With the town of De Smet and the cottonwoods in the background, a family walks the knoll that Laura and Mary walked
Ingalls Homestead-De Smet, SD

The Ingalls Homestead is not affilliated with the official LIW Memorial Society in De Smet. The Memorial Society owns the corner of the quarter section which contains the cottonwood trees supposedly planted by Charles Ingalls. The remaining quarter section was purchased by the Sullivans several years ago and is definitely a must see while visiting De Smet. I have heard young children exclaim that this was their favorite part of the entire visit to De Smet. I don't think any Laura fans in your family will be disapointed.

The Ingalls Homestead is hands down my favorite Laura place of all. It is such a thrill to walk the same quarter section that was farmed by Charles Ingalls. The knoll that Laura and Mary stood on is still there. As I stand on it during a glorious Dakota sunset, I can almost see the two of them walking arm in arm to the top as Laura describes the beauty to Mary.

Over the years, Tim & Joan Sullivan have worked very hard to build a family friendly pioneer life exhibit and demonstration farm. Tim and staff have planted most of the quarter section with native prairie grasses just like Laura saw when she lived there. He has planted the required acreage of corn and other crops as required by the Homestead Act.

The Ingalls homestead is definitely hands on at the various buildings on the homestead. Ropemaking, wheat grinding, making a corn cob doll, are just a few of the activities that await children of all ages.

Covered wagons take you to the restored Johnson School No. 20. There children and parents alike take part in an authentic one room school house lesson plan.

Check out the link to the Ingalls Homestead for a virtual visit and view the welcoming video.

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