Fall Back in Time at Living History Farms

The Greater Des Moines (DSM) community over-achieves when it comes to arts, culture and heritage experiences. There are so many wonderful ways our community can engage in enriching experiences that create core memories and cherished time with friends and family. From museums to live performing arts and festivals, this community has something for everyone. I consider myself fortunate to have a front-row seat to these vibrant offerings as President of Living History Farms.

For those who have never visited, Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor history museum which educates and connects all peoples to the many stories of Midwestern rural heritage. As a transplant to Iowa (from the East Coast), I grew up far removed from where my food originates. Living History Farms connects guests to where their food comes from and how it is planted, harvested, preserved and prepared for your table.

Guests travel back in time to experience life at the 1700 Ioway Farm, the 1850 Pioneer Farm, the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and the 1876 town of Walnut Hill. The Flynn Mansion and Barn, built on this site in the 1870s, are listed on the National Historic Register. Historic interpreters in period dress demonstrate farming, domestic life and trades, immersing visitors in each era.

In addition to daily activities that show the evolution of farming over the past 300-plus years, the museum has many special events planned during this harvest season. All are included with General Admission unless otherwise noted. The museum also offers Historic Skills Classes and Historic Dinners and Teas by reservation. As you turn back your clocks this fall, we invite you to “fall back” in time and join us for one of our upcoming events or experiences:

Applefest, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024

Farm and town sites will show you how cooks of the past prepared seasonal treats like apple butter, pastries and cider. You can play traditional games; help press cider and print a recipe in the Print Shop. Don’t miss performances by Dr. Savage’s traveling medicine show and a demonstration of Historic Baseball by the Walnut Hill Bluestockings.

Cast Iron Cook-Off, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024

Cooking over an open fire, hearth or wood stove is a challenge — even more so when you must improvise with surprise ingredients! Cooks throughout the museum will learn their three ingredients in the morning, then prep a dish or a meal for our team of judges.

“The Pope’s Visit to Iowa,” Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

You’re invited to the premiere of this documentary about Saint Pope John Paul II’s 1979 visit in advance of its airing on Iowa PBS. Before the film, take a guided tour of the Church of the Land, and afterward hear a short discussion with the producer and Iowans featured in the documentary. (Free with advance registration.)

Victorian Funeral, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024

Learn the 19th-century traditions and rituals of mourning. Join us to celebrate the life and honor the death of a fictional Walnut Hill resident.

Indigenous Iowans Day, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024

The Ioway were the first farmers on this land. Learn about their culture, along with other Indigenous Peoples who have lived — and still live — here. Enjoy demonstrations, stories, songs, crafts and games.

Family Halloween, Oct. 18-20 & 25-27, 2024

We have a townful of treats for your little tricksters! In addition to collecting candy and trinkets at storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, you can hear storytellers in the Prairie Gothic church, have your silly fortune told in the Millinery, play games and do crafts in the 150-year-old barn, take a horse-drawn wagon ride and watch demonstrations at the Print Shop, Drug Store and Blacksmith. $9 for ages 2 and up ($8 for members; 1 and under free).

 

Living History Farms Race, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Run 5 miles through 300 years of history! This one-of-a-kind off-road race takes you through streams, farms and fields. We’ll give awards for overall winners, age division winners and best costumes. All finishers receive a long-sleeve shirt and cowbell medal, plus post-race food from the Machine Shed. Registration is $50 through Sunday, Oct. 20, then $60. The Kids’ Run is free with advance registration.

More Information

Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road in Urbandale, is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Wednesday, Oct. 30. General Admission is $19 for adults, $13 for children age 2 through 12 and free for children 1 and under. Members receive free admission during public hours.

Land Acknowledgement

Today we acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples who have called Iowa home since time immemorial, as well as the more than 17,000 Native people who live in Iowa today. We acknowledge that the land, now known as the State of Iowa, was the ancestral home of the Ioway Nation and our state is named in recognition of them.

Iowa was also an ancestral home at times for the Baxoje (Ioway), Otoe-Missouria, Meskwaki (Fox), Osakiwaki (Sauk), Dakota, Ho-Chunk, Omaha-Ponca and Potawatomi, as well as other tribes that passed through at various times.

The language used to identify many of our lakes, rivers, cities, counties, schools, buildings and sites reflects the inherent imprint of Indigenous Peoples.

We offer our respect to their elders both past and present, as well as future generations, and acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples who have made essential contributions to the landscape of Iowa, including traditional knowledge, experience, labor, technology, science, philosophy and the arts.

Learn more about Living History Farms events at lhf.org.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.