Living History Farms

Urbandale, IA

Historical
4 (5 reviews)

Where are we going?

Address: 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA How do we get there? Number: 515-2785286
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About this activity

Set in the northwest corner of Des Moines, Iowa, Living History Farms is an interactive, 500-acre outdoor museum that tells the amazing story of how Iowans transformed the fertile prairies of the Midwest over 300 years into the most productive farmland in the world.


Touch, play and engage at each of our three working farm sites: 1700 Ioway Indian Farm; 1850 Pioneer Farm; and 1900 Horse-Powered Farm — and at our 1875 Town of Walnut Hill, complete with a Blacksmith, General Store, Print Shop and Flynn Mansion and Barn, which are both on the National Register of Historic Places.


History comes to life as you set out on a self-guided tour. Our friendly, informative staff provide a unique learning environment of seasonal activities and demonstrations. They'll show you how Native Americans grew crops in the 1700s, how farmers used oxen to open the prairies in the 1850s, and how horses were used to revolutionize agriculture in the 1900s. Don't miss the hustle & bustle of the prospering 1875 Town of Walnut Hill.


The sounds of the Midwest fill your ears from the moment you arrive at Living History Farms. Listen for cows mooing, leaves rustling, birds chirping, children laughing and fire crackling in wood-burning ovens.

Visit website to find dates/times and learn about many special events!

Activity location

Directions

Living History Farms is located in Urbandale, Iowa, and is easily accessible off the combined Interstate 35/80. (Exit 125 off of Interstate 80.) Right next to several hotels and the Iowa Machine Shed Restaurant.

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How much does it cost?

Hilton

Adults

$19

Hilton

Children

$12

Hilton

Discount

Military and seniors (60+) $18.00

Hilton

Free Under

1

Hilton

Last Updates

2023

Living History Farms FAQ’s

We host many special events and programs even in our "off season" from November through April. These include our Family Easter even the day before Easter, Family Halloween in October and our Historic Dinner program.

We have on site vending as well as a snack shop open from 11 am to 2 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring in their own picnic lunch or leave and return the same day.

We sell historic candy (rock candy, gumdrops, lemon drops, candy sticks, etc.) in our General Store. Also, don't forget to pick up a bottle of sarsaparilla, brewed exclusively for Living History Farms. Our gift shop sells a variety of gifts and postcards to remember your trip!

Each year we host over 12,000 school children to Living History Farms. Information on school tours can be found at: www.livinghistoryfarms.org/learn

We have a variety of choices in our snack shop or bring in your own food and have a picnic in one of our shelter areas.

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