Laura Ingalls Wilder Events Around the Country 2024

It’s not always easy to find out about what’s going on for Laura Ingalls Wilder events around the country. I finally decided that current information is probably best posted on a month-by-month basis so for current information search this site for the name of the month you are looking for and the word “event” (for example March 2024 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events).

Let me know if I’m missing any. Most of these events are annual but check with the group hosting the event for exact dates for following years. There are a few events that no longer exist.

I have enough information that I want to post what I have for 2024. The events I haven’t gotten dates for yet still have 2023 dates and are italicized. I’ll update them as I get more information.

CHECK BACK! for changes throughout the year. I make changes and updates on the page (click here)  and NOT on THIS POST as I find out more.

Listen to our Looking Ahead Episode

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/trundlebedtales/2024/05/05/ep-151-looking-ahead-at-laura-ingalls-wilder-fandom-2024

Or find it wherever you get your podcasts under Trundlebed Tales.

Blue lake with a tree and grass on shore
Silver Lake October 2018

Pepin WI

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s 157th birthday is February 7, 2024. They’ll be celebrating in Pepin at the Little House Wayside, the cabin at her birth site, on February 3, 2024 from Noon-2:00pm. Come on by!

Home at Laura’s Place – 9:00 am to 5:00pm (2nd weekend, Saturday and Sunday)

  • May 10-12, 2024
  • June 8-9, 2024
  • July 13-14, 2024
  • August 10-11, 2024

Visit the Little House Wayside in Pepin, WI on these special weekends to see the cabin fully furnished and re-enactors demonstrating the arts of daily living in the 1870s.  This is a cooperative activity of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days Committee, and the Austin Tea Party Players.

50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024 (See more detail under cast reunion)

Laura Days – September 14 & 15, 2024
This is their big Laura event of the year. Traditionally they include the most participants (including adults) who dress in prairie clothes, a regional fiddle contest, and a Traditional Crafts demonstration area.

Hours

2024 Season Opens: May 1, 2024

Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily (including weekends & holidays) from May 1st thru October 26, 2024 (including Memorial Day, July 4, & Labor Day).

Last Day of Season: October 26, 2024

Independence KS

This year Prairie Days has been changed into a cast reunion event. There is more information under the reunion events section.

50th Anniversary Event – Independence, KS – Prairie Days-A LHOTP Cast 50th Celebration on May 31 – June 2, 2024

Carrie Ingalls Swanzey’s Birthday Party – Saturday August 3, 2024

Hours

Open March 15th – November 1st, 2024  – 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm everyday.
[Opening and closing dates not confirmed.]

Walnut Grove MN

Online Laura Ingalls Wilder Birthday Special – February 4, 2024 – 3:00 pm –
The Walnut Grove pageant will have another online celebration of Laura’s birthday. This time focused on the actresses who played Nellie Oleson in the pageant over the years. The interviews will be live, recorded, or read. Due to time constraints, they are interviewing the Nellie actresses who had been in the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant for 5 years or more. They would still like to hear from any Nellie actress in the form of a short bio of what you are up to now and any thoughts on acting as Nellie Oleson in our production.

Find-a-Grave Presentation – April 18, 2024
Bonnie Caldwell will present about grave hunting. Bonnie will share how to use the Find-A-Grave site and provide tips on making it a fun experience.

Walnut Grove Pageant – This year continues a brand-new trilogy of plays in place of the Fragments of a Dream pageant. The first in the trilogy will be closest to traditional Fragments of a Dream so they did the 2nd one last year. This year it’s the third one, Dream Fulfilled.

  • July 12-13, 2024
  • July 19-20, 2024 (Reunion Weekend)
  • July 26-27, 2024

Family Festival held in Walnut Grove City Park on pageant Saturdays, July 12, 19, and 26, 2024. The festival goes from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Check the Walnut Grove website for full schedule and more details as it gets closer.

2024 will be the 50th Anniversary of the Little House on the Prairie TV show (NBC). Walnut Grove is the homesite that has had the most to do with the TV show and has announced they will definitely be following up their 40th and 45th reunions with one this year. They are still rolling out information. If you plan on going look for where you want to stay now because they aren’t many spaces yet.

50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Event – Walnut Grove, MN – July 19-21, 2024 (Scroll up to Walnut Grove section for more information)

This is not one of the repeating productions and so will be done differently. This is Paul Valenti’s report on Facebook in January: “You DO NOT need an advance ticket to attend the reunion events being held within Walnut Grove. Autograph/Meet & Greet tickets will be available when you arrive in Walnut Grove. It is also not expected that tickets for the evening pageants will sell out, there is always more room ‘on the hill’ for that particular event. I DO expect that there will be a brunch and a dinner event held that weekend for which you WILL need an advance ticket. So all that the fans should concern themselves with right now, in regards to the Walnut Grove Reunion, is finding lodging and transportation, everything else will be announced in plenty of time for those of you who are looking to participate in the various events taking place that weekend.”

That is good advice, except I would pre-buy the pageant tickets as soon as possible to get good seats. Some people prefer to sit on a blanket on the hill though so it’s up to you. The pageant will be the play put on by the townspeople every year and a pre- pageant Q and A session with the TV show cast. You do not have to pre-buy a ticket to the Autograph/Meet & Greet sessions. They will also have a photo with the cast on Sunday. This is my playlist of videos from when I attended their event in 2014. I’ve got it cued up to video 3 which is when I made it to Walnut Grove.

Friday, July 19: Bruncheon ($70)

Saturday, July 20: Luncheon ($70)

-Your ticket includes a meal, a photo of you & others at your table with the Star, and a Gift Bag with exclusive items.
-You are only allowed to attend one of these events. You cannot attend both the bruncheon and luncheon.
-Additional information will be released by April 1st. Pre-sale date and times will be announced at that time.

Sunday, July 21 Photo Opportunity ($25)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Community Center

You will have an opportunity to get a photograph with all of the Stars attending our reunion. The Stars will be seated and staged for you to join their photo. The photos will be taken on your personal device.

Here is their current page about the reunion event it’s got all the information you’ll need. Here is their regular pageant page, click Pageant at the top and it will give you more options for details.

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)

2024 Walnut Grove Museum Hours Schedule – Republished With Permission

Walnut Grove Hours

Church bell in Belfry
Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with Pa’s Bell

Burr Oak IA

Normally Burr Oak has a lot of smaller events throughout the year. This year they are planning on them again, but nothing is planned that far out. Check back later in the year for more. Under events on their website they have Laura Days dates out to 2030.

  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum Annual Meeting January 20, 2024, Burr Oak Lutheran Church 6pm, if you are interested in attending by Zoom e-mail the museum and you will be sent the link. museum@lauraingallswilder.us
  • Spaghetti SupperDecorah Lutheran church on March 9, 2024 from 4:30-7:00 pm. Live auction of donated items from local businesses and homemade pies begins at 7:00 pm. $15 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; 4 and under free. Carry-outs and meatless sauce available. Meet our Little Miss Lauras and learn about our latest projects!
  • Laura’s Sack Lunch Drive-Thru Meal – May 5, 2024
    A fundraising drive through featuring the Winnesheik County Cattlemen. It also includes an open house at the new school building with live music, presentations by their Little Miss Lauras, and refreshments.
  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Days  June 21-23, 2024
    Sarah Uthoff of Trundlebed Tales will be the speaker!
  • Coloring Contest –

    Enter the Masters Hotel Coloring Contest! The 2024 information should be published May 1, 2024. The contest is open for all 8, 9, and 10 year olds. Download the picture and send to the museum. They will release the date to mail by and update the details later. Be sure to include your name and address on the other side of the picture. The winner will be announced at the Annual Laura Day Celebration. Need not to be present to win. All entries become the property of the museum. The winning picture will be displayed in the Laura Museum Visitor Center for the remainder of the season. The winner will receive the Laura Ingalls Wilder Coloring Book illustrated by Cheryl Harness. Click the link below to print the picture and entry form. Coloring Contest Rules

Hours – Unconfirmed for 2024

  • Opens May 1, 2024
    Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
    Sunday: Noon – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
  • Memorial Day – Labor Day
    Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Last tour 4:00 pm
    Sunday: Noon – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
  • Post Labor Day – Mid October:
    Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Last tour 3:00 pm
    Closed Sunday-Wednesday
  • Last day of the 2024 season TBD

De Smet SD

De Smet Memorial Society

Beyond The Prairie: A Journey Through the Lives of Laura Ingalls Wilder & Rose Wilder Lane will be the special exhibit for 2024.
Immerse yourself in the Wilder Legacy. Encounter the real Laura and Rose through their lives, writings, and relationship through a special display. May thru September 2024

De Smet Pageant

  • Prairie Girl: Laura’s Dakota Stories – An original production and  is described as featuring Laura and early De Smet history.
  • July 5, 6, 7, 2024
  • July 12, 13, 14. 2024
  • July 19, 20, 21, 2024
  • Gates Open 6 pm, Performance at 8 pm

Old Settlers Day will be Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The Ingalls Homestead is hosting a Plein Air Event (painting in the open air) in conjunction with the Harvey Dunn Society. Find more details about a previous event. –  August 8-11, 2024 with the wet sale on Sunday the 11th.

We don’t have dates for 2024 for their Christmas events, but I assume they will happen again this year.

  • “Christmas at the Ingalls Home” – No dates confirmed yet
    Join us for early holiday shopping plus a chance to tour the Ingalls House on 3rd Street free of charge. Stop at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society for your free ticket.
  • “Radio Pageant”- No dates confirmed
    You can attend in person at the De Smet Wellness Center. Previously
    it was broadcast live on Facebook, also, but no confirmation of that yet.

Memorial Society

  • May & September: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    School fieldtrips typically visit in the mornings.
    Please call ahead to confirm tours.
  • June-August: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
    Sunday 11:00 AM-5:30 PM
  • October-April: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Call ahead for tour times
  • Holiday Hours:
    We will be closed December 26, 2024 and January 2, 2025 so that our employees can spend the Holidays with their families.

Ingalls Homestead

2024 Hours

  • SPRING: May 1 – 23, 2024
    Monday – Friday – Hours vary daily as we host school field trips. Please contact us for availability.
    Saturday & Sunday – We are closed on weekends prior to Memorial Day.
    We do not keep regular hours during our spring season, but we do welcome visitors. Our activities are limited in the spring and can vary depending on when you visit. During our spring season, we do not offer the pony and pony cart rides. We are generally closed the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend, to give us a day of transition between school field trips and our summer season.
  • SUMMER: May 25 – September 2, 2024
    Open 9am-7pm, Activities from 10am – 6pm. The first covered wagon ride leaves at 10am and the final covered wagon ride leaves at 6pm, with rides and activities throughout the day. We are open every day including Sundays, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
  • AUTUMN: September 3 – September 30, 2024
    Open 9AM – 5PM; Activities offered from 11am – 2pm, Saturday Activities offered from 11am-4pm
    We have the covered wagon ride, pony and pony cart rides, and hands-on activities each day. We will not be offering the one-room schoolhouse session except on Saturdays.
    October 1 – October 31, 2024
    Daily 9AM – 5PM, weather permitting.
    No activities offered, but the grounds, visitors center, and gift shop are open.
  • WINTER:
    The grounds are closed for the winter, but we are still in the office. If you would like to make a camping reservation, request information, or place a phone order, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

behind the barns

Spring Valley MN

  • Spring Cleaning  May 4, 2024
  • Ice Cream Social  June 21, 2024 at 5pm
  • Eliza Jane One Room School Days  End of July (TBD)
  • Ag Days (formerly Wilder Fest) August 16-18, 2024
  • Winter Fundraiser  Fall/Winter (TBD)

Hours

Open between Memorial Day Weekend thru the end of August. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. During September and October open Saturday and Sunday only, 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Additional hours and events may be added later.

Mansfield MO

Note: Mansfield has been scheduling small events without a lot of notice. If this trend continues I will add them to list as soon as I find out about them.

For the 2024 the Special Season Exhibit- “Remembering Almanzo Wilder.” They have worked on filling in the spot where the previous museum was. They’ve kept Almanzo’s workshop and built a restoration of their garage. It will be the focal point of this year’s special exhibit.

  • Independence Day
    The Fourth of July is always celebrated in Mansfield, Missouri. Parades have been a tradition here since the days of Horses pulling Decorated Wagons and Buggies. Today we all celebrate Independence Day in Mansfield with a Parade, Festival and Fireworks.
  • Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp – July 22-26, 2024
    The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association “Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp” for the 2023 season! The camp will be for children ages (9-12). Camp will cost $TBA per child and will include a week of exciting adventures around Rocky Ridge Farm. Campers will enjoy many learning activities, bringing a hands-on perspective to the pioneer lifestyle. Email: liw.pioneercamp@gmail.com Camp will take place, rain or shine!! Your child will not want to miss this special week of historic fun and memories!!!! Register today and reserve your spot! What is included from last year’s post – Registration cost includes 5 days of camp, tin cup, badge, book, shirt and a hat (bonnet for girls and coon skin cap for boys). For more information, call 417-924-3626.
  • “Laura’s Memories” – An Outdoor Pageant
    Sadly the Ozarks Mountain Players have closed down. The rights to the script and songs have reverted to their authors. There is some hope in town another group in town will restart ”Laura’s Memories” the pageant in Mansfield City Park. Sadly this is the second Laura pageant group, after the one in Pepin, Wisconsin which closed some years ago, to close. It’s the first long running pageant to do so. It had great music and the most comfortable pageant theater of the current shows.
  • 49th Wilder Days  – September 27-28, 2024
    Annual celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder, America’s favorite pioneer girl, and her cherished Little House books. Sadly they didn’t get funding for the fiddle contest on Wilder Day. It will be a great day to enjoy hearing fiddle music Pa’s Fiddle played.
    Please come out and enjoy the festivities. Visit our Facebook page for more info.
  • Wilder Dinner – September 27, 2024
    The 5th Annual, “Wilder Dinner.” The date has not been announced, but is normally on the Friday of Wilder Days. The special guest this year will be Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder on the NBC series).
  •  The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival November 7-8, 2024
    The 6th Annual, Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival. For more information please visit www.liwclf.com
  • Jean C. Coday Day at Rocky Ridge Farm –  Nov. 2, 2024
    As former director (1993-2018) and board member (1960-2018) of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum we honor her memory and years of service with a discounted ticket price of $10 for all active and retired teachers and librarians. Mrs. Coday had a passion for children, devoting 31 years as a teacher/administrator with the Mansfield school system. The Jean C. Coday Elementary School Library was named in her honor in 2000. The board of directors have decided to make this an annual event on the Saturday closest to her birthday.
  • Christmas at Laura’s – Saturday, December 14, 2024 – 5pm-7pm
    Opening and decorating the Rocky Ridge farmhouse for Christmas is a tradition here on Rocky Ridge Farm. Holiday shopping in the giftshop. Come celebrate Christmas with us in a most special way!
    It’s Mansfield’s Christmas in the Ozarks that day with Activities starting at 2pm, a Christmas Tea from 2:30-3:30pm, and the parade at 4pm. Most stores around the square will be having an activity.

