Plum Creek

I'm sitting on the prairie homestead in DeSmet SD of Ma and Pa Ingalls. We had a gorgeous sunset. It is a gentle night with a soft wind blowing. It is cool tonight and not sticky. Some bird is calling in the bush. The neighbor's fire is low and fragrant. I feel exhaltant. This was a good place to end our Laura journey.

We began the day on Plum Creek. The home of the dugout. And later the "boughten house". We got there early enough that we were able to enjoy it by ourselves for awhile. It was beautiful. The prairie flowers were blooming, the creek water was cool- I know cause I walked in it. We spent some time reading and enjoyed imagining Laura and her family walking up and down the banks.

We went back into town to see the bell Pa helped to pay for. The festival in the city park had begun and we bought some souvenirs and ate corn dogs and funnel cakes.
We weren't going to spend much time in the museum or store but of course there was so much to see that we did any way. This museum actually had quite a bit of information well displayed chronologically with the books. We are getting a little Laura'd out since so much is the same information. And yet it is still so intriguing.

Heading west we drove across the flat Minnesota Plains. Planted mostly in corn but some soy beans as well. We stopped in Pipestone NM where we were able to see the flip side of the white settlement. The first Americans lost their home when the treaty was signed and the homestead act opened up the Dakotah territory. An important part of the treaty included the provision that they could come here to get the stone for their pipes. They still mine it. We didnt have much time before they closed but I was glad to see the other side to homesteaders like the Ingalls. They had free land because the Indians lost it.

The drive into South Dakota was easy and greeted with the many lakes in the area. We were there in perfect time to sign into our lodging and get to the pageant. It was an interesting contrast to the one in Walnut Grove. Walnut Grove's was bigger, more cast and audience, longer much better produced and had special effects. But each were intriguing in the end due to the story. It is endearing and enduring.

We are not as enthusiastic about it all as we were in Kansas and Missouri. One more heavy duty Laura day. And then the long drive home. We have been immersed in the simple life that Laura had as she grew up. Entranced as well by this heartland of America. It is a fantastic place still.