Could You Go To The Ingles Family’S House?

The Surveyor’s House in De Smet, SD, is a popular destination for visitors to learn about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life and her books. It is where five of her books unfold, from “Silver Lake” to “The First Four Years”. Visitors can also explore the original homes and school of the Ingalls family in De Smet, South Dakota, and learn about Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane through their writings and relationship in the 2024 summer exhibit.

The Spring Valley Methodist Church, now a museum housing historic artifacts, antiques, and records, is a must-visit for those interested in the Ingalls family’s pioneering spirit and the enduring legacy of the “Little House”. The Little House on the Prairie Museum, the official historical site of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book “Little House on the Prairie”, features a replica of the Ingalls family cabin. Walnut Grove Minnesota is the childhood home of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who penned the “Little House” series of books.

The Banks of Plum Creek, where the Ingalls family lived, is a must-visit destination with its rich history, engaging exhibits, and lively events. The Laura Ingalls Wilder House, also known as Rocky Ridge Farm, is a historic house museum in Mansfield, Missouri, where more than 30, 000 visitors from all 50 U. S. states and about 20 countries make their pilgrimage each year.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes offers tours of two original homes of the Ingalls family and an original school that Laura and Carrie attended. The family-friendly museum features eight exhibit buildings and a jail cell for visitors to explore at their own pace. House tours are about 30 minutes each, and the museum tells the story of the family’s life with historic artifacts, outbuildings, and memorabilia.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum is open to visitors, and the property is peaceful and offers a chance to learn about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life and legacy.

Does Big Sky Ranch Still Exist?

Big Sky Movie Ranch, the oldest and largest operating movie ranch in Southern California, has hosted numerous films, TV series, commercials, and music videos for over fifty years. Located in Simi Valley and offering more than 6, 500 acres of diverse landscapes, the ranch is famous for its role in productions like "Little House on the Prairie," which filmed exterior shots here in the '70s and '80s. As part of celebrations for the show's 50th anniversary in 2024, iconic life-sized set façades, including the Ingalls house and Oleson’s Mercantile, have been recreated in their original locations.

The ranch has endured challenges over the years, including a significant fire that damaged the property. Despite such setbacks, it continues to be an active filming site, with new sets built to support current productions. However, it is not open to the public as it is a secure location. Tours featuring the recreated façades are scheduled for June 8 and June 15, 2024, allowing fans to connect with the ranch’s storied past. The Big Sky Ranch office is situated at 4927 Bennett Road, Simi Valley, CA, highlighting its ongoing legacy in the entertainment industry.

How Long Does It Take To Tour Laura Ingalls' Wilder Home?

Visitors to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum can expect an engaging experience that lasts between 2 to 3 hours, which includes touring two historic homes and exploring the museum. Tours vary in length from 45 to 60 minutes. Although the walk between sites isn't long, it's moderately paced, with a 5-minute walk possible if you limit photo opportunities. The location offers handicap parking at Rocky Ridge and additional parking across the road for those who prefer not to walk. Each year, over 30, 000 visitors from all 50 states and around 20 countries come to Ellis, Missouri, to connect with Laura Ingalls Wilder's legacy.

The museum features Laura's original manuscripts, personal items, and the house where she wrote her famed book series. Notably, the Rocky Ridge Farm site is where Laura spent significant time writing and living in a setting reminiscent of her life. Guests are encouraged to plan their visits, keeping in mind that fully appreciating the experience may take half a day if they choose to engage deeply with the displays and exhibits. During special events, such as Laura Ingalls Wilder Days in mid-September, additional activities and attractions are available, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

How Far Was Walnut Grove From Sleepy Eye By Wagon?

The Ingalls family occasionally traveled from Walnut Grove to Sleepy Eye or Mankato, covering approximately 82 miles in modern times, which takes about an hour and a half by car. The distance from Walnut Grove to Sleepy Eye is about 37. 14 miles eastward, taking roughly 56 minutes of non-stop driving. By horse-drawn wagon, this journey would take significantly longer—approximately 8 hours, with walking taking about 12 hours.

Notable characters in the narrative, Albert and Andy, hike for miles through the woods to find lodging in Sleepy Eye, emphasizing the difficulties of travel during that era. Despite the convenience of modern transportation, the television show "Little House on the Prairie" features scenes that sometimes defy the realities of travel distances and time.

