Day 5 - Wisconsin Dells, WI to Desmet, SD

Day 5 - Wisconsin Dells to Desmet, SD (Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead)

We woke up early, 5:30 to be exact, listening to the birds of the woods. There is something so serene about waking up in the woods an listening to the woods waking up with you. We knew this day was going to be another long car ride so we started packing right away. The kids were tired after our day of play so it was going to be an easy day in the car for everyone. Our goal was to head out by 7 am. But, like any other best laid plans, that wasn't going to happen.

It turned out that we really needed to do laundry so we headed down into Desmet to find a place to do our laundry and eat some breakfast. This all set us back a bit so we didn't end up leaving until just after 9 am. We knew we had some long roads ahead so everyone hunkered down and we listened to our book together.

By noon we were all a little restless so we stopped at an Amish Bakery/Restaurant in Minnesota. Bought some bread to make our PB&J sandwiches and treats for the kids. It wasn't what everyone pictured as Amish though. We did see some Amish families traveling in their horse and buggies down dirt paths, but this restaurant didn't look very Amish. However, the kids did get to jump up into an Amish buggy for a picture.

So, we set off again. It's amazing how different the states can be in some ways when you are driving down the highway. Wisconsin was hilly and green. Had rolling hills and lots of cattle farms. Minnesota was surprising. They also had lots of cattle and corn farms, but they also had tons of wind farms. Most of the ride through Minnesota we saw those huge wind farms.  The best part of this leg was crossing over the Mississippi River near LaCrosse Wisconsin. The kids were very excited to see LaCrosse on the signs...my how the little things entertain!

It was still a decent drive before we hit South Dakota, but we knew we were there without even a sign to tell us. It is so flat and full of corn and wheat. Crops as far as the eye can see. Long roads that appear to run off into the horizon ahead. It's mesmerizing when you're driving. The roads were so hot that they looked like they were moving up ahead. Maybe I was just getting tired, but the kids noticed it too so I'm not losing my mind. It was very fascinating to look out over the crop fields and see what looked like islands of trees. Tucked deep within those trees were huge farm houses. So, these vast fields would have dots of green islands throughout. Of course, it's obvious why they have the trees around the houses, but it really adds a very unique look to the landscape.

Finally, we arrive in Desmet at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Homestead. It's just after 5pm and we are weary. The people here are so nice and accommadating that they start walking us through the tour. We took a covered wagon ride out to the schoolhouse where a woman, somewhere in her 90's, patiently and enthusiastically took us through a typical day in school for kids of Laura's error as well as some fascinating history about Laura herself. The kids all got to dress the part as the children of the error and they learned a little about their roles in school. We hopped back on the wagon for our ride back to the farm. On the way we learned about farming and planting crops; the kids each got a turn driving the team of horses.

Once back, we explored the "Shanty" which is wear Laura and her family lived during their time in Desmet. The most fascinating part of our visit here has been the fact that they encourage people to touch everything. There is nothing off limits. The kids washed clothes using the old wash board and ringer method. They went down to the well to get water. They also got to play on the old organ where you have to pump the pedals! The most exciting part for the kids though, not surprisingly, was the fact that there are three brand, new baby kittens in the barn. They are so happy just sitting and watching the kittens interact with each other and their mom. Matthew got to take one of the ponies for a walk through the meadow for some grass. Brooke and Robin climbed up on the barn roof to help one of the kittens get out of an awkward situation.

By the time we were done looking around, it was after 8pm and we were hungry. Ooops, Desmet on a Sunday night is rolled up and gone. Thank goodness even the more remote locations in this country have Subways'!!! By the time we got back to the Homestead and settled it was after 10pm local time. So much for getting the kids, or moms for that matter, to bed early. The kids set a pact that whoever wakes up first wakes everyone else so they can go hang out with the ponies and kittens. Sharon and I were hoping that this wasn't going to be too early.....