Photo by Gor Magaera
Join the community of Burr Oak, Iowa, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Park, June 26 through June 28.
The museum, which opened its doors 50 years ago in June 1976, has spent the past five decades preserving the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her time in Burr Oak. This year’s anniversary celebration promises a fun weekend filled with family activities, live entertainment and history.
Headlining the 50th anniversary celebration is Alison Arngrim, best known for portraying Nellie Oleson on the popular television series “Little House on the Prairie.” Visitors will have several opportunities to meet with Arngrim throughout the weekend.
Serving as Grand Marshal, Arngrim will ride in the parade at noon on Saturday before participating in a free family program at 1:30 p.m. in the park. There will be an autograph and photo session from 9:30 -11:30 a.m. and again from 3–5 p.m. at the gift shop and visitor center. Later that evening, Arngrim will participate in a question-and-answer session at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can tour the historic Masters hotel, where Laura once lived, with guided tours offered every half hour. The schoolhouse will also be open, along with the gift shop and visitor center. New this year, the town’s Bank History Centre building will feature a display of North Winneshiek School memorabilia.
Laughter will fill the air in the park as children take part in pioneer activities, such as the gunny sack race, rubber chicken throw and relays. They will also try their hand at making crafts popular when Laura was a child. There will be a bean-bag tournament beginning at 2 p.m. at Barney’s Bar & Grill, with registration opening at 1 p.m.
Families can also enjoy a variety of food options provided by the local 4-H club. 4-Hers will be serving brats, hot dogs, walking tacos, pie, drinks and more.
A crowd favorite is the pie auction at 1 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the announcement of the Little Miss Laura contest. The contestants will be dressed in period clothing.
Entertainment is planned throughout the weekend, with Bruce Bearinger performing Friday evening and Caryn Stewart, known as “Music by Crayon,” taking the stage Saturday night at Barney’s Bar & Grill.
On Sunday morning, an ecumenical church service will be held on the patio at Barney’s Bar & Grill. The celebration concludes on Sunday afternoon with an ATV ride through the beautiful driftless area of Northeast Iowa.
Don’t let the rain stop you from coming and enjoying Saturday’s activities. The rain location for Saturday’s activities is the Burr Oak Lutheran Church.
Upcoming Events
•June 23 – Music in the Veterans Park, Caledonia
•June 26-28 – Laura Ingalls Wilder Days, Burr Oak
•June 26-28 – Brownsville Days and Brownsville Car Show, Brownsville
•June 27 – Gammel Dag Fest, Peterson
Do not forget to pick up your free copy of Visit Bluff Country at one of more than 1,000 locations across thirty-five counties in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Visit Bluff Country magazine is dedicated to promoting tourism throughout scenic Bluff Country.
For festival updates, travel ideas, and recommendations on where to eat, play, and sleep, visit us online at www.visitbluffcountry.com.
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