Living History Farms is a 500-acre outdoor history museum at 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, Iowa, in the western Des Moines suburbs near Interstate 35/80. Founded in 1970 through the efforts of agricultural economist William G. Murray and other supporters, it traces agricultural change through three working farm settings and the recreated 1875 town of Walnut Hill. Travelers come for interpreters demonstrating historical skills, encounters with farm animals, and a landscape that makes Iowa’s agricultural history tangible.
What to Expect at Living History Farms
The historical sequence begins at the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, where seasonal food production and Indigenous knowledge frame life before Euro-American settlement. The 1850 Pioneer Farm explores the labor of establishing a household and cultivating land, while the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm shows the relationship between draft animals, machinery, and increasingly commercial agriculture. Demonstrations follow agricultural seasons: planting, tending crops, food preservation, and harvesting are not interchangeable experiences. Interpreters explain the work underway, so questions often become the most rewarding part of a stop.
In Walnut Hill, workshops and businesses explain how a farming community depended on blacksmiths, merchants, printers, and other tradespeople. The contrast is especially clear at the Flynn Mansion, an Italianate brick house built in 1870 for Martin and Ellen Flynn: decorative detailing and formal domestic spaces present a different household economy from the pioneer farm. This is primarily an outdoor museum, not a climate-controlled gallery circuit. Start with the farm route, using the tractor-drawn transportation when operating, then return to town; browse the museum store near the visitor facilities before leaving.
- 1700 Ioway Indian Farm: Explore the agricultural practices and seasonal routines of the Ioway people.
- 1850 Pioneer Farm: Compare early settler housing, cooking, and fieldwork with later farming methods.
- 1900 Horse-Powered Farm: See how draft animals and mechanical equipment reshaped farm labor.
- 1875 Walnut Hill: Meet interpreters in a recreated town of shops, trades, and community buildings.
- Flynn Mansion: Examine an 1870 Italianate residence associated with the family that farmed this land.
Living History Farms at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322, United States |
| Neighborhood / Area | Western Urbandale; Hickman Road near I-35/80 |
| Operating Hours | Regular touring schedule: Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Sunday–Monday. Seasonal opening dates and special-event hours vary. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid admission; $$ family-attraction tier. Check official adult, child, membership, and event rates. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | On-site visitor parking off Hickman Road; no rail service. Check DART for current bus connections. |
| Official Website & Phone | Living History Farms; +1 515-278-5286 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near 9 a.m. to leave time for the outlying farms before exploring Walnut Hill. Check the official calendar and ticket information before traveling: ordinary touring, school programs, and special events can have different arrangements. Wear closed-toe shoes, carry water, and bring sun protection; exposed stretches alternate with shaded paths. Travel light rather than depending on a cloakroom, and ask interpreters before photographing close-up demonstrations. Driving is the simplest approach, with visitor parking at the museum; consult DART before attempting a bus journey.
Expect substantial walking on gravel, dirt, and uneven ground between historic settings. Wheelchair and stroller users should discuss the day’s route, building access, and tractor-cart boarding arrangements with admissions staff; historic interiors do not all offer equivalent access. Build in seated breaks rather than treating the acreage as one continuous walk. For nearby food, the Machine Shed Restaurant offers farm-themed American cooking beside the museum, while Hotel Renovo provides another nearby setting for a drink. Both are roughly a 5–15-minute walk from the entrance, with parking-lot crossings along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Living History Farms open, and when should I arrive?
The regular touring schedule is Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., during the operating season. Arrive at opening and check seasonal dates before departure; special events may follow separate schedules.
Is admission free, and should I book ahead?
Admission is paid, with separate pricing possible for special events. Check current rates online, and arrange school or organized group visits directly with the museum.
How much time should I allow?
Allow three to four hours for the farms and Walnut Hill. Add time for extended conversations, children’s breaks, and seasonal demonstrations.
Is it suitable for families and visitors with limited mobility?
The working-farm settings suit curious children, but paths can be tiring for small legs. Uneven surfaces and historic thresholds require advance access planning; comfortable outdoor clothing is appropriate.
When planning your Des Moines travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Des Moines, pair this stop with standout local spots including Wildwood Lodge Clive, Hilton Des Moines Downtown, Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale Tapestry by Hilton, and Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (0.4 km away).
