Rare Find

Perot Museum snares ancient mammoth skeleton unearthed in North Texas

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has earned the esteem of both the public and scientific community since it opened in 2012, and that only stands to grow with its newest acquisition: a pristine, nearly complete mammoth skeleton.

The mammoth, which is being donated by the Wayne McEwen family, was discovered on private property in Ellis County in a sand and gravel pit. The skeleton will be transported to the museum by sometime in September, where it will be cataloged and preserved for scientific research in the years to come.

The skeleton is estimated to be anywhere from 20,000 to 60,000 years old.

“Having been found in our own backyard, this stunning example of a mammoth skeleton is especially meaningful because it’s a part of our heritage and the natural history of North Texas,” museum CEO Colleen Walker said in a statement. “The Perot Museum is truly grateful to the McEwen family for their enormous generosity in sharing this discovery with us and the world.”

The skeleton, a Mammuthus columbi or Columbian mammoth, is estimated to be anywhere from 20,000 to 60,000 years old. Due to its relatively small size — which, at 8 to 9 feet tall is still the size of a modern-day Asian elephant — and other anatomical factors, experts speculate that this mammoth was female.

It was discovered by members of the McEwen family during a routine excavation of their land. Representatives from nearby Navarro College have worked all summer to carefully uncover the remains of the creature.

The skeleton, which is complete except for a few missing leg bones, appears to have been untouched, a rarity because scavengers or environmental effects tend to spread bones far and wide.

The newly donated skeleton will be in good company at the Perot, as the museum already showcases a fully mounted male mammoth skeleton in the T. Boone Pickens Life Then and Now Hall.

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Rolling a strike

High 5 Exchange bowling and entertainment mega-center rolls into Allen

Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

The High 5 Exchange in Austin has bowling galore.

A new family entertainment destination is rolling into Allen, bringing bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, virtual reality, and more. Called High 5 Exchange, the venue has broken ground at 2361 Quail Covey Rd. in The Farm in Allen.

It is expected to open in 2027, according to a release.

High 5 Exchange comes from a family entertainment company founded by husband-and-wife team Scott and Jenny Emley. They opened the first location in the Lakeway area of Austin more than a decade ago; a second Austin location followed a few years later.

Their roots are in Austin - Scott Emley played football for UT Austin - but the couple recently relocated to McKinney. There's also a location under construction in Mansfield.

The entertainment mega-center in Allen will combine indoor and outdoor attractions, dining, and rooms for parties and other group events.

Tasty-looking tacos at High 5 in Austin.Facebook/High 5 Exchange Austin

Bowling will be the major draw, with 24 lanes supplied by QubicaAMF. The lineup will include 16 traditional tenpin lanes equipped with EDGE String pinspotters, HyperBowling, and Neoverse, along with eight Fly'n Ducks duckpin lanes, the release says. The combination will give guests the choice between traditional full-length bowling and duckpin bowling, which uses a smaller ball.

"Bowling has a unique ability to bring different generations, interests and skill levels together," said Jody Pastula, director of new business development, U.S., for QubicaAMF, in a statement. "By offering both tenpin and Fly'n Ducks duckpin bowling, High 5 Allen is creating more ways for guests to participate and share the experience. We are pleased to be part of a project designed around connection, variety and repeat visits."

Beyond bowling, High 5 Allen will feature laser tag, a virtual reality arena, an arcade gaming floor, escape rooms, an immersive experience from Creative Works called "Limitless," and outdoor miniature golf. The venue will also have dedicated spaces for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and private events, along with food and beverage service.

While details on the food and beverage program have not yet been announced, the Austin locations feature a full-service bar and a menu of "American classics with a gourmet twist."

High 5 Exchange Allen Rendering of High 5 Exchange at The Farm in Allen.Rendering courtesy of High 5 Exchange

High 5 Exchange will be part of The Farm in Allen, a 135-acre mixed-use development at the southeast corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Alma Drive. Developed by Allen-based JaRyCo Development in partnership with the Johnson family, The Farm combines residential, office, dining, retail, and entertainment components.

"Allen and the surrounding communities have been part of our vision for this project from the beginning," said Scott Emley, co-founder and CEO of High 5 Exchange, in a statement. "The Farm brings together homes, workplaces, parks, dining and entertainment in a way that fits how people want to connect.

"We are excited to create a place where a family can spend an afternoon, coworkers can gather after work, and friends can celebrate the moments that matter."

entertainment and dining bowling allen