Fall is soon approaching. While some will be sorry to see summer go, I am personally welcoming the colorful and cool transition to fall. Fortunately, we have the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, an attraction that provides unique and family-friendly tour options including bugling elk, fall foliage and star gazing.

Have you ever heard the awkward bugling call of a bull elk? The first time I got this opportunity was in Rocky Mountain National Park in northern Colorado. The eerie, highpitched, whistling sounds made by the bulls during the fall mating season seem so uncharacteristic for the large, magnificent creatures. The sound is made by bulls either attracting females to their harems (or groups of cows) or for aggression to keep the younger bulls away. Getting the chance to view (and hear) a herd’s behavior in a natural setting is an educational treat. So, I was excited to recently learn that you don’t have to venture to Colorado to get a glimpse into this amazing natural phenomenon. You can find it right here in our beautiful state.

The Refuge is host to nearly 800 head of elk. While originally indigenous to the area, pioneer hunting exterminated the native herds by the late 1800s. An elk reintroduction effort in the early 1900s successfully reestablished the elk population to its current levels. The refuge now annually conducts bugling elk bus tours through a non-profit group of volunteers called Association of Friends of the Wichitas. These popular tours run throughout September and October. Bugling activity occurs most frequently during the early morning and evening hours. Therefore, all tours begin promptly at 6:30am or 5pm, depending on the day. Tour slots are limited to groups of around 26 and fill fast.

Another tour offered by the Friends of the Wichitas is the Fall Foliage Walk on October 31, November 7 and 14th at 10am. This is an interpretive one-mile walk through the forests at Hollis Canyon. Participants will learn about the seasonal changing process while walking through the colorful forests of black jack, post oaks, chinquapin, red cedar and sugar maples. Dressing for the weather, including sturdy walking or hiking shoes, is recommended. All should bring drinking water.

While this tour is available throughout the spring and summer, two dates are still available in September (18th-19th). Lack of city lights on and near the refuge provides a unique opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts. The Friends of the Wichitas provide volunteers who will lead groups of 15 through the history of astronomy and help visitors identify sky images with the naked eye and telescope. Participants should bring binoculars and lawn chairs. The two-hour program begins 30 minutes after sunset and participants are asked to meet at the Boulder/Lost Lake picnic area.

For additional information on these or other events offered by the Association of Friends of the Wichitas, see their website at FriendsOfTheWichitas.org. While camping is available on the refuge, additional nearby accommodations are available and may be found at LawtonFortSillChamber.com or by calling 800-872-4540. Another source is MedicinePark.com.

Karen Mitchell, a lifelong resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, lives in Edmond with her husband, Mark, teenage son, Ryan, and one spoiled Welsh Corgi. Daughter, Megan, attends college at OSU in Stillwater.

Ahhh, camping. As the blanket of night approaches, a symphony of crickets chirp all around. Fireflies dance on a gentle summer breeze. Above, millions of shimmering stars illuminate the darkened sky as you and your kids roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire.

If you’ve already been bitten by the camping bug or are ready to give it a try, you don’t have to travel far for outdoor adventure and family fun. Here are what I consider to be the top ten Oklahoma family camping sites. Each offers a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages.

1. Beavers Bend State Park
Located in southeastern Oklahoma adjacent to Broken Bow Lake, this nature lovers’ paradise offers train rides, miniature golf, hay rides, hiking, canoeing, and a nature center. You may even catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring overhead.

2. Lake Texoma

Enjoy this beautiful lake’s two wildlife refuges, two state parks, first-class golfing, riding stables, sailing, personal watercraft, and hiking. The Texomaland Fun Park (580-564-2340) offers go karts, bumper boats, batting cages, and mini-golf.

3. Greenleaf State Park

This serene family-oriented getaway provides a kids’ fishing pond stocked with rainbow trout for those 16 and under and/or those physically disabled, a swimming pool, party barge tours, a playground, and hay rides.

4. Red Rock Canyon State Park

Once a stop on the famous California Road Trail, campsites are located down in the canyon. This site is popular for rappelling and exploration and offers a swimming pool and fishing pond.

5. Roman Nose

Near Watonga and once a favorite area of the Cheyenne Tribe, Roman Nose overlooks ancient mesas and offers plenty of fun activities, from sleeping in a teepee to equestrian horse riding.

