Living History Farms

02/22/2020

Join us for a look at the textiles and tools used to keep warm during Midwestern winters in the past. This exhibit will feature hand and machine pieced quilts, natural fur lap robes, and other bed coverings from the LHF historic textile vaults. Fur and wool coats, gloves and mittens, skirts, and shawls highlight Iowans’ determination to fight the winter chills. The exhibit will be open Thu-Sun, Feb 27-Mar 8 from 1-6pm in our Visitor Center. Save $1 off admission when you get tickets in advance!

https://www.LHF.org/event/historic-quilt-textile-exhibit/

02/20/2020

Bring your preschooler to listen to the tale of Alice in Wonderland in the historic setting of the Flynn Mansion during our Spring Barnyard Readers program, Wednesdays this April. Tour the house, make Wonderland-themed crafts, and go down the rabbit hole with some activities relating to the story.

Get a program pass for all 4 programs! https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/barnyard-readers/spring

02/13/2020

Living History Farms historic interpreters have known for a long time that brooms could stand on their own. 😂In fact, workers in broom factories like the small one in our 1876 town would use it as a test - if they had made all the broomcorn even around the handle, and had sewn it just right, and trimmed everything evenly, the broom would have been made properly and be able to stand up straight without being held. Check out the broom-making posts on the LHF blog for more info, and come visit the broom shop this year at Living History Farms! #broomstickchallenge

02/13/2020

Looking for a venue for your special event? We still have openings for rental spaces at Living History Farms in 2020 and 2021. We have several unique spaces including the Flynn Barn, the Church of the Land, our Visitor Center, outdoor rental spaces, and more. Check out our website for more info and contact us today to reserve your date!

https://www.LHF.org/aboutus/rentals

Photo Credit: Brian Davis Photography www.briandavisphoto.com

02/11/2020

Living History Farms's cover photo

02/10/2020

During our Spring Break Camp, you can:
- bake an apple pie
- do an "old-fashioned" dance
- become a pollinator for the day
- make a clay pot
- visit the blacksmith shop and Flynn Mansion
- take care of the chores on the farm
- and much more!

Sign up now for our Spring Break Camp, March 16-20!
This year we have camps for 2nd-5th graders, or an all-ages family camp at the 1900-era Farm.

https://www.LHF.org/events-and-programs/day-camps/

01/31/2020

Stephen Colbert Visits Iowa Without Leaving His Couch

See if you can spot any familiar LHF faces in this clip from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. 🐴

01/31/2020

It's time to caucus for cookies, tomorrow at Living History Farms! Join us tomorrow afternoon from 1-3pm to discover the history and participate in the process of Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses as you sample cookies! Arrive by 1:45pm to participate in the entire caucus process, led by Mayor of Urbandale, Bob Andeweg.

https://www.lhf.org/event/caucus-for-cookies/

01/21/2020

We're caucusing for cookies on February 1st! 🍪 Join in the fun of learning about the caucus process, as you vote for your favorite cookies. Save on tickets purchased in advance: https://www.lhf.org/event/caucus-for-cookies/

01/18/2020

Tired of the cold and ready to think about warmer days in the spring and summer? Us too! We're busy planning activities to get kids out into nature, learning about plants, animals, science, & history at our spring break and summer camps! Register now: https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/day-camps/

01/16/2020

Join us to Caucus for Cookies on February 1st.

Discover the history and participate in the process of Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses as you sample baked goods!
Save on tickets purchased in advance: https://www.lhf.org/event/caucus-for-cookies/

01/14/2020

Beautiful scene from a Historic Dinner at the 1900 Farm. ✨Get your tickets now for Jan-Mar dinner programs at 1900, the Tangen Home, or Flynn Mansion. https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/historic-dinners/

01/02/2020

Member registration is now open for Summer Day Camp! Check out the camp offerings for Summer 2020 and sign up for your preferred week now! Members also receive a discount on all Living History Farms camps.

Register for Summer Day Camp at https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/day-camps/

Summer camp registrations begin for all others on January 16, at 10am. Not a member yet? Sign up now for savings and first dibs on camp! https://www.lhf.org/membership

01/01/2020

Farewell 2019!

