Hudsons Head West - Part 4 - Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD

After leaving the Ingalls Homestead, we headed to Mitchell, South Dakota and stayed the night there.  The next morning we went to see the sole purpose of being in that specific town - the one and only Corn Palace.  This building is covered in corn cobs and other grains, arranged in gorgeous pictures!  Every year the outside is redone, depicting new images for the year.  Inside are more pictures, a video displaying the history of the corn palace, photos of the corn palace over the years, and some old farm equipment.  While it does not take long to "tour" the corn palace, it is impressive to look at the murals, considering the artistic ability required for such an "unusual" artistic display.

Then we started heading down the road further, across South Dakota, to the west side of the state.

Hudsons Head West - Part 3 - Ingalls Homestead continued

After taking a nursing break to feed the infant, we headed to Ma's Little House.  What a sweet sweet house!

All the kids tried out the washing board and wringer, then hung up the towel that washed.  Now they all want one... I'm guessing if it became an actual chore, they wouldn't be so eager ;)

Here is how they stored the quilts they were making while in process.  I'm thinking Brad needs to make me one, lol.

This was bought for Mary by Pa and Laura while Mary was in School for the Blind.

After making a craft of a button toy, the group of us, which included ourselves and two other homeschooling families (how neat is that - that we were all there that day!!!), went to visit the school.  To get there, we climbed into the horse drawn wagon.  Each of the older kiddos got to drive the team.  What fun!  Our older four children drove on the way back from the school.

LOL - this is what he looks like at home during school as well ;)

Hmmmm my child wanted a picture of the working outhouse...

The school

Once back to the main part of the homestead, we went over to the livestock barn, and took some time petting the ponies, and getting some rides.

Upstairs of the livestock barn was another "museum."

We also headed over to Flindt's Garage.  There they had different stations set up for the kids to try.  There was an old mill for grinding flour, a rope making station, and a corn cob doll creating station.

This machine knocks the dried corn off the cobs so they can make the corn cob dolls.

This is the one end of the rope making machine.  By turning the handle, it twists the straw.  Another person on the other end is holding that end taunt so that it twists up and holds, making a rope.

 

Here is our oldest holding the rope taunt.

Our last stop, before leaving, was a walk to see the old church.  This small church is actually still in use today.  

What an incredible trip to The Ingalls Homestead.  I HIGHLY recommend anyone who travels to the De Smet South Dakota area, to visit the homestead for a fascinating look into the past!