Heard Natural Science Museum and Sanctuary

We all know Mother Nature can be quite interesting, especially since she is quite unpredictable. Well here at Heard Natural Science Museum and Sanctuary, you can see, touch, and even smell just a taste of what mother nature has to offer. As you step into the exhibit, the first part features the very beginning of Natural Science....Dinosaurs. If you have kids, they will be able to become little paleontologists when they dig into a replica dinosaur discovery interactive exhibit.

From here, move to the more modern day where you can hold different rocks and experience different smells like a grey fox or a pine forest, they can even see a real life honeycomb. They do have a skunk smell too but I am pretty sure no one wants smells that.  Also in the area is a massive chunk of a tree where you can learn how to read the different rings of the tree. From here we will jump back in time again to see the fossilized remains to various creatures as well as minerals found here in North America. One particular item on display is a Gemstone Window.

As you journey from this room, you will come into the live animals room where you will see an assortment of snakes, spiders and other animals like this curious owl.

From here take a small detour into the room of Texas cave rocks. You can actually touch some of them and your kids can make up their own cave drawings. WARNING!!! A large chunk of Obsidian is on display and available to touch. Certain areas are sharp and can cut, so if your child wants to touch it, you might want to guide his or her hand to prevent it from getting cut. Get back on the path and make your way into the Sea exhibit. Millions of Years ago (depending on what you believe) Texas was underwater. As a result creatures like this Mosasaur roamed the seas. Yikes

When you exit this area, you will have arrived full circle back to the entrance. However there is still more to explore. The Sanctuary part features 289 acres of hiking trails, more animal exhibits and even a mock pioneer village for the kids. I wouldnt suggest going in midsummer as Texas can get quite hot and unless you are prepared to beat the heat, It wouldnt be a good idea to go hiking. Also, Be on the lookout for snakes. Because this is a wildlife sanctuary, any of the animals outdoors are in their natural habitat and may not like you being on their turf. Before you leave, be sure to visit the gift shops. The usual stuff like T-shirts, mugs, and trinkets are here but they also have toys for the kids, water for the hiking trails, and even animal shaped cookie cutters.

Entertainment: 4
Educational: 4
Price:3
Cafe: N/A
Giftshop: 3
Overall: 4

Additional Information

Address: 1 Nature Pl., McKinney, TX

Hours of Operation: 
Tues - Sat. 9 a.m - 5 p.m.
Sun: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Mondays: Closed
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day
Open until 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

Price: See website for details. Price varies based on Season

For More information, visit: http://www.heardmuseum.org/

Robbers Cave National Park

Every State has at least one national park. For Wyoming it is Yellowstone. For North Dakota its Mount Rushmore. Well here in Oklahoma one of our national parks is Robbers Cave National Park. Why is it called Robbers cave you ask? Because some of the most infamous outlaws of the wild west like Belle Starr, and Jesse James hid in the caves that came to be known as Robbers cave. It isn't much to look now because much of the cave has collapsed but what is left is still an interesting place to go to. Even as you climb on top of the hill face the view is absolutely spectacular. If you tread carefully and are lucky enough. You might even see the local lizard

Now like any National park, they have camping grounds, RV parks, a lake to go swimming in and a gift shop. This park however also has a swimming pool and a snow cone stand for the summer months. As for the gift shop, it is filled with all sorts of camping and survival equipment as well as your regular items like T-shirts, mugs, and caps. The price to enter the free but the price to get a cabin, park your RV or make a campsite varies with what you want. Be sure to check the website for a listing of all the prices.

Entertainment: 3
Educational: 3
Price: 4
Cafe: N/A
Gift Shop: 3
Overall: 3

Additional Information

Address: 2300 Park Cabins Rd. Wilburton, OK

Hours of Operation: Sun- Sat: 8 am - 8pm

Price: Visit the site for all prices.

For more information, visit: http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.6415?=Search_Mobile_Google_RobbersCaveStatePark

McLoud Oklahoma, Museum

Oklahoma like any other state has its fair share of small towns. However, it is what defines that small town is what makes them interesting. For instance, take McLoud, Oklahoma. One of the first doctors here, Dr. Jesse Mooney, Jr. helped one of the most notorious outlaws in the wild west, Belle Starr. Now like nearly every small town, they have some sort of historical society or small town museum telling of the history of the town. The McLoud Museum is one such museum. It is housed in what used to be a skating rink, an aviation parts storage facility and a car dealership. The items in here are not only from McLoud but also from the small town of Dale, which is known for housing The Grand Casino. One of these items is an old Aviators life vest, probably from World War II next to a fallout shelter sign that was probably used during the 60's during the Cold War scare.

As you go throughout the small museum you will notice things that might catch your eye. One of these was a town dog registry. Apparently whenever you owned a dog, you also had to pay a tax for each dog you owned. In order to be accountable to pay the tax, you had to register your dog with the City.

