Axe throwing is available three days per week. Courtesy | Facebook 

Axe throwing is now open at Hillsdale Brewing Company after not being available for the past few months. 

Although the brewery has offered axe throwing since 2022, it had to stop offering it temporarily due to staffing issues, according to the brewery. 

The brewery offers axe throwing three times per week. Walk-ins are available Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m., but reservations are required for Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 9 p.m., according to the brewery’s  Facebook. Walk-ins cost $15 per half hour. Reservations start at $25 per person for the first hour and $40 per person for the second hour. 

“We allow people 14 and up to throw axes,” said co-owner Felicia Finch. “Closed-toe shoes are required, and safety measures, including an instructor, are in place at all times”

To ensure safety, an instructor known as the “Axe Master” is present at all times and controls the activity. All participants must adhere to the Axe Master.  

This activity has been years in the making. To begin with, the indoor beer garden had to be renovated to fit the new activities, with lanes for axe throwing, according to Finch. 

“About 3 years ago we decided to renovate the area into our indoor beer garden and were looking for ideas for people to do right here in our Hillsdale Community,” Finch said. 

Axe throwing, as well as other activities such as darts and foosball, have brought a lively atmosphere to Hillsdale Brewing Company, according to Finch. 

“The whole space has brought new life and new events and activities to the brewery,” Finch said. “It is a fun place to hang out with lots of fun things to do.”

With an influx of new activities, Hillsdale Brewing Company plans to keep this space alive with activity, according to Finch. 

“The Indoor Beer Garden has the axe throwing on Fridays and Saturday, but also offers darts, foosball, board games, trivia Tuesday nights, beer and music bingo monthly, corn hole, and a kids play area,” Finch said.  

Sophomore Dylan Hughes and four friends went axe throwing at Hillsdale Brewing Company last semester. 

“Axe throwing at Hillsdale Brewing was a super fun time,” Hughes said. “They have two axe throwing lanes so you and a friend can throw at the same time and compete against one another.”

Hillsdale Brewing Company advertises this activity to everyone. According to the post, there is “no experience required” for those who would like to participate. 

Hughes said axe throwing was more difficult than originally anticipated. 

“It’s definitely a bit tricky to get the hang of, and the hardest part is getting the axe to stay wedged in the wooden target,” Hughes said. “The trick was not being scared to give the axe a good, hard throw –– almost as hard as you can throw it.”

Turnout for axe throwing has been inconsistent, according to Finch. She hopes for this activity, and space, to become a place of amusement for the community. 

Hughes said there were also refreshments available during axe throwing. However, drink limits are set in place both before and during throwing to ensure the safety of participants. 

“There’s also good food available for order,” Hughes said. “It is lots of fun for a few hours and not too expensive either.”

He said this is a great activity to work off stress. 

“Definitely a good way to let some steam off,” Hughes said.