Laura Ingalls Wilder Midwest Heritage Road Trip: Celina to Independence and Beyond

Day 1: Celina to Independence

Independence, Kansas on May 30, 2025

8:00AM

Depart from Founders Lane, Celina, TX

Begin your adventure driving approximately 4.75 hours northeast to Independence, Kansas, a historic railroad town with family-friendly attractions.
0, 4h45m

12:45PM

Lunch at Fussie Cat Coffee & Bakery

Enjoy a cozy lunch stop with kid-friendly sandwiches and pastries in Independence's welcoming café.
USD15, 1h0m

2:00PM

Independence Historical Museum

Explore exhibits featuring pioneer life, regional rail history, and local heritage. Museum hours are 10AM-4PM, perfect for an afternoon visit.
USD5, 1h30m

3:45PM

Check-in at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Independence

Family-friendly, safe hotel offering comfortable amenities and a convenient location for your stay in Independence.
USD120, Overnight

6:00PM

Dinner at Top Notch Restaurant

Dine in a family-friendly venue featuring classic American fare with a warm atmosphere near your hotel.
USD20, 1h0m
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Day 2: Burr Oak & Route North

Burr Oak, Iowa on May 31, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the journey ahead.
Included, 0h45m

8:30AM

Drive to Burr Oak, IA

Approximately a 3 hour drive north to Burr Oak, hometown of the Ingalls family before Walnut Grove.
0, 3h0m

11:30AM

Lunch at Riverside Family Restaurant

Enjoy classic American meals in a relaxed environment, perfect for families visiting Burr Oak.
USD18, 1h0m

1:00PM

Burr Oak Historical Site Visit

Explore local landmarks related to the Ingalls family and pioneer history; check local visitor info for exact open hours.
USD5, 1h15m

2:30PM

Drive to De Smet, SD

Travel about 3.5 hours northwest to De Smet, a pivotal Laura Ingalls Wilder site with multiple museums and historic homes.
0, 3h30m

6:00PM

Check-in at De Smet Motel

Family-friendly lodging offering secure accommodation near historic sites.
USD95, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Prairie Harvest Coffee

Relax with light dinner options in a warm and welcoming cafe suitable for families.
USD18, 1h0m
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Day 3: De Smet Sites

De Smet, South Dakota on June 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at local cafe

Enjoy a casual family breakfast before a full day of exploring historic De Smet.
USD12, 0h45m

9:00AM

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes Tour

Visit the Ingalls family home, surveyor’s house, school, and other preserved sites integral to Laura’s life. Open 1PM-5PM for full access.
USD10, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Depot Restaurant

Family-friendly eatery offering homestyle American meals, located near historic areas.
USD15, 1h0m

1:30PM

Continue Historic Sites Visit

Explore remaining museums and sites including the railway depot and Wilder Memorial Park.
Included, 2h0m

4:00PM

Relax at De Smet City Park

Family-friendly park ideal for winding down after a day of touring historic sites.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at local pizzeria

Informal dining with options suited for children and adults alike.
USD20, 1h0m
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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

Begin with a hearty breakfast before an exciting day visiting Laura Ingalls Wilder’s early childhood settings.
USD10, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive to Walnut Grove, MN

Take a 3 hour drive east to Walnut Grove, the prairie town famous as one of the Little House settings.
0, 3h0m

11:15AM

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

Explore the museum and replica cabin depicting prairie life; open 10AM-4PM, perfect for families.
USD8, 1h30m

12:45PM

Drive to Pepin, WI

Short, scenic 2 hour drive to Pepin, Laura’s birthplace located on the beautiful shores of Lake Pepin.
0, 2h0m

2:45PM

Visit Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, Pepin

Dive into Laura's birth history and early life experiences with engaging exhibits open from 12PM-5PM.
USD7, 1h0m

4:00PM

Dinner at Roundhouse Restaurant

Enjoy family-friendly dining with lake views and Wisconsin favorites on the menu.
USD25, 1h15m

6:00PM

Overnight stay at Pepin Area Motel

Rest in safe, family-oriented lodging near the historic district and lakefront amenities.
USD100, Overnight
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Day 5: Mansfield & Return

Mansfield, Missouri to Celina, Texas on June 3, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Pepin Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee to start your day refreshed before travel.
USD10, 0h45m

8:00AM

Drive to Mansfield, MO

Drive approximately 4.5 hours south to Mansfield to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum.
0, 4h30m

12:30PM

Lunch at Miss Laura's Cafe

Casual family-friendly dining offering homemade southern style dishes near Wilder’s home.
USD20, 1h0m

1:45PM

Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum

Visit the historic home where Laura wrote the Little House series, with tours and educational exhibits. Open 9AM-5PM.
USD10, 2h0m

4:00PM

Drive back to Celina, TX

Begin approximately 8 hour drive back southwest to Celina, TX. Consider stops for rest and food as needed to ensure family comfort and safety.
0, 8h0m

12:00AM

Arrive in Celina, TX

Complete your memorable Laura Ingalls Wilder heritage tour with safe arrival home, reflecting on the rich history experienced.
0, End
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