For fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House books, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes in De Smet, South Dakota, offer a tangible connection to the author's prairie childhood. With a strong 4.7 rating from 668 reviews, this historical place museum and tourist attraction has drawn visitors eager to walk through the buildings that inspired the beloved stories. This review compiles what visitors say about their experiences, from guided tours to museum exhibits, to help you decide if a stop in De Smet is right for your journey.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes at a Glance
Situated at 105 Olivet Ave SE in De Smet, SD 57231, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes are a collection of preserved and restored buildings tied to the Ingalls family. Visitors can explore the Surveyor's House, the original schoolhouse, and the family home built by Charles Ingalls, among other sites. The attraction is categorized as both a historical place museum and a tourist attraction, with a website at discoverlaura.org and a contact number at +1 605-854-3383 for planning your visit. The facility is noted for being family-friendly and welcoming to children, with accessibility features including a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet, making it easier for a range of visitors to explore.
What Do Visitors Like About Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes?
Overall, visitor sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers praising the knowledgeable and passionate tour guides. A common thread is that the tour, which typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, is well worth the time and ticket price. Several reviewers noted that even those unfamiliar with the books, like Gavin Ryan and Scott Schuttinga, found the experience educational and engaging, thanks to the staff's expertise and the compelling displays. The preservation of the buildings and the quality of the museum artifacts were also frequently highlighted as standout features of the visit.
1. Knowledgeable and Passionate Tour Guides
Reviewers consistently praised the tour guides for their deep knowledge and enthusiasm. Amy Rice mentioned that her guide, possibly named Jocelyn or Josie, was very knowledgeable about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family. Scott Schuttinga described his guide as amazing, noting his incredible knowledge of the family, the area, and the time period, and his ability to answer any questions. The Big Family also highlighted their guide Eric, who was invested in his own personal research and happily spent nearly two hours answering their many questions.
2. Authentic Buildings and Museum Artifacts
The opportunity to see authentic historic buildings and artifacts was a major highlight for many visitors. Alison A. King described touring the actual Surveyor's House and the House that Pa Built as a dream come true. Mdelsig appreciated the cool displays and the several buildings to visit, which gave a good view of early prairie life. Gavin Ryan was impressed by the museum's collection of artifacts related to Laura and the stories she told, noting that he learned a great deal just by reading through the exhibits.
3. Suitable for Fans and Newcomers Alike
While the site is a must-visit for dedicated Laura Ingalls Wilder fans, it also appeals to those with little prior knowledge. Gavin Ryan, who had never read the books, found the experience super cool and educational. Scott Schuttinga, also not a regular reader, appreciated the tour's depth and the guide's passion. The Big Family noted that while the tour is excellent for adults interested in delving into history, young kids who love the books also enjoyed it, making it a versatile family outing.
4. Tour Logistics and Duration
Reviewers provided practical insights into the tour's structure and length. Amy Rice noted the tour took about 1.5 hours and involved seeing multiple buildings around town. Scott Schuttinga described a tour that started in the Surveyor's House, moved to the original schoolhouse, and finished at the family home after a short drive. Ryan Krueger mentioned that a knowledgeable guide made almost 2 hours fly by, and Living With Bats recommended spending 30-50 minutes in the exhibit room before the tour for added context.
5. Preservation Efforts and Historical Context
Visitors appreciated the preservation and restoration work done by the historical society. Scott Schuttinga noted the society has done a great job preserving and restoring the original buildings, even relocating two of them. Suzi Scholtz learned that the stories were loosely based on Wilder's life and that her real life was considerably different, offering a deeper historical perspective. Mike Forsyth felt that ticket prices support the preservation program, making the visit feel worthwhile.