A lifetime obsession with pinball has produced something truly extraordinary in a small Ohio town — and it’s the kind of place you’ll want to block off an entire day for. Rob Berk is a renowned figure in the pinball community, celebrated for founding Pinball Expo in 1985 — the first-ever pinball collectors’ convention — and in 2021 he earned a Guinness World Record for hosting the longest-running pinball convention. In 2020, Rob purchased and remodeled a family-owned vacant grocery store in Girard, Ohio, and on June 1, 2023, the doors to the arcade finally opened to the public.
Past Times Arcade at 419 N State St is a museum-style retro arcade specializing in pinball and classic video games, featuring a massive collection of over 400 pinball machines and more than 200 arcade games that span decades of gaming history. The sheer scale of what’s been assembled here is almost hard to believe — and for enthusiasts and casual players alike, it’s unlike anything else in the Midwest.
What Makes Past Times So Special
On its one-year anniversary, Rob’s family honored him with a second Guinness World Record, recognizing his personal collection of 1,041 pinball machines — a milestone he has since surpassed. Only a fraction of that collection lives on the floor at any one time, meaning the lineup of playable machines is always rotating and evolving. Return visits genuinely feel fresh.
With over 400 pinball machines and more than 200 classic arcade games, the arcade boasts a diverse range of games that span nearly a century of production — from classic pinball machines of the 1930s all the way to the latest releases of today. A couple of the rows feature older, more vintage types, and one row is dedicated entirely to international pinball machines from various other countries, with plenty of more modern machines rounding out the selection for those who prefer games from the last 30 years.
Over 600 pinball and video arcade games are on the floor ranging from 1931 to the present — and all are set to free play. That means no tokens, no quarters, no interruptions. You pay once at the door and the entire floor is yours for the day. The affordability of flat-rate admission encourages extended playtime without the hassle of tokens or quarters, allowing visitors to indulge in hours of fun.
Unique features such as QR codes on each game provide players with detailed information and high score tracking, enhancing the overall gaming experience. It’s a surprisingly tech-forward touch in a deeply nostalgic setting, and it also makes it easy to report any machine that isn’t functioning properly. The staff fixes issues right away, which is a recurring point of praise among dedicated visitors.
Visitors enjoy an all-day admission format, a snack bar with casual fare and drinks including beer, monthly high-score challenges, and a nostalgic, ever-changing floor of machines. The cafe offers a wide variety of offerings such as meal deals, milkshakes, and a beverage list with a wide variety of beers and seltzers. The iconic Berk family milkshakes are still made from the original secret recipes — a small but delightful signature touch that adds personality to the whole experience.
Atmosphere & Décor
Rob purchased and remodeled a family-owned vacant grocery store to house the arcade, and the bones of that building give the space a wonderfully cavernous, warehouse-like feel. Row after row of glowing, humming machines stretches as far as the eye can see. The captivating ambiance is filled with memorabilia, and every visit offers a sensory overload of sights and sounds reminiscent of childhood gaming experiences.
Past Times features 600 games on the floor, as well as being quite educational with banners, toppers, and floor stickers that add historical context to the machines around you. It isn’t just a place to play — it’s genuinely a museum-quality collection. This truly has to be a labor of love, and that dedication is evident in every carefully maintained cabinet.
The arcade’s layout promotes an enjoyable environment where families can gather, and children can easily access games, thanks to thoughtful accommodations like small stools. The overall vibe strikes a balance between lively arcade energy and an almost reverent museum atmosphere — loud enough to be exciting, organized enough to feel navigable.
Other Considerations
What does it cost to get in? Adults 16 and older pay $20 for unlimited play, and kids ages 6–15 are $10. Memberships are also available, with rates based on the purchase date. Members receive a personalized ID card featuring their picture, name, and expiration date, granting access during regular business hours. For a full day of unlimited play, most visitors agree the value is exceptional.
Is this good for the whole family? Absolutely. Families report bringing fathers, wives, and children — and everyone has an excellent time. The age range of the machines means grandparents can find something from their era, while kids can discover modern releases they already know and love.
When is the best time to visit? Past Times is open Thursday 4–9 PM, Friday 4–11 PM, Saturday 11 AM–11 PM, and Sunday 11 AM–7 PM. If working games are a top priority, Thursday is your best bet — staff spends Monday through Wednesday repairing machines, so the floor tends to be in its best shape at the start of the open week.
Are some machines ever out of order? With hundreds of machines on the floor, it’s inevitable that a handful may be down at any given time — especially toward the end of a busy weekend. The QR code reporting system is an excellent way to address issues with games, and the tech team is known for responding quickly. The sheer volume of working machines means you’ll never run out of things to play.
How far out of the way is it? Past Times is just seconds off I-80 in Girard, Ohio, making it a surprisingly convenient stop for road trippers passing through the northeast part of the state. Dedicated fans have traveled 600 miles each way specifically to visit — which says everything about what’s waiting inside.
Past Times Arcade
📍 419 N State St, Girard, OH 44420
Website: https://pasttimesarcade.com
