Where Was ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Filmed?

Little House On The Prairie: Exploring The Real & Filming Locations

Where Was ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Filmed?

By  Twila Schaden

Do you ever find yourself yearning for simpler times, a connection to the land, and the unwavering spirit of the American pioneer? The enduring allure of "Little House on the Prairie" lies in its ability to transport us to that very world, a world meticulously crafted in both literature and television, yet rooted in the real-life experiences of the Ingalls family.

For generations, Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" series has captivated readers with its heartwarming portrayal of frontier life. From the cozy log cabin in the Wisconsin woods to the vast, untamed prairies of Kansas, the books painted a vivid picture of family, resilience, and the challenges of carving out a home in a new land. The subsequent television series, starring Michael Landon and Melissa Gilbert, brought these stories to a wider audience, further solidifying the "Little House" legacy in popular culture. However, beyond the fictionalized accounts and on-screen portrayals, lies a fascinating history of real places and events that shaped the Ingalls family's journey.

Category Information
Full Name Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder
Date of Birth February 7, 1867
Place of Birth Pepin, Wisconsin, USA
Date of Death February 10, 1957
Place of Death Mansfield, Missouri, USA
Occupation Author, Teacher, Journalist
Spouse Almanzo James Wilder (m. 1885)
Children Rose Wilder Lane
Notable WorksLittle House on the Prairie series
Genres Children's Literature, Historical Fiction, Autobiography
Awards & Recognition Laura Ingalls Wilder Award (posthumously)
Website Laura Ingalls Wilder Official Website

Independence, Kansas, holds a significant place in the "Little House" narrative. It was here, on the Osage Diminished Reserve, that the Ingalls family settled between 1869 and 1870. This period formed the core of the book "Little House on the Prairie," depicting their life building a home and attempting to cultivate the land. However, their time in Kansas was short-lived. Within a year, the U.S. government, responding to pressures related to the reserve land, required the Ingalls family to vacate. They never returned, but the experience left an undeniable mark on their lives and became a cornerstone of Laura Ingalls Wilder's storytelling.

The opening line of the first book in the series, "Once upon a time, sixty years ago, a little girl lived in the big woods of Wisconsin, in a little gray house made of logs," immediately transports readers to a specific time and place. Its an invitation to share in Laura's experiences. This idyllic setting, however, was just the beginning of the Ingalls family's wanderings. Driven by Pa's restless spirit and the promise of new opportunities, they journeyed westward, seeking a place to call their own. This quest eventually led them to Kansas, and other locations, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the "Little House" saga.

For those who grew up reading the books or watching the television series, the "Little House" stories are more than just entertainment. They are a window into a bygone era, offering glimpses into the daily lives, challenges, and triumphs of a pioneer family. The "Little House on the Prairie" series, while fictionalized, was loosely based on Laura Ingalls Wilders real experiences and the challenges and triumphs she and her family faced. The setting, featured in the book of the same name, is also where []. Many are drawn to the original homestead locations, seeking to connect with the spirit of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the world she so vividly described.

While the stories are set in the Midwest, the television show, particularly the exterior shots, were filmed in Simi Valley, California, at Big Sky Movie Ranch. The "Little House on the Prairie" cast and crew enjoyed the beauty of Simi Valley, California, while filming farm and town scenes. The combination of studio craftsmanship and real outdoor locations gave the series its distinctive and immersive feel. This California backdrop, standing in for the prairies of Kansas and Minnesota, highlights the power of filmmaking to transport viewers to different times and places.

The series also utilized Paramount Studios for interior scenes. Sonora, California, and Old Tucson Studios served as settings for some scenes during production. The "Little House" legacy extends beyond the books and television show, encompassing a network of historical sites and museums dedicated to preserving the Ingalls family's story. Despite the fact that much of the original "Little House" set no longer exists, the memory of Walnut Grove lives on in the hearts of fans. These locations offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder firsthand.

Although the Michael Landon television series "Little House on the Prairie" was based at Walnut Grove, Minnesota, where the family moved in 1874, other locations also feature in the story. Walnut Grove, Minnesota, is best known as the setting for Laura Ingalls Wilders book, "On the Banks of Plum Creek," and the inspiration for the fictional town in the television series. During the time the Ingalls family resided there, they left an indelible mark, as can be seen by the many museums that focus on their lives. In Walnut Grove, a google map of where the various buildings and houses were has been created to help visitors understand the setting of the books.

At the "Little House on the Prairie" Museum, there is a dedication to preserving the history of Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and the era in which she lived. The mission of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum is to inspire curiosity and foster learning about the American pioneer experience through the life and literature of Laura Ingalls Wilder by providing engaging and authentic experiences. The museum features a recreation of the Ingalls cabin, as well as other historic buildings. The aim is to preserve, protect, and care for the collection and historic buildings, and to sustain the historic landscape.

The New York Times declared that "Little House on the Prairie" was one of the most iconic shows to ever air on television. Even now, nearly 40 years after the show went off the air, it picks up new fans. When the television show "Little House on the Prairie" first debuted as a pilot film in early 1974, it remained to be seen whether audiences would warm to the story line of a pioneer family eking out a living from the land. The popularity of the film cemented the shows future and the program ran from 1974 until 1982 with high ratings. The enduring appeal of the "Little House" stories speaks to the universal themes of family, community, and the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family lived in Burr Oak after leaving Plum Creek, but due to the painful experiences they faced there, including the death of. This part of the Ingalls family history is not covered as affectionately as their other locations. The story of "Little House on the Prairie" may take place in the Midwest United States, but the show that aired from 1974 to 1983 on NBC was filmed in Simi Valley, California. The shows legacy is still felt today, with many fans seeking to visit the places where the show was filmed.

California has stood in for many faraway locations in movie history, and "Little House on the Prairie" was no exception. The TV series' exterior shots were filmed in Simi Valley at Big Sky Movie Ranch. Independence, Kansas, is a significant location in the "Little House on the Prairie" series, as it is where the Ingalls family moved to and where Pa built the eponymous Little House on the Prairie. Independence, Kansas, is the location where the Ingalls family settled on the Osage Diminished Reserve from 1869 to 1870, and was at the center of the plot of the book, "Little House on the Prairie." Within a year of settling, the government required the family to vacate, and they never returned.

Little House on the Prairie locations are places that visitors can enjoy to this day. The production of "Little House on the Prairie" took place across several regions in America. Paramount studios hosted the team for the interior scenes, while Big Sky Ranch offered a backdrop for the exteriors. Sonora, California, and Old Tucson Studios also provided settings for some scenes during production. The small little house on the prairie cabin at this location is a recreation based on the description found in the book. The foundation of a small house believed to have been the home of.

In Google Maps, you can find local businesses, view maps, and get driving directions. But there I was, standing there in the little house of the prairie. Paramount filmed the interiors of the house in there in the studio. I was born in Los Angeles in 1951. I was seen many actors and some I have known personally. So happy the little house of the prairie lives in our remembers, and see them in DVDs. If you are in the area. You will be happy to see the house and the surrounding area.

Where Was ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Filmed?
Where Was ‘Little House on the Prairie’ Filmed?

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Filming location of Little House on the Prairie YouTube
Filming location of Little House on the Prairie YouTube

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Iconic location of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ then and now Madly Odd!
Iconic location of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ then and now Madly Odd!

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