Perspective: FAMILY ADVENTURE HISTORIC ANN LESCH, Ingalls Homestead, De Smet, SD I work with my family at the Ingalls Homestead just outside De Smet. Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the Little House books, lived here as teenager and her family homesteaded this land. We’ve been helping visitors have fun and make memories, while sneaking in some learning about Laura Ingalls Wilder and South Dakota history, since 1997. Visitors get to drive a covered wagon, attend a one-room school session, and make corn cob dolls and jump ropes. You’ve got to try…. Our new Prairie Bus tour at the Wilder Welcome Center. A few years ago, my family started a visitor welcome center on De Smet’s main street. We offer a bus tour featuring sites in De Smet and throughout the countryside. It is a wonderful way to get off the beaten path and learn about Laura, farming, and the natural history of the area. All the drivers (I’m one of them) enjoy the opportunity to get to know our visitors. Don’t leave without seeing… The house that Pa Ingalls built on 3rd Street. It’s the only building Charles built that still stands and visitors can see the kitchen cabinets he built for Ma. It’s cool! Most visitors to De Smet know the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet offers a chance to see the Surveyors’ House from By the Shores of Silver Lake on their Historic Homes tour. Sometimes visitors skip the house on 3rd Street to save time, but they are missing out on so much. Locals know… There is a lot to do and see in De Smet. A couple hours in not enough. Plan for the day, at least. An over night is great. De Smet has two motels, two bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. Take home… Photos and memories, as many as you can. However, if you are looking for a memento, our gift shop at the Ingalls Homestead has a fantastic selection of books. You could also pick up the iconic piece of Little House gear, a sunbonnet. I sew more than 500 every winter. The best part of living here… The people and the sky. De Smet residents are genuinely friendly and progressive-minded. I’m amazed at how much happens in our little town. That said, the openness of the prairie allows for some impressive skyscapes. Sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous, a thunderstorm rolling in with a lightening show is impressive to watch, and the view of the Milky Way at night is an awesome, humbling experience. HUNT & FISH STAY HERE 1-877-687-7523 www.DeSmetSuperDeluxeInn.com Check out the great walleye fishing and pheasant hunting! www.youtube.com/sdglaciallakes SDGlacialLakes.com // 175 GLACIAL LAKES & PRAIRIES REGION De Smet SD Take the Back Roads TO MY GREAT PLACE . . .
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2021 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 175
