John and I had a fantastic time during our trip to Rocky Ridge Farm. From Muncie, we drove 8 hours to Springfield, Missouri. The next morning, we made the 1 hour drive to Mansfield, where Laura and Almanzo Wilder lived beginning in 1894. They built and expanded their home over a 20 year period, and lived out the rest of their lives here.
Laura and Almanzo grew apples and raised chickens, among many other things. Not until Laura was 65 years old did she write and publish her first book, Little House in the Big Woods. Seven more books followed during her lifetime, making Laura Ingalls Wilder an internationally recognized author. During the 1940's, Laura received approximately 50 letters a day from loyal fans of her books! Eventually, Almanzo had to install an industrial size mailbox to accommodate the fan mail.
At the Wilder homestead, John and I walked a pretty 3/4 mile trail called Laura's pathway, which led to the Rock House, that Rose Wilder Lane had built as a gift to her parents in 1928. Laura and Almanzo lived there from 1928 to 1935. When Rose moved away, they moved back into the farm house. Originally a Sears cottage design, the Rock House cost Rose $11,000 to have built, and had every modern amenity except air conditioning.
This is a lovely view just beyond the Rock House. The Ozark area is stunning.
Before leaving Mansfield, John and I stopped by the local cemetery where Almanzo, Laura, and Rose are buried.
John and I also made time that evening for a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway. It was lots of fun! We got to ride in a vintage multi-level observation car, and coach car as we headed through the Ozarks and into northern Arkansas.
Below is the beautiful bed and breakfast John and I stayed in. It was built in 1894, and was supposedly haunted (John and I did not see any ghosts, though)
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