Hours

  • March 1st – November 15th, 2024 (Closed Easter Sunday, March 31)
  • Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Adult Ticket – $18.00   Children 6 to 17 – $8.00   Children 5 & Under – Free

Malone/Burke NY

  • Find more on events.
  •  Annual Meeting and Dinner! Jan. 26,2024 at the As We Like It Cafe in Malone NY. Special presentation by Melanie Stringer, historian and Wilder scholar. Details at almanzowilderfarm.com/blog
  • Eclipse Days – Sunday, April 7, 2024 12pm – 3pm, Monday, April 8, 2024 11am – 3pm
    Museum and Gift Shop open and the grounds are open for eclipse viewing
  • Fiber Arts – Every Wednesday starting April 17, 2024 3pm-5pm
  • Opening for the Season May 25, 2024
  • Fun on the Farm! – Saturday, June 22, 2024 10am – 4 pm
    A fun day for kids with traditional games to play. Winners will be announced for the art show and essay contest. Honorary Almanzo and Laura will be chosen! Check back for more details.

     

  • The following annual event dates haven’t been released for 2024
  • Celebration of Youth and Morgan Horse – July 16, 2022
    Children’s art on display, along with students’ essays. Award ceremony and the announcement of Honorary Laura and Almanzo
    Kids art activities, 19th century games, vendors, food
    Entertainment & more!
    Dean Butler who played Almanzo Wilder on the TV show will guest.
  • Annual Cultural Festival – Scottish Fling – July 15, 2023

    Our annual cultural events will resume this summer with our 2nd Scottish Fling! Come enjoy the enchanting sounds of bagpipes, watch traditional Scottish dancers, and try some Scottish fare, as we celebrate the influence of the Scots in rural northern NY when the Wilder family lived here. Vendors invited.

  • Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Anniversary Celebration – August 25, 2024
    Lemonade and Cupcakes, free admission for people with the same anniversary (must show proof)
  • Annual Harvest Festival & Civil War Living History Encampment – September 23 & 24, 2023
    Civil War living history encampment
    Pumpkin painting and children’s 19th century game in the orchard, children’s corn pit in the barn,
    Adult juried art show on display
    Entertainment, demonstrators, craft & produce
  • Christmas with Almanzo  – December 2, 2023 – 11am -3pm
    Join us at Christmas with Almanzo! Kids’ holiday crafts, carol singing, Farmer Boy Christmas chapter readings, and gift shop open! FREE admission.

ALL EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Their regular season runs from May 25 through September 30, 2023. If planning a visit when they are closed you can reach out and ask about a special tour. Higher rates apply for small special groups, regular rates for groups over 3 people if they can arrange the staff.

Vinton IA

Tours are not currently available. We are in doubt of future events due to uncertainty of the future of the building.

Keystone SD – Longtime Home of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey

50th Anniversary Event – Carrie Days: A Celebration of the Life of Carrie Ingalls – Keystone, SD – July 26-28, 2024 (Scroll down to the reunion section to see more)

Hours

The museum will be opening in May 2024 with the following hours:

  • Monday-Friday: 10 am – 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
  • Sunday: Closed

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum – West Branch IA

They do a special Laura program every year in September with a speaker. Sadly they missed doing one in 2023. No word on date, time, or format for this year’s.

Pomona Public Library – Pomona CA

No Laura’s birthday Gingerbread Sociable will be held again this year. It may return next year.

Old World Wisconsin – Eagle WI

Old World Wisconsin is returning to Laura Ingalls Wilder events in a different way. They are offering camps. Search their events page for Laura Ingalls Wilder to pull up more information or book tickets. This year they have increased the number of times they are offering both camps.

Little House Adventure Summer Camp – One day adventure camps for kids held 5 different times. Registration is a separate fee. Kids ages 8-10.

  • Thursday, June 27, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
  • Thursday, July 18, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
  • Thursday, July 25, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
  • Thursday, August 1, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm
  • Thursday, August 8, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm

Little House Family Adventure Summer Camp – One day camp for kids and adults to go together. It doesn’t say so, but I think they expect you to bring a kid if you’re an adult.

  • Sunday, July 21, 2024, 10 m. – 3 pm
  • Sunday, August 4, 2024, 10 am – 3 pm

Nelson Pioneer Farm – Oskaloosa, Iowa

They got a new director and haven’t set dates for this year’s events yet.

  • Laura Days – July 11 – July 28, 2023
    Three different series of craft activities will be offered every Tuesday-Friday throughout July. This is not a day camp. The goal of this program is for the adults and children to do the activities together. Adults must remain with their children. Most activities are designed for children ages 6-10. Any special notation regarding ages or skill levels are listed with the activities. Or a modification will be available. Younger siblings are welcome to join in to the best of their ability! Each day we’ll feature a building or exhibit before heading to the craft barn to make the craft.

  • Colt on Ingalls Homestead

    Colt on Ingalls Homestead

The Newberry

This information is from 2023, but Sardella-Ayres is planning on holding an online version of the class this fall. It has not been formally adopted yet and there is no dates or times.

Online Class, Tuition Required, Number of students capped
This class explores Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series in-depth, from multiple angles, including their settings, authorship and publication, adaptations, translations, and continued legacy. How does the series present American history and American girlhood? What do the books reveal about society, ideology, and America in their historical time? Taught by a dedicated Wilder scholar, this class will examine chronologically Wilder’s eight-book series, as well as the works of Wilder’s daughter, the author and political theorist Rose Wilder Lane. The instructor is Dawn Sardella-Ayres received her PhD from the University of Cambridge in 2016, and is the current L.M. Montgomery Institute Research Associate for 2022-2023. She specializes in girls’ literature and the girls’ Bildungsroman, and has published on Alcott, Montgomery, Johnston, and Wilder.
Information Page

Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – Marshfield, Missouri

Little House events Find more on their website

2024 CBF Ticket Information -These are only the Little House related events (plus Lesley Ann Warren’s Cinderella because that is awesomesauce – best live action Cinderella ever!) This is the ticketed events list. Non-ticket events haven’t been published yet.
*All Cherry Blossom Festival tickets will go on sale on Presidents Day at 8 AM (CST). This is a list of the ticketed festival events ONLY. A full schedule will be released later as it is finalized.
Click on the following link if you would like to view every ticketed event:
Thursday, April 25:
2:30 PM (Marshfield Community Center, 110 Commercial Street): The annual Cherry Blossom Tea; Lesley Ann Warren (Cinderella, Rogers & Hammerstein’s 1965) will be the keynote tea speaker and the tea will be “Cinderella” themed. Admission will be $12 per person and can be ordered online at or by calling 808-345-4975. Hats are highly encouraged for this festival event. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/844108490217?aff=oddtdtcreator
Friday, April 26:
8 AM (Marshfield Assembly of God, 1538 W. Washington): Laura Ingalls Wilder Breakfast- The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum hosts, “Nellie’s Breakfast”-benefiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival. The program will feature a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of Little House on the Prairie. Panel participants will include:
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
  • and other memorable cast members from the classic television show.
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online at or by calling 808-345-4975. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/844152381497?aff=oddtdtcreator

Reunion of the TV show cast April 25-27, 2024
Find more info on their website and on their Facebook page

Cast Reunions at Non-Homesite Towns of More than 3 Cast Members

I updated the cast lists as of April 11, 2024. These are what I have found from published lists. I don’t have any insider information. Thanks to Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder) who sent me some list corrections. All listed actors are “scheduled to appear” and if something happens they may not come.

50th Anniversary of TV Show and Cast Reunion– Simi Valley, CA – March 22-24, 2024
Learn more on their website it’s all listed there.

Summary by Nora Harmon: They will have a professional photographer that will take your photo with any of the stars. You sign up for a time and you and 3 others can get a printed 8×10 photo. Plus a free download. Each individual star is $65 each and then there are group photos too.

  • Karen Grassle (Ma Ingalls)
  • Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder)
  • Jonathan Gilbert (Willie Oleson)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue Terhune)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Brenda Turnbaugh (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Michelle Steffin (Toddler Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Green Bush Twins, Rachel Lindsay & Sidney Robyn (Carrie Ingalls)
  • Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Snider Edwards)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Linwood Boomer (Adam Kendall)
  • Michael Landon, Jr. (Jim, also Michael Landon’s son)
  • Leslie Landon (Etta Plum – last teacher on the show and Michael Landon’s daughter)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Stan Ivar (John Carver aka the man who got the original Little House from the show)
  • Brian Part (Carl Sanderson Edwards – Mr. Edwards adopted son)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb – from the rapist clown episode)

The Prairie Days, a 50th LHOTP Cast Anniversary Celebration at Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, KY will be held April 5 – 7, 2024

Little House on the Prairie Cast Member Meet and Greet ~
Fri., April 5 – Noon-4pm, Sat., April 6th 10am-4pm, Sun., April 7th 1pm-4pm
Located in the Settlement on Ashley’s Back Porch Cost: $12 over 12, $6 under 12
Little House Murder Mystery Dinner Theater ~
Fri., April 5th 6:30pm Cost: $175, Limited to 90 Guests
VIP Breakfast ~ Sun., April 7, 8:30am Cost: $100, Limited to 90 Guests
Stage Coach tickets available on April 6-7. Tickets need to be pre-purchased.

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Dan McBride (Henry Riley – Customer at Nellie’s restaurant)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb – the rapist clown episode)

Ticket info https://www.eventbrite.com/e/737631785527?aff=oddtdtcreator

Missouri Cherry Blossom FestivalApril 25-27, 2024 (Scroll up to Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival section)

50th Anniversary Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024

  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • & you’ll never know who else will show up!
Friday Night “Prairie Remembers” Dinner at Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards In Pepin, WI at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature lemon chicken, Penne Forno, etc. Night of stories of beloved cast members that have passed told by their friends & colleagues. Ticket price is $155 and includes a photo with the LHOTP cast.
Saturday VIP Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast at the Villa Bellezza VIP Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The Little House on the Prairie Cast Meet and Greets will be held Friday Noon- 4pm, Saturday from 10 am- 4pm. Ticket Cost Adult $12. Kids 3-12 are just $6. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and their merchandise for sale.
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon.
You’ll want to take time to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Musuem and the Little House-Wayside, the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Sunday, May 12th, LaCrosse, WI 2 special Mother’s Day cruises aboard the La Crosse Queen Riverboat. One at 1:30pm with appetizer bar and a Dinner Cruise at 5:30pm. Located at the LaCrosse Queen Riverboat, 405 Veterans Memorial in LaCrosse, WI!

50th Anniversary Event – Independence, KS – Prairie Days – A Little House on the Prairie Cast 50th Celebration on May 31-June 2, 2024

LHOTP original cast members confirmed for the 2024 Prairie Days will include:
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • Tracy & Victor French (children of Victor French-Mr Edwards)
  • Green Bush Twins, Rachel Lindsay & Sidney Robyn (Carrie Ingalls)
A Friday Night Dinner will take place at the Independence Historical Museum, 123 North 8th Street Independence, KS at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature pork chops or cinnamon chicken breast, etc. The evening will honor many cast members who are no longer with us! A very moving night of stories of beloved cast members told by their friends & colleagues. Dinner is limited to 100 people. Ticket price is $175 and includes a photo with the LHOTP cast.
Saturday VIP Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast, again at the Independence Historical Museum. VIP Breakfast tickets are limited to 100 guests and are $100 each. This will also sell out quickly.
The Little House on the Prairie Meet and Greets will be held Friday noon- 4pm, Saturday from 10 am- 4pm & again on Sunday noon-4pm. Ticket Cost Adult $12. Kids 3-12 $6. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Little House on the Prairie Museum, 2507 County Road 3000 in Independence, KS.
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon.
For information email: gravelroadmarket@gmail.com.
Festival of Television of Monte Carlo, Monaco – June 14-18, 2024
This annual television festival celebrates TV shows from all over the world. If you are a soap person this is the event The Bold and the Beautiful attends most years and tries to slip in some footage that will appear as part of an episode or two while they are there. Find out more about their appearence.
  • Melissa Sue Anderson (Mary Ingalls)
  • Matthew Labyorteaux (Albert Ingalls)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nasty Nellie)
  • Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
  • Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
  • Leslie Landon Matthews (Miss Eva Plum aka Michael Landon’s daughter)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)

50th Anniversary Event – Walnut Grove, MN – July 19-21, 2024 (Scroll up to Walnut Grove section for more information)

This is not one of the repeating productions and so will be done differently. This is Paul Valenti’s report on Facebook in January: “You DO NOT need an advance ticket to attend the reunion events being held within Walnut Grove. Autograph/Meet & Greet tickets will be available when you arrive in Walnut Grove. It is also not expected that tickets for the evening pageants will sell out, there is always more room “on the hill” for that particular event. I DO expect that there will be at least a brunch and a dinner event held that weekend for which you WILL need an advance ticket. So all that the fans should concern themselves with right now, in regards to the Walnut Grove Reunion, is finding lodging and transportation, everything else will be announced in plenty of time for those of you who are looking to participate in the various events taking place that weekend.”

