Independence, Kansas: Little House on the Prairie

If you were a fan of the book series, this is a wonderful stop for a look at prairie life. We were there after hours and didn't get to go in the museum, but there's plenty to see on the grounds. The log cabin -- the actual "Little House" replica -- was being reconstructed at the time of our visit.

We just happened to visit during Prairie Fest Days -- the 2nd Saturday in June. It was a treat for a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan -- all the little girls in their prairie dresses and bonnets, a Laura re-enactor teaching in the one room school house, Mr. Edwards doing his thing, the post master selling 5 cent post cards. Lots of activities too: corn shucking, rope making, music and crafts.

Oh, yeah - the buildings were interesting too. I imagine Ma and Pa hit their heads on the door a lot or else they were very short. My husband and I thought it was a good place to visit - everything close together, no walking for miles, good bathrooms and lots of shade.

The one room log cabin is a recreation according to the description in The Little House on the Prairie book by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Two authentic buildings have also been moved to the site -- a one-room school house and a post office. There is also a gift shop.

North of Caney Kansas, just east of highway 75 stands a little cabin and museum. The site claims to be the location where Charles Ingalls and his family lived from 1869 to 1871 and further claims to be where Carrie Ingalls was born on August 3, 1870. In Laura Ingalls Wilder's book this is supposed to be the location of THE Little House on the Prairie. The site includes a replica cabin, a museum (open seasonally), a wagon, the Sunny Side School House (1872-1948) and the Wayside Post Office (1885-1977)