There are several Laura Ingalls Wilder historic sites in the Midwest, but the one in Spring Valley, Minnesota is unique, honoring not only Laura but also her husband, Almanzo Wilder’s, side of the family.
To tell the truth, although I am a fan of Little House books and the television series that followed, I had never visited any of the author-related sites until this one.
The Spring Valley Historical Society helps preserve this important history. In fact, the Methodist Church where the museum is housed had significant importance, too. It is where Laura, Almanzo, and their daughter Rose, and the extended Wilder family attended the church.
The church, built in the late 19th century, is filled with Wilder and community photos and artifacts. Friendly docents Kayla Czapicwski and Maggie Pearson offer tours of the church and the house across the street, which dates to 1865 and was owned by one of Almanzo’s sisters. It is filled with representative furnishings and decor on two floors.
A visit to Spring Valley offers another slice of Laura’s life with her husband and his family. Members of the historical society and the community ensure that the Wilder family’s legacy in Spring Valley remains alive and accessible for generations to come.
For more information, click here
