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All 2 Urbandale Attractions »

Living History Farms

11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
515 278 5286
Ranked #1 of 2 attractions in Urbandale
4.5 of 5 stars 28 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites
Owner description: Living History Farms is located in the western suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa in Urbandale and is conveniently located right off Interstates 35/80. It is...... more » Owner description: Living History Farms is located in the western suburbs of Des Moines, Iowa in Urbandale and is conveniently located right off Interstates 35/80. It is an interactive outdoor museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. 300 years of agricultural history are represented including a 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, 1900 Horse-Powered Farm and an 1875 town. Tours are self guided and historic interpreters are at each farm site are dressed in clothing from each era to explain what it would have been like to live in that time. The general touring season is May 1 through October 14th. Many special events and historic dinners take place in the off-season. Visit the website for details. « less
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28 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
West Des Moines, Iowa
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2012

travel back in time to see how farmers and pioneers lived on the land in the farms for the pioneers, the 1900s farm, the native american village and the 1820s town of Walnut Hill. Check out the one room schoolhouse, the shops, the offices and the church of the land. Always fascinating and interesting. Open during the summer. More

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Osceola, Iowa
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

I think this was a great place to go and visit. me and my grandma went there to go for a grandma and grandaughters trip and had alot of fun, also quite a good exercise, depending where you go. There awas alot of trails and places to walk and see, and so many animals and the set up was amazing.... More

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Huxley, Iowa
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 8, 2012

Went for my husband's birthday and enjoyed the special turkey dinner they hold during the winter. The food was good and period specific, it was a small group (needing reservations), the cost was expensive, but worth it for a small personnel, several courses, tour of the place and being entertained while eating. A super place to visit throughout the year. More

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Des Moines, Iowa
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 22, 2012

Each of the major areas has something special to offer. You can learn about the first people who lived here and see how things have changed in the past as well as what the future might be like. Seasonal and special events add even more to all the people who "live" in the past here. You can learn so much... More

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Polk City, Iowa
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 19, 2012

The best experience I ever had at the Farms is the fall harvesting time. Shucking corn, making jelly, etc. bring back the smells and work of that time. More

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Top Contributor
155 reviews 155 reviews
Reviews in 61 cities Reviews in 61 cities
274 helpful votes 274 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2012

This gives a sense of Iowa in previous centuries -- good for families with small kids. Special events add to the value -- check their website for a schedule. More

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Montezuma, Iowa
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012

It is nice to have a plains view as far as the history goes, and very true to form, not best qualified for this review. More

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Monroe, Iowa
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 28, 2012

Walk through history, first the Native American, then to the pioneers of the 1850s, then 1900s working farm, the old Flynn Mansion and a Pioneer Village. Don't forget the Church of the Land at the top of the hill. It was a stop on the Pope's visit to America. Period costumes and activities help you to travel back in time.... More

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Grant City, MO
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 27, 2012

my kids loved everything about this place! So many hands on activities and education More

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Jefferson,Ia
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 19, 2012

Going back to how it used to be. How they used to do things. Lots of things see and to do. We like the meals at the farm house and helping do chores. Riding the horse drawn wagon there and back. Love it. Even in the winter time!! More

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