“Rochester’s Fun-Filled 2024: A Year of New Adventures and Playful Ventures!”

ROCHESTER — In 2024, Rochester became a bit more vibrant with the emergence and expansion of entertainment-focused establishments alongside the usual serious business deals in real estate and healthcare.

Challenging Med City’s calm reputation, numerous fun ventures made their debut last year.

Despite being open for just a couple of weeks, a significant number of people visited

Blue Lagoon Mini Golf

in October. Owner Missy Emerich made a bold move by constructing a new 18-hole outdoor mini-golf course at 6255 34th Ave. NW, situated near the Roca Climbing center and Mercy Hill Church.

In May, Emerich shared the reasons behind her family’s decision to establish a new seasonal mini-golf facility in Rochester.

“We’ve raised our family here and understand the importance of finding enjoyable activities for kids and family, and we felt Rochester was somewhat deficient in that area,” she remarked.

Construction challenges postponed the opening until fall, but Emerich regarded the brief operation in October as a trial run ahead of the warmer months of 2025.

Gene and Erin Glorvigen, father and son duo, revealed in April their plans for more enjoyment and entertainment with

a $3 million enlargement of their Bowlocity Entertainment Center

located at 2810 North Broadway Ave.

Ten years after doubling the size of their bowling alley and arcade, the Glorvigens embarked on constructing a 6,000-square-foot expansion to relocate and enhance the laser tag arena, provide additional space for private events, and enlarge the arcade, while also making Bowlocity’s kitchen larger to accommodate more guests in its bar and dining area.

A 1,913-square-foot extension on the west side of the building will increase seating in its bar/restaurant area. An expanded kitchen will allow for more equipment and menu options.

“This venue has performed quite well for us. The community has been very supportive. As Rochester continues to grow, we want to reinvest in our center to keep pace with that growth,” stated Erin Glorvigen, the manager of Bowlocity.

While Bowlocity remains operational during the construction phase, the new addition is expected to be completed in early 2025.

Chuck and Nicki Marino, who have long entertained Rochester crowds with their HyperSpace Starcade video gaming truck, opted to introduce

a fixed location in November with the launch of a new skill-based prize machine arcade at 1623 Broadway Ave. North

within the River Center Plaza.

While Marino’s party truck continues to host Fortnite and Call of Duty tournaments at local events, the new 2,300-square-foot arcade features 60 claw machines and marble pushers brimming with prizes.

“I’m aiming to create something enjoyable for families. … I’m just trying to introduce something novel that will complement our existing offerings,” explained Chuck Marino.

Alex Ibarra launched his own entertaining venture —

Another World immersive VR game arena

— in northwest Rochester in November.

Another World, located at 2300 Superior Drive NW, provides two gaming arenas where players can book 45-minute sessions for groups or individuals. The gameplay adheres to the fundamental concept of a laser tag arena, involving multiple players either cooperating or competing. Merging VR and motion tracking technology, it fully immerses players in a entirely virtual space, enabling them to engage in various games for groups of up to six.

“These games are accessible to everyone, regardless of age. It’s a lot of fun and highly immersive. You don’t just control a small character on the screen; you embody the character,” shared Ibarra.

A new retail establishment,

Bricks and Minifigs, contributed another facet to Rochester’s expanding entertainment environment.

Owner Rob Warland welcomed local Lego enthusiasts to his new store located in Suite 800 at 221 28th St. SE.

Bricks and Minifigs specializes in buying, selling, and trading pre-owned Lego sets. They offer a limited selection of new sets, but the majority of the inventory comprises used sets, mini figures, and assorted Legos.

Scott Bacon and Aaron Ringer

courageously enhanced their pop culture store — Midwest Vintage Toys

— in July.

Relocating just a few feet away from their location in the small entrance of James Aakre’s Machine Shed, an arcade and vintage gaming shop at 11 Second St. NE unveiled a new realm for Midwest Toys in a space five times larger than their snug original area.

Midwest Toys established itself in the 1,500-square-foot area at 204 N. Broadway in the Queen City Center complex that became available when the Janky Gear consignment shop transitioned to a North Broadway site.