We drove to Missouri for another chance to see a part of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life. This stop was at her Farmhouse and Rock House. Both of which are at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, MO. This is where she spent the bulk of her life and wrote her famous Little House books. After all her travels as a child she spent her adult years in one place.
We started in the small museum full of artifacts from Laura’s life and family. Dishes, dresses, letters, books, photos, hand stitched blankets, lace, and many other items were fascinating. The item we were most excited to see was Pa’s fiddle. This fiddle is an integral part of all the Little House books, it is the calming force throughout the stories. When Pa plays his fiddle, no matter what to happening the world calms down and Laura’s family is at peace. After reading all the books it is hard not to see this item and not feel that calming force resonating from it.
Next we drove the very short distance to the Rock House. This house was built by Laura’s daughter for Laura and Almanzo to live in. It had all the modern consciences of the late 1920’s. Indoor plumbing, electricity, and a furnace. It was also beautiful with its stone work outside, large windows, and cozy farm house feel. A small house Jen would be more then happy to move into.
Rock House 
Chickens at the farm house 
Farm House 
After our tour of the Rock Ridge we headed back over to the visitor center and the Farmhouse. The farm house was hand built by Laura and Almanzo after they moved to the land in 1894. They finished the house in 1913 with a final addition. Except for the 8 years they lived in the Rock House, they lived in the farm house the rest of their lives. The land and homes were wonderful and we could see how living here would be an incredibly peaceful life.
After our tours we bought some more books at the store. Our RV library and now many books are filled with books and buying more throughout our travels has not helped. We just cannot turn down a child asking for a book as a souvenir. 📚
After our time visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home we drove across the street to our campsite at the Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park. The kids had fun running around the play area with the ducks and chickens. Free range chickens make almost any RV park a five star for us.
Breakfast Alfresco 
Breakfast Buddies
Our 6S Full Life 