Tuesday, July 21, 2026

A Visit to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Home in Mansfield, Missouri

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum

If you've ever dreamed of stepping inside the pages of the Little House books, this is one destination that truly brings Laura's story to life.

Growing up, I loved reading the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Later, my own children discovered the series, and our family spent years volunteering at a living history museum where they experienced pioneer life firsthand. Visiting Laura's actual home in Mansfield, Missouri, felt like bringing those childhood memories full circle.

Little House on the Prairie TV Show

I had watched documentaries and seen countless photographs over the years, but nothing compares to standing in the home where Laura and Almanzo Wilder actually lived. This isn't a reproduction or a movie set—this is the real farmhouse where Laura spent the final decades of her life, wrote the beloved Little House books, and preserved so many memories of America's pioneer past.

Mansfield, Missouri - where Laura Ingalls lived

Yes, This Is Laura's Actual Home

One of the questions I receive most often on my YouTube video of the museum is:

"Is this really Laura Ingalls Wilder's house?"

The answer is yes.

This is the farmhouse where Laura and Almanzo Wilder settled after moving to the Ozarks. It was here that they built a life together, worked the land, and where Laura eventually wrote the Little House series that has inspired generations of readers around the world.

Laura Ingalls house in Missouri

Walking through the rooms is a unique experience because you're seeing the place where history actually happened.

Throughout the home you'll find many of the family's original belongings, including:

Laura's sewing machine
The Wilder family Bible
Papa's fiddle
Laura's books
Handmade quilts
Original furniture
Personal household items
Woodworking projects crafted by Almanzo himself

Every room offers another glimpse into everyday life more than a century ago.

Laura's toy tea set

Laura Ingalls Wilder's collection of quilt pieces in museum

Quilt made by Almanzo's mother (love looking at the scrap fabrics used from old clothes)

The Wilder Family 1870, Almanzo, Laura Ingalls

Basket Almanzo weaved

Toy dolls representing Laura and Almanzo's two children

Where Laura's sister Carrie lived. 1905 South Dakota where she claimed her land

Caroline and Charles Ingalls 1860

Charles and Caroline Ingall's marriage certificate

Charle's Ingalls fiddle

Laura Ingall's bible

Laura's Home Is Surprisingly Comfortable

One thing that surprised me was seeing how comfortable the farmhouse was.

Like many people, I imagined a much simpler cabin. Instead, the home reflects years of hard work and improvement. Laura even enjoyed a relatively modern kitchen for her day, showing how the Wilders slowly built a comfortable life after years of hardship.

It's easy to picture Laura sitting at her desk writing the stories that so many of us grew up reading.

Laura and Almanzo's living room

Piano in the Wilder's house

Fireplace in the Wilder's home

The Wilder's clock in the home

Desk in the Wilder's home. Did Laura write from here?

Lamp that Almanzo Wilder made

Bedroom in Wilder's home

Up close to the Wallpaper in the Wilder's home

Wooden ceiling

Laura Ingalls Wilder Kitchen in Mansfield, Missouri

Woodstove

Modern electric stove added years later

Kitchen sink in Wilder's Home

old calendar kept on kitchen wall

A closer look at the tile floor in the Wilder's home

A Brief History

Laura Ingalls Wilder was born in 1867 near Pepin, Wisconsin. Her family moved frequently across the American frontier, experiences that later became the basis for her famous Little House books.

In 1894, Laura and Almanzo moved to a rocky farm near Mansfield, Missouri, which they eventually named Rocky Ridge Farm. Although the early years were difficult, they transformed the property into a successful farm.

the route Laura Ingall's traveled

Years later, encouraged by her daughter Rose Wilder Lane, Laura began writing the stories that would become the beloved Little House series. Those books introduced millions of readers to pioneer life through the eyes of a young girl growing up on the American frontier.

Laura remained at Rocky Ridge Farm for the rest of her life and passed away there in 1957.

Today, both Laura and Almanzo are buried in Mansfield, making the town an especially meaningful destination for readers and history lovers alike.

Laura Ingalls Wilder museum

More Than a Museum

One of the things I enjoyed most about the museum was how authentic everything felt.

Rather than simply reading information on display panels, you can stand in the very rooms where Laura lived, look out the same windows she looked through, and see the objects her family actually used.

For anyone interested in:

pioneer history
homesteading
living history
early American farm life
the Little House books

this museum is well worth the trip.

Laura Ingalls Wilder's final home

Museum Information

When we visited, the museum offered guided access to the historic home along with museum exhibits featuring many of the Wilder family's original possessions.

Before traveling, I recommend checking the museum's official website for the latest admission prices, seasonal hours, and tour schedules, as these can change throughout the year.

