Living History Farms

11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA

Address:	11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322, USA
Phone:	+1 515-278-5286
Site:	lhf.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 12–4PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 20

Kris Bunda

So many knowledgeable historians in period garb at this place. Wed never been here before, but as much fun as it was, well go again. Our whole family went, incl. 3, 6, and 8yr olds. Only one shopkeeper was overly uptight about the youngest (who was not out of control) and could not stop interrupting her explanations with "we dont touch the desk, we dont touch the door, we dont touch the chair...," to the point we were finally too annoyed to stay and learn about the work and equipment. Even though there were many school buses unloading kids when we arrived, the exhibits were not overrun or crowded, and it either worked to hear a presentation with a group, or wed just go to another stop with no group currently there. Either way, you got interesting history vignettes, often from people who seemed to have grad student-level grasp of 18th, 19th, & early 20th century historical contexts, and the kids saw enough eye candy to keep them entertained. We ate at the Machine Shop and then came back to the grounds, making an all day affair.

Elisabeth Duinink

We went for the family Halloween and were herded around like cattle. Feeling like you were being prodded past closed buildings where the kids received one piece of candy, for a grand total of seven pieces. We felt rushed at the "selfie stations" and wouldve had to wait in tremendously long lines to have a picture taken with their costumed characters. The cups of pop and popcorn were a pleasant surprise while we waited in line for a 3 minute wagon ride pulled by a team of 2 tired horses. All in all for an entrance of $46.00 for 3 children and 4 adults Id say nay...

Pastor Joseph Karge

Hi, this is Pastor Joseph and Jody Karge,....we have had the pleasure to officiant and preside at numerous weddings at the Church of the Land at Living History Farms. It is one of our favorite venues. The Church of the Land is simply beautiful as it stands, allowing our brides and grooms to create a simple and elegant ceremony without an extravagant decorating budget. The staff at Living History is always professional and accommodating. We highly recommend that any bride and groom looking for a wedding venue, consider Living History Farms.

Jayme Hatcher

My book club did one of their dinners around the Christmas holiday and it was a fantastic experience. We heard a brief history of the family and the farm whilst sitting by the fire drinking mulled wine. It felt very authentic and the ladies were fantastic hosts. Our book club plans to do this again! It was lovely. Also, the food was delicious. I highly recommend doing the dinners they have here. Be prepared because youll need to go to the website and book one of these dinners several weeks in advance.

David Frohman

They host the Turkey pardoned by the governor here. Theres a lot too see, a lot of tours to take, activities to take part in, and a summer camp for kids that meets here. You can also upgrade your iPad/tablet with a chalk tablet! I got stung by a wasp on the 1900s farm, though. So be aware that animals are dangerous. And the pigs in the 1800s farm will try to slobber on you! They stand at the fence and go "Blurrbrbrbr" while shaking their heads and spraying slobber everywhere!

A Private User

We travel the US with my husbands job. We tour a lot of places and the Living History Farm was so, so very awesome. We got there at 11:30 am and stayed till close. I went by myself with my 3 and 4 year old and they were entertained from start to finish. We didnt even get the chance to look into all of the houses in the town. I would highly recommend this place to anyone! Very fun. Very informative and beautiful! We visited August 26, 2010

Jim Skrydlak

I recommended a visit to my younger brother. Yesterday, I met him, his wife, his six-year-old son, and his nearly three-year-old daughter there. Everybody enjoyed it immensely. Everybody whom we encountered there was knowledgeable and friendly. The people at each of the farms really went out of their ways to do things to involve, teach, and amuse the children. Well be back soon.

Shallay Booker

Hit and miss. The old town has a lot of artifacts and buildings with blacksmith and printshop. The farms are not really working farms, have things for show but not all accurate. Some staff knowledgeable some not. Weekdays there are day camps there so you get to watch them do stuff you cant, like play in the streams and work in the blacksmith shop.

Neil Franzen

Travel back in time to experience life out on the prairie over the course of 300 years of history. Jump on the tractor ride to start at the beginning, and work your way back toward the present. LHF, along with the Blank Park Zoo and Science Center, is part of the Tri Membership plan, which is a great annual pass program for families.

Brett Elliott

It was fun, we went for July 4th. But the price didnt make sense. $15 per person and then many of the events inside cost additional money as well. Not sure its worth any regular attendance for $50 a visit by the time I pay for the whole family. Which is too bad because its a beautiful bit of history.

Michaela Hixenbaugh

Such a unique and fun experience for all ages. I love the Flynn Mansion. Staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable. I like to visit every couple of years and am never disappointed. And a stop at the gift shop to grab some old fashioned sarsaparilla and rock candy is a must before you go.

Ameya Amritwar

Great attraction ! really loved the well preserved cabin, all the farm equipment from old days, specially loved doctors office, bank and the pharmacy. Well trained and interactive staff. Great food at the machine restaurant !

Eric Hemesath

Very interesting to learn about the first people to settle the prairie. Nice day, nice walk, kids had a great time. Also, LHF puts on a 7 mile race every November. If you like to run through & in nature then check it out.

Natasha Wainscott

We had a wonderful time! Very nice, friendly, knowledgeable folks in period costume. Its quite a lot of walking, but very much worth it. We took our kids after school had started, so there was hardly anyone there.

Donna Miller

I have driven past this place for years on our trips back and forth between northern MN and southern MO. I will most definitely be back to explore more. Great place for children to have an adventure.

Aaron Schutte

Every trip to Living History Farms has been wonderful and very educational for my students. I love how some of the guides really get into their parts. A great experience for families and classes.

Jan Jones

We always have fun here! Such knowledgeable folks, excellent exhibits and so many things to do. This is our first year with a family membership and we are enjoying it thoroughly.

Mackenzie Carpe

So expensive to get in and not a lot to do! We spend $40 to take the kids to a Halloween event, and they got 3 pieces of candy and got to see some pumpkins and that was about it.

Emily Dukat

So glad we planned to stop here on our vacation! It was a great history lesson for my daughter. We loved interacting with the staff and learning so much along every stop!

Larry Juncker Jr

I have been to LHF many times over the years and love it every time. It is great to get a chance to see the history of Iowa. It makes it much easier for kids to learn.