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Area Attractions

The Land of Laura Ingalls Wilder

In 1879 Laura Ingalls Wilder along with her family moved from Walnut Grove to the Dakota Territory and reached Silver Lake near the future town site of De Smet. While in De Smet, she met Almanzo Wilder, fell in love and was married. This is also where their child Rose Wilder Lane was born.

The citizens and settlement of De Smet became the subject and inspiration for five of the renowned "Little House" books.

Now you have an opportunity to follow part of the trail that was initiated by Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family.

During your stay at the Heritage House please enjoy our area:

• Ingalls Homestead experience hands on fun.
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes.
• 5 original cottonwood trees
• Original Loftus store.
• De Smet Cemetery resting place of Ingalls family.
• Depot Museum located in the railroad depot.
• Harvey Dunn School
• Father De Smet Statue located in Washington Park.
• Washington Park (volleyball, horseshoe pits, playground).
• De Smet city pool.
• 9 hole golf course
• City Library (see display of Ingalls memorabilia and Harvey Dunn paintings).
• 6 miles from Indian Mounds at Spirit Lake.
• 5 miles from Lake Thompson and Lake Henry (great fishing and hunting).
• Schade Vineyard and Winery