De Smet, South Dakota: Homestead Rock of Laura Ingalls Wilder
De Smet has preserved/rebuilt the Wilder's old homestead, and marked it with a plaque on a big rock at the top of a small hill.
- Address:
- 20812 Homestead Rd, De Smet, SD
- Directions:
- The rock is on the grounds of the Wilder homestead, and can be visited even when the homestead is closed. Drive southeast from town on US Hwy 14 for one mile, then turn right (south) onto Homestead Rd for a half mile. The homestead will be on the left; the trail to the rock begins at the corner of 208th St.
- Hours:
- Homestead open daily in summer 9 am - 7 pm. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Visitor Tips and News About Homestead Rock of Laura Ingalls Wilder
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In the nearby DeSmet Cemetery, Charles (Pa), Mary, Carrie, and Grace Ingalls, and Laura's husband Almanzo Wilder are buried.
[Carrie Fitzgerald, 04/29/2018]
This was well worth the 55 mile detour off of the highway and the $10 per person fee. For anyone that grew up reading her books or watching the television show this is worth the see. My husband even had a fun time! They had a baby calf, kittens, horse and miniature horse for anyone to interact with and a covered wagon ride out to the old school house. Lots of interactive things to do that show you how life on the prairie was, first-hand.
They also have a small camping area that you can sleep in covered wagons or a bunk house. Staff that keep up the homestead are friendly an informative and love the history.
[K. Nuessen, 06/25/2014]Have been to De Smet, South Dakota (Little Town on the Prairie) twice! Any fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder books MUST go! If one goes into town from the east you can travel through some of the towns mentioned in the books. Do not look for Silver Lake, it is drained, but still worth the trip if you are a true fan. Buy a bonnet and check out the surveyers house. Off the beaten path but excellent. From the east make sure you go through Huron and see the Giant Pheasant!
[Tingley Patience, 07/09/1999]The rock is a pilgrimage site on the Little House on the Prairie trail. Its bronze plaque has been stained by countless fingers reading its text.
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August 2019: Photo added.