Ingalls Homestead, DeSmet, SD - June 2017

Out West Day 2:

After lunching at Sioux Falls, we headed north to De Smet, SD which is the home of the Ingalls Homestead.  Our family has watched every episode of the Little House on the Prairie TV series and we've also read the books.  Stopping by the Ingalls Homestead was something that we definitely wanted to include in our Out West trip - and we are so glad we did!

We made reservations to stay right on the Homestead and I would highly recommend doing this.  Our family fit comfortably in the Bunkhouse (sorry no picture!) and the bathroom and showers were a short 50 yards away.  There are also covered wagons that have been converted to cabins that families or couples can rent.  With a family of seven, we needed the space in the bunkhouse and it was perfect - although the covered wagons sure looked cool!

Upon our arrival mid-afternoon, we were able to check-in at the on-site store.  They had all sorts of knick-knacks for sale and the family enjoyed browsing the store.  We then explored the grounds and had great enjoyment "going back in time" to Laura's Living Prairie.  There was a dugout house that we could enter and see what it would be like to live there and we also were able to take turns pumping the well for some water.

                               

We explored the barn and stable area which had a calf, ponies, horses, mini-horses, and, and the highlight for our kids, some newborn kittens.

                               



           

We boarded a covered wagon that took us across the prairie, past the Big Slough, and down to the one room school-house.  Each of the kids on the wagon (including all five of ours!) were able to take a turn at the reigns and help drive the wagon.  The teacher at the school was dressed in character and it was very interactive.  The kids all dressed up in time period clothes, sat in the desk while learning the three 'R's, and even had a spelling contest!  It was very educational and quite a bit of fun.

           

After the ride back to the stable, we were able to participate in a couple of final activities before the staff closed up for the night.  We each made our own "homemade" rope and the kids all made corncob dolls.

           

By this time, we had worked up quite an appetite.  De Smet is about two miles away from the Homestead and we had dinner at the local Dairy Queen.  We also drove by Silver Lake, saw where Ma and Pa were buried, and the cottonwood trees that Pa planted.  After dinner, we headed back and had the evening to ourselves on the prairie.  It was a beautiful night and it felt like you could see forever.   The day visitors were all gone and we could explored the grounds some more on an evening walk.  The kids were able to hold the kittens again that night (and the next morning!).

I would highly recommend Ingalls Homestead and staying on site.  Be sure to reserve your rooms well in advance of your trip.  The hosts were very friendly and accommodating.  Getting there from I-90 is pretty easy as it's about 60 miles straight north of one of the exits.  60 miles sure seems like a long time with such wide open space but it's well worth it!