That is good advice, except I would pre-buy the pageant tickets as soon as possible to get good seats. Some people prefer to sit on a blanket on the hill though so it’s up to you. The pageant will be the play put on by the townspeople every year and a pre- pageant Q and A session with the TV show cast. You do not have to pre-buy a ticket to the Autograph/Meet & Greet sessions. I expect that they will also have a photo with the cast on Sunday, but that’s based on their previous events, not anything I know from this year. This is my playlist of videos from when I attended their event in 2014. I’ve got it cued up to video 3 which is when I made it to Walnut Grove.

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)

50th Anniversary EventCarrie Days: A Celebration of the Life of Carrie Ingalls – Keystone, SD – July 26-28, 2024

Have you ever wanted to “Picture Yourself on the Prairie?” You’ll get the chance to get your picture taken in front of 12 painted canvases of the Oleson Mercantile, the Little House and so much more. You’ll feel like you are on the sets in Walnut Grove! It will be held at Keystone Community Center and Library, 1101 Madill Street Keystone, SD 57751.

Friday, July 26  – Cast Meet and Greet 12pm-4pm ($12 adult, $6 child)

Saturday, July 27th – Cast Meet and Greet 10am-4pm ($12 adult, $6 child)
– 7pm Dinner, ($150)

Sunday, July 28th – Breakfast with Cast 8:30am ($100)
– Cast Meet and Greet 12pm-4pm ($12 adult, $6 child)

All Inclusive Ticket ($350)

Little House on the Prairie original cast members confirmed for the 2024 Carrie Days will include:

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • Victor & Tracy French (Children of Victor French-Mr. Edwards).

Click here for details and tickets: 

Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary-SD Tickets, Fri, Jul 26, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

50th Anniversary Cast Reunion – Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT – August 30-31 & September 1, 2024; three big days of a LHOTP 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion. (This event was originally scheduled to take place in Torrington, CT and has been moved to a new larger location. There have been other changes in addition to the location. All tickets already purchased will be honored at the new location.)

This event will help raise funds & awareness for a local not for profit Kids Play Childrens Museum, located in downtown Torrington, CT.

Little House on the Prairie original cast members scheduled to appear will include:

  • Susan McCray (casting director for LHOTP)
  • Todd Bridges (Solomon Henry)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Melissa “Missy” Francis (Casandra Ingalls)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nasty Nellie)
  • Allison Balson (Nancy Olsen)
  • Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Stan Ivar (John Carter)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Jennifer Steffin (Toddler Rose Wilder)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • Matthew Labyorteaux (Albert Ingalls)
  • Gil Gerard (Chris Nelson)
  • Tony Becker (Zeke)
  • Brain Part (Carl Sanderson)
  • Victor and Tracy French (Victor French’s Children)
  • Josh Landon (son on Michael Landon)

Saturday Night – The Prairie Remembers Dinner will take place at the Connecticut Convention Center at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature a delicious catered meal. The evening will pay tribute to amazing actors & cast members that are no longer with us. Cast members will share their stories of these amazing actors that are gone way too soon. Ticket price is $195.

Sunday – Little House on the Prairie Cast Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast. Breakfast tickets are $100 each.

The LHOTP on the Prairie cast meet and greets be Friday 12pm – 4pm and Saturday & Sunday 10 am- 4 pm. Ticket Cost is just $20. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and will have a huge variety of their merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center. Such a fantastic setting!

Other activities are being confirmed an added soon. More activities including an old fashioned marionette puppet show, MORE exhibits & displays, even MORE cast & guest stars & Little House on the Prairie: The Musical.

The following cast members were originally listed. No word if they were accidentally left off in the transfer or if they are no longer coming.

  • Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
  • Leslie Landon Matthews (Miss Eva Plum aka Michael Landon’s daughter)
  • Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson, wife of Willie Oleson in the 9th season)

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/753166881417?aff=oddtdtcreator

Little House 50th Anniversary – Farm and Home Center – Lancaster, PA – September 3-4, 2024

Tuesday, September 3rd – Sold Out
Bright Sides Opportunity Center, 515 Hershey Ave, Lancaster, PA, 17603
Wednesday, September 4th
Cast Meet and Greet, 10am-5pm ($15)
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, 7pm ($150)

LHOTP original cast members scheduled to appear will include:

    • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
    • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
    • Alison Arngrim (Nasty Nellie)
    • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
    • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
    • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
    • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
    • Jennifer Steffin (Young Rose Wilder)
    • Victor & Tracy French (Victor French’s Children)
    • Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder).

You never know who else will show up!

The Little House on the Prairie Cast Meet and Greet will be held Wednesday from10 am- 5 pm ($15). The cast will be available for photos, autographs and will have a huge variety of their merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Bright Side Opportunities Center in beautiful Lancaster, PA!

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, 7pm ($150) – Dinner with the cast will take place at the Bright Side Opportunities Center at 7 pm. The dinner will feature a delicious catered meal. The evening with feature Cast members sharing their stories of their time working on this iconic TV show. And it’s a Murder Mystery! Who did it? ($150)

A VIP all access package will include: one ticket to the Wednesday LHOTP Murder Mystery Cast Dinner sitting directly at the table with cast member, access to the cast Meet & Greet, and a great souvenir swag bag! VIP Package is limited to 50 lucky VIP guests. Cost is $225. A once in a lifetime experience!

It all happens in Lancaster, PA on Wednesday September 4, 2024.

Ticket info: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/792807006097?aff=oddtdtcreator

Johnny Cash’s Hideaway Farm – Lyle, TN – September 14-15, 2024
Two BIG days of fun on Johnny Cash’s Farm, as we celebrate 50 Years of Little House on the Prairie! Remember the Little House on the Prairie episode called “The Collection” guest-starring Johnny and June Carter Cash? “Nellie” confided to us that she was jealous she didn’t get to be in this episode because she wanted so much to meet them. “Mary Ingalls” said Johnny and June impressed her the most over any other guest stars on Little House! So – we took Mary Ingalls at her word, and decided to just make Nellie’s dreams come true by taking her to Johnny Cash’s farm in Lyles, Tennessee for one of our Little House on the Prairie 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion Fan Events – and YOU’RE INVITED to join us too!!

You’ll even get a chance to see a recreation of the outfits worn by Johnny & June from the Collection Episode, being created specially for this event by Laura Ingalls Gunn. She will have on display other costumes featured on the show! AND get this! You’ll get to see the original Bible used on the LHOTP set by Dabs Greer. Loads of surprises are in store.

The Little House on the Prairie Cast Meet and Greet – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm ($25)

“Prairie Remembers” Dinner Original cast members honor the actors who are longer with us with their memories from the prairie, including June Carter and Johnny Cash. – Saturday, 7pm ($175)

Breakfast with the Cast – Sunday, 8am ($100)

Walnut Grove Style Church Service – Sunday, 10am. Hosted by Wendi Lou Lee and Charlotte Stewart

 

50th Anniversary – Christmas & Little House on the Prairie – Branson, MO – November 15-17, 2024

Branson Convention Center in Branson, MO on November 15-17, 2024 The cast plus all the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas! This will be Gravel Road Market’s largest gathering yet. It will be held at the Branson Convention Center which adjoins The Hilton Hotel! Plus a HUGE amount of the Little House cast, guest stars & crew!  The event will also feature over 100 vendors at the Prairie Village Christmas Vendor Market, featuring handmade crafts, antiques/vintage, boutiques, gourmet foods and so much more!

There’s even going be a Puppets on the Prairie, old fashioned marionettes puppet show. So much to do, so much to see. AND it’s in Branson, MO!
Three HUGE days of fun, as we celebrate 50 Years of Little House on the Prairie!
Saturday Night – “The Prairie Remembers Dinner” will take place at the Branson Convention Center at 7:00 pm. The dinner will feature a delicious catered meal in the beautiful Ballroom. The evening will pay tribute to amazing actors & cast members that are no longer with us. We will even have live music. You never know who will show up. Cast members will share their stories of these amazing actors that are gone way too soon. Ticket price is $195.
Sunday – Little House on the Prairie Cast Breakfast will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast. Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The Little House on the Prairie cast meet and greet ticket includes:
  • Friday Night 4 pm -8 pm
  • Saturday & Sunday will be held from 10 am- 4 pm.
  • Ticket Cost is just $25
The cast will be available for photos, autographs and will have a huge variety of their merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Branson Convention Center.
A VIP 3-Day all access package will include:
  • one ticket to the Saturday Prairie Remembers Dinner
  • one ticket to the Sunday Cast Breakfast
  • 3 days VIP access to the cast Meet & Greets,
    a special invite to the private (invitation only) Friday Night gathering
  • a great souvenir swag bag! VIP Package is limited!
  • Cost is $600

Cast members scheduled to appear:

  • Matthew Labyorteaux (Albert Ingalls)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Jennifer Steffin (Young Rose Wilder)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Tracy & Victor French (children of Victor French-Mr Edwards)
  • Peter Billingsley (Gideon Hale)
  • Jimmy McNichol (Harry Baker)
  • Rick Hurst (Jacob Johnson)
  • Martha Wade Nix (Dual Roles, Holly & Amy)
  • Rachel Longaker (Ginny Clark)
  • Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson)
  • Tony Becker (Zeke)
Other activities are being confirmed and added soon.
For information email: gravelroadmarket@gmail.com.

Little House on the Prairie: The Musical

Liberty, Missouri
January 18-20, 2024
Basic Information:
https://kcparent.com/events/little-house-on-the-prairie-the-musical

Corbin Theatre
15 N. Water St.
Liberty, Missouri

PHONE: (402)917-4716
E-MAIL:  info@corbintheatre.org

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
January 26 – February 10, 2024
Basic Information:
https://www.lakeshoreplayers.org/little-house-on-the-prairie

Hanifl Performing Arts Center
4941 Long Ave.
White Bear Lake, Minnesota

PHONE: 651-426-3275
EMAIL: office@lakeshoreplayers.org

Spearfish, South Dakota
February 23-25, 2024
Basic Information:
https://www.bhsu.edu/about-bhsu/news-events/2024/02/Little-House-Musical

Woodburn Auditorium
1200 University Street
Spearfish, SD 57799-9502

PHONE: 605-642-6268
EMAIL: Casey.Hibbert@BHSU.edu

Griffin, Georgia
April 19-21, 2024
Basic Information:
https://camelottheatre.com/little-house-on-the-prairie

Camelot Theatre Company
205 Spalding Drive
Griffin, GA 30223
Phone: (678) 469-2913
E-mail: brad@camelottheatre.com

Morristown, NJ
May 11-12, 18-19, 2024
Basic Information:
http://www.spotlightkidscompany.com/tickets.html

The Greek Theatre in Morris Township
2 Convent Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
E-mail Contact Form:
http://www.spotlightkidscompany.com/contact-us.html

St. Redlands, California
Weekends August 24 – September 29, 2024
Performances: Friday – 7:00pm; Saturday – 2:00pm and 7:00pm; Sunday – 2:00pm
Special Weekday performances on September 26 at 7:00pm

Basic Information:
https://allevents.in/redlands/little-house-on-the-prairie-the-musical/200024885183332

LifeHouse Theater
1135 N Church
St. Redlands, CA

PHONE: 909-335-3037
E-MAIL: Contact Form

Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association

You have to be a member to sign up for these online events.

LIWLRA online all day conference – Feb. 10, 2024

Locations That No Longer Hold Events

  • American Printing House for the Blind – Louisville, Kentucky
  • Genesee Country Village and Museum – Mumford, NY
  • Heritage Hill – Green Bay WI
  • National Cowgirl Museum – Fort Worth, Texas

 

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast,    look at her photos, and find her on    Facebook ,    Twitter ,   LinkedIn ,   SlideShare,   and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Pageant Travel Advice Flashback

Do you have drafts hanging around in your draft folder and sometimes you forget to publish them? That happened to me with this post. I looked at it and thought WOW! I’m going to have to do a lot of deleting. Well, I decided I’d rather post it as is. Some of the advice is still good and I’ll do an updated version soon, but as a sign post to things that were, here is pageant advice flashback 2019!

Pageant Travel Advice 2019

It’s pageant travel time, the time of year when you can visit all three of the current Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageants. I’ve certainly come a long way on knowing what to do on pageant trips since my very first time when my mother surprised me for my birthday with a trip to the Walnut Grove pageant for the whole family. (I didn’t know anything about it, we were supposed to be visiting western Wisconsin and then she secretly added another two days.) But she hadn’t done enough research. Other than the museum and the pageant itself we didn’t have a clue what to do. We still had a great time, but I wish I’d known what I know now, so here you have my best pageant travel advice.

Sadly I want to pause to give a moment of respect in honor of the Mary Ingalls Pageant in Vinton which I included in the previous version of this post. After two years gave up the ghost due to issues between the Regents and Iowa School for the Blind. There is a little hope it will return in future, but not a lot. (Ed. Note: Even less hope now.)

EXTRA ADVICE WALNUT GROVE CAST REUNION: Since they just released that the Walnut Grove pageant will have a big cast reunion July 11-14 2019 get your tickets for the pageant as soon as you can so you can sit near the stage. The cast attends the pageant and their Q&A is part of the pre-pageant entertainment so they attend. Last time they tried to watch the pageant the first night and were so overwhelmed with people asking them for autographs that it disrupted the performance and so they left at intermission. If they try to watch again this year, don’t be one of those people.

