Living History Farms

Living History Farms offers an unforgettable 500-acre journey through Iowa's agricultural past, where kids can meet heritage breed animals, watch blacksmiths at work, and experience life on farms from different time periods. This interactive outdoor museum lets children churn butter, plant seeds, and explore authentic historical buildings while learning how families lived and worked on Iowa farms throughout history.

• ✓Meeting heritage breed farm animals including horses, chickens, pigs, and cattle at multiple historic farm sites
• ✓Watching costumed interpreters demonstrate period-appropriate skills like blacksmithing, weaving, and cooking over open fires
• ✓Riding the tractor-drawn wagon between time periods spanning 1700s to 1900s
• ✓Participating in hands-on activities like grinding corn, churning butter, or helping with farm chores
• ✓Exploring authentic historical buildings including a one-room schoolhouse and Victorian mansion

1. 1.Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers,you'll cover significant ground outdoors across multiple farm sites
2. 2.Visit the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm first thing in the morning when it's cooler and animals are most active
3. 3.Pack snacks and water bottles; while there's a café, having provisions on hand helps with the extensive walking between sites
4. 4.Check the daily schedule upon arrival for timed demonstrations like blacksmithing or open-hearth cooking,these are major highlights
5. 5.Allow at least 3-4 hours to experience all time periods without rushing; the tractor-drawn wagon ride between sites is a nice rest for little legs

Visit on weekday mornings in late spring (May) or early fall (September-October) for comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and active farm demonstrations. Summer weekends can be hot and busy, though special events add extra activities.

Admission is approximately $18 for adults and $11 for children ages 4-16 (free for ages 3 and under). The venue is largely outdoors with gravel paths and requires considerable walking, so strollers are permitted but can be challenging on uneven terrain.

Open May through October only. Special events include Tractor Festival in summer and Halloween events in October. The farm is closed November through April. Spring planting and fall harvest times offer especially engaging demonstrations for kids to witness seasonal farm work.

Jethro's BBQ (about 5 minutes away) offers a fun, casual atmosphere with a huge kids menu and generous portions. For healthier options, Panera Bread is nearby in the shopping district off Hickman Road.