Every Oklahoman intends to take the fall foliage drive down highway 259 along the Talimena Scenic Byway. This 57-mile drive is arguably one of the most beautiful in the state and certainly the best known of the foliage routes. However, most of us have let the thought of taking children on a long drive from the Metro area and back keep us from actually going. This year, plan your drive to Kiamichi Country near the end of October or first of November because foliage forecasters say that color in this area should peak at that time. Staying a weekend at Beaver's Bend State Park allows you to see the scenery and enjoy an action-packed adventure the children will love.

Where to Stay
Plan to spend a weekend at Beavers Bend Resort on Broken Bow Lake. Each of the resort's 40 rooms has a spectacular lake view. The state park has 47 cabins, most with fireplaces, that accommodate four to six people. Campers can choose from 393 campsites. The park's native stone and rough timber buildings, built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, are scattered among the wooded landscape. Call 800-435-5514 for resort reservations or 580-494-6300 for cabin or camping reservations.

If you want to stay outside of the park, try the Broken Bow Inn. Their amenities include a hot tub, sauna, and swimming pool. Call 580-584-9103 for reservations.

Before You Go
To take advantage of all Beavers Bend has to offer, some advanced planning is required. Pack your binoculars, camera, and some warm clothing and enjoy a chance to see Bald Eagles. Once on the endangered species list, the Bald Eagle is now flourishing in Oklahoma. The park hosts an Eagle Watch along the Mountain Fork River each Saturday morning from Mid-March through November. For families on a budget, this is a great free activity. Call Frank Griffith at 580-494-6556 to reserve a spot.

Make sure your fishing gear gets into the trunk because trout fishing is big in this area. Broken Bow Lake has numerous streams perfect for fly-fishing; in fact, the Lower Mountain Fork River is considered the best trout fishing spot in the state. Several local guide companies hold fly-fishing clinics in November. When you call for reservations, ask if one will be held during your stay. Also check out Three Rivers Fly Shop (580-494-6115) if you want a guide service or need to rent equipment. Before you fish, purchase trout licenses ($10 each) either here or at the resort-even small children will need one.

While You're There
If you can plan your trip for November 10-12, you will get the extra treat of attending the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show. This festival features artisans demonstrating turn-of-the-century arts and crafts including candle-making, broom-making, and copper-smithing; children's games and activities; and a petting zoo. The festival runs Friday and Saturday 8am -5pm, and Sunday 9am - 4pm. There is live folk music each day. Check out the festival web site or contact Michelle Finch-Walker at 580-494-6497 for more information.

Even if you can't make it down for the festival, Beaver's Bend Park offers plenty of activities to keep a family busy all day. The Beavers Bend Nature Center and Wildlife Museum, located just inside the park, has a bear exhibit so impressive, even the teenagers in your family will be enjoy it. Admission is free. Another free museum in the park is the Forest Heritage Center and Museum which features the history of forestry, wood art, and local homestead memorabilia. Most of the dioramas were painted by Harry Rossoll who created our famous friend “Smokey the Bear.”

Outdoor activities at the park include spectacular hiking trails on which hikers regularly encounter white-tailed deer, beaver, mink, wild turkey, fox, and raccoon. You can also see the park on a guided horseback ride or hayride. If you prefer a more modern experience, take a 30-minute train ride on the C. P. Huntington, a 1/3 replica of the 1863 original. Call the Beavers Bend Depot and Stables (580-494-6613) for times and prices.

Tee off at Cedar Creek Golf Course, also known as “Little Augusta.” The course was given a 4-star rating by Golf Digest Magazine in 2002. Call toll free 1-866-602-4653 or visit www.oklahomagolf.com for tee times and prices.

Foliage Routes
To see the best foliage, follow Highway 259 north through the Ouachita National Forest to Highway 1, also known as the Talimena Scenic Byway. Head west through the Talimena State Park. If you are in the mood for more landscape, remain on Highway 1 to McAlister. Or, for a quicker route home, head north on Highway 82 to I-40. If you can't manage an entire weekend trip, check out the fall foliage web site for other scenic drives and foliage color updates.

Pam 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.