Make hotel reservations as early as you can. (Ed. Note: For 2023 rooms are booked for counties around with one air b&b and the Wilder Inn both closing this winter despite reservations already made for the reunion weekend.) Within Walnut Grove proper there is only camping available and it makes a big difference on how close you can stay. They made an effort early this year to try to increase the number of AirBnB rooms available, but so far it hasn’t made much of a difference either in AirBnBs or just people willing to rent a room without the paperwork. The bed and breakfast in Tracy (Wilder Inn) (when I last checked in 2015) wouldn’t make reservations until January 1st of the year the reservation was in.

Intend to park your car and leave it there if you’re going to be doing anything within the town proper during the reunion. During 2014 parking was ridiculously full be prepared park a fair distance away and to walk all over town. In 2014, people started lining up a full hour before opening time for the autograph lines so remember to start early. At at least one point the line for the group across from Fond Memories antique & craft shop went all the way through the queue and back past the funeral home way down the block. If they follow the same schedule as last time, your chance to get a photo with all the cast will be Sunday morning so if you want one be sure to include Sunday in your travel plans.

Woman in Vest is Adult Laura Narrator
Woman in Vest is Adult Laura Narrator

Which Pageant?

Your first decision is what pageant or pageants to visit. It really isn’t a case where if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. I would recommend that any trip that you plan to include either Walnut Grove or De Smet also include the other if at all possible, but be sure to match your dates correctly. De Smet includes Sunday night performances, Walnut Grove doesn’t. To put it loosely, Walnut Grove’s pageant is more Hollywood with lots of neat special effects and a real drama, De Smet’s pageant is like eavesdropping on the Ingalls family and it rotates through telling the story of one of the books set in De Smet each year, and Mansfield’s pageant is a musical. Vinton’s Mary pageant is just getting off the ground, but gives you a nice look at what it was like for Mary to attend the College for the Blind. Check out my tips below for each specific pageant.

Fragments of a Dream aka The Walnut Grove Pageant

Check in to the night’s hotel or bed and breakfast or camp grounds before you go out to the pageant grounds (if possible) because you don’t want to be hunting for your place to stay in the dark. At the Walnut Grove pageant you want a reserved ticket. You can still buy them at the gate, but reserved seats come with a folding chair and a place close to the stage. They also offer general admission tickets, but with them it’s bring your own blanket or chair and find your own spot on the hillside. I sometimes buy a second reserved seat just to be sure of a little room (the chairs are welded together), but either way the chairs are the best option. I personally like to eat at the community center in town about a block away from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (service groups arrange them as fundraisers and they call them pageant suppers), but there are two other restaurants in town if you prefer. On the pageant grounds itself you can get high school sports concession stand type food (hot dogs, popcorn, etc).

The best public restrooms in town are at the museum proper, so I’d go there before heading out. If lines are long there, you can also use the bathrooms at the community center where the pageant dinners are held. If you still find lines, try two blocks away from the museum at the gas station on Highway 14. It’s a little farther, but definitely within walking distance although you may want just to drive over while you have to move your car between the museum and the pageant grounds anyway. Even when the town is incredibly busy people tend to forget about them so even during the 40th Anniversary event when the town was bursting at the seams I didn’t find lines there. At the pageant grounds the bathrooms are behind the concession stand with the doors facing towards the seating area.

Be sure to get a program when you come in, but if you miss one they give out programs and sell other souvenirs at a small stand across from the concession stand. The show starts with the pageant singers who are a local singing group, but sometimes they have a celebrity speaker, etc. before the show. I’ve heard advice from local people to nip in right before the pageant proper starts, but I normally go early to take in the whole show. Once the pageant starts especially watch for the early scene with all the live animals and then watch for the house to flip around 180 degrees and for them to build the church.

From Highway 14 if you turn on the main road toward the museum heading south, take the first right (now heading west) and then the first paved left (now heading south again) out about a mile and half or so from town.The parking lots have named rows with signs with the Ingalls family names to find a place and make note of which row for when you’re coming back. Going back you can mostly follow the crowd, but watch for intersections because people peel off when you don’t want to and there are several gravel roads that feed into the paved ones so it’s easy to think the road you are on continues when actually the pavement ends and it’s gravel there on out and you should have turned instead.

I recommend pants and taking along a sweatshirt and bug spray, but the last year I went it fooled me it was so hot and I had to take the sweatshirt off again, so you don’t know. Dressing in or bringing along layers are the key. Weather can also be a bit unpredictable, but don’t worry the organizers keep an eye on any severe weather that might threaten and have a plan to deal with it.

Walnut Grove Pageant FAQs (from pageant organization, with some improvements from me):
http://beyondlittlehouse.com/2013/10/09/walnut-grove-pageant-faqs

Get More Information:
http://www.walnutgrove.org/pageant.htm

Purchase Tickets:
http://www.wilderpageant.org/store

Find them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walnut-Grove-Laura-Ingalls-Wilder-Pageant/98564780126?fref=ts

De Smet Pageant

In De Smet the pageant grounds are right outside of town on the east end of town between Highway 14 and the Ingalls Homestead. The signage is good and you should see it right away. The only reason to buy reserved seats in De Smet is if you want to pay by credit card. You can do that up at the Ingalls Homestead before gate time. Otherwise just buy tickets when you pull your car in. They have wooden benches set up, but bring a lawn chair and set it up down front. The benches are spaced to allow a row of chairs in between so you can sit your chair pretty much wherever you want, but be sure to honor any space they have blocked out down in front of the stage area.

They give you a newspaper about the pageant and do a roll call of states, so yell loud for Iowa. They have different events going on to keep you busy before the pageant. They have stand up wagon rides, a display of some kind (old farming machinery, a model of the town, twisting hay – different things on different years), and a giftshop called the What Not Shop which has some unique Laura stuff – take a look. They also give you a free ticket for the wagon ride (I usually give mine to a kid, although I do admire their on and off the wagon system so watch them load and unload). The wagon has no seats and the sides hit me about mid-thigh. When you’re on the outside it can feel like you’re going to fall off, although as far as I know they haven’t had an accident. Riding once was enough for me. Since they are shorter the sides keep the kids in fine. Look out for their stick your head through photo board and stop by the concession stand and ask if they are giving out free posters. They generally have extras, but you specifically have to ask.

Audience Volunteers Participate in Pageant
Audience Volunteers Participate in Pageant

They have the same kind of concession stand food available as Walnut Grove, but again you might want to eat in town. They have a country club (good but slow service) and a Dairy Queen and a Subway. The Oxbow is a family restaurant that has been catering to Laura fans for decades and now has the best iced tea in town. The Oxbow also honors the PBS discount card if you have one. There is also a store that also serves food called Ward’s Store. They stay open later on pageant nights for the tourists. I must give a shout out though to the creative additions the pageant concession stand made lately. In 2013 they had Long Winter Snow Cones and in 2014 they offered These Happy Golden Years wedding cakes (they were Little Debbie type things, but A for effort!). Take along the same clothes, bug stuff etc. as Walnut Grove, but more bug stuff, it’s right by a slough. Also, don’t forget the lawn chairs and/or blanket.

De Smet Pageant FAQs:
http://www.desmetpageant.org/faq.html

Learn more:
http://www.desmetpageant.org/

Find them on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DeSmetPageant?fref=ts

As a side note, I drink a lot of brewed iced tea so I want to point out  the best iced tea in De Smet is now at the Oxbow. Drink it there, their eat there glasses are quart jars which they will refill and their to go cups are very small, but you can drink it there and then ask for a refill in a to go cup. Sadly Subway no longer has any kind of tea and the Dairy Queen only offers fountain tea.

Mansfield Pageant

The Mansfield pageant is unique in several ways. It has the best seating with back support (no need for folding chairs here). It is a musical. Frankly, I think the songs are better than in the Little House on the Prairie: The Musical. I came out of the Mansfield pageant singing and can still do a bit of a song or two.I came out of Little House on the Prairie: the Musical being wowed by their staging which was great, but with not a single tune in my head. Staging is not the first thing you want to think of when you come to a musical.

Mansfield Pageant
Mansfield Pageant

Laura’s Memories tells the story of Laura’s entire life as a series of musical flashbacks. They bookend them with scenes of older Laura talking to an unidentified woman, but clearly references the only known recording of Laura’s voice. They don’t want anyone to have to learn too many pages so they swap out who plays what role a couple of times during the performance which can be a little confusing until you figure that out.  The pageant grounds are located right by the high school connected with Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary with you entering through the park. Reserved seats aren’t required here either.

Learn More:
http://www.laurasmemories.com

Their Facebook presence is a closed group that is more designed for participants than attendees.

Mary Ingalls Pageant

The pageant that is newest on the block is the Mary Ingalls Pageant which was first held last summer. It tells the familiar story with a different twist, sharing Mary’s point of view rather than Laura’s. While the beginning follows the familiar story, the middle shares what it was like to be a student at the Iowa School for the Blind. This section was constructed with help from alumni of the school to make sure it accurately reflected the experience. That was my favorite part and it ends with a reenactment of Mary’s graduation in the very place where it really happened (note that the auditorium has been expanded since then, but still). The final part picks up Mary’s life in De Smet after the school based heavily on “Grandpa’s Fiddle” by Rose Wilder Lane as published in The Little House Sampler, William T. Anderson, editor. It really gives you a better feel for this time in the Ingalls Family lives as well. I strongly recommend you visit this pageant.

The pageant is held at the Iowa School for the Blind in Vinton, Iowa. There are a couple of motels in Vinton and a much larger selection in Cedar Rapids, an easy drive away. There are plenty of restaurants in town, including a McDonalds and some nicer places as well. No food is sold at the pageant. One of the most difficult parts of the location is the lack of nearby parking. The next door parking lot is incredibly small, but several nearby businesses including the elementary school have agreed to open their lots. Volunteers are available to drive up attendees on golf carts, giving you car to door service.

Unlike the other pageants this one takes place inside so most of the things listed for take alongs don’t apply. I did however bring a pillow to sit on which I was very grateful for, but no one else in my group seemed to have any issues, so that’s totally optional. Most of the seating is unpadded auditorium style chairs and folding chairs. Be aware that there is also seating in the balcony overlooking the stage through the staircases on either side of the auditorium doors inside the door of the auditorium. Unfortunately their location close to the inside of the doors of the auditorium proper can lead to congestion at high people traffic times.

You want to get there early because most people seemed to aim for door opening and the place was full to bursting already the first night when I got there at about 6:15 pm. People also didn’t seem to move around much once they got a seat despite various activities which makes it harder for everyone to get in and out of rows even if you wanted to. Outside the doors to the auditorium is the main hallway which is abundantly large at most times, but got terribly clogged both before the play started and after it ended. Be patient and hang out in your seats or talk to other fans before trying to push through. Bathrooms are down the hall from the auditorium. If your back is to the front door entrance of the building and you are facing the doors to the auditorium, the women’s room is on the left side and the men’s room is on the right. The doors to each are around the corner were where the hall quits following the interior wall of the auditorium, makes a turn, and heads off down the wings.

Reviewing the Basics

  • Bring Bug Spray
  • Dress in Layers or Bring Jackets and Blankets or Both
  • I’ve decided to add a pillow to my bring alongs, maybe I’m just getting old, but these benches and chairs are getting HARD.
  • For Walnut Grove, make reservations for both tickets and lodging as soon as possible.
  • For De Smet, bring along a lawn chair and/or a blanket.
  • You may want to eat or go to the bathroom before you head out to the pageant grounds.
  • For Vinton, remember you’ll be inside, but you’ll probably be hot. There is air conditioning, but it really isn’t designed for that large a crowd. Come early and plan on mostly staying in your seat once you’ve gotten one.

Road Trips for Readers wrote a recent post about pageant travel and quoted me extensively. Read that here.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

2023 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events Around the Country

Sarah in Covered Wagon at Walnut Grove MN 2022

Yes, it says 2023 events. There were so many that got added as the year went along I wanted to go ahead and save them as a snapshot now instead of just at the beginning of the year and watch for me to post what I have for 2024 sometime early next year. For now I’m adding them on to the end of 2023.

2023 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events Around the Country

It’s not always easy to find out about what’s going on for Laura Ingalls Wilder events around the country. I finally decided that current information is probably best posted on a month by month basis so for current information search this site for the name of the month you are looking for and the word event (for example April May 2023 Laura Ingalls Wilder Events).

Let me know if I’m missing any. Most of these events are annual, but check with the group hosting the event for exact dates for following years.

This year is bound to be an odd year for homesite events. There will still be some recovery issues and there is still likely to be rearranging of activities and some still might not be available.

CHECK BACK! for changes throughout the year. I make changes and updates on this page and not on the post as I find out more.

Listen to our Looking Ahead Episode

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/trundlebedtales/2023/06/01/ep-139-looking-ahead-at-laura-ingalls-wilder-fandom-this-year-2023

Or find it wherever you get your podcasts under Trundlebed Tales.

Blue lake with a tree and grass on shore
Silver Lake October 2018

Pepin WI

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s 156th birthday is Feb. 7, 2023. We will honor her birthday in Pepin with a special presentation, “Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Real Story,” with interpreter Laura Keyes, to be held Sunday, Feb. 5, at 5:00 at the Pepin School. This presentation is a collaborative project of Pepin Community Education and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society of Pepin. For more information: https://www.pepin.k12.wi.us/community/

Home at Laura’s Place – 9:00 am to 5:00pm (2nd weekend, Saturday and Sunday)

  • May 13-14, 2023
  • June 10-11, 2023
  • July 8-9, 2023
  • August 12-13, 2023

Visit the Little House Wayside in Pepin, WI on these special weekends to see the cabin fully furnished and re-enactors demonstrating the arts of daily living in the 1870s.  This is a cooperative activity of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Days Committee, and the Austin Tea Party Players.