For instance, even though Sleepy Eye is about 40 miles from Walnut Grove, characters occasionally undertake unrealistic journeys, such as traveling 80 miles in one day. Additionally, as travelers navigate Historic Highway 14, they encounter landmarks like the Original Ingalls Dugout Site, which recalls the Ingalls family's early struggles and living conditions near Walnut Grove. Overall, the area's historical significance is highlighted through both the physical journeys undertaken by the Ingalls family and the modern acknowledgment of their path along Highway 14.

Does Walnut Grove Still Exist?

Walnut Grove is a city in Redwood County, Minnesota, with a population of 871 as per the 2010 census. Formerly known as Walnut Station, the town is notable for its connections to Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series. Though locations in the show are fictional, Walnut Grove itself exists, and fans can visit the site where the Ingalls family lived. A replica dugout is accessible a mile and a half north of town, on land owned by the Gordon family, who also maintain plum thickets. The area is significant for its history, as it served as the backdrop for "On the Banks of Plum Creek."

Walnut Grove was incorporated on March 13, 1879, with its name derived from the walnut trees along Plum Creek. The community emerged post-Civil War as citizens sought new beginnings. The town has a museum honoring the Ingalls family and hosts the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, recreating life in Walnut Grove during the 1880s. Despite Laura Ingalls Wilder never returning, the town has preserved her legacy through various historical markers and structures from her time. Today, Walnut Grove remains a small agricultural community, located southwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul, that celebrates its connection to Wilder's life and works.

Can You Visit Where They Filmed Little House On The Prairie?

The Big Sky Movie Ranch in Simi Valley, California, served as the primary filming location for "Little House on the Prairie," where many iconic sets were constructed, including the Ingalls family home and the town's church. This ranch, notable for various film and television productions, allowed fans to explore the filming locations and learn about the show's history. Visitors could tour re-creations of significant sites, such as the Ingalls' farmhouse, the Wilder house, and Hanson's Mill.

Despite its Minnesota setting, most external scenes were shot in California. Sadly, a devastating fire in 2018 destroyed much of the ranch, limiting public access. However, some historic sites related to Laura Ingalls Wilder remain open to visitors, including the Surveyors' House and the Ingalls Homestead. While location filming occurred in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, the majority of the series was produced at Big Sky Ranch, along with interior scenes at Paramount Studios.

Although the ranch is not easily accessible now, fans may still consider reaching out for potential visits on off days. The TV series, which aired from 1974 to 1983, successfully depicted life in the Midwest while being primarily filmed in California, making it a significant piece of entertainment history.

Can You Visit The Walnut Grove Set?

A mile and a half north of Walnut Grove lies the dugout site where the Ingalls family initially lived, now owned by the Gordon family, who invite visitors to explore the landscape Laura Ingalls Wilder described, including plum thickets and springs. Fans of "Little House on the Prairie," both from the TV series and books, can tour the actual Walnut Grove, where the Ingalls resided, along with a replica of their dugout. Key attractions include the Big Sky Ranch featuring re-creations of the Ingalls’ farmhouse, the Wilder house, and other significant locations from the stories.

Daily shows commence at 8 p. m. with tickets starting at $18, followed by the Loose Gravel Music Festival on the last Saturday of July. The Sod House on the Prairie, 18 miles east of Walnut Grove, showcases restored prairie land, further enriching the historical experience. Visitors often explore De Smet, South Dakota—known as the Little Town on the Prairie—along with Walnut Grove and Plum Creek, where the series is set.

The local museum displays memorabilia from the Ingalls’ era, and while the original "Little House on the Prairie" set is closed due to fire damage in 2018, there are still opportunities to relive this beloved history.

Is The Ingalls House Still Standing In Walnut Grove Today?

Laura Ingalls Wilder had numerous homes, but two significant ones are in DeSmet, South Dakota, and Mansfield, Missouri. The Ingalls family spent time in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, where they initially lived in a dugout that no longer exists. The site is managed by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and is undergoing renovations. A monument honoring pioneers like the Ingalls is located nearby, along with a well-maintained private home that features a donation box for maintaining access to the dugout site’s location.

Walnut Grove celebrates its connection to Wilder’s "Little House on the Prairie" series, promoting its literary significance with various attractions, including the original dugout and the restored property where the Ingalls' church once stood. Visitors can explore landmarks associated with the family, even though the television series was filmed elsewhere. Attractions include the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Gift Store, located at the corner of 8th Street and County Road 20, where Laura once worked.

The museum showcases models of the Ingalls’ homes and celebrates their legacy, including the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. Despite only living in Walnut Grove for a few years, the area's historical importance remains vibrant, ensuring the memory of Laura Ingalls Wilder endures for visitors today.