Living History Farms Memorial Day Observance

Start Memorial Day at Living History Farms with a sunrise observance at the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill in Urbandale, Iowa, a short drive from the Des Moines River corridor and Saylorville Lake. You’ll join a traditional program honoring veterans, then stay as the 500-acre outdoor museum opens for a full day of hands-on history across working farms and town sites.

Arrive early for patriotic music and remarks as the sun comes up. Afterward, you can step into Walnut Hill for live demonstrations at the blacksmith, print shop, and general store, then spend your day rotating through the 1850 Pioneer Farm, the 1900 Horse Powered Farm, and the Ioway Indian Farm to track how Iowa agriculture evolved over time.

Plan to be on site by 5:00 AM for the ceremony; general museum activity ramps up later in the morning. Wear sturdy walking shoes for unpaved paths between farms, and bring water and sunscreen since much of the property is open to the sky. Admission varies by age and members typically enter free. In poor weather, several demonstrations shift indoors, though farm work continues, and pets are not permitted for livestock safety.

If you’re extending the weekend, book lodging near Saylorville Lake or in the Des Moines metro area so you can pair the visit with time on the water or in the city. On site, you’ll find a snack shop, but many visitors head to Urbandale or Des Moines afterward for lunch. To see the town plus all three farms, set aside at least three to four hours, and note that while many areas are accessible, muddy farm paths can be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs after heavy rain.