Experience Missouri's natural wonders with this week's to-do list

My summer vacations as a young girl didn’t consist of family road trips to large theme parks or far away destinations. We loaded up the truck, packed the Oldsmobile and headed to our favorite camping spots at Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson. Some years, after school was back in session, my family camped on the weekends well into September. The priceless memories made in that beautiful area of the St. Francois Mountains are true treasures.

This week’s to-do list pays homage to Missouri’s great outdoors experiences and a photographer who captures the essence of the Ozarks.

• The weekend weather looks to be quite warm and sunny so take advantage of a special Mudlick Mountain Tower tours event happening Saturday at Sam A. Baker State Park. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of snacks and water if you plan on hiking down from the firetower. It is suggested you bring your personal GPS unit or equivalent for participation in the geocaching challenge. All activities start at the Visitor Center. Sam A. Baker State Park is located at 9729 MO-143 in Patterson.

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Mudlick Mountain Tower Tours in conjunction with Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day to learn why vultures are key to a healthy environment during the tour. The fire tower on top of Mudlick Mountain is a prime spot for turkey vultures and black vultures to perch. Learn more about these raptors and the park with a guided van ride to the Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower. From the tower, you have the choice of riding the van on the return trip or you can continue with a hike down Mudlick Mountain and discover the unique geology of the St. Francois Mountains. Activities for the day include guided van rides to the Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower, hikes on Mudlick Mountain, geocaching opportunities, activities that highlight vulture awareness and more. Event times as follows: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., registration for van tour to firetower; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., van tour to fire tower (last tour leaves at 3 p.m.); 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., activities and crafts; on your own, hike Mudlick Mountain Trail; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. geocaching challenge.

• If you prefer the great indoors but still want to take in the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, pop into the Margaret Harwell Art Museum in Poplar Bluff from noon - 4 p.m. Friday, 1-4 p.m. Saturday or 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The images of fine art nature photographer Tim Edington will be on exhibit this weekend. His collection focuses mainly on the wildlife and landscapes of his native Missouri Ozark Mountains. The museum is located at 421 N Main St. in Poplar Bluff.

Whatever you choose, have some fun checking off your own to-do list this weekend.

Email suggestions for the to-do list to news@darnews.com.