6. Wichita Mountains

This is a place where the white-tailed deer and buffalo roam. One of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, the Wichitas offer camping back country, rock climbing and rappelling at Mt. Scott, fishing, and the opportunity to view wildlife in their natural habitat.

7. Tenkiller State Park

Admire the beauty of limestone cliffs and explore the underwater scuba park complete with a submerged school bus, sunken boats, and a recently added aircraft fuselage.

8. Ouachita National Forest

Fish, deer, and Bigfoot? Oh my! Here you’ll find rugged, unpaved forest roads providing dirt bike and four-wheel enthusiasts exploration of some of Oklahoma’s most scenic terrain. Really adventurous? Try hang gliding.

9. Great Salt Plains State Park

The only place in the world to dig for “hourglass selenite” crystals. Treasure hunters also enjoy a wilderness area, swimming, boating, and hiking.

Editor’s Note: At press time, no crystal digging was being allowed due to pollutants in the area. See www.fws.gov/SaltPlains for updates.

10. Robbers Cave State Park

A legendary hideout for outlaws such as the James brothers and Belle Starr, here you’ll find rock climbing, equestrian trails, a nature center, and swimming pool to keep things cool.

For more information on these parks, visit www.TourOklahoma.com.

Kim Rogers is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two sons in Edmond. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, she has written for newsletters, newspapers, and magazines.

Getting ready for your first family camping trip? Consider these tips before you go:

• Camping Amenities. The family-friendly environment of most campgrounds often includes activities such as fishing, swimming, hiking, and nature programs. Family campgrounds provide restrooms, showers, and potable water. Some have stores and rent fishing poles, paddle boats, canoes, and other equipment.
• Eating in the Wild. Most campgrounds provide grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. A basic cooking set can be made up of no more than a bag of charcoal, a few pots and pans, and a spatula. Start with simple options like sandwiches, hamburgers, and pre-packaged meals. With each camping trip, try more adventurous recipes and add the necessary cookware.
• Dressing for the Occasion. For most family trips, a selection of T-shirts, shorts, jeans, swim suits, jackets, and sweatshirts will suffice. Pack knowing items will get dirty—that’s part of the fun!
• Protecting Your Feet. Quality boots are a good investment for many families. When shopping for boots, look for solid ankle support and tread to keep you from slipping. Purchase boots in stores where people familiar with hiking are trained to fit them properly. Buy socks and liners made of wool or other materials that will cushion feet and absorb moisture.
• The Right Equipment. Before investing in equipment, try to borrow tents, sleeping bags, lanterns, and stoves to determine what suits your family. To save money, check yard sales or camping clubs for used equipment.

Jennifer Woodford works with DeHavilland and Associates, an educational consulting firm.

Campfire photos:
© Photographer: Johann Helgason | Agency: Dreamstime.com

© Photographer: Naude | Agency: Dreamstime.com

The Meers Store
I hate to admit it, but I was almost an adult before I visited The Meers Store in Meers, Oklahoma. I'd heard about it from my grandparents and parents, but no one got around to taking me. Meers isn't fancy, but it is memorable. The old, multi-level, wooden structure houses the only seismograph in Oklahoma. But we're hooked on Meers because of their plate-sized hamburgers, large helpings of fries and onion rings, and, of course, the unbelievable a la mode cobblers. My kids love the burgers which are served on old metal pie plates. Half of one burger is enough for two adults if you're going to indulge in the fries and cobble--and you should. Remember the no calorie rule! This destination could be the perfect ending to your Wild Life Refuge visit. Getting there is a little complicated so I suggest downloading the directions from their web site. 580-429-8051.

Other Fun Oklahoma Restaurants:

Murphy's Steak House
Bartlesville houses the destination cafe I grew up with. Murphy's was a Sunday night after church tradition with my youth group. I still demand to go every time I visit Mom and Dad. A Murphy's Hot Hamburger is the closest thing to heaven on a plate: it starts with a slice of bread topped with a huge hamburger patty made out of real meat, covered with a stack of real French fries, and then smothered with spicy, brown gravy many have tried (and failed) to duplicate. Murphy's also has fabulous steaks, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and a selection of salads. All of this great food is served in a setting out of a Norman Rockwell painting by waitresses who will call you "hon" and talk to you like you're local. Go early or be prepared to wait, because Murphy's doesn't take reservations. Everyone sits in the entry way politely waiting their turn and catching up on the local gossip. Take the scenic drive up I-35 to Highway 60. Go east on 60 through Ponca City and Pawhuska then through the Osage Hills to Bartlesville. Murphy's will be on your right as you enter town. Closed Mondays and some major holidays. 918-336-9341.

