Show-Me Axe House in Linn offers an experience unlike anything else in this area, and owner Gene Grellner said axe-throwing is a great way to relieve stress, or just have fun with friends.

“Janis and I started going to Columbia to throw axes, and we got hooked,” said Grellner of himself and his wife, who owns Backyard Archers, also in Linn. “I just thought this was something that could offer entertainment to folks in Linn, especially students at State Tech. They don’t really have much to do. We don’t have a pool hall or bowling alley.”

Grellner began searching for a place, and found a vacancy at Northern Lights Plaza, which was perfectly suited to his needs.

“My family and I spent time when we could, an hour here, an hour there, working on renovating the space for what we wanted,” said Grellner.

Gene and Janis, along with their children, Garrett and his wife, Cassidy, Mikayla and her husband, Luke Pecher, and Lindsay Grellner, only needed a month or so to complete the project, with a grand opening held Sept. 19.

Lindsay, 21, a college student, designed the interior space for maximum usage, which means there are four lanes, including two party lanes.

“We allow up to six throwers per lane,” Gene explained. “The party lanes are side-by-side, and is more for the large groups that come in, so everyone can kind of hang out and visit while throwing axes.”

Two solo lanes can accommodate from one to six throwers each.

Visitors to the business will be required to sign a waiver, acknowledging they take responsibility for their actions, holding Show-Me Axe House harmless in the event of an accident, but Grellner said there is a low probability of that actually happening.

“We go through safety protocols and explain how everything works before anyone touches an axe,” said Grellner. “This is a very controlled environment. People aren’t just throwing axes all over the place.”

Grellner takes time to explain to visitors how to properly throw the axe, and after watching a few throws, helps with adjustments so the axe hits the target more consistently.

“It’s like bowling,” he said. “Just moving an inch or two can make all the difference. It took me a half hour the first time I threw an axe before it stuck in the wood. I was a little frustrated, but people told me to take my time and relax, and it worked. Once I found my spot, I was able to hit the target a lot more often.”

Each lane meets international standards, meaning it’s a regulation 12 feet from the foul line to the target. An additional three feet or so is provided for throwers in which to stand.

Show-Me Axe House offers a large axe and a smaller model, depending on what throwers prefer, and visitors are allowed to bring their own axe, provided it meets standard requirements.

“You can’t bring a three-foot battle axe in here, but most people would have an axe they like that would be just fine,” Grellner said.

The Linn business follows the rules and regulations as established by the World Axe Throwing League (WATL), and Grellner said there are state and national levels for anyone interested in competition.

“Axe throwing is more popular up north,” said Grellner. “It started in Canada and made its way south, and the further south you go, the fewer people have even heard of it, but it’s becoming a big deal. The world championships will be televised live on ESPN early next year.”

For most, however, Show-Me Axe House offers a fun environment, with a variety of games to get throwers started. From individual competition involving a race to a set number of points to team games, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a game called “Show Me,” which is akin to HORSE in basketball.

“We’re always looking for new games, and you can use your own ideas for games too,” said Grellner.

Each target has rings valued from 1 to 6 (bullseye), and there are two “kill shot” dots that can be utilized. “That’s a neat aspect,” said Grellner. “You have to call it, and if you hit it, you get eight points, but if you miss, you get nothing, even if you hit a bullseye. It makes the game interesting if you’re behind and want to catch up fast.”

Grellner said a league may be formed, if there is enough interest, and he plans to add knife-, card- and star-throwing in the near future.

The minimum age to throw is 12, and students will get a discount with a valid ID, and Grellner said there is no maximum age limit.

“Young and old can participate,” he said. “We have had ages 12 to 80 already to throw axes so this is not just for the younger generation. All ages can enjoy axe-throwing.”

Grellner added that this activity is perfect for birthdays, family reunions, team-building, bachelorette or girls nights, and other gatherings.

“I’ve even had people ask if they could come over before or after a lunch meeting,” said Grellner.

While Show-Me Axe House is open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Grellner said he will open during other times for special parties by reservation when his schedule permits.

Grellner is a veterinarian and keeps regular hours through the week, but said that once he’s done, or has an off day, he is happy to schedule special events.

“As long as I’m available, I’ll open up for groups,” he said, adding the plan is to add an outdoor portable unit for use at special gatherings away from main range to accommodate special gatherings like those mentioned above.

Beer and wine coolers are available, but there is a limit of two drinks per hour for safety reasons, and no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought into the range.

“We don’t anticipate any difficulty with that aspect of the business,” said Grellner. “Obviously we can’t control how much a person has had to drink before they come in, but if someone is inebriated, we will not allow them to throw.”

Visitors are allowed to bring their own food into the business, Grellner said.

The cost is $20 per hour per person. Gift certificates are available, and a multiple-visit punch card offers a free session.

For more information, or to schedule a party, visit Show Me Axe House on Facebook, or call 573-659-1762.