On the Banks of Plum Creek

My family was fortunate enough to live near my grandmother's aunt when I was growing up. Aunt Lucia was an avid reader, and she introduced the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder to my sister, who in turn, introduced them to me. So it was an unexpected treat to visit the site of On the Banks of Plum Creek with my sister and our mom a couple of weeks ago.

This was the book that featured the Ingalls family's sod house, which was built along the creek. The spot is a couple of miles from Walnut Grove, which you may remember from the TV show. Walnut Grove is where you will find a Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, one of several scattered across the Northern Plains and the Midwest, in towns featured in the Little House books.

Despite the vivid description of harsh winter weather, Laura made the home on Plum Creek seem  like a particularly cozy and magical place.

 "Laura's Pioneer Memories"

Artist: J.D. Speltz

Walnut Grove Series

Wilder Pageant 20th Anniversary Print

It seems magical in person, too. You can imagine the girls playing, fishing, and bathing in the creek. Wildflowers are abundant, and so are butterflies. Sadly, the butterflies moved far too quickly for me to catch in a picture.
 

The dugout caved in years ago, but a sign marks the site. There's still farmland there, too, with open fields extending across the Minnesota prairie.

The museum in Walnut Grove features a replica of the dugout, making it clear just how tight the quarters were for Laura and her family. There was room for a bed, a table, a small stove...and not a heck of a lot else.

Near the replica of the dugout was another field of wildflowers. As much as I loved reading the Little House books growing up, I never expected to see where the stories took place, or to walk where Laura played. I can't believe it's just an hour from my sister's house!

You shall go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and hills

will burst into song before you,

and all the trees of the field

will clap their hands.

Isaiah 55:12