The log cabin village is not open in the evenings, their hours are 9 - 5PM during weekdays, and 1 - 5 PM Sat and Sun, the gate closes at 4:30. It is across the street from the Fort Worth Zoo, tucked away on the side of a hill with many shade trees. There is sufficient parking. The entrance is through the General Store, were various items made at the village such as corn husk dolls, walking sticks, etc. There is a nominal fee for visitors.
The park is laid out in a large triangle, with buildings along the way, mostly shade and a gentle slope up/down the hill. It was a pleasant outing on a hot afternoon. The walkways are typically gravel, if you are visiting with someone who is in a wheelchair or scooter, the path may be difficult to navigate. I saw an older woman trying to push her elderly mother and it was doable, but clearly a chore, so be please be forewarned. There are bathrooms in the form of Port-A-Potties hidden by a wooden wall. There was at least one working water fountain on the path. The buildings are authenticate log buildings.
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There are docents at every building who are glad to chat and explain the history of the building as well as the items. They were very knowledgable, and talked rather than lectured, as though this was the first time they have ever been asked this question, when I'm sure they had answered the question at least a hundred times. In one cabin, there was a large number of items where children were encouraged to touch and play.
During our visit, it was the Fall Festival. There were two cowboys with hay bale 'calves' teaching children how to throw a rope. There were flint knappers making arrow heads and strikers. You could learn how to make a corn husk doll by purchasing the arms at the entrance, and the ladies demonstrating how to make the doll were very patient and very well prepared to help children.
The old school house has folding chairs set up with a band playing civil war music. I understand that folding chairs are not period, but really, does this matter for the comfort to the visitor wanting to sit and listen for a few minutes? I think not, but I did read a few reviews where this was critisized. I let the reader know about this, lest the sight of a modern chair crushes your expectations.
The blacksmith was making a brand, and explaining branding and how to overbrand, I thought his talk was fascinating.
There is an herb garden that we wandered through, abuzz with butterflies and bees. I had a mystery plant come up in my garden, and there it was in the herb garden, so now its been identified. The woman attending to the herb drying was extremely helpful.
The gristmill is at the top, and you can watch the waterwheel on the outside and the corn being ground on the inside.
It took us a little over an hour to complete the walk.
I've been to many of these historic villages, and this is the best. Frederick OK second, Grayson County third, and do not bother to go to the Maybourne.
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