Laura Days – September 9 & 10, 2023
This is their big Laura event of the year. Traditionally they include the most participants (including adults) who dress in prairie clothes, a regional fiddle contest, and a Traditional Crafts demonstration area. This year is a fresh start, but it’s hard to say at this point what will be included.
Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) is their speaker.

Hours

Open 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Daily (including weekends & holidays) from May 1st thru October 28, 2023 (including Memorial Day, July 4, & Labor Day).

Last Day of Season: October 28, 2023

2024 Season Opens: May 1, 2024

Independence KS

Prairie Days has long been their main Laura event, but it’s cancelled for this year and their focus has shifted to a Carrie Ingalls Swanzey birthday party in August.

Carrie Ingalls Swanzey Birthday Party – Saturday, July 29, 2023 – 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Hours

Open March 15th – November 1st, 2023  – 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm everyday.
[Opening and closing dates not confirmed.]

Walnut Grove MN

This year starts a brand new trilogy of plays in place of the Fragments of a Dream pageant. The 1st play they put on for this new series will actual be the 2nd one in the trilogy. The first in the trilogy will be closest to traditional Fragments of a Dream so they are skipping on to the 2nd one. It’s called Chasing the Dream, 1875-1876.

  • July 7-8, 2023
  • July 14-15, 2023
  • July 21-22, 2023

Family Festival held in Walnut Grove City Park on pageant Saturdays, July 8, 15, and 22, 2023. The festival goes from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Check the Walnut Grove website for full schedule and more details as it gets closer. On July 15th William T. Anderson and Cindy Wilson of Beautiful Snow will be there.

2024 will be the 50th Anniversary of the Little House on the Prairie TV show (NBC). Walnut Grove is the homesite that has had the most to do with the TV show and has announced they will definitely be following up their 40th and 45th reunions with one next year. They don’t have any information as far as date or attendees yet. If you plan on going look for where you want to stay now so you’ll be fast booking where you stay when they release dates.

Church bell in Belfry
Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with Pa’s Bell

Burr Oak IA

Normally Burr Oak has a lot of smaller events throughout the year. This year they are planning on them again, but nothing is planned that far out. Check back later in the year for more. Under events on their website they have Laura Days dates out to 2030.

  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum Annual Meeting January 19, 2023, Burr Oak Lutheran Church 6pm, Also on Zoom
  • Spaghetti SupperDecorah Lutheran church on March 4, 2023 from 4:30-7:00 pm. Live auction of donated items from local businesses and homemade pies begins at 7:00 pm. $15 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12; 4 and under free. Carry-outs and meatless sauce available. Meet our Little Miss Lauras and learn about our latest projects!
  • Laura’s Sack Lunch Drive-Thru Meal – May 7, 2023
    A fundraising drive through featuring the Winnesheik County Cattlemen. It also includes an open house at the new school building with live music, presentations by their Little Miss Lauras, and refreshments.

  • Laura Ingalls Wilder Days  June 23-25, 2023
  • Coloring Contest –

    Enter the Masters Hotel Coloring Contest! The contest is open for all 8, 9, and 10 year olds. Download the picture and send to the museum by June 12, 2023. Be sure to include your name and address on the other side of the picture. The winner will be announced at the annual Laura Day Celebration. Need not to be present to win. All entries become the property of the museum. The winning picture will be displayed in the Laura Museum Visitor Center for the remainder of the season. The winner will receive the Laura Ingalls Wilder Coloring Book illustrated by Cheryl Harness. Click the link below to print the picture and entry form. Coloring Contest Rules

     

Hours

  • Opens May 1, 2023
    Monday-Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
    Sunday: Noon – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
  • Memorial Day – Labor Day
    Monday-Saturday: 10:00 – 5:00 Last tour 4:00
    Sunday: Noon – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
  • Post Labor Day – Mid October:
    Thursday-Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00 Last tour 3:00
    Closed Sunday-Wednesday
  • Last day of the 2023 season TBD

De Smet SD

An on-going summer event will be a special exhibit of original Garth Williams artwork. When Williams’s family decided to sell out his collection De Smet set out to buy as many pieces as possible and I think got more than any of the other homesite museums. This summer in honor of the 70th anniversary of Garth Williams art being released in the standardized set they have a bunch of them on display in a special exhibit.

  • Heart of the Prairie
    An original production, is described as featuring Laura and early De Smet history.
  • July 7, 8, 9, 2023
  • July 14, 15, 16. 2023
  • July 21, 22, 23
  • Gates Open 6 pm, Performance at 8 pm

Old Settlers Day will be Saturday, June 10, 2023.

First School event – July 15, 2023 -Prairie Life Artist, April Rusche

De Smet Event #3 (name not official)

  • July 22, 2023
  • 10 am – Judy Thompson – Artist who did covers for Pioneer Girl Project
  • 1 pm Cindy Wilson – Author of The Beautiful Snow
  • 2 pm William Anderson
  • July 23, 2023
  • 2 pm William Anderson

The Ingalls Homestead is hosting a Plein Air Event (painting in the open air) in conjunction with the Harvey Dunn Society. Find more details about a previous event. –  August 11– 13, 2023 with the wet sale on Sunday the 13th.

We don’t have dates for 2023 for their Christmas events, but I assume they will happen again this year.

  • “Christmas at the Ingalls Home” – No dates confirmed yet
    Join us for early holiday shopping plus a chance to tour the Ingalls House on 3rd Street free of charge. Stop at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society for your free ticket.
  • “Badger Clark: The Cowboy Poet”- Saturday, December 9, 2023 – 5pm. This year’s performance is going to include readings of poems by Badger Clark who was a 19th century South Dakota cowboy poet. You can attend in person at the De Smet Wellness Center. Reach them at 605-854-6060. Tickets are $20.00 Previously it was broadcast live on Facebook, also, but no confirmation of that yet.

Memorial Society

  • January-April: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Call ahead for tour times
  • May: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    School field trips typically visit in the mornings. Please call ahead to confirm tours.
  • June-August: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
    Sunday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
  • Labor Day Hours:   Monday, September 4, 2023 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • September: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Tours at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm*
  • October-December: Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    Call ahead for tour times.

Ingalls Homestead

Of all the homesite museums the Ingalls Homestead does the best at putting out updates for the entire area around De Smet.

  • Spring: May 1- 25, 2023
    Monday – Friday – Hours vary daily as we host school field trips. We do not keep regular hours, but we can still host visitors. Please contact us for availability. We are generally closed the Friday prior to Memorial Day weekend, to give us a day of transition between school field trips and our summer season.
    Saturday & Sunday – We are closed on weekends prior to Memorial Day.

  • Summer: May 27 – September 4, 2023
    Open 9 am – 7 pm, Activities from 10 am – 6 pm –
    The first covered wagon ride leaves at 10 am and the final covered wagon ride leaves at 6 pm, with rides and activities throughout the day. We are open every day including Sundays, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.

  • Autumn: September 5 – September 30, 2023
    Open 9 am – 5 pm; Activities offered from 11 am – 2 pm
    , Saturday Activities offered from 11 am – 4 pm
    We have the covered wagon ride, pony and pony cart rides, and hands-on activities each day. We will not be offering the one-room schoolhouse session except on Saturdays.

  • October 1 – October 31, 2023
    Daily 9 am – 5 pm, weather permitting
    No activities offered, but the grounds, visitors center, and gift shop are open.behind the barns

Spring Valley MN

  • Spring Cleaning  May 6, 2023
  • Ice Cream Social  June 17, 2023 at 5pm
  • Eliza JaneOne Room School Days  End of July (TBD)
  • Ag Days (formerly Wilder Fest) August 18-20, 2023
  • Winter Fundraiser  December 5, 2023

Hours

Open between Memorial Day Weekend thru the end of August. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily. Additional hours and events may be added later.

Mansfield MO

Note: Mansfield has been scheduling small events without a lot of notice. If this trend continues I will add them to list as soon as I find out about them.

  • Mother’s Day – Friday, May, 12th
    Come to Rocky Ridge Farm for a special Mother’s Day activity. After enjoying the trails and the tours, visit the patio next to the main building and create a beautiful flower arrangement to take home using pipe cleaners! Parents are encouraged to participate.
  • Independence Day
    The Fourth of July is always celebrated in Mansfield, Missouri. Parades have been a tradition here since the days of Horses pulling Decorated Wagons and Buggies. Today we all celebrate Independence Day in Mansfield with a Parade, Festival and Fireworks.
  • Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp – July 24-28, 2023
    The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home Association “Rocky Ridge Adventure Pioneer Camp” for the 2023 season! The camp will be for children ages (9-12). Camp will cost $TBA per child and will include a week of exciting adventures around Rocky Ridge Farm. Campers will enjoy many learning activities, bringing a hands-on perspective to the pioneer lifestyle. Email: liw.pioneercamp@gmail.com Camp will take place, rain or shine!! Your child will not want to miss this special week of historic fun and memories!!!! Register today and reserve your spot! What is included from last year’s post – Registration cost includes 5 days of camp, tin cup, badge, book, shirt and a hat (bonnet for girls and coon skin cap for boys). For more information, call 417-924-3626.
  • “Laura’s Memories” – An Outdoor Pageant
    Sadly the Ozarks Mountain Players have closed down. The rights to the script and songs have reverted to their authors. There is some hope in town another group in town will restart ”Laura’s Memories” the pageant in Mansfield City Park. Sadly this is the second Laura pageant group, after the one in Pepin, Wisconsin which closed some years ago, to close. It’s the first long running pageant to do so. It had great music and the most comfortable pageant theater of the current shows.
  • Wilder Days and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Fiddle Off – September 22-23, 2023
    Annual celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder, America’s favorite pioneer girl, and her cherished Little House books. We will be having our 8th Annual Fiddle Contest on Wilder Day. It will be a great day to enjoy fiddle music on the property as well as to hear Pa’s Fiddle played.
    Please come out and enjoy the festivities. Visit our Facebook page for more info.
  • Fundraising Dinner – TBA
    The 6th Annual, “Wilder Dinner.” Patrick Labyorteaux, who played Andy Garvey on the NBC TV series, will be the special guest. The date has not been announced, but is normally on the Friday of Wilder days which is September 22nd.
  •  The Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival November 2-3, 2023
    The 5th Annual, Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival. This year’s Wilder Medal honoree will be William T. Anderson. For more information please visit www.liwclf.com
  • Jean C. Coday Day at Rocky Ridge Farm – November 4, 2023
    As former director (1993-2018) and board member (1960-2018) of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum we honor her memory and years of service with a discounted ticket price of $10 for all active and retired teachers and librarians. Mrs. Coday had a passion for children, devoting 31 years as a teacher/administrator with the Mansfield school system. The Jean C. Coday Elementary School Library was named in her honor in 2000. The board of directors have decided to make this an annual event on the Saturday closest to her birthday.
  • Christmas at Laura’s – Saturday, December 9, 2023- 5pm-7pm
    Opening and decorating the Rocky Ridge farmhouse for Christmas is a tradition here on Rocky Ridge Farm. Holiday shopping in the giftshop. Come celebrate Christmas with us in a most special way!
    It’s Mansfield’s Christmas in the Ozarks that day with Activities starting at 2pm, a Christmas Tea from 2:30-3:30pm, and the parade at 4pm. Most stores around the square will be having an activity.

Hours

  • March 1st – November 15th, 2023
  • Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Adult Ticket – $18.00   Children 6 to 17 – $8.00   Children 5 & Under – Free

Malone/Burke NY

  • Find more on events.
  • Friday, January 27, 2023 at 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm CST
    2023 Annual Meeting- public invited
  • Celebration of Youth and Morgan Horse – July 16, 2022
    Children’s art on display, along with students’ essays. Award ceremony and the announcement of Honorary Laura and Almanzo
    Kids art activities, 19th century games, vendors, food
    Entertainment & more!
    Dean Butler who played Almanzo Wilder on the TV show will guest.
  • Annual Cultural Festival – Scottish Fling – July 15, 2023

    Our annual cultural events will resume this summer with our 2nd Scottish Fling! Come enjoy the enchanting sounds of bagpipes, watch traditional Scottish dancers, and try some Scottish fare, as we celebrate the influence of the Scots in rural northern NY when the Wilder family lived here. Vendors invited.

  • Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Anniversary Celebration – August 25, 2023
    Lemonade and Cupcakes, free admission for people with the same anniversary (must show proof)
  • Annual Harvest Festival & Civil War Living History Encampment – September 23 & 24, 2023
    Civil War living history encampment
    Pumpkin painting and children’s 19th century game in the orchard, children’s corn pit in the barn,
    Adult juried art show on display
    Entertainment, demonstrators, craft & produce
  • Christmas with Almanzo  – December 2, 2023 – 11am -3pm
    Join us at Christmas with Almanzo! Kids’ holiday crafts, carol singing, Farmer Boy Christmas chapter readings, and gift shop open! FREE admission.

ALL EVENTS AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

Their regular season runs from May 27 through September 30, 2023. If planning a visit when they are closed you can reach out and ask about a special tour. Higher rates apply for small special groups, regular rates for groups over 3 people if they can arrange the staff.

Vinton IA

Tours are not currently available. We are in doubt of future events due to uncertainty of the future of the building.

Keystone SD – Longtime Home of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey

Carrie Ingalls Swanzey’s Birthday Party – Friday July 29 – Saturday July 30th for a small event with activities, music, and birthday cake.

Hours

  • Monday-Friday 10am – 4pm
  • Saturday 10am – 2pm

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum – West Branch IA

They do a special Laura program every year in September with a speaker. No word on date, time, or format for this year’s.

American Printing House for the Blind – Louisville, Kentucky

The American Printing House for the Blind has canceled all events this year because of a remodel. It’s not supposed to be finished until 2023.

Pomona Public Library – Pomona CA

No Laura’s birthday Gingerbread Sociable will be held again this year. It may return next year, but they won’t know until the end of 2023.

