Retro Electric Arcade in Lowell Closes Its Doors
After three years of providing awesome throwback gaming experiences, Retro Electric Arcade in Lowell, Michigan, is powering down one the retro fun things to do in West Michigan.
The popular arcade, known for its collection of vintage pinball machines and classic video games, officially ended its arcade play yesterday (August 14, 2024) after a flash sale wiped out their pinball game inventory.
2163 W. Main Street Lowell, MI 49331
616.279.1921
Why Close Down?
Initially, the free-play arcade and nostalgic retail shop announced their intention to close on September 1st in a post on Facebook.
In that post, they reasons, “there’s a few reasons but the main one is because we’ve always put our family first.
Running the arcade, maintaining all of the games, hosting parties and events and all of the other assorted jobs we do here is an enormous undertaking that has taken up most of our waking hours.”
In that announcement, they also told people that their games were for sale. Surprisingly, they ended up selling over half of their games in one day, which effectively shut down play at the arcade shop.
One Last Chance to Shop
The arcade might be closed, but the shop’s still open for a bit! They’re having a killer sale – 50% off all white-stickered merch. Even some of the decor is up for grabs. BMX bikes on the wall? Posters? Flags? Yep, you might be able to snag ’em.
They also still have pinball machines and arcade games for sale, all at really good prices, so if you’re thinking about buying a game, send an email to hello(at) retroelectricarcade.com and they’ll send the updated price and availability list.
What’s Next?
Here’s where it gets interesting. The owners of Retro Electric Arcade are not leaving the entertainment industry entirely.
This fall, they’re opening a new shop called ALIVE AGAIN in Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood. Think horror-themed collectibles, movies, books, and all things creepy.
If you like to keep Halloween vibes going all year round, this sounds like your kind of place.
Retro Electric Photos
Other Retro Gaming Destinations
If you want to take your retro arcade fun on the road, consider these cool West Michigan destinations:
- Pinball Land in Rockford, MI
- Rocket Arcade in South Haven, MI
- Klassic Arcade in Gobles, MI
Take a Look!
Holland Aquatic Center 2026: Nearby Indoor Water Park Family Fun
Surprise Your Family with a Visit to Holland Aquatic Center Water Park It’s time to do something fun with the kids, but you don’t want to travel too far. Good news! Holland has the perfect spot. The Holland Aquatic Center has so much to offer, your kids will never want to leave. For us, it…
Exciting Spring Break Gem & Mineral Show Returns: Kids Fossil Dig, Geode Cracking, Rock Collecting & More – 2026
Free Gem, Rocks & Mineral Show for Spring Break in West Michigan Finding fun things to do on Spring Break that are free isn’t easy – but don’t worry – we’ve found another thing for you to do this spring break between April 9 – 11, 2026, has no admission fee. Take a look at…
GRR Airport Viewing Area: Enjoy Decadent Food Trucks & Plane Watching in 2026
The Airport Viewing Area is a Hidden Gem in Grand Rapids For a different Grand Rapids park experience, head to the Airport Viewing Area! Pack a picnic and watch planes take off or land or time your visit to take advantage of the food truck days. GRR reports that on any given day as many…
2026 Summer Camps Guide: Sort by Week or Activity to Make Planning a Breeze
Best Grand Rapids Summer Camps, Including Popular Day Camps Heading off to summer camp is one of the rites of passage for a kid, and one of the most popular summer things to do in Grand Rapids. Looking for summer camp for kindergarteners or big kids? Maybe your preschooler needs some enrichment this summer. No…
55+ Grand Rapids Hiking & Walking Trails Perfect for All Ages!
Hiking & Walking Trails – Grand Rapids & West Michigan How often have you gotten the urge to go for a hike, but didn’t know where to go? There are so many well-kept trails in West Michigan to choose from, with rivers, lakes, mature forests, dunes, bridges and more. When you’re looking for outdoor things…
85+ Amazing West MI Playgrounds: Find the Best Kids Park Near You
Local Playgrounds & Kids Play Parks It’s likely you’re putting “Head to a Kids Park or Playground Near Me” on your list of things to do with kids in Grand Rapids this summer! There are hundreds of parks in the West Michigan area, though, so it can be difficult to find the best playgrounds or…
I’m really sad to see Retro Electric Arcade go! It was such a unique spot that brought back so many nostalgic memories. I’m curious to see how the new horror store will turn out. Hopefully, it can capture some of that same fun and community spirit!