Save the date - on January 2 in 2020, at 10am, Summer Camp registrations will be opening for Living History Farms members! Members also receive a discount on all camp registrations, so if you haven't signed up for a membership yet, sign up now to get first dibs on your preferred camp and week! https://www.LHF.org/membership

12/31/2019

Today is the last day for LHF's participation in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag program, so grab a bag today to help us wrap up the month and 2019!
Each time a $2.50 red My Heart Reusable Bag is purchased at the Hy-Vee located in Urbandale at 8701 Douglas Avenue, $1 will be donated to Living History Farms. We appreciate everyone who has participated throughout the month!

12/21/2019

As you're out shopping for all the ingredients to make your favorite holiday dishes, don't forget that Living History Farms is participating in the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag program this December. Throughout this month, each time a $2.50 red My Heart Reusable Bag is purchased at the Hy-Vee located in Urbandale at 8701 Douglas Avenue, $1 will be donated to Living History Farms!

12/17/2019

Uh oh, shipping deadlines are passing...are you still looking for some last minute gift ideas? Give a unique Living History Farms experience to your loved ones!

1) How about a Historic Skills Class? They can be a blacksmith for the day, learn hearth cooking, or try driving draft horses. 🐴 2) You can sign them up for a delicious Historic Dinner program where they can dine on authentic recipes prepared in our historic kitchens 🍽️ 3) Maybe they need a LHF membership to bring their family for visits and programs throughout the year 🐖 4) OR grab a gift certificate and let them choose their favorite option! 💌 @ Living History Farms

12/14/2019

Decking the halls 🎶 Victorian style @ Living History Farms

12/14/2019

Living History Farms is part of the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag program. For the month of December, each time a $2.50 red My Heart Reusable Bag is purchased at the Hy-Vee located in Urbandale at 8701 Douglas Avenue, $1 will be donated to Living History Farms! ❤️

12/09/2019

Congratulations to Dave Austin who won Best in Show in the Capture the Heart of America Photo Contest with his photo, "Flynn Mansion in Bloom"!

Congratulations to the 2019 Capture the Heart of America Photo Contest winners!

Dave Austin - “Flynn Mansion in Bloom” (Best of Show)
Michael Callison - “Weathered” (American Agriculture)
Paul Grillo - “Smoke & Steam” (Celebrations of Iowa Agriculture)
Harlen Persinger - “Long Shadows” (Modern Agriculture in Iowa)
Chad Heggen - “Harvest Beams” (Iowa Farmscapes)
Ann Clinton - “Farm Kid Fun” (Life on the Iowa Farm)
Dave Austin - “Flynn Mansion in Bloom” (Silos & Smokestacks Partner Sites)
Justin Rogers - "Harvest Moon" (People’s Choice “Most Liked”)
James Cushman - “Park Farm at Sunset” (Visitor Guide Photo Feature Award)

Thank you to all photo contest entrants! View all 2019 entries at www.flickr.com/ssnha #ThisIsIowa #PhotoContest

12/03/2019

Today is #GivingTuesday! We couldn't offer the programs and services we do without donations from you. We are grateful for any amount you wish to contribute. By giving a little on #GivingTuesday, you’re doing a lot at Living History Farms.
https://www.lhf.org/donate/giving-tuesday/

12/01/2019

Have you heard the news? Living History Farms has been selected as the beneficiary of the Hy-Vee Reusable Bag Program that supports local non-profits! Each time a $2.50 red My Heart Reusable Bag is purchased at the Hy-Vee at 8701 Douglas Avenue during the month of December we will receive a $1 donation.

11/29/2019

Celebrate #GivingTuesday on December 3 by donating to Living History Farms. The programs and services we offer are sustained by small donations and we make every dollar count! We are grateful for any amount that you wish to contribute. By giving a little on #GivingTuesday, you’re doing a lot at Living History Farms.
https://www.lhf.org/donate/giving-tuesday/

11/27/2019

Start your holiday shopping off with a trip to the The MarketPlace Museum Store at Living History Farms on Museum Store Sunday! Shop December 1 from 12-4pm to enjoy 50% off on select items and free food samples.

11/27/2019

Give back this holiday season by volunteering at Living History Farms' Family Christmas on Saturday, December 7. Pick a shift from 12-2pm or 2-4pm. Help with crafts and food activities! Email Jan Milroy at [email protected] to sign up.

11/20/2019

2019 Best in Class Nominees Announced

We're honored to be a nominee for the Urbandale Chamber's Best in Class awards!