If you are a big baseball fan then you might recognize the names of Paul and Lloyd Waner a.k.a Big and Little Poison of the Pittsburgh Pirates back in the 1930's. They were born in a little town not too far from McLoud called Harrah.  As you venture from one part of the museum into the garage area, you will see and horse carriage and an actual winter horse sled. One unique item in the garage is the Wooden Butter churner. Probably wouldn't want to put butter in it now.

The whole museum with guided tour takes maybe about 30 minutes if you want to learn a little about everything in the museum. Admission is free but they do take donations. They want to eventually grow to include more items to show to the public so any funds are greatly appreciated. The gift shop doesn't include much with outside of the normal stuff like shirts and mugs. some of the more unique items you can buy are jars of 100% real local honey, tissue holders made of stitched cloth and a book call Mattie In search of God that tells the story of Mattie Ross a McLoud native. The McLoud Museum is a small museum but has many unique vintage artifacts that all tell an interesting story.

Entertainment: 2
Educational: 3
Price: N/A
Cafe: N/A
Gift Shop: 3
Overall: 3

Additional Information

Address: 421 W. Broadway McLoud, OK

Hours Of Operation: Only Opened to the public on Friday from 10 am - 3 pm. However call for an Appointment: (405) 964-5169

Price: Free Admission but Donations accepted

For More Information visit: http://www.mcloudhistoricalsociety.org/

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

Art is something I have always had trouble explaining for the simple fact that in many cases it is from a relative point of view. Of course this is with the exception of some of the older painting from people like Da Vinci, or Michelangelo. Other pieces of art like cotton on a white board are open to interpretation. Well here at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (NOT to be mistaken for Oklahoma Art Museum). you will see paintings from some very famous artists of the Boroque period as well as some more modern works of art. One of these is of Ganymede that was painted by Ludovico Carracci. In fact several of his works are here in the museum.

Next to the artwork is an area that makes up a replica of the home of famous Broadway play producer A. Max Witzenhoffer. It contains all authentic items paintings, items, and layout that was in the house at the time. 

Follow this area through to the Foreign Art exhibit. Here you will find "art" that is depicted through African dolls, Japanese clothing, Middle Eastern shields, and South American ritual masks.  Some of them are extremely old and clearly shows their age. The next area on the other side of the museum features Native American art on one side, and Glass, Porcelain, and Ceramic art on the other. One of these is what I like to call The Horse From Hell. By the way yes it really does have red glowing eyes.

Now there are two areas where photography IS NOT ALLOWED!!! The very bottom level and very top level are these areas. These mostly house temporary exhibits and get changed often. When I went, the exhibits were the Allen Houser collection, Religious art (mostly what looks to be the Byzantine era), Modernist art, and Photography from around the United States. Depending on which part you choose is completely up to you. 

I chose to start off at the very top floor. All the photographs are from different photographers of different time periods. One of the first pictures you will see is one of a female graduation class of 1902. As you move to the various pictures, the time period increases and the location differs. Near the end, you will turn the corner to see 3D art. Word of advice, If you are afraid of clowns, I would take the corner slowly. I myself am not afraid of clowns but nearly jumped out of my skin when I say a clown face popping out of the picture frame. 

From here I took the elevator to the very bottom where I saw religious art. The art itself was extremely old and if you look closely, you could see the cracks in the art. Most of them were from Greece but some of them were from Russia and Italy so If I had to guess, I would say they were Catholic artworks. After the religious collection, take a journey into the art of Allen Houser. Allen Houser was a Native American artist from Oklahoma that did everything from drawings to sculptures of Native Americans. Some of them are a bit risque so I thought I would warn you. 

Now the last area is hard to describe other than the art uses common items such as cotton, screws, etc. to create the piece. It is called Modernist art. There is however one piece in here that is interactive which is called Blow 4. Its really interesting in that two people have to be involved, and blow through a small tube. the air somehow transfers onto a digital screen to create a shape from otherwise chaotically floating digital pieces. 

The Museum is indeed a very interesting place to check out, especially if you are into art and interpreting it. Be sure to visit the gift shop for all sorts of art items. Standard items are there; pencils, shirts, books, etc. Some of the more unique items are Architectural Legos for the kids. They can build the White House, Sears tower in Chicago, and even The Smithsonian.   

Entertainment: 3

Educational: 5

Price: 5

Cafe: N/A

Gift Shop: 3

Overall: 4

Additional Information:

Address: 555 Elm Ave., Norman, OK

Hours of Operation:

Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday: Closed

Tuesday through Saturday (except Friday): 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Ice Cream Festival (Tuttle, OK)

We all know the Jingle "I scream, You scream, We all scream for Ice Cream". Well here at the Tuttle Ice Cream festival, the only screaming you may be doing is the epic brain freeze you will get by eating so much ice cream. The Ice cream is generously provided by Oklahoma owned company Braums. And it comes in other flavors besides chocolate and Vanilla. I personally got Birthday cake and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Of course Ice cream isnt the only theme going on. New this year is a 5k fun run called "Reagans Run" which supports the Tuttle animal shelter. At the end of this post I will be showing you one of the dogs you can give a loving home too.

