You’ve read the Little House books.
You’ve imagined the town of Walnut Grove.
You’ve read about Plum Creek.

But what if you could actually go there?

It’s time to put your feet on the soil and walk the same trails Laura did.

This July, we’re embarking on a great adventure: The Little House on the Prairie Family Road Trip

Travel with us by bus to see the original homesites in Minnesota and South Dakota.

Tour the old cabins.
Wade in Plum Creek.
Attend the outdoor dramas.
And make unforgettable memories with your children.

These beloved stories will never be the same.

But don’t wait to sign up. Space is limited to 10-12 families.

Come with us to experience one of the greatest stories ever told!

To see the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

To see the complete itinerary, click here.

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
ARRIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MN

However you choose to travel to Minneapolis—by plane or by car—we'll begin our adventure on Wednesday, July 8, with an orientation gathering and dinner together at a hotel (to be announced) at 6:00 PM. You’ll get to know the families coming, enjoy a meal together, and learn details about what our trip will entail over the next several days. If you drive to Minneapolis, you can park your car at a long-term lot and take a complimentary shuttle from the airport to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2: THURSDAY, JULY 9

WALNUT GROVE, MN

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel two-and-a-half hours to Walnut Grove, MN, where the Ingalls family built a cabin near Plum Creek. We'll start at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, enjoy a provided lunch in-town, and then head to the original dug-out site to see the site where the Ingalls family lived next to Plum Creek. Just like Laura and Mary, we'll dip our feet into those cool creek waters. In the evening, we'll enjoy a dinner on your own at a lovely vineyard and restaurant on the outskirts of town. We'll spend the night at a hotel in Marshall, MN, and prepare for a big day ahead.

DAY 3: FRIDAY, JULY 10

DE SMET, SOUTH DAKOTA

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel two hours to De Smet, SD where the Ingalls family moved after Walnut Grove and where Laura met Almanzo. We'll tour the town and the school where the children attended and visit the family gravesites. After a provided lunch, we'll spend the afternoon at the Ingalls Homestead outside of town where our children will be able to drive a team of horses, make cornhusk dolls, visit a one-room schoolhouse and enjoy period activities. In the evening, we'll have dinner on your own at the Pageant Grounds, and then watch the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant, an outdoor drama created by the De Smet residents. Overnight in Brookings or Madison, SD.

DAY 4: SATURDAY, JULY 11

WALNUT GROVE, MN

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, we'll travel back to Walnut Grove, MN for the Village Fair to celebrate the Little House legacy. The Village Fair features child-friendly, hands-on activities like seed art, and gunny sack races, along with a costume booth, historic bus tours, and the Laura and Nellie Look-Alike Contest. We’ll have lunch on your own among the various food trucks and vendors at the fair, from 11 AM to 5 PM. After the Fair, we'll travel to the Pageant Grounds where we'll have dinner on your own and watch the Wilder Pageant: "Chasing the Dream." Overnight in Marshall, MN.

DAY 5: SUNDAY, JULY 12

BACK TO MINNEAPOLIS, MN

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, we'll board our bus one last time to return to Minneapolis by 12:00 PM to catch afternoon flights or start making the trip home. We'll spend the bus ride sharing highlights from the trip and reflecting on everything we experienced. We can't wait for you to join us!

Q: Where and when do we meet?

A: We’ll meet in Minneapolis, MN at 6:00 PM on July 8, 2026. That’s where the trip officially begins. From there, we’ll board a deluxe motor coach and set out toward Walnut Grove and De Smet.

Q: Are flights included?

A: No — flights are not included. You’ll arrange your travel to Minneapolis, MN and can take a complimentary shuttle to our host hotel where you can check-in (after 4pm). We’ll provide details about best arrival times and airport logistics.

Q: What’s included in the cost of the trip?

A: You’ll receive hotel accommodations (each night in a new prairie town), most meals, transportation via charter bus, admission to historical sites on the itinerary, pageant tickets, and a one-year free membership in the Prairie Readers Guild.

