Top Things to do in De Smet
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The 5 Best Things to do in De Smet, De Smet
Discover the best top things to do in De Smet, United States including Wilder Welcome Center, Ingalls Homestead - Laura's Living Prairie, Laura Ingles Wilder Historic Homes, De Smet Cemetery, De Smet Depot Museum.
1. Wilder Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. We provide visitor information on local attractions, lodging, and restaurants. Guided Prarie bus tours also available.
2. Ingalls Homestead - Laura's Living Prairie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By desiprincess
Our family of five with three young kids ages eight, five, and two almost missed this incredible experience! We are from Minneapolis, and we were driving back from our wonderful trip in the Black Hills/ Badlands area. Sioux Falls is our mid-way point and we stayed overnight there. My 8 year old daughter read “Little House on the Prairie” in school, and I just recently finished reading it to my 5 year old. We almost passed on this because of just wanting to get back home. I am so, so glad we didn’t miss this. Even if you are not a huge fan of the books, I think anyone would enjoy it. Of course knowing some history is helpful and enriched our experience immensely so maybe at least watch the movie. I don’t even know where to start with regard to how wonderful this place is. My kids highlights were holding newborn kittens, seeing other beautiful animals like cows and chickens, making a corn husk doll, riding a pony (2 yr old) and riding a horse (8 and 5 year old because my 5 year old is bigger), horse-drawn covered wagon ride, seeing old school house, making a jump rope, etc. etc. honestly so many other wonderful things that I can’t mention because I need to go now. I have to also say that just being on a prairie like that it’s pretty beautiful and special. I wish I would have been more thoughtful because they have Wagon covered campers that you can rent for a night! I definitely would have love to do that and plan on doing it our next time around! Whatever you do, make this a stop! I read that in the 2 to 3 hours, but we spent almost 6 hours (And got back home to Minneapolis around midnight! Totally worth it!) If you are a fan of any of the books/shows and you are anywhere in the area, you cannot miss this. Even if you’ve never read a book I think you’d love it if you have kids.
3. Laura Ingles Wilder Historic Homes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
We invite you to visit the historic homes of famous author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Have a fun filled day visiting the Surveyors’ House from By the Shores of Silver Lake. Attend class in the First School of De Smet, the original school that Laura and Carrie attended and visit the home that “Pa” built in 1887. Visit the Discovery Center for Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes pioneer activities! Try to sew on a treadle sewing machine, dress like a pioneer, and learn to read Braille. Each summer a new exhibit is on display of original belongings of Laura and her family. A must for all Laura fans.
Reviewed By Asorg515 - New Haven, United States
Great tour for everyone, young and old. My daughter loved it as did my husband who has never read the books or watched the shows. With COVID masks are required on the tour. The gift shop had some great items including my favorite shirt "In a world full of Nellie's, be a Laura". Each bag with a purchase has a twig from Pa's cottonwood trees as an extra little gift.
4. De Smet Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By AmandaL319 - Appleton, United States
If you're a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder, it's worth the trip out of town to get to the De Smet Cemetery to see her family's gravesites.
