Living History Farms, Urbandale IA

This was a fantastic day outdoors walking the farms of 1700,1850, and 1900 and then through the town of Walnut Hill. I learned a LOT but it was fun! My wife and I talked to each volunteer we encountered as they were driving the tram, baking, cooking, and sewing, and setting type as they went about their lives. You must talk with these folks. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and very engaging. We talked with the folks making stew, preparing a pie, getting the beautiful stove hot for cooking, sewing at the Flynn's mansion, the "department" store, druggist, blacksmith, and the newspaper. Each knew so much and spoke as if it was 1876. So, I learned that horseshoes and tires were factory made and shipped to town and the paper was printed with national news on one side and then the local news could be printed on the other after it arrived in town. Even the cashier was friendly and personable. I will return if I have the chance.

Would not recommend. Staff does not give you enough information to enjoy your experience there. The brochure/map provided needs more specific information about each building.

This was an awesome experience. Employees were knowledgeable without being overly stuck on role playing. There was a good overall picture of societal class and daily life in Iowa through the years.

Fun stop for families—was disappointed when we arrived at 2: 30 pm on Saturday that things were already closed although the schedule noted they closed at 4. Would have enjoyed seeing more!

It's a good way to spend half a day. More than that if you're really into historical details.

There are picnic tables everywhere. I recommend bringing your own food. There is no restaurant. Only a small snack shop that opens at 1.

We took our 6 year old grandson to the Santa Rock N Lights at Living History Farms and he loved the lights! We also enjoyed the beautiful LED lights, bright and colorful. Well worth the money.

Good place to take your family on a walk and go down history lane. Always a pleasure to stop by and see how life was a while ago makes you have a level of understanding and appreciation of things we have today. Also place is neat and clean. The staff are outgoing and friendly. Thanks guys.

Am disappointed they are having a light show to compete with the Make a Wish foundation's light show that is put on each year.

We were actually here working on a project on the Flynn Mansion when I got this review request, but I've been here on dozens of occasions. Great family outing. I highly recommend them. If you have the opportunity to get here on a Saturday in the summer they play old time baseball games which are also fun and occasionally have audience participation, they also have special events for Halloween. The old time 4th of July celebration is great as well.

Usually enjoy visiting living history farms. This trip was disappointing and seemed like a waste of money. Some parts were closed which is understandable but you should be aware prior to going. Many in the houses and areas you go to the employees were not demonstrating or informing you like they usually would like they have in the past. Was not very interesting, informative or educational. The tractor ride had a long wait time but there was also quite a few people. Of all the years I have visited this is the first time I have been disappointed with the visit.

Nice diversion today. Nice walk through farming history and a little something for everyone. We did not stay for the Oldies Ballgame but watched a bit. Easy walk and fun tractor ride back in time. Little ones will have fun but strollers may be a bit hard to get around. People had them but they had them there. Will be back.

Our traditions and history will only be lost if we fail to share it with the next generation; Living History Farms provides an interactive environment to do so.

An awesome experience, with so many authentic pieces of history. On the day I went, the blacksmith shop and the type-settet/printing shop keepers were amazing story tellers who did a great job of staying in character. I especially loved how in depth both of these shop owners knew their craft. Well worth the entrance fee and even more, it would take me a lifetime to assemble all of the history my family got to see here.

If you cant walk alot your going too have issues. Enjoyable fun place too go just alot of walking. The day we went it was too hot and that did not help me. The staff was friendly love the fact they accomidate too those whom have medical conditions was able too be mask free which for my family is a huge deal during this pandimic we have medical conditions and its hard too go places because of the mask requirements. They dohave tractors too cut down on the walk. Just wish it was a little more walk friendly we had invited both my parents whom are in there 60's too come with us and realized were glad they had other plans. With there disablity they wouldn't have made it threw the farm. Beutifull place otherwise

This a great learning experience for the whole about our history as a country. Also great for school field trips of all ages. They multiple different events going on throughout the year from baseball games to Apple harvest. The only yhing it needs is a bit of expansion done to the place. Would love to learn how to volunteer or somehow get them some funding to help;).

A+ from start to finish! Starting with the 1700 Native American's to an 1850's farm to a 1900's town. The volunteers go above and beyond. You will not be disappointed taking the time for this fantastic step back in history.

Lot's of interesting exhibits. Three period farms and a replica town. The 1870s mansion was built on site and is wonderfully period furnished. Admission and concessions are reasonably priced as are the gift shop items. Much of the staff is in costume and very friendly. They are happy to answer all your questions. A bit of a walk so I personally wouldn't recommend the whole museum if you have problems walking. You cannot get a wheelchair around much of it and almost all of it is not the most wheelchair accessible but there are ramps. Lots of dirt paths and boardwalks. It took us almost 3 hours but you could spend twice that amount of time here. I'm sorry we hadn't visited before.

I absolutely love learning about our history, and I'm so happy to be able to share that with my children. Every person we came across was so knowledgeable, and answered all of our questions. I can't wait to go back!