Operating in Hendersonville, North Carolina, since its founding in 2017, the Appalachian Pinball Museum provides a hands-on historical and recreational experience for the local community and visitors. Founded by John French, this establishment on North Main Street occupies a space that was once the grand ballroom of the historic Skyland Hotel, built in 1929. The museum, a sister location to one in Asheville, features a collection of over 70 to 80 vintage and contemporary pinball machines and arcade games, available for unlimited play with a single admission fee.
The diverse array of games spans multiple decades, with the oldest pinball machine dating back to 1946 or 1947. Highlights include a 1947 Gottlieb Marjorie, predating flippers; the 1968 Dogies, which introduced the zipper-flipper function; a 1978 Kiss-themed machine, originally designed with speech elements; and the unique 1973 Time Travel game, which operates by a clock rather than ball count. Alongside pinball, classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong are also present. Beyond playable machines, some exhibits, such as a 1971 Allied Leisure’s Spin Out and a disassembled Pin Bot, are displayed to showcase their historical and mechanical significance. The museum fosters a sense of nostalgia and serves as a community hub, often hosting pinball leagues and tournaments, contributing to Hendersonville’s unique character and recreational offerings.
