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All 1 Philip Attractions »

Prairie Homestead Historic Site

21070 SD Hwy 240, Philip, SD
605-433-5400
Ranked #1 of 1 attractions in Philip
4.5 of 5 stars 9 Reviews
Type: Historic Sites
Description: Original dirt-sod home built in 1909. Experience farm life as the pioneers did. Dress up as a pioneer. Live farm animals and white prairie dogs.
Useful Information: Activities for older children
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9 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
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    4
    1
    0
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Date Rating
Philip, South Dakota, United States
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 9, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I grew up near the Prairie Homestead and so glad I did! It's a great place to show kids some history of South Dakota. South Dakota was developed by farmers and ranchers so our history is so much different than in the east. There weren't trees to build fancy houses and most of the farmers and ranchers didn't have the... More

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California
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 14, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

What I loved about this site: The historic presentation via video and that you could also use your phone to hear an indepth description of the homestead, or just read a paper copy, as you visited the various buildings and display items. I also thought it was wonderful that free clothing was provided if you wanted to dress the part,... More

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Maple Grove, Minnesota
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed August 5, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

Fascinating restoration that gives a realistic look at the hardscrabble lifestyle of prairie pioneers. The soddy and outbuildings are lovingly and authentically restored. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. More

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USA
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed July 29, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

In 1909, Ed and Alice Brown filed a claim under the Homestead Act for 160 acres in the Badlands of South Dakota. They piled their belongings in a covered wagon and emigrated from Nebraska, arriving at their claim in early autumn. They immediately dug their home into the side of the hill, constructing some outside walls of sod (held together... More

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West Lafayette, Indiana
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 5, 2011
2
people found this review helpful

Even the teenagers were impressed. They even had an educational video before and pioneer clothes for the family to dress up in and take silly pictures. Loved this stop. The outhouse was great. More

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Sioux City, Iowa
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 22, 2011
2
people found this review helpful

what an awesome place -- can you believe people lived like that just 100 years ago. I'd recommend to everyone More

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South Dakota
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed December 12, 2010
2
people found this review helpful

Great example of settlers' lifestyle on the prairie...the rustic sod house/cabin. White prairie dogs also entertaining. More

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Kentucky
Top Contributor
177 reviews 177 reviews
Reviews in 79 cities Reviews in 79 cities
86 helpful votes 86 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 6, 2010
1
person found this review helpful

This is an interesting stop before you head into the Badlands National Park. Basically, there is a gift shop and then you can exit the back to the prairie sod homestead. This is an original structure apparently. There are detailed signs with information about the Homestead Act, etc. along the way. And also, the site is home to many prairie... More

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So. California
Top Contributor
131 reviews 131 reviews
Reviews in 35 cities Reviews in 35 cities
99 helpful votes 99 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 17, 2009
2
people found this review helpful

Located near the Eastern entrance to Badlands National Park, this is an informative location to see an actual sod house built by homesteaders. I'm not sure kids would appreciate the hard life these pioneers lived, but they can purchase nuts in the store to feed the white prairie dogs. It doesn't take too long to see the buildings, but much... More

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