Eischen's
Think Wild West bar, think local diner. Put the two together and you have Eischen's, the oldest bar in Oklahoma. The decor alone is enough to warrant a trip. The restaurant is decorated with Okarche memorabilia and genuine Wild West ambiance. Then there's the fried chicken. Eischen's menu consists of fried chicken, nachos, B-B-Q beef sandwiches, and fried okra, but once you've tasted Eischen's fried chicken you will crave it. Served in a basket, the chicken is crispy on the outside, without a lot of breading, and juicy on the inside. Eischen's is usually filled with lots of friendly people who made the drive just to have dinner. Tables are arranged in rows, picnic style, so you can strike up a conversation with people from all over the state. Eischen's is located in Okarche at 108 South Second, a block east of highway 81. Open 10am-10pm, Monday-Saturday. 263-9939.

Eskimo Joe's Jumpin' Little Juke Joint
Who hasn't seen Eskimo Joe's commercials or worn the T-shirt? But even with all the hype, Joe's still retains its college town atmosphere and serves some of the best burgers in the state. Out of what started as a college hangout and bar, the restaurant/enterprise/entertainment venue has something for everyone. Joe's menu has all the things you ate as a college student, and may still pine for today:a variety of burgers, cheese fries, "dogs," and fried food items (fries, onion rings, zucchini, and mushrooms). There are also chicken dishes called the "Fowl Things" which I believe are addictive. For those of you who can't eat like you used to, Joe's has a great selection of salads, but I say, "Be bad!" No calories count at a destination like Joe's. If you're taking the whole family, you'll either need money for Joe's souvenirs or blindfolds for the kids who are sure to want them. Eskimo Joe's is located in Stillwater at 501 W Elm. Open 11am-10pm, Monday through Saturday; 11am-9pm on Sunday. Browse the menu, get directions, or shop for clothes at their web site. 800-256-JOES.

Old Germany Restaurant
Located in Choctaw just three miles north and one mile east of 1-40 on Choctaw Road, this restaurant is worth the trouble to find. You'll feel like you have stepped into a local German pub. If you love German food, this restaurant is the best; if you've never had German food, the staff will be happy to give you an introduction and describe their combination plates. I highly recommend any of the combination Old Germany Mixed Plates because you get breaded pork schnitzel and medallions of beef tenderloin in three different sauces (mushrooms in cream sauce, buttered mushrooms, and hunter sauce). Come hungry because the portions are large! Be sure to try the hot German potato salad and the red cabbage side dishe: both will redefine the way you think about these dishes. Old Germany takes reservations (except on some holidays), closed Sundays and Mondays. Visit their web site for a complete menu and driving directions. 390-8647.

Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.

What to Do
* Explore the park on foot through several nature trails. Guided hikes are available with advance notice. Experienced climbers with their own gear will find more than 50 rock climbing routes.
* Visit the park's Nature Center which features weekend nature programs, seasonal displays of wildlife, plant life and geologic history, and hands-on exhibits.
* Boat, water ski, fish, or rent a paddle boat or canoe at Lake Altus-Lugert.
* Enjoy the water chute and a double water slide near the park entrance.
* Play miniature golf, drive go carts and bumper cars, ride the Ferris wheel, and visit the petting zoo and kiddy rides.
* Bring your off-road two- or four-wheel vehicles for fun along the winding trails and wooded dunes at of The Eagle's Roost.
* Participate in activities at the resort lodge. The facility has outdoor games for all ages: croquet, bocci ball, horseshoes, volleyball, and badminton. Board games are available at the front desk. The lodge (580-563-2424) has 122 well-appointed rooms, plus an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Summer rates range from $89-$119 per night. The park also has cabins and camping areas.

