that story on a Saturday open bowling afternoon. Kristine Blommel was bowling with her husband and two children. Kristine belongs to one of the numerous winter leagues at Eagle Lanes. Her kids enjoy bowling on Saturdays and dancing to the music from the juke box.

Scott, Al’s son, is taking over the business since his dad is just shy of his 80th birthday. He says the leagues are a big draw for not only local people like Kristine.

“We have people come from as far away as West Fargo and Albertville, near the Twin Cities, for our tournaments and leagues,” said Scott — who put in new lanes, bumpers and gutters in 2022.

Those people from afar are serious bowlers; but bowlers come for the fun as well as for the bowling. Woidas have a series of games and contests involving specially-colored pins and complex bowling contests. Attempts to win a dollar bill from Al keep bowlers laughing and whooping it up like a 102 year old.

Eagle Lanes serves pizza, soda and beer; and has ample seating for nonbowlers, people waiting to bowl, and pool players. Scott is also glad to host groups who want to have a special bowling outing or party.

Scott said if you’re interested in learning how to join a league or throw a bowling party, call him at (218) 234-1949 or email him at scottwoida@ yahoo.com.

Eagle Lanes is on Facebook and closes during the summer. v