Ingalls Homestead

he homestead was well worth the visit! It was incredible to see where the homestead is in relationship to the town, Silver Lake and the railroad. It certainly makes the books come even more alive. Once there, they have so much to do. My girls made corn husk dolls and all of my kids made rope, used that rope to lasso a metal horse, did old fashioned laundry, sewing, made a button toy, used a hand pump well, used an old fashioned lawnmower and played a pipe organ. We all took a wagon ride and the kids took pony rides. There were baby chicks , a calf and kittens. We were in very real danger of acquiring another pet. 🤣 You can also attend a prairie pioneer style school and church. My kids got the chance to participate in an old school recitation from the McGuffey readers as well as math and spelling. It was incredible. 🥰 All in all the people that work here and run this place are incredible and truly helped to enhance our love for the books and to give an appreciation of what pioneer life was like. During the week in early August there was no need to buy a ticket in advance. We spent a good chunk of the day here, about 5 hours to see and do all of the things. My kids are 6, 8 and 9 and it was absolutely perfect for them.