How to get there
Take I-40 west to Clinton. Turn south on Highway 44 traveling to the Quartz Mountain State Park entrance at Highway 44A. If you're headed for the lodge, turn north on Highway 44A. After crossing the bridge, turn right at the "Y" in the road. Follow the main road through the park.

For more information
Log on to www.quartzmountainresort.com or call the Quartz Mountain State Park Office at (580) 563-2238.

Katherine Leidy is a freelance writer and public relations professional based in Norman. She and her husband, Robert, have a six-year-old daughter, Allison.

Great Plains Country
Garnet red sandstone cliffs ring Red Rock Canyon State Park and provides a wonderful setting for creating family memories. Bring your own equipment and spend a day rappelling off the cliffs. Adventurers come from all over the state to skim down the sides of the canyon. Bring your own horses and ride the Rough Horsetail or the California Road trails, then stay the night in campsites designed especially for families with horses. There is no boating, but the hiking trails are spectacular, and there is a stocked fishing pond.

Red Rock Canyon has spacious, grassy tent campsites with picnic tables and stone grills and RV sites in the California Road campground. This state park also has an excellent group camp with bunkhouses and a kitchen/dining room-perfect for family reunions. A small, spring-fed creek that runs through the park is just right for wading, but in the heat of the day, the swimming pool takes center stage. In the evening, hike along the canyon rim for a breathtaking view of the sunset. For park reservations, call 405-542-6344 or e-mail redrockcanyon@hintonet.net.
Driving Directions: I-40 west to the Highway 281 (Hinton) exit. Turn left after exiting and head south on Highway 281 through town. Go one mile past the town's only stoplight to the southern edge of town. Look for the easy-to-miss entrance into Red Rock Canyon on the east side of Hwy 281.

Green Country
Emerald green hills roll through Osage Hills State Park creating a peaceful, wooded retreat. This 1,199-acre park features four miles of winding hiking trails, two quiet fishing spots on Lookout Lake or Sand Creek, and well-planned camping sites which accommodate tent or RV camping. There are eight stone cabins that can be rented year round. The lack of a large resort and marina will suit families looking for a laid back getaway. Children will enjoy playing in the creek, swimming in the large pool, or paddling a canoe on Lookout Lake. The camping sites are large enough to set up badminton, croquet, or horseshoes. This multifaceted park works for families in the fall and winter as well as in the heat of summer. Trails that take the hiker past patches of wildflowers and green mossy rocks in the heat of July wind through colorful fall foliage in October.

Families can take a short drive out of the park to Woolaroc, which has one of the premier Native American art and artifact collections in the world, or to Bartlesville to see the Frank Phillips Home and the Nellie Johnstone Oil Well. For park reservations call 918-336-4141, or e-mail OsageHills@OklahomaParks.com.
Driving Directions: I-35 north to Highway 60 east (Tonkawa) exit through Ponca City. Follow the business district and see the town or follow 60 around the town. Pass Pawhuska and go north on Hwy 99 for approximately six miles, then take Highway 60 eastbound (again). The turn into Osage Hills is on the right side.

Kiamichi Country
Sapphire blue water laps the shores of Raymond Gary State Park making it a treasure for families who like the water, shade, and peace. Just off of Highway 70, this 46-acre park offers lake amenities and water sports on 390-acre Raymond Gary Lake. Families with boats will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in which to fish, float, and play in the water. The speed limit on the lake is 5 miles per hour, so those addicted to speed sports will need to take their boats 10 miles down the road to Lake Hugo.

In addition to comfortably-shaded campsites for both tent campers and RV units, this park offers “primitive” cabins. The cabins, which are right on the lake front, feature fireplaces, ceiling fans, heat/air conditioning, picnic tables, outdoor grills, twin beds, room for additional cots or sleeping bags, and a large screened in porch-just no bathrooms. There are bathhouses conveniently located throughout the park, and at just $55 per night, the cabins are perfect for large families. The quiet atmosphere of the park makes for excellent fishing, so if you don't have a boat, try the large, open fishing dock. There is an excellent swimming beach and a playground area for younger children. For reservations, call 580-873-2307.
Driving Directions: I-40 east to Henryetta. At Henryetta, take the Indian Nation Turnpike south to Highway 70 (Hugo) exit. Take 70 east to SH 109; go south to the park.

