This episode follows the Ingalls family's journey from a dirt dugout in Minnesota to their adopted hometown of De Smet, where the landscapes are still as “free and big and splendid” as Laura described them. Join us as we roll across the prairie in a horse-drawn cart to the Ingalls Homestead, take part in a spelling bee at the 1889 Little Prairie School, drop into rehearsals for the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant and uncover treasures in the archive room at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society Museum.
You’ll hear from:
- Ann Lesch, Ingalls Homestead
- Christie Hubbard, Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant Society
- Mary Jo Wirtz, Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society Museum
For some people, this is something they’ve wanted to visit their whole lives. People cry sometimes. It’s very emotional and moving for people in a lot of ways. I think when people come here to visit, and they’ve come from such a distance, they can still see the landscape. It’s like she described. It’s changed — we have farms and homes and communities — but it still feels like the descriptions in her books, so it means a lot to people.
”Featured Locations
Ingalls Homestead
The Ingalls family set up their homestead on this quarter-section of land in 1880, and little has changed since Laura’s childhood here. Take part in wagon rides, demonstrations and hands-on activities that shed light on pioneer life, including hay twisting and wheat grinding. Camping is available in the bunkhouse, covered wagons and at the homestead's RV and tent sites.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes
This site in downtown De Smet features two Ingalls family residences: the Surveyors’ House and the Original Ingalls Home, built by Charles "Pa" Ingalls in 1887–1889. Laura and her sister Carrie attended the 1889 First School of De Smet. Guides in period dress lead tours of these buildings, offering a glimpse into the family’s life.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
Held over three weekends in July, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant has brought Laura’s written works to life every summer since 1971. These family-friendly dramas change yearly, but they're always performed on an outdoor stage overlooking cottonwood trees planted by Pa Ingalls himself.
Check out the trailer now!
Win a Trip. Be Part of the Story!
Your South Dakota story starts here. Enter for your chance to win a FREE trip to South Dakota filled with unforgettable adventures.
There’s more to explore!
#HiFromSD
See how others explored South Dakota's pioneer heritage and use the hashtag #HiFromSD to share your discoveries.
