During our first year of homeschooling, my two youngest children and I read through the entire Little House on the Prairie series together. I hadn’t read the books as a child, nor did I watch the television series, but the nine books took me back to a wonder of childhood that I never expected was possible. My young daughter was drawn immediately to Laura and the uniqueness of how she was raised, especially compared to our modern life.
My daughter connected to Laura’s stories so much so that her play reflected it on a daily basis. She set up a one-room school house upstairs complete with large chalkboard, McGuffy readers, mini slates, and American Girl doll students. She’s been teaching herself how to sew aprons, bonnets, and shawls. She takes baskets into our geeenbelt to forage and collect flowers. Our picky eater even started to love baking cornbread.
As a part of our homeschooling journey, we do fun celebrations related to a book or series after we finish. Although we had already thrown a Little House on the Prairie party at a local farm, I wanted to find more ways to celebrate my daughter’s love for Laura’s biography, as well as her fascination with that period of American history.
Core childhood memories were being shaped and passions developed, so I was inspired to plan a surprise trip.
If you are also a fan or have one in your household, you might enjoy going back in time into the childhood of Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Grace, as we did. Our itinerary is shared below, as well as additional ideas for future trips for the Laura Ingalls Wilder super fans.
Little House on the Prairie Travel Itinerary: Exploring the Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder
This travel itinerary will take you through key locations in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, where you can learn about Laura’s life, immerse yourself in the history of the pioneer era, and also enjoy some modern-day attractions.
Stop 1: The Gathering Place – Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Journey Begins
Start your trip in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by visiting The Gathering Place, a stunning 100-acre park nestled along the Arkansas River. Though not directly related to Laura Ingalls Wilder, this modern marvel offers a beautiful start to your journey, allowing you to experience outdoor beauty in a state that played a key role in America’s westward expansion. Spend some time walking along the trails, enjoying the imaginative playgrounds, and experiencing the park’s interactive art and gardens.
It was recently voted the best city park in the USA, and we could see why. It’s really a botanical garden and huge unique playground combined. Everything is free by the way… free parking, free admission, and free boat rentals! We spent 3 hours there but could’ve stayed longer. If you go, save time to do the scavenger hunts (pick up in the lodge) and grab food from the cute and affordable cafe. There are several places to picnic and feed the koi as well.
Highlights:
- Scenic riverfront views
- Nature trails and modern playgrounds for all ages
- A great starting point for family-friendly fun
Stop 2: Little House on the Prairie Museum – Independence, Kansas
Step into Laura’s Childhood
Next, head north to Independence, Kansas, where you’ll find the Little House on the Prairie Museum, located on the original site of the Ingalls family homestead from Laura’s childhood. This is where the story of “Little House on the Prairie” begins, in the log cabin her family built in the 1870s. The museum complex includes a replica of the Ingalls family cabin, a post office, schoolhouse, and various historical artifacts that bring this era to life.
Highlights:
- Tour a replica of the Ingalls family cabin
- Learn about pioneer life through historical exhibits
- Explore the one-room schoolhouse similar to what Laura attended
Stop 3: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum – Mansfield, Missouri
Where the Books Were Born
Continue your journey to Mansfield, Missouri, where Laura and her husband, Almanzo Wilder, settled later in life. Here, you’ll visit The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum, where Laura wrote all of her “Little House” books. The museum houses personal belongings of the Wilder family, original manuscripts, and memorabilia that will give you a deeper appreciation for Laura’s life and work. You’ll tour the Wilders’ farmhouse and the Rock House, both of which are preserved as they were during Laura’s lifetime.
Highlights:
- Explore the farmhouse where Laura wrote her famous books
- Visit the Rock House, a gift from Laura’s daughter, Rose
- See manuscripts and personal artifacts from the Wilder family
Stop 4 (Same Day): The Rose Wilder Lane Museum – Mansfield, Missouri
Laura’s Legacy Through Rose
While still in Mansfield, take time to visit the Rose Wilder Lane Museum, dedicated to Laura’s daughter, Rose. Rose was an accomplished writer in her own right and played a significant role in shaping her mother’s legacy. This museum celebrates her contributions to literature, journalism, and her influence on the “Little House” series.
Highlights:
- Learn about Rose’s life as a writer and journalist
- Discover the pivotal role she played in her mother’s writing career
Stop 5: Silver Dollar City – Branson, Missouri
Step Back in Time with a Dash of Adventure
End your itinerary with a visit to Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, a theme park that captures the spirit of the 1880s frontier and pioneer life. While not specifically tied to the Ingalls family, the park offers a fun, immersive experience with attractions like old-time crafts, blacksmithing, glassblowing, and live entertainment that evokes the pioneer era. You can enjoy thrilling rides, catch a live show, or simply explore the old-timey shops, and be sure to check in for a cave tour. The underground marvel was the original attraction in Branson that eventually led to the boom town we know and love today. The tour is fantastic, and the cave is unforgettable.
Highlights:
- Authentic 1880s-themed rides and attractions
- Live demonstrations of traditional crafts like candle-making and glassblowing
- Family-friendly entertainment, including shows and concerts
Start planning today …
This “Little House on the Prairie” travel itinerary offers the perfect mix of history, literature, and fun for fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder. From the historic cabin in Independence, Kansas, to the family home where the books were penned in Missouri, to the charming park in Branson that celebrates pioneer life, this journey takes you deep into the heart of America’s frontier history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the books or just beginning to explore their magic, this trip will leave you with a greater appreciation for the legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the world she so beautifully captured in her writing.
It was the perfect girls’ trip for my daughter, my mom, and me to experience together. I encourage you to pack your bags, embrace the pioneer spirit, and hit the road!
Side note: We were able to plan our trip to include a visit with cast members from the television series during their 50th anniversary tour in 2024. It made our trip extra special. Unfortunately that tour has been cancelled, but you can follow this Facebook page for more opportunities to meet them.
On our Bucket List for Future Travel to South Dakota –
Because we had such a great time at the southern locations, my daughter and I hope to take a future trip up north to De Smet. Here’s a sample itinerary for that trip.
Day 1: De Smet, SD – “Little Town on the Prairie”
- Ingalls Homestead – interactive site where the Ingalls family lived. Enjoy hands-on experiences like driving a covered wagon, visiting the replica sod house, and learning pioneer skills.
- Surveyor’s House & First School of De Smet – Tour the original buildings from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, featured in By the Shores of Silver Lake.
- The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society – Visit exhibits and artifacts related to the Ingalls family and Laura’s writings.
Day 2: De Smet, SD
- The De Smet Cemetery – Visit the graves of the Ingalls family, including Pa, Ma, and Mary.
- De Smet Historical Walking Tour – Take a guided walking tour of De Smet, seeing key locations from the books, such as the locations of the Wilder family store and other historic sites.
We’ll likely plan our visit around one of these annual events for Little House on the Prairie Fans –
- Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant (July) – Every July, De Smet hosts a live outdoor production based on Laura’s books. The pageant brings to life her stories through performances in the beautiful prairie setting.
- Wilder Welcome Weekend (June) – A weekend festival featuring crafts, storytelling, and family-friendly pioneer activities celebrating Laura’s legacy.
- Prairie Days (August) – Held at Ingalls Homestead, this event allows visitors to experience life as Laura did, with special pioneer activities like hay-twisting, butter churning, and sewing workshops.
We hope these ideas inspire fellow readers and fans to travel through history and re-ignite your love of the book and TV series. If you know of other opportunities or attractions worth visiting, please comment below.
I’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite thing to do in the Texas Hill Country?