The Wilder Life

When you think of a time machine, you probably picture lots of metal and blinking lights. Turns out, a time machine really looks more like the South Dakota prairie. Step back into 1881 by visiting De Smet, home of the original Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead. Author of the “Little House on the Prairie” series, Ingalls Wilder grew up throughout the Midwest, including De Smet — which was the inspiration for her famous novel “The Long Winter.”

The Ingalls Homestead has a little something for every type of traveler – from families and kids to bookworms and history buffs alike.

For Good Old-Fashioned Adventure Seekers: Covered Wagon Ride

What You’ll Do: Saddle up for an authentic covered wagon ride where you can help drive the horses or mules.

What You’ll Learn: That sometimes the journey is just as fun as the destination.

For Academic Types: Little Prairie School

What You’ll Do: Visit a one-room schoolhouse where a teacher will share example lessons, activities and assignments from a typical school day in 1880.

What You’ll Learn: How back in their day, people really did have to walk to school uphill both ways.

For Hands-on Helpers: Homestead Activities

What You’ll Do: Grind wheat, wash clothes on a washboard with lye soap, make a jump rope and create your own corncob doll.

What You’ll Learn: Watch out kids — after these activities, your parents may just rethink your chore list.

For Fixer-Upper Fans: Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes

What You’ll Do: Take a guided tour of the original Ingalls home, the first school of De Smet and the Surveyors’ House from her fifth book, “By the Shores of Silver Lake.”

What You’ll Learn: How historic buildings were pivotal to survival on the prairie.

For Treasure Hunters: Shopping Downtown De Smet

What You’ll Do: Experience a little retail therapy by browsing quaint shops with souvenirs, gifts and local charm.

What You’ll Learn: That holiday shopping is easy to do while on vacation.

For All Audiences: Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant

What You’ll Do: Watch a live stage production celebrating the Ingalls family and De Smet’s pioneer history.

What You’ll Learn: That nature’s best stage is a clear summer sky and cottonwood trees.