AXING THE NORMS | Odin’s Lair

By MIRANDA ERICSSON | Photos by MIRANDA CHAVEZ-HAZIM

Odin’s Lair in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is an experience that starts on the sidewalk in front of the venue, where guests see a door and exterior painted to look like a colorful fortress. Just inside the entrance, a mural of a raven flying above the red haze of war covers one wall, the work of NOTO artist Jennifer Bohlander. To the right, guests will find a photo op with a Viking and a large variety of props. The vibe is welcoming and fun, and just the right amount of fierce.

Odin’s Lair offers guests the opportunity to throw hatchets, axes, knives and more in a safe environment. Owner Buddy Haynes went axe throwing in Lawrence for a date night in 2019, and had such a good time that he decided to bring the experience to Topeka.

“I absolutely fell in love with axe throwing,” Haynes said. “I have a background in construction and knew that I could do a lot of the work myself, so I decided to make it happen.”

Haynes knew that he wanted to open his business in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. He already spent a good deal of time hanging out in businesses and eateries in the area and felt at home there.

“NOTO was where I wanted to be because I love the small, hometown feel that an arts district brings,” Haynes said. “The NOTO District also has so many business owners that have put everything they have into their business, so guests are going to get the best customer service around.”

Haynes started out leasing a space, but about the time his lease ran out, another building in NOTO came up for sale. Haynes decided to go for it, so he moved Odin’s Lair into his new space and rebuilt.

“The new building needed a lot of work and between working with a contractor and the city, it took us three weeks shy of a year before we could get back open,” Haynes said.

The move allowed Haynes to grow Odin’s Lair, adding a reservable party room and expanding the lane space. He notes that the 4 dual lanes at Odin’s Lair are great for big groups, leagues, and tournaments. Haynes also added a TV so he can show games, and he now sells a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests are allowed to bring in their own food, and Hayne’s offers a discount at his venue if you purchase your food from a NOTO eatery.

“You get ten percent off at Odin’s Lair if you eat at Wheel Barrel or Bradley’s Cafe or another great NOTO restaurant,” Buddy said. “We have to help each other out and pat each other on the back. Plus, it’s really good food.”

Haynes and his staff personally walk guests through a proper stance, hold, and throw, and offer tips for adjustments as throwers get started. Safety is the top priority. Closed toe shoes are required, or you can borrow a pair of boots from the house. Haynes often hears that people are nervous before they try axe throwing the first time.

“We’ll train you and make sure you feel comfortable throwing the hatchet before we cut you loose to throw on your own,” Haynes said.

Haynes says that many people find axe throwing to be a great activity to rotate into their routine for the exercise and for the stress relief.

“People tell me, you’re so relaxed, so chill, and you don’t get angry,” Haynes said. “I tell them, I own this. I don’t get angry, I just throw.”

After reopening in their new space, Odin’s Lair was set up perfectly to host a tournament. In July 2023, they held their first one, bringing in throwers from the immediate surrounding states to create a great competition. They have also hosted several charity tournaments to help families raise funds.

“We love hosting charity tournaments. We get the warm fuzzies when we can help out a good cause,” Haynes said.

If you want to get fancy, you can pay $5 to upgrade your experience with several choices of throwing implements beyond axes. A long fireman’s axe, throwing knives, and a shovel are some of the additional choices. They all make a satisfying thwack sound when they sink into the wooden target, and Buddy Haynes can show you how to make that happen.

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