Old World Wisconsin – Eagle WI

Old World Wisconsin is returning to Laura Ingalls Wilder events in a different way. They are offering camps. Search their events page for Laura Ingalls Wilder to pull up more information or book tickets.

Little House Adventure Summer Camp – One day adventure camps for kids held 3 different times. Registration is a separate fee. Kids ages 8-10.

  • Thursday, July 6, 2023| 10 am – 3 pm
  • Thursday, July 20, 2023 | 10 am – 3 pm
  • Thursday, August 10, 2023 | 10 am – 3 pm

Little House Family Adventure Summer Camp – One day camp for kids and adults to go together. It doesn’t say so, but I think they expect you to bring a kid if you’re an adult.

  • Sunday, July 30, 2023| 10 am – 3 pm

Heritage Hill – Green Bay WI

  • They are not doing a Laura Ingalls Wilder event this year. Previously they said their plan was to have a Laura event every other year going forward. This would be the year and they don’t have one scheduled. When last heard from they were considering a prairie days event, but that was a couple of years ago.

Genesee Country Village and Museum – Mumford, NY

  • The seem to have given up on Wilder Weekend, at least for now. They do have various events that would be of interest to Laura fans a couple of times a month. Check their schedule.

Nelson Pioneer Farm – Oskaloosa, Iowa

  • Laura Days – July 11 – July 28, 2023
    Three different series of craft activities will be offered every Tuesday-Friday throughout July. This is not a day camp. The goal of this program is for the adults and children to do the activities together. Adults must remain with their children. Most activities are designed for children ages 6-10. Any special notation regarding ages or skill levels are listed with the activities. Or a modification will be available. Younger siblings are welcome to join in to the best of their ability! Each day we’ll feature a building or exhibit before heading to the craft barn to make the craft.

  • Colt on Ingalls Homestead

    Colt on Ingalls Homestead

National Cowgirl Museum – Fort Worth, Texas

The National Cowgirl Museum previously had held an annual event, but stopped having it. They brought it back for the 150th as a one shot. This year they  don’t seem to have any events scheduled so far.

Project Archeology

July 14-15, 2023
Blue Earth, MN
Project Archeology teaches classes for teachers. You have to register before hand, but can get both Continuing Education (MN) and college credit. This class must be pre-registered for and costs $129 for Continuing Education credit and $152 for College Credit. There are only 16 spaces available. As you can see in the agenda the focus is on more general 19th century Midwest farm archeology.
Website for Class
Agenda for Class

The Newberry

Saturdays, Oct 07–Nov 11, 2023 – 1:00pm–3:00pm
Online Class, Tuition Required, Number of students capped
This class explores Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series in-depth, from multiple angles, including their settings, authorship and publication, adaptations, translations, and continued legacy. How does the series present American history and American girlhood? What do the books reveal about society, ideology, and America in their historical time? Taught by a dedicated Wilder scholar, this class will examine chronologically Wilder’s eight-book series, as well as the works of Wilder’s daughter, the author and political theorist Rose Wilder Lane. The instructor is Dawn Sardella-Ayres received her PhD from the University of Cambridge in 2016, and is the current L.M. Montgomery Institute Research Associate for 2022-2023. She specializes in girls’ literature and the girls’ Bildungsroman, and has published on Alcott, Montgomery, Johnston, and Wilder.
Information Page

South Dakota Historical Society Press Event

June 15, 2023  7:00 p.m. CT
The third volume in the Pioneer Girl Project series, Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction follows Wilder as she steps away from autobiography and into the world of fiction. The story began in Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography (2014), edited by Pamela Smith Hill, which made the original text of Wilder’s 1930 autobiography available to readers for the first time. But that was only the start of Wilder’s journey as an American novelist. Wilder next handed her text over to her daughter, novelist and journalist Rose Wilder Lane, for editing. The second volume in the series, Pioneer Girl: The Revised Texts (2021), edited by Nancy Tystad Koupal and other Pioneer Girl Project editors, presented Lane’s three revisions of the Pioneer Girl manuscript, allowing readers to explore the working relationship between Lane and Wilder.
https://www.sdhsf.org/events/event-form/june-15-2023-history-talks-presentation-registration/84694/tickets

June 22, 2023 1:00pm MDT – Spearfish SD
Author Signing and Book Release Event for Pioneer Girl: From Fact to Fiction
High Plains Western Heritage Center – Spearfish SD

Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – Marshfield, Missouri

Little House events

April 27, 2023

9 AM – 5 PM – Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)

9 AM- Judy Wampler will speak about “Laura Ingalls Wilder from Wisconsin to Missouri” using her quilt collection and her book- Marshfield Assembly of God

11 AM- Cindy Wilson (author) will speak about her book, “The Beautiful Snow: The Ingalls Family, the Railroads, and the Hard Winter of 1880-81”- Book signing will follow the presentation in the church foyer- Marshfield Assembly of God

4:35 PM- “Legends of Television and Screen” Panel featuring actors and actresses from several classic television shows and cinema classics- Lauren Chapin (Kitten, Father Knows Best), Gayla Peevey (Singer, I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas), Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace, Little House on the Prairie), Kim Lankford (Knots Landing), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie), Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu, It’s a Wonderful Life) and others- Marshfield Assembly of God

April 28, 2023

8 AM- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum hosts, “Nellie’s Breakfast”-Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson, Little House on the Prairie) will interview Hersha Parady (Alice Garvey, Little House on the Prairie)- Benefiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival- Sponsored by Federal Protection – Marshfield Assembly of God Fellowship Hall- Tickets are $25 per person, 2023 Cherry Blossom Festival Events | Eventbrite or call 808-345-4975.

9 AM – 5 PM- Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO presents a traveling exhibit on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder- Webster County Library (Free Admission)

2 PM- Annual Missouri Walk of Fame Ceremony- Honoring six famous Missourians with stars on the historic Walk of Fame. Honorees include: Hersha Parady (Actress, Little House on the Prairie), Ken Osmond (Actor), Pamela Baird (Actress), May Kennedy McCord (Folklorist), David Harrison (Author) and Moore & Moore (Entertainers). The Blue Jay Singers will perform as well- Marshfield Assembly of God

Reunion of the TV show cast April 27-30, 2023
Find more info on their website and on their Facebook page

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)

Cast Reunions at Non-Homesite Towns of More than 3 Cast Members

Macon, MO
The Northeast Missouri Spring Pickers Market
April 1, 2023 10 am – 5 pm
April 2, 2023 10 am – 4 pm

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Hersha Parady (Alice Garvey)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andrew Garvey)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)

Bloomsfield, IA
Midwest Antique Fest and Flea Market
May 12, 2023 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
May 13, 2023 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andrew Garvey)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)

Hannibal, MO
Special LHOTP Mother’s Day Riverboat Dinner Cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat
May 14, 2023 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • And maybe a surprise guest or 2! (I have no idea who, just reporting on what the website says.)

Grand Rivers, KY
Join the Little House on the Prairie cast members as we head to Patti’s 1880s Settlement on August 25-26 in Grand Rivers, KY! The weekend as a whole features several different dinners, breakfasts, book signings, and even a church service. Of special note is “The Prairie Remembers Encore Dinner at 6:30pm, inside the Saloon…The dinner will honor many of the LHOTP cast members that have passed away.” The actual schedule seems to be in a lot of flux and events are selling out fairly quickly. They have links to purchase tickets, but no summary page. My best advice is to check out Jack Bishop’s Facebook page where he is posting most of the information as he gets it.
August 25 and 26, 2023

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)

Mayfield, KY (Faces at the Window)

Cartwright Grove in Mayfield, KY, located at the Mayfield-Graves County Fairgrounds. “The Prairie Remembers” Encore Dinner at 6:30pm, inside the Saloon. Link for tickets for Cartwright Grove:   Cartwright Tickets Sunday (August 27th) start out at Cartwright Grove with an old fashioned “Walnut Grove” free church service at 8:00 am held at the little church in Cartwright Grove. This will be hosted by Wendi Lou Lee and Miss Charlotte Stewart! The Cast (Sunday, August 27th) Meet & Greet will happen from 9 am until 1pm at Cartwright Grove. Those tickets are available now. AND we will have authentic stagecoach rides from 10-1 at Cartwright Grove on Sunday. (Some of this verbage was borrowed from Alison’s newsletter.)

Nashville, TN
Little House on the Prairie Riverboat Dinner Cruise will be aboard the General Jackson Showboat on Sunday, August 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee for a 3 hour dinner cruise event!
August 27, 2023

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • and you never know who else will join us!The night will feature an amazing TN BBQ buffet dinner, live entertainment, a special live auction and a Q & A by the LHOTP cast members. Cost is $165 for adults and $130 for children 12 & under. Here’s the ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/648228237107

Orlando, FL
Fanboy Expo Orlando Convention
September 1-3, 2023
Get Tickets, Fan Packages, Photo Ops and Autographs
www.fanboyexpo.com/orlando

  • Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
  • Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile Event Center in Pawhuska, OK
Here is the ticket link to the Saturday Night, Little House Murder Mystery Dinner on September 23, 2023
The Little House Murder Mystery ticket link: ⬇️
Only 100 tickets will be sold for the Little House Murder Mystery! This premiere evening event also features a professional photo with you and the cast members.
This event will be part of The Prairie Folks Antique & Craft Festival to be held on September 23/24 at the OSAGE County Fairgrounds in Pawhuska, OK!
Featured cast will be:
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia)
  • You never know who else will show up!

The Prairie Folks Antique and Craft Festival
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
September 23-24, 2023
The Prairie Folks Antique & Craft Festival on September 23/24 in Pawhuska, OK!

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Patrick Labyorteaux (Andy Garvey)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)

LHOTP Christmas-Prairie Style
Mountain Home, Arkansas
November 18-19, 2023

Tickets on Event Bright

  • Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)

Corsicana, Texas

“Have Yourself a Prairie Christmas”
December 2-3, 2023
Saturday/Sunday meet and greet held at the Pioneer Village and a Sunday VIP breakfast & special Christmas on the Prairie Dinner with the cast on Saturday night at the Corsicana Opry.

  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)

The Gene Autry Museum

Little House on the Prairie: A Celebration! – Saturday, May 13, 2023, 1:00pm

According to the latest Nellie Newsletter it’s on May 12, 2023, but the Autry finally posted the event and they say the 13th. Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) will join with Little House cast & crew to gratefully honor Michael Landon and Little House producer Kent McCray at the Autry Museum of the American West in Burbank, CA.
https://theautry.org/events/live-performances/little-house-prairie-celebration

Little House on the Prairie: The Musical

Eau Claire, WI

February 3-5, 2023

Westminster, CA

May 19 – June 11, 2023

Basic Information:
https://www.wcpstage.com/?fbclid=IwAR36lSMZpWu-SKFFaeZRpOsgtlHnmwtDtDroD3tJnnO9R107aujJNBM3bCg

Westminster Community Theater
7272 Maple Street
Westminster, CA 92683

1 (714) 893-8626

Liberty, Missouri
January 18-20, 2024
Basic Information:
https://kcparent.com/events/little-house-on-the-prairie-the-musical

Corbin Theatre
15 N. Water St.
Liberty, Missouri

PHONE: (402)917-4716
E-MAIL:  info@corbintheatre.org

White Bear Lake, Minnesota
January 26 – February 10, 2024
Basic Information:
https://www.lakeshoreplayers.org/little-house-on-the-prairie

Hanifl Performing Arts Center
4941 Long Ave.
White Bear Lake, Minnesota

PHONE: 651-426-3275
EMAIL: office@lakeshoreplayers.org

Griffin, Georgia
April 19-21, 2024
Basic Information:
https://camelottheatre.com/little-house-on-the-prairie

Camelot Theatre Company
205 Spalding Drive
Griffin, GA 30223
Phone: (678) 469-2913
E-mail: brad@camelottheatre.com

St. Redlands, California
Weekends August 24 – September 29, 2024
Performances: Friday – 7:00pm; Saturday – 2:00pm and 7:00pm; Sunday – 2:00pm
Special Weekday performances on September 26 at 7:00pm

Basic Information:
https://allevents.in/redlands/little-house-on-the-prairie-the-musical/200024885183332

LifeHouse Theater
1135 N Church
St. Redlands, CA

PHONE: 909-335-3037
E-MAIL: Contact Form

Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association

You have to be a member to sign up for these online events.

Sunday, February 5, 2023 – William Anderson Q&A

Sunday, March 12 2023 – 1 pm – Nancy McCabe & Beth Nolan Connors on comparing “Little House” and Little Women

Sunday, April 23, 2023 – 3 pm Eastern | 2 pm Central (US) – Homesite Preview, with representatives from the Little House homesites

Saturday, May 20, 2023 – Coyote Shook as our speaker, with a presentation titled: “Mary Goes to College”​:  Blindness, Home Economics and Rural Futurism in the World of Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Coyote’s paper ​​will borrow from critical disability studies and the histories of home economics ​& agriculture science to discuss the narratives of Laura Ingalls Wilder though a new lens.

Sunday, June 11, 2023 – 2 pm Eastern | 1 pm Central – A Virtual Dime Sociable – in other words a whole hour of member discussion in place of an invited speaker. We’re calling it ‘A Rose in June’ because our theme will be the fascinating topic of Rose Wilder Lane. This event will be for members only.

Sunday, September 24, 2023 – 1pm CDT – “Schooltime Begins Again” – themed member discussion of schooling and education in the world of Little House

Sunday, October 22, 2023 – 1 pm CDT – Sarah Uthoff – Historic Foodways and Laura Ingalls Wilder.

