Laura Ingalls Wilder's Home

Laura Ingalls Wilder - she was the first to document what it was like to be a pioneer. We went through Minnesota at the beginning of our trip - going through Mankato - which was the start of her adventure with Ma and Pa. We didn't go through Walnut Grove - but we got the idea of what her terrain must have been like.

Eventually she traveled to South Dakota - De Smet and then down to Missouri and settled in Mansfield around the early 1900s. Here in the homes that I'm posting she wrote about her adventures - starting her writing when she was 65 years. Her books have been so thoroughly enjoyed by the girls that we HAD to visit this place, and it was worth it. You get the sense of what a small town in America is really about. And this town only has this attraction for it's 1,300+ residents.

The homes smell like they must have - and they're built for really tiny people - Laura was only 4'10" and Almonso was 5'4". Their daughter Rose built them a beautiful "Rock House" which was out of a Sears catalog. They used the rocks that they found on the property. It's perfect for the land - part of the land. You can't take pictures inside the home - but there you'll find chairs that Almonso built - and it's what you would expect. We loved it - from the old fashioned stove, to the rugged fireplace, the the doll like beds.

We then went the Meramec Caves, where Jesse James hid out at one point. Roger went there as a kid and wanted to explore this one more time. There's bill boards that must have been there since the early 60s too - to let you know that it's coming up - a mere 60 miles away. I have to admit, it was fun to see and the rock formations are prehistoric. It's cold in the cave too - so if you ever go to one, bring a jacket.

The next day we went to Springfield, Illinois - to see the Lincoln Museum - and I would recommend this to EVERYONE. History came alive like never before. Really, when your children are in the 4th / 5th grade - go to Gettysburg first (which we found thrilling) and then plan a trip here because this place is worth every single mile, every penny. The productions that they have make it feel like you're in the 1860s and going through the turmoil of the country. It's brings all views to light, and as stated, History is alive. You'll see pics of the girls with Frederick Douglas, Abe & Mary, you'll see McCellan and Grant. But go to Gettysburg first - then see this place and you'll know, your children will know more about the that time, and it will stay with them.