ADVENTURES ACROSS OKLAHOMA Grandtravel
When our first grandchild was a few years old, the realization hit me that I have the opportunity to experience a myriad of kid-friendly activities with the infusion of child-like wonder and curiosity. Visiting the OKC Zoo and Martin Park Nature Center, making sugar cookies with extra icing and sprinkles and keeping up a running commentary on cows and fire hydrants outside our car windows all have new
meaning with my favorite tiny traveling companions. As our grandchildren have gotten older, now 8, 6 and 4, we’ve begun to expand our travels around the city and state. Following are a trio of primarily outdoor adventures, which, in our experience, prove delightful for all generations and are perfect for times of social distancing and beyond.
BY DEBBI MARSHALL . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
For history buffs and older children enchanted with Native American and military history, Historic Fort Reno is a treasure trove. My husband Bob and I had visited with friends and family members previously but wanted to share the experience with our grandchildren, who were intrigued by the promise of learning more about war and weaponry! Located 4 miles west of El Reno, the sprawling historic site offers windswept views for miles, and one can almost imagine the desolation of this 1874 outpost established as a military camp during the Indian Wars. During the hour-long drive, we shared a bit about the history of Fort Reno with our grandchildren, where Buffalo soldiers and Cavalry and Infantry units of the United States Army were stationed from 1875 to 1907. The fort also played a significant role in the 1889 and 1892 Oklahoma Land Runs and served as an internment work camp for German and Italian POWs during World War II. Pawpaw did his best to explain the concept of prisoners of war to our grandkids, and shared that so many of these prisoners, after being forced to return to their home countries after the war, ended up returning to America with their families to enjoy their freedom living in a new land. Young and older legs alike will enjoy a stretch walking the grounds. Some buildings can be entered and toured, while others admired from outside. On our visit, Fort Reno’s director and museum curator Wendy Ogden, who’s been involved with the fort since she was a child, started our tour in the Fort Reno Visitor Center and Museum, the former home of the head veterinarian at the fort. Historic Fort Reno
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