2024

LIWLRA online all day conference – Feb. 10, 2024

50th Anniversary of TV Show and Cast Reunion – Simi Valley, CA – March 22-24, 2024

The Prairie Days, a 50th LHOTP Cast Anniversary Celebration at Patti’s 1880s Settlement in Grand Rivers, KY will be held April 5 – 7, 2024

Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival – April 25-27, 2024

50th Anniversary Event – Villa Bellezza Winery and Vineyards in Pepin, WI – May 10-11, 2024, LaCrosse WI – May 12, 2024

  • Karen Grassle (Ma Ingalls)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • & you’ll never know who else will show up!
Friday Night “Prairie Remembers “ Dinner at Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards In Pepin, WI at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature lemon chicken, Penne Forno, etc. Night of stories of beloved cast members that have passed told by their friends & colleagues. Ticket price is $155 and includes a photo with the LHOTP cast.
Saturday VIP Breakfasts will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast at the Villa Bellezza VIP Breakfast tickets are $100 each.
The LHOTP on the Prairie Cast meet and greets will be held Friday noon- 4pm, Saturday from 10 am- 4pm. Ticket Cost Adult $12. Kids 3-12 are just $6. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and their merchandise for sale.
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon.
You’ll want to take time to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Musuem and the Little House-Wayside, the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Sunday, May 12th, LaCrosse, WI for 2 special Mother’s Day cruises aboard the La Crosse Queen Riverboat. One at 1:30pm with appetizer bar and a Dinner Cruise at 5:30pm. Located at the LaCrosse Queen Riverboat, 405 Veterans Memorial in LaCrosse, WI!

50th Anniversary Event – Independence, KS – Prairie Days-A LHOTP Cast 50th Celebration on May 31-June 2, 2024

LHOTP original cast members confirmed for the 2024 Prairie Days will include:
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace Ingalls)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • Tracy & Victor French (children of Victor French-Mr Edwards)
  • Green Bush Twins, Rachel Lindsay & Sidney Robyn (Carrie Ingalls)
A Friday Night Dinner will take place at the Independence Historical Museum, 123 North 8th Street Independence, KS at 6:30 pm. The dinner will feature pork chops or cinnamon chicken breast, etc. The evening will honor many cast members who are no longer with us! A very moving night of stories of beloved cast members told by their friends & colleagues. Dinner is limited to 100 people. Ticket price is $175 and includes a photo with the LHOTP cast.
Saturday VIP Breakfasts will be held at 8:30 am with the LHOTP cast, again at the Independence Historical Museum. VIP Breakfast tickets are limited to 100 guests and are $100 each. This will also sell out quickly.
The LHOTP on the Prairie meet and greets will be held Friday noon- 4pm, Saturday from 10 am- 4pm & again on Sunday noon-4pm. Ticket Cost Adult $12. Kids 3-12 $6. The cast will be available for photos, autographs and merchandise for sale. It will be held at the Little House on the Prairie Museum, 2507 County Road 3000 in Independence, KS.
Other activities are being confirmed an added soon.
For information email: gravelroadmarket@gmail.com.

50th Anniversary Event – Walnut Grove, MN – July 19-21, 2024

50th Anniversary Cast Reunion – Torrington, CT – August 30-31 & September 1, 2024; three big days of a LHOTP 50th Anniversary Cast Reunion.

  • Susan McCray, the Casting Director of LHOTP
  • Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls)
  • Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
  • Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls)
  • Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
  • Melissa “Missy” Francis (Cassandra Ingalls)
  • Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
  • Allison Balson (Nancy Oleson)
  • Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder)
  • Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
  • Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
  • Stan Ivar (John Carter)
  • David Friedman (Jason Carter)
  • Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
  • Olivia Barash (Sylvia Webb)
  • Gil Gerald (Chris Nelson)
  • Leslie Landon Matthews (Miss Plum)
  • Sherri Stoner (Rachel Brown Oleson, wife of Willie Oleson in the 9th season)
  • Victor and Tracy French – children of Victor French (Mr. Edwards)

Wilder Days – Mansfield, MO – September 27-28, 2024

UPDATED July 29, 2023: Patrick Labyorteaux, who played Andy Garvey, announced as Mansfield guest speaker for Wilder Days.

UPDATED May 3, 2023: I replaced the 2022 list with the 2023 list. And no sooner had I posted it but another 3 actor event appeared in my feed. And another Mansfield event appeared. The day I published.

UPDATED May 23, 2023: I added the Grand Rivers, Kentucky event.

UPDATED May 24, 2023: I added the Project Archeology event.

UPDATED June 1, 2023: I added the Nashville Cruises event.

UPDATED June 2, 2023: I added the South Dakota Historical Society Press event.

UPDATED June 28, 2023: Added 2 dates to the Spring Valley list.

UPDATED July 3, 2023: I added details to the KY actor event, a De Smet event, and added the Garth Williams display.

UPDATED July 5, 2023: I got confirmation for dates and times for Keystone and updated it. I added the Westminster, CA musical dates.

UPDATED July 15, 2023: I got the dates for the Cherry Blossom Festival for Marshfield, MO next year.

UPDATED July 20, 2023: I added details for Arkansas cast event.

UPDATED July 23, 2023: I got the dates for the Walnut Grove Reunion next year.

UPDATED August 1, 2023: Added the link to the Harvey Dunn Plein Aire Event website and Mayfield, KY event.

UPDATED August 7, 2023: Added the cast member event in Texas in December and the musical production next January.

UPDATED August 18, 2023: I removed a descriptive line no longer true in Pepin and changed out a photo.

UPDATED August 25, 2023: I added my LIWLRA online program and the Newberry class.

UPDATED September 15, 2023: I added the actress who played Sylvia to the Oklahoma event.

UPDATED September 18, 2023: I added the Sept. LIWLRA session.

UPDATED September 30, 2023: I added the full website link to the Simi Vallley event.

UPDATED October 15, 2023: I added 2 more reunion events for next year. One is in Independence, KS and a Pepin one will be added soon.

UPDATED October 23, 2023: I added details to next year’s Independence and Pepin Cast Reunion sites.

UPDATED November 4, 2023: I added the Torrington CT cast event.

UPDATED November 15, 2023: I added another attendee to CT event.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos, listen to her podcast,    look at her photos, and find her on    Facebook ,    Twitter ,   LinkedIn ,   SlideShare,   and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas Shopping Guide 2023

Whether you are looking for the perfect present for the Laura Ingalls Wilder fan in your life or you want to know what to put on your own Christmas wish list, check out these suggestions!

This is the thirteenth year I’ve put together a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan shopping guide.  I redid the first post for basic gift ideas 3 years ago. I rewrote it and added a bunch of photos. Even if you have an established collection, take a look!

After you’ve read that first post, use this post to look for new items, other ideas, and a list of which Laura homesites are offering Christmas mail order and the cut off dates for shipping by Christmas this year. If you’d like to see videos of unboxing packages from the homesite giftshops, I’ve added a category of unboxing videos on my YouTube.

Trundlebed Tales encourages you to do at least a little Christmas shopping from the Laura homesites because they are all local museums, highly dependent on admissions and gift shop revenue to stay open and preserve the homesites for Laura fans, so do your part. 

Some homesites have closed for the season completely others are still monitoring and answering their phone calls and e-mail fairly quickly. Walnut Grove, De Smet, and Mansfield are still active over the winter.

And don’t forget you can also get your Laura fan gift memberships to the museums or a donation in your Laura fan’s name! Most of the presents that I suggested in 2014 , 2015 , 2016,  2017,2018, 2019 , 2020 , 2021 , and 2022 are still available so take a look at previous shopping posts for more ideas.

WARNING: The Walnut Grove museum gift shop is down. They are rebuilding it, but you can call. They are still taking orders. The entire Independence website appears to be down. So they may not be a good choice for this year.

Recent Books

Cover of Pioneer Girl: The Path Into FictionThe South Dakota State Historical Society Press published Laura’s previously unpublished memoir, Pioneer Girl, a few years back. It was a huge smash (they’re still selling well) and they almost immediately started work on a follow-up trilogy. The second of that trilogy has come out as Pioneer Girl: The Path into Fiction. This book compares the drafts up to the finished copy. It demonstrates the process through drafts to the published Little House in the Big Woods. Although the press started talking about as Pioneer Girl and a follow up trilogy, at some point they’ve switched to talking as if Pioneer Girl was number 1 in the series and the rest following as 2,3,4. Bear that in mind if you order from them directly and make sure you give the correct title. You may also get the entire series from any of the Laura homesites.

Cover of "Red Tail Feathers"One new take on a book this year is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Rocky Ridge Farm: A Detailed Look Behind the Scenes by Michelle Underwood. Underwood works at the Laura Museum in Mansfield, MO and tells you all about what working there and visiting there is like.

A new update is The Ingalls Family of De Smet. This collection of Ingalls family photos, documents, clippings, etc. has been around for years, but this is a new update with all new additions.

Lately it seems like there is a cast member from the NBC TV show rolling out at least one new book almost every year. So the new book this year is by Wendi Lou Lee (Baby Grace). Her first book was a devotional and now Lee has written a memoir, Red Tail Feathers: Dare to Discover the Beauty of Grace, including her time on the show. 

It won’t do you any good for this Christmas, but early next year Dean Butler (Almanzo) will release his memoir Prairie Man.

Does your giftee have an Audible account? They not only have the Cherry Jones version of the “Little House” series audiobooks, but also several books about Laura including Becoming Laura Ingalls Wilder by John E. Miller and Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, edited by William T. Anderson. Most recently they added the first 2 books of the Stephen Hines reprint of Laura’s Missouri Ruralist articles.

Selected Laura Letters

Does your favorite Laura fan have a copy of The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder by William Anderson yet? If not, make sure they get a Christmas copy! Find it at any of the homesites. Any Williams book is always a great selection. This one has been out a few years now, but if your fan doesn’t have it, they really need it.

Oh Christmas Tree!

De Smet says this one only has 3 left!

Do you think a Christmas tree ornament is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday? Laura homesites have you covered. The De Smet Memorial Society has a series of china ornaments. They are letting some of them go out of production so if you want a complete set be sure to get them while you can! They also have a metal ornament featuring 3 of their key buildings, the Surveyors’ House, the First School of De Smet, and the Ingalls Home that stand in De Smet, South Dakota. They’ve also added a mini-tin cup ornament to their store.

There are specific ornaments by homesite including a wooden hand-painted one from Walnut Grove and the painted ball ornaments (each site only sells their own) available from many of the homesites. Mansfield is focused on its metal ornaments. The Ingalls Homestead is really focusing on Christmas stuff, including ornaments, books, and tin cups!

The Shirt Off Your Back

I would rather be in Walnut GroveWalnut Grove does some of the coolest t-shirts in both quality and design. This shirt is my favorite one from this year. I love the color scheme and this is one Laura shirt that seems designed to be worn places other than Laura homesites and events. I love the flower bouquet one with her signature, too. They seem to be turning over designs faster than usual.

Wilder flower bouquet with Laura's SignatureMansfield has a wide collection of T-shirts because besides their normal homesite shirts, they carry them for their Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival and for the Fiddle Contest shirts. This year they had one specifically for Wilder Days. In addition, they have zipped front sweatshirts. The big win in Mansfield this year is the Garth Williams t-shirt with his signature down the arm as part of their Williams illustration edition of the books anniversary display.

All the homesites offer t-shirts and this type of “Laura clothes” everyone needs.

Jody Wheeler’s Almanzo

Illustration Artwork Jody Wheeler did for the “My First Little House Books” picture book series about Almanzo are for sale at the online Malone site shop and also at Books of Wonder online shop: https://booksofwonder.com/collections/artwork-new, as well as directly through Jody Wheeler. These are original illustrations, not prints.

Whoa Nellie!

Alison Arngrim, Nellie Oleson the TV show, is one of the most active with the fandom. She offered daily readings to Laura fans daily via her Facebook page during the pandemic. Apparently a lot of the people tuning in were surprised that you can buy bonnets and tin cups. She has been doing a brisk business. She’ll sign anything available on her website if you ask.

Wendi Lou Lee’s Eric Caron Designed Christmas Card

Wendi Lou Lee (Grace Ingalls on the NBC TV show) also has a shop. She’s selling copies of her book A Prairie Devotional and some crafts. This year she has introduced 2 new products for Christmas. One is a card designed by Eric Caron and the other an ornament on a slice of tree branch with two girls walking on it.

Another product are the Beadle Bags created by Charlotte Stewart each is unique. If you have a TV show fan in your life, they’ll probably want one.

Put the China Shepherdess on the Mantle

China Replica
Mansfield Shepherdess – Photo courtesy of Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum

What makes the Ingalls family a home? One thing is the china shepherdess. Do you want one for your house? There are currently 3 different designs available.  Three of the Laura homesites (Mansfield, Walnut Grove, and Independence) have each introduced their own new version of the shepherdess. They cost about the same. Watch me unbox the shepherdesses from Independence and Mansfield.

With Rings on Her Fingers…

Walnut Grove has been offering a duplicate of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s engagement ring for sometime. It’s designed following what’s believed to be the one Almanzo bought her from the Montgomery Ward catalog. The cost is a little expensive (much more than Manly paid), but as many complements as I get when I wear mine, it’s a perfect gift! It’s always worth another shout out! You have to call the Walnut Grove museum giftshop to order one.

Cat’s Meow!

Lauri Goforth is the Cat’s Meow star! At least she should feel like she is because it was her efforts last year that lead the company to roll out a new set of Laura Ingalls Wilder figures to go with what they originally had in 1998.  Mansfield is still selling their two set pieces from the 1998 batch and one from the new set.

Watch me unbox!

Don’t Leave Home Without It!

The big new addition last year was a Laura passport. This passport is a multi-site opportunity to get stamps as you visit each Laura site. Learn more about the sites and get a stamp to show where you’ve been! They are available now at most of the Laura homesites. (Honestly, I was busy enough I didn’t get it taken along this summer, but I look forward to getting all the stamps.)