URBANDALE, IA – Annually the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce requests the membership and general public to vote for businesses who are best in their class. There are 21 different categories voted on and

11/20/2019

Barb Hoy and The Bohling Family were honored at the 2019 Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards in recognition of their service to Living History Farms. Thank you to all of our volunteers- we couldn't be successful without you!

11/19/2019

The annual Road-O-Cross Off-Road Race at Living History Farms is Saturday, November 23. Join in the fun of this annual tradition while giving back to your community. Register today!
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=132849

11/15/2019

This fall, enjoy a family-style meal at the Tangen Home. Tour the victorian home and after dinner gather with fellow guests for parlor games. Get your tickets today!
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/historic-dinners/1875-dahl-historic-dinner-at-tangen-tickets/

11/14/2019

The 41st Road-O-Cross Off-Road Race at Living History Farms raises funds for Living History Farms and other worthy causes. It's a great way to end the racing season while giving back to your community. Sign up today- prices increase November 16!
https://secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information.php?event_id=132849

11/12/2019

Did you know members receive discounts on all Historic Dinners, Day Camps and Historic Skills Classes? Before you register, become a member and save. Bonus: Memberships purchased between now and the end of the year don't expire until December 31, 2020! Become a TRI and receive admission and discounts to Blank Park Zoo and the Science Center of Iowa.
https://www.lhf.org/membership/

11/07/2019

Enjoy a delicious family style meal at Living History Farms' 1900 farm this fall. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride to and from the farmhouse and enjoy dessert and games after your meal. November dates are still available.
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/historic-dinners/1900-farm-historic-dinner-tickets/

11/04/2019

“Holi-deal” tickets are now available for Family Christmas. Get them quick- this flash sale is only available until November 6 at 10 am.
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/family-christmas-tickets/

Don't forget to add on Eats & Treats to enjoy a kid-friendly meal at Tangen Home prior to the event.

11/02/2019

Watch for our 48-hour “Holi-deal” flash sale for Family Christmas tickets starting November 4 at 10 am.

We also have limited tickets available to add on Eats & Treats which includes a family meal at Tangen Home, a holiday craft, and admission to Family Christmas.
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/historic-dinners/family-christmas-eats-treats/

10/30/2019

Do you have a child in grades 2-6? Member registration is now open for 1-day winter break camps on Dec. 26 & 27. Not a member? Join today to access advance registration and discounted pricing!
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/day-camps/winter-break-camp/

10/25/2019

Dogs are always welcome at Living History Farms, but now your pup can trick-or-treat too! Bring your well-behaved furry friend to Family Halloween tonight from 5:30-8:30 pm!

10/24/2019

This weekend is your last chance to enjoy Family Halloween. Volunteer Oct. 24-27 and pass out candy, host a game, and more! Sign up today.
https://livinghistoryfarms.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=40870

10/23/2019

Get in the Halloween spirit with a Triskaideka (13) Dinner at Flynn Mansion on Oct. 30. Enjoy 13 courses as one of 13 guests, testing over 13 superstitions along the way. Tickets are limited; reserve today!
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/historic-dinners/triskaideka-historic-dinner-tickets/

10/18/2019

We're celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month at Living History Farms! We honor our Cultural Heritage by honoring the first settlers of Iowa, the Ioway Indians. Visitors take a step back in time by visiting the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm. #ShowYourHumanities

10/17/2019

Tonight is our first Family Halloween event of the season! Receive a free pumpkin treat bag while supplies last.

10/16/2019

You have until noon today to get your Family Halloween tickets before prices increase at the door. Get them today!
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/family-halloween-tickets/

10/15/2019

Living History Farms' Family Halloween offers “teal pumpkin” stops for trick-or-treaters with allergies. Save money when you get your tickets in advance online.
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/family-halloween-tickets/

10/14/2019

Come visit us before the season ends! The final day to tour is Friday, October 18. We are open Wednesday-Friday 9am-4pm.
https://www.lhf.org/visit/

10/14/2019

Join in the fun of Family Halloween by volunteering Oct. 17-20 & Oct. 24-27! Hand out treats, direct traffic or host a fun game. Sign up here!
https://livinghistoryfarms.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=40870

10/11/2019

In the 1880s, a New York businessman started a 13 Club: inviting 13 people to dinner on the 13th day of the month, and serving 13 dishes. Take a step back in time and be one of the 13 guests at a Triskaideka Dinner at Flynn Mansion. Get your tickets here.
https://www.lhf.org/events-and-programs/historic-dinners/triskaideka-historic-dinner-tickets/