Whether your family enjoys sitting around a campfire, cooling off in a swimming pool, or hiking scenic nature trails, these small state parks offer a setting in which to relax and reconnect. Arkansas may have a diamond mine, but Oklahoma has hidden jewels to offer its families.

Pam is the Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts, University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of 5 children.

Duncan
What do actor/director Ron Howard and four million Texas longhorn cattle have in common? Historic ties to Duncan: Howard was born there and the cattle were herded through the area on the historic Chisholm Trail. The town is also home to one of our state's best, and most fun, museums-the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center.

Over a span of 17 years after the Civil War, some 4 million cattle were driven from south Texas through Indian Territory on their way to the railroads in Kansas for shipment to the East. The war depleted the eastern U.S. beef supply and folks in these parts capitalized on the shortage by rounding up the plentiful Texas longhorns to make big bucks.

The Chisholm Trail Heritage Center recreates "the greatest animal migration known to man," and helps visitors relive the adventure of life on the wind-swept trail. The story is told by a Comanche Indian, a Buffalo Soldier, a cowboy, and a cow-town mayor. You see, feel, and smell what it was like, thanks to the special-effects in The Chisholm Trail Experience Theater.

A remarkable life-size bronze sculpture entitled "On the Chisholm Trail" by Paul Moore sits outside the museum doors. The youth gallery offers fun hands-on activities for the half-pints. Hours are 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat., 1-5 pm Sun. www.onthechisholmtrail.com; 580-252-6692.

Next to the center is Centennial Park, a great place for parents to rest while the kids burn off some energy on the large, wooden climb and play structure. A water fountain and soda machine are on site, as is a 9-hole disk golf course (bring your Frisbee).

Visit the downtown tearooms and antique shops in historic Downtown Duncan. There you will see historical buildings with original tin ceilings, exposed brick and wood flooring.

To Duncan from OKC: I-44 south to Hwy. 81 south, past beautiful bluebonnets in the medians, or I-35 south to Hwy 7 west.
For more information: www.duncanok.org or 800-782-7167.

Lawton
Two unique, well-maintained museums are located on beautiful Elmer Thomas Park in Lawton: The Museum of the Great Plains and the Percussive Arts Museum. From I-44, take Exit 37/Gore Blvd. and go west, then head north on 2nd St. (Business 281), and west on Ferris Ave.

The beautiful Museum of the Great Plains houses a vast collection of historical, ethnological, and archaeological items, plus thousands of photos, maps, and documents. Kids will love exploring the one-room schoolhouse and 1830s Red River trading post. Special exhibits spotlight the cultural and natural history of the area. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children, under 6 free with adult. Hours are 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat. and 1-5 pm Sun. www.museumgreatplains.org or 580-581-3460.

The Percussive Arts Museum houses unique displays of drums and percussion instruments from around the world. Visitors love to experiment with percussive sounds and try their hands on a drum set and steel drums in the hands-on section. Admission is free for all ages. Hours are 9-5pm Mon.-Fri. and Sat.-Sun. 1-4pm www.pas.org or 580-353-1455.

At Elmer Thomas Park, visitors enjoy walking-trails, playgrounds, picnic tables, and the lovely Lake Helen. The park is also home to a colony of adorable prairie dogs. Please note that the prairie dogs are fun to watch, but they are not domesticated animals.

While in Lawton, visit the Fort Sill National Landmark museum complex. After the Civil War, the famous "Buffalo Soldiers" of the 10th U.S. Cavalry built their post and established regimental headquarters here. Fort Sill has been home to the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and School since 1911. There are 48 original buildings in the Historic Landmark, 26 serve as the museum. Fort Sill is also the final resting place of the famed Apache leader, Geronimo. Admission is free. Open 8:30am-5pm daily.

Stop by the Meers Store and Restaurant for a famous "MeersBurger," made of lean Texas Longhorn beef from owner Joe Maranto's ranch. This burger was voted 2003 "Best Hamburger in Oklahoma" by Oklahoma Living readers. According to Maranto, longhorn beef is lower in fat, calories and cholesterol than turkey or chicken. The restaurant's menu also includes steaks, barbecue, and one of the best BLT sandwiches you will ever taste. Desserts include homemade ice cream, peach or cherry cobbler, pecan pie and coconut pie.

