Studies indicate that interactive learning sharpens the brain by increasing critical thinking skills. Expanding knowledge improves mental health but it also inspires and informs people.
At Morada Lawton, we encourage residents to partake in meaningful activities. Not only do these activities, like visiting a museum, help mental health, but they also bring you closer to your neighbors and city. If you’re looking for your next cultural attraction, you don’t want to miss the Museum of the Great Plains.
Keep reading to explore what makes this museum a top choice for day trips for seniors!
Why Do We Recommend Local Museums for Seniors?
Many people vacation and tour other cities, but have you been a tourist in your hometown?
Residents of Morada Lawton regularly explore the area and get outside of the community. We include local museums on our activity calendar because they offer a calming environment with plenty to look at and read. The Museum of the Great Plains is one of our residents’ favorite choices because it includes interactive exhibits.
Stepping away from your normal routine can spark joy and inspire you to find new interests. Take a look below to discover more about the Museum of the Great Plains!
Discover More About the Museum of the Great Plains
When researching history exhibits near Lawton, the Museum of the Great Plains is bound to come up. The attraction is popular among locals because it offers an interactive way to absorb the area’s culture and history.
Here are a few features to look forward to:
- The Fort (renovations expected to be completed by May 2025)
- The Bell Gallery
- Coffee’s Station Project
- Seasonal exhibits
If you enjoy coming to the museum, consider joining the Friends of the Museum of the Great Plains. This volunteer group helps support the goals and activities of the museum. You can make a positive impact on the community in the company of similar-interested peers.
Continue reading to learn more about this memorable attraction.
Explore the Area’s Different Perspectives
Not all cultural attractions for seniors allow for exploring the past, present, and future. At the Museum of the Great Plains, you can experience it all within the same area.
Investigating different periods in the same location can increase cultural awareness and appreciation. When you understand the history of an area, especially if you’ve already seen it evolve, greater meaning can be established.
Aside from experiencing the area’s improvements over the years, you can create friendships. Activities, such as the museum, boost the social lives of our residents and can increase happiness. For higher activity levels, we encourage residents at Morada Lawton to join fitness programs for seniors.
The Exhibits Are Diverse
Regardless of your preferred learning style, you’ll find an exhibit (or several) that captures your attention.
Daily living skills were a bit different when people didn’t have technology to rely on. At the Museum of the Great Plains, you can experience what some of the “chores” were like. These serve as a great reminder of the past and can provide a sense of purpose to those working.
You can design a windmill or learn how to rope a calf if you’re up to the task! There are plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy at this museum.
The best part about the Museum of the Great Plains is that you can catch an informative showing at the cinema. After walking around to absorb the culture, a beak will be necessary, and the theater offers a slower pace.
Here are a few films currently playing at the museum:
- El Vaquero: The Forgotten Cowboy
- Ropin’ Fool
- The Drift
Luckily, the museum does an excellent job balancing new and old exhibits. Since the Morada Lawton community isn’t far from the museum, you shouldn’t miss out on attractions.
Experience the Impact of Tornados
According to city data, Oklahoma experiences an average of more than 50 tornadoes each year. If you’re a Lawton native, you may have seen or encountered one personally.
At the Museum of the Great Plains, you can enter the Tornado Simulator to get a closer look at what’s going on. While this simulator can be a thrilling experience, it’s also informative and can help prepare locals for future weather threats.
Many of our residents enjoy the Tornado Cellar simulator because it changes their perspective. You will discover how tornadoes have impacted local communities, people, and their homes. If you get overwhelmed with emotion, the prairie dog colony exhibit is a perfect transition!
What Are the Benefits of Joining Community Activities?
It’s natural to grow apart from friends as you age, but we try to prevent this issue in the Morada Lawton community. By frequently scheduling senior activities in Lawton, our residents can get a change of scenery and put their minds to work.
Living near friends can improve your mood, especially if you have someone to enjoy experiences with. If you attend any of our scheduled events, you will have a chance to connect with someone new.
We encourage our residents to remain active in their golden years. Not only is it a great time to reflect on interests and passions, but you can still pursue them by learning more.
Here are a few other benefits to consider when you visit museums:
- Combat feelings of anxiety or loneliness
- Foster a sense of purpose
- Increase physical activity levels
- Create connections
Making the most of each day is essential, no matter your age. We want our residents to find a community within our doors and also within Lawton.
Go Outside Your Comfort Zone and Connect With the Community
There are many reasons to visit the Museum of the Great Plains, especially if you’re a Lawton native. Uncovering the past and future of the region can help you learn more about the city you call home, with friends at your side.
Residents of Morada Lawton thrive because of our engaging activity calendar. Aside from the Museum of the Great Plains, seniors can visit other local attractions. As a result of these trips, our residents feel a great sense of community and fulfillment.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Morada Lawton, contact us online by completing a brief form!
