Bad Axe Throwing Opens Minneapolis Location

Axe throwing makes its debut in Northeast Minneapolis—and it’s not as dangerous as it sounds

After lots of throws (and lots of guidance) we hit our targets at the same time. 

photo by Jenny Bock

Just last week my friend Jenny and I had the opportunity to try axe-throwing for the first time at Bad Axe Throwing – Minneapolis, and with the patience and guidance of throwing instructor and manager Nic Sable and two throwing instructors, Phillip and Chad, we successfully learned how to throw axes—and even hit the target a few times, too.

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking that sounds crazy. Axe throwing? In Minneapolis? But axe throwing isn’t new and it’s actually a lot of fun, once you get over the initial shock of throwing an axe.

Bad Axe Throwing’s Minneapolis location is the national chain’s 17th recreation center. It’s also its largest at 8,000 square feet and located right in the middle of Northeast Minneapolis, not too far from Insight Brewing and just a mile from Norseman Distillery.

Although Bad Axe Throwing officially opened for group events on March 10, its grand opening won’t take place until Friday, April 13. Until then, Sable and the other axe-masters are busy getting the warehouse ready for its grand opening promotion—everyone throws for free, all weekend long.

Currently, the outside of the warehouse is really unassuming (Jenny and I definitely had a “Wait, are we sure this is it?” moment) with only a mini-target signifying the location. The inside of the warehouse is rather bare, too, with only axe cages and a few benches. But by April 13, the location will be completely furnished with a bar (“serving local craft,” Sable assures) and plenty of seating areas for axe-throwers to talk and visit while waiting or taking a break from throwing. And, as a bonus, until the bar is added to the location, groups are invited to bring their own choice of beer, wine or cider—but no hard liquor is allowed.

Now I know what you are thinking. Axe throwing—much less axe throwing mixed with alcoholic beverages—doesn’t sound like the safest idea in the world. But according to Sable, the biggest documented injury is a sliver. And he’s seen kids as young as 10 throw.

According to Sable, every group and walk-in session (walk-in hours will be posted online starting after the grand opening) follows the same schedule. First axe-masters covers the basics. This includes the types of throwing stances, hand placement, when to let go of the axe, etc. Then guests are welcome to start throwing while axe-masters help with technique, offer suggestions, and root for you while you try your darnedest to make that first target. Once guests get comfortable with throwing and sticking a few, they can move onto learning tricks or playing a few games.

As a side note, neither of us have any athletic tendencies, so it took Jenny and I a little while to hit our first target (see above—we definitely Instagrammed that one!). Afterwards, Sable showed us a few trick possibilities, one being a double axe throw and another more of an underhanded “kind of like you’re bowling” throw. We decided to pass on the tricks, but our decision was unanimous: We would definitely come back with friends. Axe-throwing and beer? Yes, please.

For more information about group events (think bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, team building, corporate events), pricing, and walk-ins visit badaxethrowing.com.