Laura Ingalls Wilder Heritage Road Trip: Celina to the Midwest Historic Trail

Day 1: Mansfield & Route Start

Mansfield, Missouri on May 30, 2025

9:00AM

Drive from Celina to Mansfield

Start your journey with a 4.5 hour drive from Celina, TX to Mansfield, MO, a key Laura Ingalls Wilder site.
0, 4h30m

1:30PM

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum

Tour the home where Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote the Little House books; exhibits include personal artifacts and insights into her life. Open 9AM-5PM.
USD10, 2h0m

4:00PM

Dinner at The Garden Restaurant

Enjoy comforting American dishes in a family-friendly environment just minutes from the Wilder home.
USD20, 1h0m

6:00PM

Overnight stay at Comfort Inn Mansfield

Choose a safe, family-friendly hotel with good reviews, centrally located for easy access to Wilder sites.
USD110, Overnight
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Day 2: Independence & Burr Oak

Independence, Kansas & Burr Oak, Iowa on May 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Farmhouse Coffee & More

Start your day with fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches in Mansfield before the drive.
USD10, 0h45m

9:00AM

Drive to Independence, KS

Travel 3.5 hours northeast to Independence, KS, known for its role as a historic railroad town.
0, 3h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Fussie Cat Coffee & Bakery

Enjoy a light, family-friendly lunch offering pastries and sandwiches in Independence.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00PM

Independence Historical Museum

Explore local heritage including exhibits on pioneer life and regional history. Open 10AM-4PM.
USD5, 1h30m

3:45PM

Drive to Burr Oak, IA

Continue 3-hour drive north to Burr Oak, IA, home of the Ingalls family before moving to Walnut Grove.
0, 3h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Riverside Family Restaurant

Family-friendly dining featuring classic American comfort food in Burr Oak.
USD20, 1h0m

8:30PM

Overnight stay at Burr Oak Motel

Enjoy a safe and welcoming motel suitable for families, located near historical sites.
USD90, Overnight
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Day 3: De Smet Exploration

De Smet, South Dakota on June 1, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Burr Oak Diner

Hearty breakfast in Burr Oak, perfect for fueling up for a full day of exploring.
USD12, 0h45m

8:30AM

Drive to De Smet, SD

3.5 hour drive northwest to De Smet, a central place in Wilder's life and writings.
0, 3h30m

12:15PM

Lunch at Depot Restaurant

Charming family restaurant near the historic district offering sandwiches and American fare.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30PM

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes Tour

Visit the Ingalls family home and other preserved sites including the surveyor's house and school. Open 1PM-5PM.
USD10, 3h0m

5:00PM

Dinner at Prairie Harvest Coffee

Relax with light dinner options in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
USD18, 1h0m

7:00PM

Overnight stay at De Smet Motel

Stay in a safe, comfortable motel known for family-friendly accommodations.
USD95, Overnight
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Day 4: Walnut Grove & Pepin

Walnut Grove, Minnesota & Pepin, Wisconsin on June 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at De Smet Diner

Quick and wholesome breakfast before the drive eastward.
USD10, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive to Walnut Grove, MN

3 hour drive east to Walnut Grove, the setting for Laura’s early childhood on the prairie.
0, 3h0m

11:30AM

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Walnut Grove

Explore the museum and replica cabin that depict prairie life and the Little House stories. Open 10AM-4PM.
USD8, 1h30m

1:00PM

Drive to Pepin, WI

A scenic 2 hour drive to Pepin, Laura's birth town, nestled on the shores of Lake Pepin.
0, 2h0m

3:00PM

Visit Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Pepin

Discover exhibits on Laura's birth and early life experiences in this charming village setting. Open 12PM-5PM.
USD7, 1h0m

4:15PM

Dinner at Roundhouse Restaurant

Family-friendly dining with views of Lake Pepin and a menu that features Wisconsin specialties.
USD25, 1h15m

6:00PM

Overnight stay at Pepin Area Motel

Safe and comfortable lodging with family amenities near the lake and museum.
USD100, Overnight
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Day 5: Return to Celina

Drive Back - Celina, Texas on June 3, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Pepin Bakery

Savour fresh bakery items and coffee before the long drive.
USD10, 0h45m

8:15AM

Begin 11-hour drive back to Celina, TX

Plan for stops as needed; this will be a long day of travel completing your historic Laura Ingalls Wilder journey.
0, 11h0m

7:30PM

Arrive in Celina, TX

Rest and reflect on a memorable heritage trip covering all key Wilder sites and family friendly stops.
0, End
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