This summer, we continued our adventures to visit Laura Ingalls sights with the Olson family. Last year we went to Pepin WI to visit the first log house in the big woods. This year we went to DeSmet SD to visit the Ingalls' homestead site. There was certainly much more to see and do, which made the 4 hour road trip totally worth it.
We made a pit-stop for a picnic lunch at Camden State Park about mid-way through the drive there. It was raining, but we made the best of it with a lantern-lit lunch under the shelter. Then we went exploring for a bit in the drizzle.
Once we got to DeSmet, it was later afternoon. We didn't waste any time to get in a few of the sites before the workers left at 6. First up was a horse-drawn wagon ride. The driver was kind and let each of the kids take turns driving the horses. Henry LOVED it. The ride took us to an old school house. The teacher walked us through what a lesson would have looked like in Laura's time.
There were all kinds of horses and ponies for the kids to take turns riding, old tractors and farm equipment to sit on, water to pump, and animals to visit. A highlight was after we went to town for a bite to eat, we came back to explore the farm more after everyone was gone. It felt like we had the whole prairie to ourselves. We walked out to the church on the land where the kids had fun pretending and playing the piano.
Eventually, the mosquitoes chased us into the covered wagon where we were staying for the night. After getting ready for bed, the kids cozied up on the lofted portion for a movie and popcorn night. The moms didn't get a restful night sleep, as we were tending to our kiddos (Henry who had allergies acting up, and Abby who had a sore leg), but even with such little sleep the next day, we agreed we would do it all again for this unique experience.
In the morning, after a picnic breakfast on the prairie, we finished exploring the farmstead site. We looked at their claim shanty, a replica of the sod house they built, the barn with kittens, and ma's house where they could explore and try out the different jobs around the house. Another highlight was getting personalized attention from one of the workers making some toys from that time. They made corn cob dolls (or in Henry's case a super hero), and jump ropes.
All in all, a wonderful experience. We are now planning on visiting Walnut Grove next summer!
1 comment:
This is SO cool. I used to wake up early in the summer just to watch Little House on the Prairie, and definitely read all the books growing up. How neat that you can stay in a wagon!
Great photos!
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