The Meers Store is located on highway 115, 1 1/2 miles north of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. Take I-44 to Hwy 49, travel west about 4 miles to Hwy 58, then turn to the north for about 5 miles to the turn-off to Meers (follow the signs). Next turn to the west for 4 miles and don't blink or you'll miss it. Hours are 10:30 am - 8:30 pm Sun. - Thurs.; 10:30 am - 9 pm Fri. & Sat. Closed Tuesdays. No credit cards. www.meersstore.com or 580-429-8051.

Described as “wild, rugged, and weathered,” the Wichita Mountain range is one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America. The 59,000-acre Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is the oldest managed wildlife preserve in the U.S. Buffalo, longhorn cattle, deer, and elk roam free on the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The prairie dog town is very popular with the kids. Picnic and camping areas are available.

The refuge is home to lakes, streams, canyons, grasslands, and mountains. Be sure to stop by the impressive and well-maintained visitors' center at the crossroads of highways 49 and 115 to learn about the area and pick up a few souvenirs. The drive up the 3.5-mile, paved road to the top of Mount Scott offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding prairie land. The visitors' center is closed on Tuesdays. To get there, take I-44 south to exit 45 Medicine Park/Hwy. 49 and go west 14 miles. 580-429-3222.

Medicine Park is a charming cobblestone community neighboring the refuge. It was founded in 1908 as an exclusive vacation resort and was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s. While the throngs of vacationers faded with the onset of the Great Depression, its relaxing beauty remains. The lovely Medicine Creek runs through town and visitors can take a dip in the renovated Bath Lake swimming area. Quaint shops and restaurants are within walking distance. Cobblestone cabins and lofts are available for rent. I-44, take exit 45, Medicine Park/Carnegie, and head west on Hwy. 49. www.medicinepark.org.

To Lawton from OKC: 80 miles straight down I-44.

Altus
West of Lawton and north of Altus, cradled in the western Wichita Mountains, is Quartz Mountain, located 17 miles north of Altus on SH-44A, overlooking Lake Altus-Lugert. There you will find many fun outdoor activities including hiking, boating, golfing and mini-golfing, sand dune exploring, swimming, water skiing, paddle boating, horseback riding, plus a nature center and train rides. Stay at the beautiful resort lodge, rent a cabin, or pitch a tent in one of the camping areas. For cabin and lodge reservations, call 580-563-2424.

In nearby Altus (a 10-minute drive), take a tour of Altus Airforce Base and see the C-5, the free world's largest airplane. Or visit The Museum of the Western Prairie and step back in time to the 18th century. Museum hours are 9am-5pm, Tues.-Sat.; closed Sun. and Mon. www.museumwesternprairie.org or call 580-482-1044.

Weatherford
The Thomas P. Stafford Air & Space Museum, located at the Weatherford Airport near I-40 and Airport Rd., is truly a fun place to visit. Stafford graduated from Weatherford High School, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. As one of America's first astronauts, he participated in NASA's Gemini and Apollo projects and was commander of the Apollo 10 mission, the first lunar module to land on the moon, in 1969. During re-entry, he achieved the highest speed ever attained by man-28,547 miles per hour.

The collection of aircraft, space craft components, photos, and memorabilia housed in the Stafford museum are as impressive as the man's career-and the collection is still growing. Admission is $5 for adults 19 and older, free for children and students. Open 9am - 5pm Mon.-Sat. and Sun. 1-5pm. www.staffordairandspacemuseum.com or call 580-772-5871.

To Weatherford for OKC: 70 miles west on I-40.

Anadarko
A visit to Indian City USA in Anadarko is a step back in time into the lives of our country's native people before the white men invaded. A Native American Ambassador will guide you through seven life-size villages with replicas of Pueblo, Caddo, Kiowa, Wichita, Apache, Navaho, and Pawnee homes. Guides share information about each tribe's unique customs and beliefs. The walking tours take 30-45 minutes.

Visits include a performance of Native American dancers in authentic costumes in the dance arbor. On a recent visit, Ambassador Tom Mauchahty-Ware, of Kiowa and Comanche descent, described the dances and accompanied the performers on drum. He has been enlightening visitors as to the real ways of Native American people and dispelling phony Hollywood stereotypes since the park opened. One tip he gives to visitors, "Don't make a fool of yourself by greeting someone with "how!"