Q: What’s not included?

A: You’ll be responsible for any flights to Minneapolis, personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.), any meals not listed in the itinerary, and the recommended trip protection / medical insurance.

Q: What types of rooms / packages are available?

A: We offer several packages — from solo traveler to family options (3–4, 5–6, 5–10, etc.), with single or multiple rooms as needed.

Q: What is the deposit / payment schedule?

A: A $250 deposit is required to reserve your spot. We offer the option to pay in full at time of booking or sign up for a monthly payment schedule. (Further payment schedule details will be shared upon booking.)

Q: How many people can join this trip?

A: The group size is limited to 1–50 travelers.

Q: Who is coming on the trip from your organization?

A: The Arment family, Ben & Ainsley, and some of their kids will be joining.

Q: Are there age restrictions for participation?

A: The trip is family-friendly. However, some activities — including walking tours, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather — may be better suited for older children. We’ll also have long days of touring in the summer heat. We recommend assessing your own family’s comfort level and threshold.

Q: Do participants need travel / health insurance?

A: We strongly recommend trip protection and medical insurance. They are not included, and you’ll be responsible for your own coverage.

Q: What happens if the weather or events change?

A: We design an itinerary with some flexibility. If weather or local conditions require adjustments, we’ll pivot and substitute comparable sites or events. However, the trip will not be cancelled.

Q: How will luggage / baggage work on the motor coach?

A: Each traveler will have space for luggage. We’ll guide you on baggage limits and packing recommendations to make it smooth on the bus.

Q: What should I pack / what gear is recommended?

A: We’ll send you a “packing list” closer to the trip — you’ll want comfortable walking shoes, layers, hats, water bottles, rain gear, and a journal for reflections.

Q: What is the cancellation / refund policy?

A: Our policy (which will be in your booking terms) covers cancellations by you or changes by us. Make sure to review it carefully before you reserve your spot.

Q: How do I get connected to the Prairie Readers Guild and what benefits do I get?

A: Once you book the trip, we will enroll you in the Prairie Readers Guild for one year as a free gift. You’ll receive access to reading plans, content, discussion forum, monthly livestream, and other perks tied to that membership.

Each July, the towns of Walnut Grove, MN and De Smet, SD come alive with outdoor theater, as local communities stage their beloved dramas celebrating the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. These pageants—set beneath the open sky—blend history, storytelling, and prairie atmosphere in a way that feels almost timeless.

On our trip, we’ll attend both pageants (weather permitting), giving you the rare chance to experience Laura’s world from two different corners of her story. Before each performance, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on your own at the pageant grounds, where food vendors, families, and the gathering crowd add to the festive charm.

Please note that our hotels are located 30 to 40 minutes from the pageant sites, which means our evenings may run long—but they will be full, memorable, and worth every mile.

Here are a few important notes about the trip:

• BUS TRIPS: Each of bus trips from Minneapolis to Walnut Grove, MN and De Smet, SD are about two to two-and-a-half hours each.

• LENGTH OF DAYS: Because the pageants in De Smet and Walnut Grove on July 10 and 11 are evening events, these will be particularly long days, having us arrive back at the hotel at 10 PM or later.

• RIGOR OF TRIP: We’ve designed an itinerary with children (and parents) in mind, but the days will be full and the weather in July may be hot. Every family is different, so before booking, please consider your children’s ability to handle this kind of experience.

• WEATHER: While we hope for clear, beautiful summer days, weather is unpredictable. These events are rain-or-shine, and we’ll adjust plans as needed. We ask for your patience and flexibility—just as you would on any family road trip.

• ACCOMMODATIONS: Lodging options in Walnut Grove and De Smet are limited, and local hotels are not luxury properties. Our accommodations will be at the best available 2- and 3-star hotels located about 40 minutes from each town.

• CHILDREN: We love that our kids will get to visit the very locations they read about in the Little House series. Please note that every parent is responsible for their own children, including their safety, behavior, and well-being.