Then there is the Car Show. If you are a fan of vintage cars you have to check it out. My personal favorite was this fully restored Auburn Speedster. Auburn was a Car manufacture company in the early 1900's. Unfortunately, because the cars were so stinking expensive and the Great Depression hit, the company went out of business for good.

As the day goes on, a new show comes in. First off is the Ice Cream Eating contest....and you thought your head hurt. Imagine a bunch of people trying to cram down as much ice cold ice cream as they can in 5 minutes. The winner last year crammed down a head splitting 9 cups of ice cream.

Then of course there is the Parade down main street. Everything from Local companies to the Reigning Ice Cream princess of last year, throwing candy down to the kids. Oh and those vintage cars from earlier? ya they are in the parade too. As well as vintage tractors.

Last but not least is the Ice Cream Princess Pageant. Some lucky girl will win the hearts of ice cream lovers and get the crown....at least until next year. And of course what festival wouldn't be complete without vendors selling goods and rides. Although there are no rides like there was in Previous festival posts, There are plenty of inflatables for the kids. The Ice cream Festival is just like any small town festival in that its a place where people can come together, have fun, and enjoy some ice cream all at the same time.

Entertainment: 4
Educational: N/A
Price: 4
Cafe:N/A
Gift shop: N/A
Overall: 4

Additional Information:

Address: Tuttle, OK

Hours of Operation: festivities start at 9 a.m

For more Information visit. http://cityoftuttle.com


PET OF THE POST:

This is Angel. She is a female Pit-Boxer mix less than a year old. Like all the dogs at the shelter, She has been spayed and has all her shots. The shelter is a No Kill Shelter. If you are in the Tuttle area and would like to adopt Angel or a dog like her, contact Tuttle Animal Shelter at (405)381-8565.

Rose Rock Festival

The Rose Rock is the state rock of Oklahoma. So what better place to have a festival of the Rose Rock than the Rose Rock capital in Noble Oklahoma. There is however a legend that goes with the Rose Rock. The Rock is actually called the Cherokee Rose Rock. The Cherokee were originally from Georgia and when Gold was found there (See Dahlonaga Gold Museum entry) the Government forced the Indians to trek the over 1000 mile journey to Oklahoma in what would be known as the dreaded Trail of Tears. nearly 1/4 of the Cherokee who went on this journey died. The tribe elders prayed to the Great Spirit to lift their spirits. As a result, The Great Spirit turned the blood and tears that dropped on the ground into rose rocks. Noble in an of itself is a small town so like any small town festival, the festival itself will be small. Of course also like any small town festival they will have local vendors showing off what they have. Like this Black bear you can take pictures with. By the way it loves cheese puffs.

Last but not least, what festival wouldn't be complete without fair food, rides and music. The Rose Rock Festival is small but lots of fun and if you ever need a Rose Rock for your collection be sure to check it out. It is always the first weekend in May. 

Entertainment: 4

Educational: N/A

Price: 3

Cafe: N/A

Gift shop: N/A

Overall: 3

Additional Information:

Address: Noble, Oklahoma

Hours of Operation: First Weekend in May

Friday: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

For More Information Visit. http://nobleok.org/rose-rock-music-festival

Legend of the Cherokee Rose Rock: http://www.syix.com/toad/LEGENDOFROSE.HTM

Express Clydesdales Ranch

If you, like millions of other Americans, watch the Super Bowl every year, you also probably watch the next best thing....the commercials. One of the more common commercials is made by beer manufacturer Budweiser in which they always seem to feature the same thing, The Clydesdale. Welcome to Express Clydesdale Ranch. The horses here aren't the same ones that are featured in the Budweiser commercials but they do perform in shows around the nation and in parts of Canada. These massive gentle giants will have you standing in awe at their sheer size as seen in the below photo of a regular horse shoe versus one of a Clydesdale. By the way, the average Clydesdale can weigh in at a staggering 2,000 pounds.

Of course Clydesdales aren't the only ones at the ranch. What ranch doesn't have a good guard dog or three? Then of course you have the foals that roam the area and even a zebra. WARNING! Do NOT try and pet the zebra. He has been known to bite. 

Now there is an upstairs where they keep all the awards the Clydesdales have won as well as an old fashioned coach. This area can also be used to hold birthday parties, weddings, etc. The entire area takes maybe about 10 minutes, or unless your a big horse lover maybe an hour. The gift shop doesn't hold anything unique but its certainly worth visiting and grabbing a t-shirt or maybe a postcards of the horses in action.

Entertainment: 4
Educational: 3
Price: N/A
Cafe: N/A
Gift Shop: 3
Overall: 3

Additional Information:

Address: 12701 W. Wilshire Blvd, Yukon OK

Hours of Operation:
Sunday: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tues - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Price: Admission is Free

For more information visit: www.expressclydesdales.com