On site is a one of the southwest's largest Indian museums featuring a large number of artifacts and a gift shop with a wide selection of Native American arts, crafts, and souvenirs.

The park's 140-acre exotic game pasture is home to buffalo, fallow deer, wild turkey, black buck antelope, emus and llamas. For a true rustic adventure, spend the night at Indian City's Thunderbird Campground, nestled at the foot of the Tonkawa Hills.

Indian City USA is located 2 1/2 miles southeast of Anadarko on Hwy 8. Hours are 9am-5pm daily. Admission is $8 for adults, $4.50 for children 6-11, children 5 and under admitted free. 405-247-5661 or 800-433-5661or www.indiancityusa.com.

For more Native American culture, visit the Southern Plains Indian Museum on Hwy. 62, east of Anadarko. It houses historic exhibits of Southern Plains tribes and contemporary Native American arts and crafts. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children ages 6-12, kids 5 and under free. Sundays are free. Hours are June-Sept., Mon.-Sat., 9am to 5pm, Sun., 1 to 5pm; Oct.-May, Tues.-Sat., 9am to 5pm Sun., 1-5pm. Photography is prohibited. 405-247-6221.

To Anadarko from OKC: I-44 south to Hwy 62, exit 83 west.

Katherine Leidy is a freelance writer and public relations professional based in Norman. She and her husband, Robert, have a six-year-old daughter, Allison.

Fall Foliage
The last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November are expected to be the best time for viewing the state's most brilliant displays of red and orange-and I'm not just referring to the Sooners and the Cowboys. Oklahoma's spectacular fall foliage is a wonderful reason to pack a picnic and pile the kids in the car for a Sunday drive like no other. The Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department's web site, offers several foliage tour routes across the state. Just don't forget your camera.

Red Rock Canyon State Park, State Highway 8, south of Hinton
Along this 10-mile route, you will view the red stone canyon walls that serve as cover for the massive trees and present a dramatic landmark amid the Western Oklahoma plains. Hiking and camping are available at the park.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, northwest of Lawton off Highway 9
Astonishing granite formations set the backdrop for the post and blackjack oaks' amazing fall colors displayed throughout this 20-mile drive. You will also see the resident buffalo herd and other interesting wildlife. For a panoramic view of the area, drive to the top of Mount Scott, located on the eastern edge of the refuge. The visitor's center offers audio driving tours on CD or cassette so you can listen as you drive. Plan to stretch your legs on one of the hiking or biking trails, or stop to watch the adorable prairie dogs.

Forgo the picnic and head north on Highway 115 to Meers for lunch. This old frontier gold mining ghost town is the home of the Meers Store and its famous oversized "Meers burgers," tasty barbecue, and homemade cobblers. It is worth the trip. While in the area, visit the early-day cobblestone resort town of Medicine Park or the nation's largest collection of military artifacts at the Fort Sill Museum in Lawton.

Katherine Leidy is a freelance writer and public relations professional. She and her husband, Robert, have a five-year-old daughter, Allison, and reside in Norman. The fall colors at her home are appropriately crimson and cream.

Bye, Bye Percussion
Established in 1992, The Percussive Arts Society Museum has been a great destination for families. What child doesn't love a room full of hands-on drum exhibits? Located in Elmer Thomas Park, this museum lets visitors see one-of-a-kind percussion instruments from around the world. Kids love searching for instruments with names like angklung, button gongs, boobam, and jogged bumbug. The museum is now hosting a special exhibit called "Bells from Around the World." The museum sponsors a "concert in the park" series during the summer, so check their web site or call 580-353-1455 for the schedule. Unfortunately, this child-friendly museum will move to Indianapolis in early 2007, so take time this summer to visit, play, and get a final set of maraca bottle openers as a souvenir. Admission is only $1 for visitors 13 and up. The museum is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm.

