Walnut Grove, MN!!

Oh, Walnut Grove.  The anticipation of reaching this destination was just too much for this "Little House on the Prairie"- junkie- family! :)
As we reached the small town of about 600, we were all singing the theme song....we just could not help ourselves!  HA!
We actually parked right beside the town's park, right in the center of the town. 

As we sat in the RV late that night, I just enjoyed the sight and sounds of this place.  It was something that I have never experienced first-hand.  I have read about small towns in books or admired them in movies, but here I was, in a small town, as the sun was setting, the birds were chirpping, kids were riding their bikes, a group of kids were playing a game in the park, people were walking casually, and it was SO quiet....
The houses were small, yards were kept, and the businesses were nothing mainstream Americans would recognize.

The towns people were friendly and welcoming as we strolled around.  There is a Nellie's Cafe, Olsen's Mercantile and a museum tour to enjoy.  None of the buildings are originals, as Nellie's Cafe was just something Hollywood added to the tv series, and OWEN'S Mercantile actually burned down. 

Now, what WAS really wonderful, was THE dugout spot and Plum Creek!  About a mile north of the town, we drove to a farm, who asks for a $5 donation, who have a special "trail" to the special spot where the Ingalls family first lived and where Laura loved spending a lot of her time.

The actual Dugout has fallen in, but this is the actual spot where it was, and it is very easy to imagine how difficult it would have been to LIVE in some little cave inside of a hill!  The pioneers are truly remarkable.  My respect for them grows and grows, the more I learn of their resourcefulness and perseverence.

Here is Plum Creek.  :)

Our day spent in Walnut Grove was simple and plain.  I would not have expected anything different.  I would have been terribly disappointed if it had been modern, busy and filled with "entertainment."

Although, it does not take much for the Golden Gang to be entertained!  Notice in this pic Hannah's serious look on her face as she tries to look like Pa.  And, notice little Parker stretching every ounce he has on his tippy-toes to be Ma!  :)  Funny kids.  :)

Blessings,
Steph