Living History Farms at 11121 Hickman Rd in Urbandale is a 500-acre open-air living history museum northwest of Des Moines that traces the story of Midwestern agriculture across five distinct historical sites spanning from 1700 to 1900. Each site is staffed by costumed interpreters who demonstrate period farming methods, domestic crafts, and daily life in authentic reconstructed settings without breaking character. The 1700 Ioway Farm presents life as it was lived by the Ioway Native Americans who farmed central Iowa before European settlement, featuring a traditional bark longhouse and cultivated plots of corn, beans, and squash. The 1850 Pioneer Farm shows the homesteading experience of Iowa's first European settlers in a log cabin compound with period livestock and garden. The 1875 Town of Walnut Hill is the most extensive site, a reconstructed Victorian-era Iowa market town with a working blacksmith shop, general store, tin shop, law office, doctor's surgery, and church — all staffed by interpreters in period dress engaged in authentic craft demonstrations. The 1900 Horse-Powered Farm demonstrates late 19th-century commercial farming using draft horses for field work, threshing, and grain processing. Visitors walk between sites on unpaved paths across the working farmland; tractor-drawn wagons shuttle visitors between distant sites for those who prefer not to walk the full grounds. The museum operates May through October, daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with costumed interpreter programs most fully staffed on weekdays in June through September.
Good to know
- Hours
- May-October: daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best time
- Weekdays in June-September when all sites and costumed interpreters are active
Location
11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322
41.6128, -93.7754 View on map
Highlights
- 1875 Walnut Hill reconstructed Victorian Iowa town with working blacksmith, general store, and tin shop
- 1700 Ioway Farm depicting Native American agriculture before European settlement in central Iowa
- Costumed interpreters in all five historical periods demonstrating period crafts without breaking character
- 1900 Horse-Powered Farm with draft horses used for live field work and threshing demonstrations
- 500 acres of working farmland connecting five distinct historical sites on unpaved walking paths
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekdays in June-September when all five sites are fully staffed with costumed interpreters
- Arrive at opening (9:00 AM) to spend time at each site before crowds build toward midday
- Wear sturdy walking shoes — the unpaved paths between sites cross working farmland and can be muddy
- Tractor-drawn wagon shuttles run between sites for visitors not wanting to walk the full 500 acres
- The 1875 Walnut Hill town typically has the longest dwell time — allow at least 90 minutes there alone
- Check the daily program schedule at the entrance for blacksmith demonstrations and interpreter talks
When to visit
Weekdays in June through September offer the fullest costumed interpreter staffing across all five sites. Spring (May) and October are quieter with partial staffing. Summer weekends are the busiest but still manageable with an early-morning arrival.
Accessibility
The main pathways between sites are unpaved gravel and grass and may be difficult for wheelchair users, particularly after rainfall. The 1875 Walnut Hill town has more compacted surface paths within the town area. Wagon shuttle service provides an alternative for visitors unable to walk the full site distances. Accessible restrooms are at the visitor center.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Living History Farms take?
A thorough visit covering all five historical sites takes 3-5 hours on foot. Visitors using the wagon shuttle and focusing on three or four sites can complete a satisfying visit in 3 hours.
Is Living History Farms suitable for young children?
Yes, it is one of Iowa's most child-friendly attractions. The working animals, blacksmith demonstrations, and interactive domestic crafts engage children strongly. The open farmland setting is well suited to energetic younger visitors.
Is the museum open year-round?
No, Living History Farms is open May through October only, daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed November through April. The fullest interpreter staffing occurs on weekdays in June through September.