Discover the Rich Tapestry of Iowa's Past at Living History Farms
Explore Iowa's agricultural past at Living History Farms, an immersive outdoor museum with engaging exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Iowa at Living History Farms, a unique outdoor museum showcasing agricultural life from the 1700s to the 1900s. Experience authentic farm life, engaging exhibits, and interactive activities that make history come alive for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to Living History Farms
- 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, Iowa, 50322, US
- +1515-278-5286
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a lot on uneven terrain.
- Check the event calendar before your visit to catch special programs or demonstrations.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots throughout the grounds.
- Plan to spend at least half a day to fully experience all areas of the farm.
Getting There
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Bus
From downtown Des Moines, head to the nearest bus stop to catch the DART bus route 4 or 5. Board the bus heading towards Urbandale. After approximately 30 minutes, disembark at the Hickman Rd and 86th St stop. From there, walk northeast on Hickman Rd for about 0.5 miles until you reach Living History Farms at 11121 Hickman Rd. The total travel time will be around 40-50 minutes, including walking.
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Bicycle
If you're comfortable biking, rent a bike from a local bike-sharing program. Start from downtown Des Moines and head northwest on the bike path that follows the river. Continue on to the Des Moines River Trail, then follow the signs for the trail leading towards the Urbandale area. Once you reach Hickman Rd, turn left and bike for about 1.5 miles until you arrive at Living History Farms at 11121 Hickman Rd. The bike ride should take around 30-40 minutes.
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Walking
For those who prefer to walk, start from downtown Des Moines and head west on Walnut St. Continue straight as Walnut turns into Hickman Rd. The walk is approximately 6 miles and will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Be sure to follow pedestrian paths and crosswalks safely as you make your way to Living History Farms located at 11121 Hickman Rd.
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Rideshare
Download a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft on your smartphone. Set your pickup location to your current address in Des Moines and enter 'Living History Farms' or the address '11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA 50322' as your destination. A rideshare vehicle will pick you up and take you directly to Living History Farms. The ride should take about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
Discover more about Living History Farms
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