Passport, Photo Courtesy of Burr Oak

Laura, an American Master

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page is the documentary about Laura from American Masters. I’ve been told it’s one of their most viewed ever. The great news is that it’s available on DVD and Amazon Prime. You NEED a copy.

Queen’s Treasures

When Friendly Films and their Little House on the Prairie TV show started authorizing products again one of the first things licensed was a set of dolls and accessories for a Laura doll. They have everything from a covered wagon to all the miniature equipment you need to fill it up. You can outfit your doll in a typical pioneer dress or in one based on Laura’s good dress from the TV show. Last year they rolled out a second doll so now you can purchase both Laura and Mary. Watch for sales, they’ve had some pretty good ones so far this year.

Queen’s Treasures also have rolled out a different type of doll this year. They have itty bitty little bears made to look like the Ingalls family and the Oleson family a la the TV show. They come with playsets including a play building, furniture, and even little quilts.

They also have an advent calendar shaped like the Ingalls home on the TV show. It’s on their retirement list this season.

Some Homesite Highlights

The Ingalls Homestead recommends keeping an eye on their Christmas themed page in their online store. One of their most popular items every Christmas is their version of Laura and Mary’s Christmas presents from their year in Independence, Kansas. They also have a South Dakota handcrafted page – which has a Nettie rag doll (Mary’s childhood doll) which is definitely a unique present.

One of the most exciting things about Pepin’s store for fans of the “Little House” picture books is that Pepin now is selling high quality prints of Renee Graef’s illustrations. There are several and appear in different sizes. Another cool thing is that they are now selling private label honey and maple syrup.  Take a look around their  web store! I haven’t been to very many of the gift shops this year, but I think Pepin is in the lead to take the cutest stuffed version of Jack.

For Burr Oak you can shop online through their website or at http://www.shopiowa.com (although the selection is much better and more items on our website). Shopiowa limits the vendor to sell only 25 items and they have more than double that on their website. You can still shop their regular online store.

Watch the Walnut Grove Facebook page for specials. They’re really pleased with their clothing line. They have some long-sleeve t-shirts with hoods available in blue or black.

Almanzo and Star the Calf Puppets from Spring Valley

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet has a special Christmas patterned “Tea for 1” set decorated with Christmas holly. It’s a giant cup and small teapot.  Finally if you don’t have a copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Education in Kingsbury County by Nancy S. Cleaveland, get one from De Smet. They also have soaps that aren’t on their website, but you can call for them. They have Berry Jam and Syrup.

Spring Valley, which always focuses on having non-typical things, is still the home of the best “American Girl”/”Queen’s Treasures”/Other 18-inch doll dresses. Walnut Grove out does them in accessories. They’ve also rolled out a great series of puppets.

Laura and Jack Puppets from Spring Valley

If you love “18-inch dolls” aka “American Girl Doll Size”, Thimbles and Acorns has been printing dress patterns for specific doll dresses. There are publications of various lengths and with patterns around various themes. Most of the homesite giftshops have them now.

Malone has continued to offer limited products in the Almanzo Wilder farmstead  Facebook shop. You can also shop their full online store.   Malone is still the best place to find a tin lantern if you’re looking for a cheaper, mass-produced tin lantern (like Ma uses in Little House in the Big Woods), they have a selection of different designs. In their new to the giftshop section they have “I Found the Chicken” t-shirts which kid visitors to the farm will recognize. It was a big year for ball caps they have a new one, also. They have added anew wooden cutout ornament and 2 new mug designs, one featuring the Wilder Home and one featuring the Barns.

Rose Years Book SetMansfield has some great things this season. The best thing is that they’ve got some first edition copies of the Rose Years books. They’ve created a great wood box to sell them as a set. They have specialized soy candles in both 9 oz and 12 oz candles flavored (Lemon Verbena, Almanzo’s Prize Pumpkin, Big Woods, Ma’s Apple Pie). They’ve also rolled out some new clothes including sweatshirts and ball caps.

When I teach one-room school sessions I’ve been surprised by questions about where to buy McGuffey’s Readers after I tell them they are still in print. (102 years of reprints and counting after they fell out of print for about 20 years.) You can find them online at Pepin (under Books keep clicking show more until they show up, it’s a long way down) and Mansfield (note the covers that are all brown are the 1830s edition and the blue/orange-ish covers are 1890s-ish).

Also find some interesting fabric projects. You can get prints directly from Renee Graef. NOT all of her Laura prints in Renee’s store are available under her Little House category. Be sure to look at all of them. If your budget is really big you can get original Garth Williams art.

I recommend contacting the sites by e-mail or online store instead of by phone, except where noted. I had a little more wait time getting answers to e-mails this year. If you want to order in person or want to be sure there is someone there if you have questions; Walnut Grove, the Memorial Society in De Smet, and Mansfield still have open gift shops.

Check out the shipping dates from the United States Postal Service, if you have a question about shipping dates. Every year I try to get this done early and this year I was super late. So go with the USPS dates.

Independence KS

Little House on the Prairie Museum
Online Store

Walnut Grove MN

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Online Store
Phone 1-800-528-7280

De Smet SD

Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society
Online Store
Phone 1-800-880-3383

Ingalls Homestead
Online Store
Phone: 1-800-776-3594

Loftus Store
Online Store
Phone: 605-854-3773 Call to order

Mansfield MO

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum
Online Store
Phone 1-877-924-7126 (Toll free)

Malone NY

Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Farm
Online Store
Facebook Store
farm@almanzowilderfarm.com

Spring Valley MN

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum (Store not online)
wilderinspringvalley@hotmail.com
Recommends using e-mail to order for Christmas, but you may want to include your phone number in the e-mail so they can get back to you with questions quickly.

Burr Oak IA

Laura Ingalls Wilder Park and Museum
Online Store

The best way for people to shop during the winter is through the website gift shop and then pay through Paypal. You can email the museum with questions. They are no longer accepting checks for orders because of some bad check incidents.

Pepin WI

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Online Store
Best to order online, but can also reach by phone 715-513-6383, or by sending a letter. Neither museum nor gift shop is open during the winter.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help? Attend one of her programs, schedule one yourself, watch her videos,   listen to her podcast,    look at her photos, and find her on Facebook ,   Twitter ,   LinkedIn ,   SlideShare,   and Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

YouTube Video Roundup October 2023

This month's 2 videos.

In October I got 3 videos published, two on my channel and one for the Iowa Library Association. I hope you enjoy all of them. I’ve got a couple of my own and at least one more for the Iowa Library Association that will hopefully get posted during November.

Here are the videos I posted during October 2023:

1. Laura Ingalls Wilder Dugout Site Tour Walnut Grove 2022

This video started out to be part of my daily video trip diary, but a thunderstorm blew up and I didn’t have much time. I changed it into a tour of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Dugout site instead. Walk with me all over the site and get a tour of everything there is to see from Plum Creek itself to what used to be the dugout to A big rock. Then check out the video for the damage from the 2018 storm, my wading in Plum Creek video, and if you don’t want to pay admission how you can visit the highway marker for the site. Wade in Plum Creek    • Going Wading in Plum Creek 2009-2010   Pa Dugout Highway Marker    • To the Ingalls Dugout Memorial Stone   Flood Damage    • Laura’s Dugout – You Can Get There fr…  

2. Walnut Grove Trip 2022, Day 3

I headed out to the Dugout Site on the Gordon Farm. You pay admission and then can go all the way to the site of the dugout and Plum Creek. There is a big storm blowing up and it hits with rain, wind, and hail. I head into town and walk over to the Masters Store and Hall. Then I say goodbye to Walnut Grove, Minnesota for this trip and head south. I make a brief stop at Blue Earth, Minnesota to visit the Jolly Green Giant. Tour of the Dugout Site:    • Laura Ingalls Wilder Dugout Site Tour…  

3. How to Talk to Your Legislator: An Interview With Former Representative Mary Mascher

This video doesn’t live on my YouTube channel. I made it, but it’s for the Iowa Library Association.

Former Representative Mary Mascher shows us we shouldn’t be afraid to talk to the legislators who represent us or those working on bills we’re interested in. She gives suggestions on how you can reach out and make a difference.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at  her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Walnut Grove Pageant History Video

 

Sarah by the 45th Anniversary of the Pageant Sign at the Walnut Grove Museum

I was glad to visit in 2022 for their 45th Anniversary. I’ve visited the pageant quite a few times since I first visited in 1984 and I feel a strong connection to the pageant and even got to be part of the 45th Anniversary pageant photo.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Walnut Grove Pageant has put together a video showing their history with some predictions from 1978 to 2027. The video is a series of highlights and rare photos through the years. There are few early photos left because they had been stored in the archives of a local newspaper. Many of these were lost due to a fire in the building next door to one of the local newspapers. The photos were lost to water damage. So we’re pleased they have these.

They’ve put some of the photos from their 45th Anniversary slide show and some others in this year by year look back and look ahead.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

YouTube Video Roundup September 2023

45th Anniversary Cast Photo
Cast and Supporters 45th Anniversary Photo 2022

Another month with just a single video, BUT that was because the one I just upload to be published on Friday was a big one and at the last minute I changed my mind and had to re-edit and re-schedule something before I published it. So hopefully we’ll get going with more in October.

Here are the videos I posted during September 2023:

We finish Day 2 of the trip. We hit the Masters Hall and Store, eat a pageant supper and head out to the pageant grounds for the 45th Anniversary Pageant celebration.

AND good news! I thought I’d lost the Pa’s fiddle pin I pick up in this video, but NO it was just crammed into the wrong pocket of my suitcase I seldom use. I found it unpacking from Mansfield.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at  her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

Tip the Outhouse! Walnut Grove Pageant Fundraiser

Tip the Outhouse

Click Here to Donate

Tip the Outhouse

Back before Halloween became about costumes and getting free candy, it used to be about sort of destructive tricks. One of the most popular was tipping the outhouse which meant knocking it over. Outhouses were sometimes moved if the pit got filled up so they aren’t necessarily firmly attached to the ground so they could easily be knocked over. There is a good description of this in The Ghost Belonged to Me by Richard Peck. So all October we’re going to be Tipping the Outhouse for the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant!

Current Pageant Bathrooms

Fundraiser

The Walnut Grove Pageant has a great facility they’ve built up over the years. Their current bathrooms are very 1970s-1980s-esque. They have a plan to replace and update them. On their Facebook page the pageant has let us know:

“The next plan is to remove the old restrooms and replace them with a new facility. This has been a project on many a mind for several years. The plan is to leave the restrooms in approximately the same area it is in today. This will mean a new building and fixtures, septic system and some of the sidewalks will be redone as well.”

“Most importantly we voted to start the building process of the new restrooms. We do not have enough money to complete the build but will go as far as the money takes us, realizing this job may take a few years. We should be able to get started on dirt work, permits, holding tank, foundation, walls, water and basic electrical.”

Bathroom Improvement Plan

The Latest Update

Here is the report from October 2, 2023:

“Things got real out at the Walnut Grove Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant site over the weekend. The new restroom project is moving ahead; the tin siding is all off, the overhang is gone, the stalls inside the women’s and men’s were all taken out. This was all done by Bill and his helper in one morning. Bill is planning on reusing some of the materials for other purposes at the site, unless it is too degraded to be of any use. It was decided at a committee meeting a couple months ago that even though we didn’t have the money to complete the new restrooms, we would go ahead with what we can get done for now. The current rest rooms are in such bad shape that to put any more money into them would be a waste. Permits have all been applied for, we are excited for the next steps in realizing new restrooms. If you would like to donate towards the new restrooms, we are taking donations on our website”

Do Your Part!

Having heard they had started without having enough money to put up the bathrooms to make a better pageant experience for everyone I felt like I had to do something. So what I did was create this fundraiser. I can’t do it on Facebook because they aren’t signed-up for that, but I hope you donate or at the very least share out this post or the photo!

We want to reward them for putting forward the effort and spending money they don’t have to make it a better pageant experience for us. How can we help them? We can donate money to help pay it off! I already did to get the ball rolling. The click here to donate below takes you to their site that takes online donations. They are set prices because it’s part of program that operates like an online store and the lowest level is $20.00, but I think it’s worth it!

Please share out this post or just the image. We want to “tip” the outhouse by filling it up with donations.

Click Here to Donate

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at  her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

YouTube Video Roundup August 2023

I only got one video posted during July we’re looking at getting more posted during August.

Here are the videos I posted during August 2023:

Our Walnut Grove day continues with a trip to the “Wheels Across the Prairie” museum in Tracy, Minnesota. We drive through Tracy and take a good look in passing at the Wilder Inn. Then we drive the distance in between and pull in at the Walnut Grove sign on the western side of town to find the best place to get a photo with the sign. Then we do a quick walk by the back of the museum.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at  her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.

YouTube Video Roundup July 2023

I only got one video posted during July we’re looking at getting more posted during August.

Thumbnail for Walnut Grove Trip Day 2 Part 1

Here are the videos I posted during June 2023:

  1. Walnut Grove Trip 2022, Day 2, Part 1

My second day of my Laura Ingalls Wilder trip to Walnut Grove, Minnesota during 2022. We start the day in Nellie’s Restaurant and then head over to the Family Festival held each pageant Saturday in the city park.

Sarah S. Uthoff is a nationally known Laura Ingalls Wilder authority and has presented at five of the Wilder homesites, many times at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, many conferences and numerous libraries, museums, and events around the Midwest. She is the main force behind Trundlebed Tales fighting to bring the History, Mystery, Magic, and Imagination of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other greats of children’s literature and history to life for a new generation. How can you help?  Attend one of her programs,  schedule one  yourself,  watch her videos,  listen to her podcast,   look at  her photos, and find her  on   Facebook ,   Twitter ,     LinkedIn ,     SlideShare,   and  Academia.edu . Professionally she is a reference librarian at Kirkwood Community College and former director of the Oxford (Iowa) Public Library.