Explore the Area

Mansfield itself is a charming small Missouri town that fits perfectly with a Little House visit.

If you're driving through the Ozarks, you'll also pass through Amish communities where you'll find:

Amish grocery stores
Country bakeries
Handmade furniture
Quilts
Crafts
Local produce

It makes for a wonderful day trip, especially if you enjoy slower travel and discovering small-town America.

My Thoughts

Of all the museums I've visited, this one stands out because it connects so many generations.

As a child, I imagined Laura's adventures while reading her books.

Years later, my own children experienced pioneer life through living history programs.

Standing inside Laura's actual home brought those memories together in a way I hadn't expected.

Seeing her sewing machine, family Bible, Papa's fiddle, handmade quilts, furniture, and personal belongings reminded me that behind every famous story was a real family working hard to build a life.

If you appreciate history, pioneer living, or simply want to visit one of America's most beloved literary landmarks, I believe the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum in Mansfield, Missouri is well worth adding to your travel list.

More visuals of the Wilder home from my YouTube -

LAURA INGALLS WILDER - Little House on the Prairie in Mansfield, Missouri

I'm walking the grounds of Laura's property in video with more footage inside museum and reflecting over the Little House series.

More Travel and Museums

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Pioneer Farms Austin, Texas: Living History, Treadle Sewing & 1800s Homestead Life

Best Little Museum in Chicago: Ancient History

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Why Growing Vegetables Indoors Gives Me Peace of Mind

Indoor Gardening with what space you have

There is something incredibly satisfying about walking over to my indoor garden, snipping off a few fresh lettuce leaves or herbs, and knowing exactly where they came from.

From garden to kitchen

In today's world, it seems like there is always another news story about food recalls, contaminated produce, or shortages at the grocery store. While I certainly still shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, growing some of my own food indoors has become one of my favorite hobbies—not just because it's fun, but because it gives me peace of mind.

Growing indoor garden

My Indoor Garden Journey

Over the years, I've successfully grown lettuce, herbs, flowers, and other vegetables indoors using both hydroponic systems and AeroGarden-style countertop gardens with built-in grow lights.

One of the biggest surprises has been just how easy it can be.

Growing Lettuce from my AeroGarden

Instead of worrying about scorching Texas summers, hailstorms, drought, or weeks of triple-digit temperatures, my little garden enjoys the comfort of air conditioning and consistent lighting every single day.

Getting new garden started with seeds - bright lights replacing sun

While it's 105 degrees outside, my tender greens are happily growing indoors without heat stress or bolting too early.

No Weeds, Very Few Pests

Another thing I absolutely love is how clean indoor gardening can be.

There are no weeds to pull.

No grasshoppers chewing holes in my lettuce.

No caterpillars hiding underneath the leaves.

No rabbits sneaking into the garden overnight.

Because the plants are growing indoors, I spend far more time enjoying them than fighting pests.

Creating an indoor space for seed starters and a bright grow light

Knowing Where My Food Comes From

Shopping healthy, but always that thought in back of mind - is my produce safe?

Perhaps the biggest benefit for me is simply knowing how my food was grown.

I know the water my plants receive.

I know what nutrients I've added.

I know when the lettuce was harvested—usually just a few minutes before it ends up on my plate.

That simple knowledge brings a level of confidence that is hard to find with produce that has traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles before reaching the grocery store.

With that said, I obviously don't grow all of my food, but it is a peace of mind when I do. It is also cost effective as well!

Learning New Skills

Hydroponics, in my living room

Indoor gardening has also been one of the most educational hobbies I've ever started.

I've learned how hydroponic systems work.

I've experimented with different herbs and leafy greens.

I've hand-pollinated flowers when needed.

One accomplishment I'm especially proud of was allowing my lettuce to continue growing until it produced seeds.

Once the seed heads matured, I collected the seeds and planted them again in my AeroGarden. Watching a new generation of lettuce grow from seeds I had saved myself was incredibly rewarding.

It's amazing how much nature can teach us when we simply slow down and observe.

Growing indoor Moringa Trees

Indoor Gardening During Texas Weather

Living in Texas means gardening often comes with unpredictable weather.

One week brings heavy rain.

The next week is blazing sunshine.

Spring storms can damage young plants overnight, while summer heat can cause leafy vegetables to bolt before you've had a chance to harvest them.

Growing indoors removes many of those challenges.

My plants enjoy stable temperatures, consistent light, and protection from storms throughout the year. That means I can grow fresh herbs and salad greens long after my outdoor garden has struggled with the weather.

