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Living History Farms

11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322
515 278 5286
Website
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Ranked #1 of 2 attractions in Urbandale
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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52 reviews from our community

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    32
    12
    6
    2
    0
Date Rating
Top Contributor
62 reviews 62 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 January 2013

My husband and I enjoyed a different sort of dinner out last Friday night. We had been given gift certificates from our children and were ready to have a taste of the elegant in Victorian times. We chose the group that selected turkey and introduced ourselves as we gathered in the "welcome center." There were 6 women, including myself, my... More

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See 2 more reviews by Ileen E for Urbandale
Ames, Iowa, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2013

Living History Farms was a great visit! I went there through the Living History Farms adventure and it was awesome!

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Galveston, Texas
Top Contributor
57 reviews 57 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 December 2012 via mobile

We stopped off here a couple on our way home from Minnesota. I love history and seeing how the farm has developed over the years was very interesting. There is a lot of walking so be prepared for that if going and wear comfortable shoes. I can't wait to come here again!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by rdp343 for Urbandale
Webster City, Iowa
Top Contributor
79 reviews 79 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 December 2012

I thought it would be way more fun than it was. We went when the children were young and they didn't enjoy it that much either.

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Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 November 2012

I've taken my family to all sorts of Living History Farms events over the past 12 years. We've experienced the regular tour, apple cider days, corn harvesting days, summer day camps, and the annual Halloween event. We have never been the least bit disappointed with our visit. It gets better every time! There is always more to see and more... More

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Ames, IA
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 November 2012

I could go here once a month.....love the history...great place for kids and adults. Everyone should do this at least once a year. Sure makes you appreciate what we have now.

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Clive
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 November 2012

Our son has attended LHF camp for 2 years now and will again this coming summer. I've taken a class trip with 100+ 7th graders who have just as much fun. Fun and professional.

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Mow Cop, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
88 reviews 88 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 74 cities Reviews in 74 cities
66 helpful votes 66 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 September 2012

The staff are the heroes, they give the 'Living' to this Museum. While the reproduction of farming from the aboriginal peoples to the twenty-century is faithfully created, it is the knowledgeable and lovely staff that turn this from a static museum to a place that gives a true sense of the past. You can pass-out to get lunch, returning to... More

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Redmond, Washington
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 September 2012

My 3 children (13,10 and 4) and I thoroughly enjoyed our day at Living History Farms. It was great to be able to go at our own pace and talk with the staff who were well informed and very friendly. Of the many highlights we really loved the 1850's farm, the Victorian mansion, the banker, and the pharmacist. I was... More

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Des Moines, IA
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 September 2012

My 64-year-old aunt and I visited here and I'm sure you will need more than two hours. You can walk at your leisure through the historic town and speak to the knowledgeable people dressed in period clothing who will tell you what they're doing and what interesting things might have been happening at the time. There's a pharmacist, a lawyer,... More

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