When I discovered the home of the renowned author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, was within driving distance to where we were staying in Branson, it was immediately on my priority list of things to do. The Little House on the Prairie television series was a huge part of my childhood, and it sparked a burning desire to read all of the books penned by Mrs. Wilder. Her beloved stories are still among my overall favorite and cherished books. She lived through and documented a rich part of early American history and the migration West. Her long travel journey from one adventure to another in search of a better life had a nomadic appeal–and (in my mind) her covered wagon pilgrimage had similarities to today’s RV travel and wandering lifestyle.
While the television series was wildly popular from 1974 to 1982 with Melissa Gilbert portraying Laura, Ms. Gilbert was only acting and the stories were added to, subtracted from, and manipulated to play well for TV. The real stories were in the books written by the true Laura Ingalls Wilder–a daughter, wife, mother, and author who endured hardships, homesickness, fear, loss, joy, and love in a quest to find a better home and a sustainable life for her family.
I understand that in my life I represented a whole period of American history.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Dani and I visited the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum on a weekday. I want to preface the negative comments below by saying that the museum is quite lovely, informative, and wonderful for fans like me. However, the museum workers were not friendly and gave a put-upon attitude when selling tickets and giving information. Once we passed the stern lady at the reception desk, we entered into a movie theater presenting a video history on Laura, Almanzo, and the Ingalls/Wilder families and their migration to Missouri–all with family photographs and documents. We then proceeded to the museum where memorabilia was displayed, including the famous fiddle her Pa used to play–the simple family entertainment that brought such joy. There were also quilts, dresses, bedding, old letters, china, photographs, and many other treasured items saved by the family.
The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
The only stupid things about words is the spelling of them.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as duty, work and rest and living close to nature.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
After perusal of the museum, the door opened into a sweet gift shop where Laura’s books were on display for purchase. There were also quilts, handmade soaps and candles, toys from the time period, and even prairie dresses like the one below. When I was twelve, my mother made a dress similar to this one as a Halloween costume–the year I dressed as my role model at the time, Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Suffering passes while love is eternal. That’s a gift you have received from God. Don’t waste it.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Once the museum and gift shop were completed, there was a short stroll on a gentle incline to the farmhouse that Laura and Almanzo built together and raised their daughter, Rose. It started as one room and they gradually added rooms as their budget allowed. The home was beautiful and we could roam freely throughout. The most impressive room to me was Laura’s reading nook, a tiny room with filled bookshelves and a small writing desk. However, our tour guide was clipped and short with patrons and impatient with questions. She repeatedly waved the brochure and quipped, “If you can read, the answers are right there. Why don’t you people read?” We found Laura’s following quote quite appropriate:
If you are becoming bored with life as it is, try a new line of work as a hobby. You will be surprised what it will do for you.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
The farmhouse was lovely and nestled on a hill with surrounding woods.
After the farmhouse tour, we took a short drive to the Rock House. It was there Laura started writing the Little House books and recording her memories. The Rock House was also situated among woods and a small creek, and was quiet and serene. It was easy to imagine Laura gazing out the massive back windows and writing her engaging stories. The path to the home is marked with these historical markers:
Views of the Rock House:
The museum was wonderful and full of information and history about the Ingalls/Wilder families. It was professionally designed and preserved and I’m so glad we got to visit. I do wish the employees were more friendly and customer-oriented because it would have made the visit much more pleasant. We had a great time exploring on our own and enjoying a piece of my childhood while celebrating Laura and the mark she left on many of her readers.
Before we embarked on the drive back to Branson, we drove through the town of Mansfield, Missouri, where local businesses played into the Little House theme. We stopped by Caroline’s Bakery and got a homemade moon pie and poppy seed brownie (both were decadent!) for the road.
We even got a delicious midwest fried tenderloin sandwich at Ma and Pa’s Restaurant:
On the way home, we entered the campground address in Waze and programmed it to skip the highways–best decision ever. It led us through beautiful forest land, cattle ranches, and mountain views through the Mark Twain National Forest.
It was a memorable and precious day spent with my daughter. One of the very best, actually.
To end with Laura’s wise words:
Little by little, times flies by. Short if we laugh through it, long if we sigh.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Have you read Laura’s books? Have you visited the museum? What was your experience?
Safe travels,
Dawn