I'll be honest with you. I dub 2011 the year I didn't garden. Central Texas had over 90 days of 100 degree days that year. I kind of threw in the dish towel! This is why I have realized that having a back-up plan is important for growing one's own food. Indoor gardening solved this for me!

Nothing more satisfying than growing lettuce indoors

A Little More Peace of Mind

Recently, we've seen recalls involving fresh produce because of contamination with organisms such as Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that can contaminate fruits and vegetables through unsafe water or poor sanitation during growing or processing. Other foodborne illnesses linked to fresh produce can involve bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and certain strains of E. coli.

Growing food at home doesn't eliminate every possible risk, but it does allow you to control many parts of the growing process—from the water your plants receive to how they're harvested and handled before they reach your kitchen. For me, that's one more reason indoor gardening has become such a rewarding part of my everyday life.

Sprouting for extra food

Why I'll Keep Growing Indoors

For me, indoor gardening is about much more than saving a few dollars on lettuce.

It's about learning.

It's about self-sufficiency.

It's about harvesting food just minutes before eating it.

It's about enjoying fresh greenery all year long, even during a Texas heat wave or storm.

Most of all, it's about the simple peace of mind that comes from growing at least a small portion of my family's food with my own hands.

Whether you're using an AeroGarden, another hydroponic system, or a sunny windowsill with a few pots of herbs, you may be surprised by just how much fresh food you can grow inside your own home.

Italian basil seasoned chicken with homegrown lettuce & herbs

Supplies I Used for Indoor Gardening

Items I personally use. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not increase the price you pay.

AeroGarden - indoor garden set

ClayPebbles - for hydroponics

Baskets - for hydroponics

Grow Light Bulb - Indoor gardening

FoxFarm Fertilizer - Indoor gardening

Sprouting Seeds: The Fastest Garden You Can Grow Anywhere

Why Preparedness Still Matters: Lessons from the Pandemic, Texas Storms, and How to Start Prepping Today

TEXAS FREEZE of 2021. Top five reasons Texans were not prepared!

Thursday, July 16, 2026

The Best Little Pancakes in Texas: My Homemade Pantry Pancake Mix Recipe

Pancake Recipe

Around our house, pancakes aren't just for weekends—they're just as likely to show up on the dinner table after a busy day. We love breakfast for supper, and having a homemade pancake mix already waiting in the pantry makes those evenings quick, inexpensive, and delicious.

Pancakes and eggs for dinner

Last year I came across this recipe from the YouTube channel Our Tribe of Many, a family that cooks for a large household using simple pantry ingredients. Since trying it, it's become one of my favorite homemade mixes. I usually make half a batch, which fits perfectly into my half-gallon Mason jars and is always ready whenever we're craving pancakes.

Storing pancake mix in half gallon jars

I usually cook mine in a little olive oil, and I've also made a few changes to the original recipe that work well for my family. I use only half the sugar the recipe calls for, and on some batches I leave the sugar out completely. Surprisingly, we don't miss it, especially when serving the pancakes with fresh fruit or maple syrup.

If you decide to try them without sugar, I'd love to hear what you think!

Blueberry pancakes

Homemade Pantry Pancake Mix

Ingredients

9 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups powdered milk
⅔ cup sugar (I usually use only half this amount.)
4 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons baking soda
4 teaspoons salt

Whisk everything together thoroughly and store in an airtight container or Mason jar.

I mix half of the recipe

Egg is optional

Homemade Pantry Pancake Mix (Half Batch)

Ingredients

4½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup powdered milk
⅓ cup sugar (I usually use only about 2½–3 tablespoons, or sometimes skip the sugar altogether.)
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda
2 teaspoons salt

Whisk all of the ingredients together until well combined. Store in an airtight container or a half-gallon Mason jar for quick homemade breakfasts.

Mini pancakes with sliced strawberries

To Make 5–6 Pancakes

Combine:

1 cup pancake mix
¾ cup water (add a little more for thinner pancakes)
1 egg (optional—I add one when I want extra protein.)

Mix just until combined. Cook on a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.

For the thinner and smaller pancakes, I mix into cup and drop with a spoon over hot oil

Added Variations

🫐 Fresh blueberries

🍌 Sliced bananas

🍓 Fresh strawberries

🍑 Peaches

🍎 Diced apples with cinnamon

🍦 A splash of vanilla extract

🥚 Add an egg for extra protein

💧 Skip the egg and add a little extra water for thinner pancakes

My favorite is a dash of vanilla extract in batter and fried till crispy

Pantry Tip

One of my favorite things about this mix is that it stores beautifully in canning jars. Since I usually make only half the recipe, one batch fits nicely into a half-gallon Mason jar, making it easy to keep homemade pancake mix ready whenever we need a quick meal.