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Mid South Tour: Design on the Range

Program Details

Destinations: Oklahoma, Arkansas & Texas

Program Dates: June 6th - June 17th, 2025

Two-Phase Application Process

November 18: Interior Design Chapter · Members Only · Applications Begin

November 21: Applications open for all students, alumni, and community members. 

Applications will be reviewed by the panel. $500 deposit is due within 72 hours of registration. Applicants will be notified when they are able to register. 

Requirements:

  • 18+ years old
  • Be responsible for carrying their own luggage 
  • Good physical condition
  • Additional application: Please fill out the and submit the following answers in PDF format to beginning on the dates listed above. Any length and style is acceptable to convey your answers to the following:

1) Choose one specific location from the trip itinerary that you are most interested in and explain why it stands out to you.

2) Describe how participating in this experience could benefit your academic and personal growth.

3) Describe how you plan to prepare for this journey and the steps you will take so that you can fully immerse yourself in the architectural and design experiences this trip has to offer.

Travel Considerations: This experience includes several scenic drives between destinations, with the longest stretch lasting up to 6 hours. Participants should be comfortable sitting and being in vehicles for extended periods. 

Physical fitness level is moderate to demanding. Physically challenging activities will be offered, included extensive walking. Total time walking or standing will exceed 3 hours. There will be an average of 6 miles, continuous brisk pace per day

Itinerary

Items may vary and are subject to change.

Pre-Departure meetings in March & May.

Program in June.

Post-Trip banquet in July.

     Fly non-stop from Salt Lake City to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and begin your adventure with a night in Owasso. Visit the famous Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, an icon of Western hospitality and local fare. Experience a visit to the Frank Lloyd Wright Inn at Price Tower, the only Wright-designed skyscraper.

     In Bentonville, Arkansas, you’ll enjoy two nights exploring a hub of art, architecture, and history. Tour the renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House. Discover modern contemporary art at The Momentary and learn about American retail history in the birthplace of Walmart. Highlights include Fay Jones’ architectural gems: Thorncrown Chapel and the serene Cooper Chapel. Visit the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and connect with the area’s significant cultural history.

     Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and cowboy culture of Fort Worth, Texas, with a two-night stay in the Historic Stockyards area. Visit the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Kimbell Art Museum, known for its unique architecture and impressive collections. Experience the interactive Fort Worth Water Gardens and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Stop in Dallas for architectural marvels, including Philip Johnson’s designs, and explore highlights such as Klyde Warren Park and the Perot Museum. Visit Waco’s Magnolia Silos before touring the Wilsonart Headquarters in Temple to see innovative manufacturing in action.

     Enjoy a night in Austin, Texas, the vibrant state capital known for its lively cultural scene and historical landmarks. Explore the Texas State Capitol and the expansive LBJ Presidential Library. Discover sustainable practices at the Austin Central Library and experience Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” at the Blanton Museum of Art. Visit South Congress Avenue for local flavor before driving through the Texas Hill Country, where you’ll see historic sites like the Faust Street Bridge and enjoy stops at the LBJ Ranch and the famous Salt Lick BBQ.

     Experience two nights of Texas cowboy culture at Dixie Dude Ranch in Bandera County, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” Participate in horseback riding, campfire stories, and authentic ranch activities. Enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Country landscape, rich in history and local folklore, and get a taste of true Western hospitality.

     Conclude your journey with three nights in San Antonio, staying at a hotel on the iconic River Walk. Explore the historic Alamo and stroll along the scenic River Walk, visiting the vibrant Pearl District and the artsy La Villita Historic Village. Discover historic scenes like the San Fernando Cathedral, Mission San José, and the modern designs by Lake Flato. From the McNay Art Museum to the Spanish Governor’s Palace, this final stop blends the best of Texas history, culture, and design.

Cost

Cost: $3,100

Deposit: $500

Full Cost Must be paid prior to trip departure

Included:
Hotel accommodations: Relax and recharge each night in well-appointed hotels featuring comfortable rooms with individual beds. Enjoy free breakfast daily and stay in convenient locations close to local attractions, shopping, and dining, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the unique culture and charm of each destination during evening free time.


Transportation: Hit the road in style. This experience includes all transportation throughout the trip in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a road-trip adventure as we travel together from city to city, making scenic stops along the way. 


Academic Program: Unique educational experiences for all participants. Option to earn up to 2 credit hours included in program fee.

 

Guided Tours, Cultural Immersion, Excursions, Cultural Events, Free Time, Language Support, Itinerary, Meals: See itinerary for a glimpse into the incredibly dynamic schedule that this trip has to offer. 


Insurance, Safety Measures, Emergency Planning: The University and the trip leaders take your safety seriously. Planning will be communicated pre-trip so that all participants feel confident about what to do and who to contact in any event.


Networking, Packing Tips, Group Dynamic, Pre-Trip Destination Knowledge: Even before the trip begins you will have the opportunity to learn about the other participants, the amazing places you are headed, and what you will need to take you there.

 

Not Included: Airfare, any unscheduled travel, Lunch & Dinner (both included daily during Dude Ranch stay), optional activities. 

 

Academic Courses

Students may enroll in:

  • ID 4830 Directed Reading (2 credit hours)

Program Directors

Ashley Badali & Kristen Arnold

Our study abroad and in-country trips offer participants unforgettable, hands-on experiences. Earn college credit while exploring design and culture in real-world settings. With scholarships and complete trip planning, all you need to bring is your curiosity.

"The Best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask." - Jeff Johnson

ashleybadali@weber.edu

kristenarnold@weber.edu

Trip Cancellations

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

Refunds will NOT be given to students due to COVID-19 concerns. Before programs were canceled in 2020, every student was given the option to withdraw from programs without penalty due to COVID-19. This year students are applying, cognizant of the pandemic. Weber State will not intentionally place students into high risk situations. We will work together with Program Leaders and Departments on canceling should the destination demonstrate increased risks, be they from COVID or any other concern. As such, students must abide by the standard refund policy.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.