Living History Farms — Urbandale, Iowa

Discover Living History Farms in Iowa

Located in Urbandale, Iowa, Living History Farms is an expansive outdoor Living History Museum & Agricultural Tour that immerses visitors in more than 300 years of Midwest farming and rural life. Spread across multiple historic sites, the experience brings together working farms, period interpreters, heritage livestock, and hands-on demonstrations that show how agriculture evolved from the 1700s to the modern era.
Why it’s special: Living History Farms offers a time-travel journey through real, working farms, where costumed interpreters actively practice historic trades and farming methods rather than simply describing them.

History & Story of Living History Farms

Living History Farms opened in 1970 with the mission of preserving and interpreting Iowa’s agricultural heritage. Designed as a series of immersive historic sites rather than a single museum, it recreates daily life from Native American agriculture through 19th-century pioneer farming and into the early 20th century. Today, it remains one of the Midwest’s most respected outdoor history museums, combining education, preservation, and hands-on learning.

What You’ll See & Do at Living History Farms

• Explore historic farm sites from the 1700s, 1800s, and early 1900s

• Watch costumed interpreters perform daily farming and household tasks

• See heritage livestock breeds and working draft animals

• Learn traditional skills such as blacksmithing, cooking, and crop harvesting

• Participate in seasonal demonstrations and special agricultural events

Hands-On Elements: Interactive demonstrations, historic chores, and guided participation during select programs.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout the grounds.
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum store offering books, toys, heritage crafts, and locally themed gifts.

Pricing of Living History Farms

Adult price: $17 per adult
Children ages 3–17: $12 per child
Children 2 and under: Free
Special events may have separate pricing.

Visiting information

Duration: 2–4 hours
Age limits: All ages welcome
Accessibility: Partially accessible; paths are mostly gravel and grass, some historic buildings have step entry
Working hours:
April–October: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM–5:00 PM
November–March: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
Closed Mondays year-round

Nearby

• Walnut Woods State Park

• Merle Hay Mall

• Downtown Des Moines attractions and dining

FAQs About Visiting Living History Farms

Is Living History Farms mostly outdoors?
Yes. The experience is primarily outdoors, so visitors should dress for weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Are the interpreters actors or historians?
Interpreters are trained educators who actively demonstrate historic farming, cooking, and trades as part of daily operations.

Is this a good visit for children and school groups?
Absolutely. The interactive nature makes it especially popular with families and educational groups.

Do the farm activities change by season?
Yes. Farming demonstrations follow the agricultural calendar, so activities vary throughout the year.

Can visitors bring food or picnic on-site?
Yes. Picnic areas are available, and outside food is allowed.