Bowling

Bowling originated in ancient Egypt, and its rich history and dedicated following -- more than two million people bowl regularly in the United States alone -- fill many rooms at this fascinating facility in St. Louis.

The hall's mission is to "preserve bowling's history and record its present," so the experience here is about more than learning: You can also bowl a game on a state-of-the-art lane. If you're in a retro mood, head to one of the old-style lanes serviced by actual pinboys (who manually reset the pins).

111 Stadium Plaza, St. Louis, MO, Phone: 800/966-2695. Cost: Adults $6, children $4. Oct.-Mar., daily 11-4; Apr.-Sept., Mon.-Fri. 9-5, weekends noon-5. www.bowlingmuseum.com