Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant

Want to Relive the Good Old

Days? “Come Home To Laura!”

The popular Laura Ingalls Wilder

Pageant tells the story of 1870’s life in the fl edgling prairie town of Walnut Grove. This year’s LIVE outdoor drama is set for Fridays and Saturdays, JULY 9-10,16-17 and 23-24!

The family-oriented two-act drama depicts the Ingalls family living near Walnut Grove in the 1870s. Staged in a beautiful natural amphitheater near the banks of Plum Creek a short distance from Walnut Grove, the outdoor drama is faithful to the “Little House” books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Area volunteers make up the cast and production crew of over 60 people. The pageant, in its 44th season has played to over 300,000 people.

This story is based on the fourth book in the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, “On the Banks of Plum Creek.” The drama recounts the construction of the town’s church, prairie fi res, and the grasshopper plague that wiped out the family’s wheat crop. Elaborate stage sets are complemented with professional lighting and sound systems. The Ingalls’ dugout home, a church, school and general store are among the sets.

COVID HEALTH AND SAFETY

We are all ready to return from the “intermission of 2020” and present live theater again. To do so, we will follow guidelines from the State of Minnesota. At present we have adjusted seating to allow social distancing, mask wearing and increased hand washing opportunities. We do this for the safety of both our family audiences and the cast and crew. For update regarding changes to this policy visit the updated, mobile friendly website at walnutgrove.org/pageant. Look under PATRON POLICIES for a complete list of expectations and rules that will be enforced for everyone’s health and safety.

PAGEANT TICKETS

Tickets are best ordered by calling the ticket offi ce at 888-859-3102. Tickets will be held in Will Call. Email confi rmation provided. Tickets may be purchased at the gate but call ahead for availability. Seating options are described on our webpage. VIP Seating $25. Reserved Seating price $20. Child may sit on adult lap without charge. General admission $18. Children age 5 and under admitted free in general admission. General admission holders should bring blankets or folding chairs for hillside seating. Gates open at 7:00 p.m. NEW THIS YEAR. Performance begins at 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION

One mile west and one-half mile south of Walnut Grove on Crown Avenue. The roads are all in good shape so far this year. Thank you to Mother Nature and the Minnesota Department of Transportation!

PAGEANT SUPPERS

During pageant weekends, churches and community groups serve meals from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Walnut Grove Community Center at 311 Sixth Street. Open to the public. Menus may vary. Call 888859-3102 for group reservations of 25 or more. Check website in june for additional menu options.

FAMILY FESTIVAL

This free annual event at the Walnut Grove City Park offers children’s activities, pioneer demonstrations, concessions, arts and crafts, live music and vendor displays. The festival is held three Saturdays of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant (July 10, 17, 24).

Wheels Across the Prairie Museum

www.wheelsacrosstheprairie.org

Located on West Highway 14 – Laura Ingalls Memorial Highway 19 Buildings! Plan to Stay the Day!

June, July & August — Wednesday thru Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Jon 507-626-1949

Walnut Grove

LAURA/NELLIE LOOK-A-LIKE CONTESTS

Girls 8-12 are invited to take part in the Laura Ingalls Wilder and Nellie Oleson Look-a-Like contests. Registration is from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on July 10, 17, 24 at the Walnut Grove City Park. Contest begins at 3:00 p.m. For online registration visit www.walnutgrove.org. Judging is based on overall appearance and knowledge of the “On the Banks of Plum Creek” book.

Look for most up-to-date information by checking walnutgrove.org for changes, additions and updates.

LOOSE GRAVEL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Saturday, July 31 at the Wilder Outdoor Theater. Check the Loosegravelmusicfestival.org or the walnutgrove.org/pageant website to see the blue grass music line up and ticket options for a great day and night of Americana, Blue Grass and Roots music.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH SITE

The 1874 church that the Ingalls family attended was located on the corner of 5th and Bedel Streets. The church was torn down in 1954, replaced by private home that is unavailable for viewing.

LAFAYETTE BEDAL HOME

Laura and Mary attended school in the home of Lafayette Bedal located on the corner of 4th and Washington Streets.

LAURA INGALLS WILDER HISTORIC MONUMENT

Traveling north of Walnut Grove on County Road 5 for 1.6 miles will take you to a monument that honors the Ingalls family and early pioneers.

MASTERS STORE & HALL

Located on the corner of 8th Street and County Road 20, the Master’s Store and Hall is owned by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and is in the process of being restored. A ‘400 Horses’ Art Exhibit goes through Oct. 31.

PA’S BELL

The original bell that Charles Ingalls helped purchase now hangs in the belfry of the English Lutheran Church at 450 Wiggins Street. Pa Ingalls helped pay for the church bell by donating the last $3 he had saved for a pair of new boots.