In my experience, people who have never been to Oklahoma usually imagine our state as a great expanse of prairie grass. You can’t blame them really; we are, after all, the place where the “wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.” In reality, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, Oklahoma has 11 ecoregions—more than almost any other state.

Many people feel bogged down by their daily lives, unable to find enough hours in the day to get everything done. Juggling duties at work and spending time with family is a common problem. One Edmond dad, Ashley Benjamin, appears to have created a new day, one which seems to have more hours than that of the average man.

Since my kids were young, I’ve been on the hunt for a getaway that would provide our family the perfect mix of relaxation and activities, something for everyone (a tall order given our family’s diverse ages and interests), and a variety of amenities. I’ve found my Nirvana, and it’s located within an hour of the Metro area.

Here is my Top Ten list of historic places all Oklahoma kids should see before they turn 12. There were many choices in each category, but in the final analysis, only those that included opportunities for family fun made the final list. Happy trails!