NATIONAL PARK OFFERS RANGER-LED PROGRAMS GET OUTDOORS, EXPERIENCE NATURE AND HAVE FUN LEARNING! At Chickasaw National Recreation Area (CNRA), the Rangers make it fun to learn. There are programs year-round but summer hosts the busiest schedule. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you will find plenty of events covering a variety of subjects. Activities are offered to help all ages explore the wonders of our National Park. Morning hikes on Saturday and Sunday start at the Travertine Nature Center at 9:30 am. During other seasons, these walks are held in the afternoon. Also at this location, you can view videos that give an orientation of CNRA. Plan some extra time to explore the exhibits at the Nature Center. Pop-up Programs cover a variety of topics including history, wildlife, the environment and more. They “pop-up” at the Nature Center on Saturday and Sunday. Call ahead or visit the website. Other popular daytime programs are the Junior Ranger and the Junior Angler Program. To become a Junior Ranger, participants are provided an activity booklet and, upon completion, earn a badge. The Junior Angler Program teaches kids all the fundamentals of fishing and furnishes a book, all equipment and bait. This activity is early on Saturday morning and requires a reservation at least the day before.
Did you know...? Cowboys in Oklahoma used to tell time using the position of The Big Dipper (Ursa Major) in the night sky.
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Night time is also full of fun. Friday Night Nature Walk will allow you to examine the creatures that come out after dark. Call ahead on Fridays to make your reservation. The Night Nature Walks are held the first part of summer (9:00) and switches to the Night Star Walk at Veteran’s Lake in mid-summer. (Approx 9:30 - no reservation required) At Cold Springs, Buckhorn, and The Point Campgrounds, check out the bulletin boards for postings on Saturday night programs at the amphitheaters. Be sure to call ahead (580-622-7234) or check the website (nps.gov/chic) for complete details and reservations if required. Get outdoors and have some fun!
Fun Times Magazine | www.visitthearbuckles.com
