Friends of the Farms
Opening Day is June 1!
Living History Farms is ready to welcome visitors beginning Monday, June 1.

We invite you to enjoy the fresh air and tour the farms and historic sites you love throughout the summer and fall!
"2020 marks our 50th Anniversary and we can't wait to celebrate this milestone season with our members and guests," shares President Ruth Haus. "With 500 acres, we are perfectly positioned to offer visitors a wonderful experience while maintaining a safe, responsible distance from others."

"With 500 acres, we are perfectly positioned to offer visitors a wonderful experience while maintaining a safe, responsible distance from others."
-President Ruth Haus
New Procedures to Accommodate Social Distancing
As Living History Farms prepares to open for the 2020 season, additional procedures and guidelines are being implemented:

  • Admission is limited to 70 visitors per hour.
  • Timed-ticketing will be used to limit crowds and socially distance visitors. Tickets can be purchased in-person beginning June 1.
  • The purchase of online tickets will be available beginning in mid-June. Once available, online purchase is recommended to guarantee your preferred tour time and reduce the physical transaction of ticket sales.
  • Members receive free admission but are required to reserve a timed ticket.
  • Visitors will be assigned a touring route to ensure one-way traffic flow and limit the number of visitors to each site at one time.
  • Staff members and volunteers will be wearing masks. Masks are encouraged for all visitors and will be available for purchase.
  • New touring hours: Monday - Saturday from 9:00am-4:00pm. We will not be open on Sundays this season.

We thank you for complying with these new procedures as we work to provide a safe environment for our visitors, staff, volunteers, and campers. Questions may be directed to pr@lhf.org or 515-278-5286.
Summer Camp Running as Scheduled
We are pleased to share that all Summer Day Camp programs are running and registrations are still being accepted!

Our camp program is accredited by the American Camp Association , complying with over 300 standards related to staffing, programming, and health and safety precautions. Parents of registered campers will receive an information packet to inform you of the specific procedures we are implementing in accordance with CDC and ACA guidelines to ensure camper safety this summer.


Members receive a 15% discount on camp registration. Not a member?
Sign up to activate your discount immediately!

Pioneer Wedding
Saturday, June 13
Wedding Ceremonies at 11am and 1:30pm

Visit the 1850 Pioneer Farm for a recreated pioneer wedding! Travel out to the farm to meet Living History Farms’ June bride as you observe the 1850 Farm staff recreate a wedding celebration, including an outdoor ceremony.

Weddings often brought the pioneer community together for traditional foods and fun. Discover the most popular gifts for a pioneer bride, and help the couple decide what to pack in their wagon for travel to their new home.

A hearth cooking demonstration will take place in the morning.

Event activities are included in regular admission to Living History Farms.
Ways to Support Living History Farms
Living History Farms' mission is to educate, entertain, and connect people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences.

Our animal care, operations, and maintenance are dependent upon admission, program or event tickets, memberships, and contributions. We, like other non-profit cultural institutions, are facing a difficult time due to the loss of regular programming during the first part of the year. If you are able, we would greatly appreciate your support through a one-time or sustaining donation, or through the purchase of a membership to Living History Farms. We appreciate your support!



Thank you to our 2020 Premier Partners:
 Bravo Greater Des Moines, C. Robert & Babette C. Brenton, John Deere,
and WHO-HD Channel 13.