Museum of the Great Plains
Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the highest honor a museum can receive, the Museum of the Great Plains is located just across from the Percussive Arts Museum. Families can easily see both museums in one afternoon. This museum is known for its educational indoor and outdoor exhibits. The mammals of the Great Plains natural history exhibit, including several large reconstructed prehistoric animals, is particularly impressive. The museum also houses art work and folk art from the region. The Tingley Indian shop is a re-creation of a turn-of-the-century store that houses artifacts collected by the Tingley family of Anadarko. The exhibit features Native American clothing, dance regalia, and beadwork. Outside, families can visit the Red River Trading Post, the Blue Beaver One-Room Schoolhouse, the Elgin Depot, and a Frisco steam locomotive. Make plans to visit the museum September 27-28 for the Red River Encampment where you can experience life in the 1890s. The gift shop features handcrafted Native American and folk art items. Admission to the museum and grounds is $5 for ages 12 and up; $2.50 ages 7-11; $4 for seniors; free for children under 7. The museum is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1-4pm. For more information, visit their web site or call 580-581-3460.

Biblical City in Oklahoma
It's not something you expect to find in a wildlife preserve, but the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge contains a recreation of biblical sites in ancient Jerusalem. The Holy City of the Wichitas boasts the longest-running Easter passion play in the U.S. and draws thousands of visitors for the sunrise production. It is truly inspiring to walk through the stone buildings and imagine yourself in New Testament times. Nearby is the Veterans Walkway, a memorial for the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, and the World Chapel. The Holy City is open daily 8am to dusk. Admission is free (donations appreciated), and the site is handicap accessible. Visit their web site or call 580-429-6540 for more information.

Must Eat
Lawtonians will tell you there is only one place to grab a burger-Wayne's Drive Inn. Established in 1950 by Wayne Abshere, this 50s style drive-in has become a familiar touchstone for visiting soldiers and long-time residents alike. Most will tell you that Wayne's is famous for its steak fingers, and they are excellent, but don't miss the "Sissy Burger" (mayo instead of mustard) or the onion rings (hand dipped and perfectly salted). The Wayne's logo is nearly as famous as that restaurant in Stillwater, so pick up a T-shirt, sweatshirt, or cap. Visit the Wayne's web site.

Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.

Begun in 1908 as the brain child of the enterprising Elmer Thomas (who later became one of Oklahoma’s U.S. Senators), the old part of Medicine Park is made up of cobblestone houses. As a child, my parents’ friends lived in one of those homes. The house I remember best belonged to the banker from my little town of Apache, Jim Bohart, and his wife, Etta. (Only doctors and bankers and the like were rich enough to own such summer homes back then.) Their house was not in the town proper—it sat on a nearby mountain. Even for a five year old whose focus was on swimming, the sunset view was marvelous. My father was a first-rate sign painter, and I remember how excited I was when he painted and hung a sign over the front door of the Bohart’s wonderful cobblestone paradise. The sign read, “Bo” with a great big heart—for Bohart.

When I was five, the Boharts invited everybody from our little First Christian Church down to their “house in the Wichitas” for a 4th of July celebration. That day sparkles in my memory like the fireworks that capped off a day of eating, singing, and swimming in the deliciously cold waters of the town’s natural pool. The centerpiece of this marvelous pool was a toboggan slide which had a ladder that I was sure reached to heaven. Those brave enough, and I certainly was because I had my Daddy holding my hand, rented boards that resembled sleds. We took them to the top, positioned them between the runners of the slide, and slid down the wet “highway” into the icy cold pool below.

While all of this was wonderful, thrilling, scary—every word in my limited vocabulary at that time—the best part of that Independence Day to rival all others for the rest of my life was seeing my father in a bathing suit. My father was very prim and proper and I had never once in all my life seen him in any state except fully and completely dressed, usually in a suit and tie. My father, who was forty-five when I was born, in a bathing suit! He had a chest. He had legs. There was hair on his back!

I had seen my dear Mama, who was 13 years his junior, her in shorts, mid-drift tops, and in nearly every kind of outfit imaginable. But not Daddy. “Oh, my stars and garters,” as my grandma used to say.

My suggestion to you? Right now, do not pass “Go,” do not collect $200 (remember Monoply?). Instead, go to your computer, type in MedicinePark.com, and enjoy some sweet memories of our Sooner State. Then next weekend, go there. You’ll thank me when you return.

Molly Levite-Griffis was born in Apache, Oklahoma, the setting for four of her seven award-winning books. Her newest book, Simon Says (Eakin Press, $22.95), received the “Oklahoma Book Award” in the Young Adults category by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. Look for it in bookstores now. The mother of two grown children, she is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and lives in Norman, Oklahoma. Visit her online at mollygriffis.com.