The Axe Bar

Discover a world of unique entertainment at The Axe Bar — the first venue in the history of Champaign to specialize in axe and tomahawk throwing. This impressive space, spanning nearly 8,000 square feet in the heart of the USA, seamlessly combines the adrenaline of competitive sport with the comfort of a restaurant and the vibe of a modern bar.

The venue offers guests 10 specially equipped lanes designed to meet the strictest safety standards. The project, created by Ryan Kern and Chris Schmidt, quickly gained recognition from locals and tourists alike, earning the title of "best unique experience" in the community. Here, everyone can feel like a true lumberjack or warrior without sacrificing comfort.

In addition to the activity zone, The Axe Bar is famous for its full menu and excellent selection of drinks, making it the perfect place for parties, team-building events, or simply an original night out with friends. It’s more than just a range; it’s a complete entertainment hub where energy and excitement meet hospitality.

For your convenience, we have gathered the current contact information for The Axe Bar in a compact table. If you are planning a visit with a large group, we recommend calling ahead to check lane availability.

The main adventure here is, of course, throwing axes, tomahawks, stars, and even boomerangs. Before your first throw, an experienced instructor will provide a mandatory briefing: you'll learn the proper grip and swing technique to hit the bullseye. The lanes are divided by difficulty level, ensuring both beginners and seasoned pros feel comfortable.

The bar is buzzing all week with themed events. Mondays bring together members of the axe throwing league, Tuesdays are dedicated to karaoke, and Friday nights feature a ladies night format. If you get hungry, the kitchen serves up delicious pizza, wings, and sandwiches, while the bar boasts a selection of 24 draft beers and signature cocktails with fitting names like Blood Axe or The Hatchet.

When planning your visit, keep the rules in mind: closed-toe shoes are mandatory for throwing, and participants must be at least 18 years old. For safety reasons, there is a limit of two alcoholic drinks for those planning to hit the lanes. While only adults can throw axes, the venue is open to all ages for those who just want to grab a bite and watch the action.

Finding The Axe Bar is easy, as it is located in the heart of the city's business district at 114 S. Neil St. Its central location makes it accessible for both locals and tourists exploring city attractions on foot.

If you prefer public transport, use the bus routes passing through downtown Champaign — stops are just a few minutes' walk from the entrance. For those taking a taxi, the ride from major downtown hotels or the train station takes only 5–10 minutes.

Drivers can use the following GPS coordinates: 40.1157861, -88.2433758. City parking is available nearby, though arriving early on evenings and weekends is recommended to find a spot close by.

The building that houses The Axe Bar today is a piece of city history in its own right. Built in the early 1930s, it served as home to a variety of organizations for decades: it has housed offices, the popular music store The Music Shoppe, the Conservatory of Central Illinois, and even the SoDo Theatre.

The modern chapter of the building's history began in the summer of 2021 when owners Ryan Kern and Chris Schmidt decided to bring a bold idea to life. Kern was inspired by the axe-throwing bar concept after a trip to St. Louis and realized the local community was missing this exact type of active recreation.

The renovation of the nearly 8,000-square-foot space took place during the challenging times of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the construction company managed to complete all work on time and without incident, transforming the old premises into a modern entertainment center while preserving the historic spirit of the downtown area.

To fully soak in the atmosphere and excitement of throwing, most guests need about 1 to 2 hours. This provides enough time to go through the briefing, master the basic technique, and enjoy a full series of throws.

The venue offers flexible packages: you can book a lane for 30 minutes ($14.99) for a quick warm-up, for 1 hour ($24.99), or for 90 minutes ($34.99). The latter is considered the best option for beginners, as it allows you to get a feel for the weapon's balance and start hitting the target without rushing.

When planning your evening at The Axe Bar, please note that the venue is closed on Mondays. On other days, the doors are open to guests during the following hours: Tuesday to Thursday — from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM; Friday — from 4:00 PM to 2:00 AM; Saturday — from 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM; and on Sunday, the bar is open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Since the schedule may change on holidays or during private events, we strongly recommend checking the official website before your visit.

A visit to The Axe Bar can easily be combined with a stroll to other interesting spots in the city. Downtown Champaign is rich in historic sites and park areas that will make your day even more fulfilling and interesting.