Living History Farms

Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, invites visitors to explore the transformation of the Midwest's fertile prairies into highly productive farmland over three centuries. This outdoor museum spans 500 acres, allowing guests to pace themselves as they travel through historical time periods. Our dedicated on-site interpreters enhance this experience with seasonal activities and educational demonstrations, creating a unique environment for learning and connection.

The Ioway Indian Farm of 1700 showcases indigenous farming methods, predating European records, where crops like corn, beans, and squash are grown. By 1850, on the Pioneer Farm, farming techniques evolved with the cultivation of corn, potatoes, and wheat. The bustling 1876 town of Walnut Hill reimagines a lively frontier community, complete with craftsmen, merchants, a schoolhouse, and an elegant Victorian home, while the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm demonstrates the use of Percheron draft horses in agriculture.