Little House on the Prairie Carrie Days
Celebrate Carrie Days at the Little House on the Prairie Museum
Make plans for a special weekend on the Kansas prairie as the Little House on the Prairie Museum celebrates Carrie Days on Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2.
This annual celebration honors the life and legacy of Carrie Ingalls Swanzey, who was born on August 3, 1870, while the Ingalls family was living on the Kansas prairie in Independence. More than 150 years later, the Ingalls family story continues to capture the hearts of generations and connect visitors from around the world with the history, stories and enduring spirit of the American prairie. Carrie Days brings those stories to life with special guests, historic demonstrations, food, activities and a special outdoor musical experience, making it the perfect time to plan a Little House getaway to Independence, Kansas.
Start Your Day in Independence
Before heading to the prairie, visitors are encouraged to start their Carrie Days adventure with breakfast at High Road Coffee Roasters in downtown Independence. Special Little House-themed drinks will be available on both Saturday and Sunday to help kick off the celebration.
Then, make your way to the Little House on the Prairie Museum for a day filled with history, special guests and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Saturday, August 1
Carrie Days activities begin at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday will feature a remarkable lineup of guests with connections to the Ingalls family and the beloved Little House on the Prairie television series.
Sidney Robyn Greenbush
Meet one of the actresses who portrayed Carrie Ingalls on the original Little House on the Prairie television series. Sidney will also share her new book, Seven Sisters: The Lantern of Humanity.
Jennifer and Michelle Anne Steffin
Meet the twin actresses who portrayed Rose Wilder Lane, daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder, on the original television series.
Olan Paz
Creative director connected with Little House on the Prairie, Olan will join fans on the Kansas prairie for this special celebration.
Charlotte Randall Yerke
A dialogue coach and script advisor for the original Little House on the Prairie television series, Charlotte brings a fascinating behind-the-scenes connection to the show enjoyed by generations of fans.
Laura Ingalls Gunn
A member of the extended Ingalls family, Laura is known for her beautiful period costume pieces. She will display a selection of her work and offer her official Little House patterns for purchase.
- Lee Ingalls
Lee is president of the Society of the Ingalls Family, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Ingalls family through historical research, archival work and restoration projects. A respected Ingalls family historian and published author, Lee will share his knowledge and family connection with visitors.
Michelle Underwood
A returning guest to Carrie Days, Michelle has been an important part of building connections between Little House historic sites and serves as a spokesperson for Mansfield. She will also share her new book, Loving Laura.
Step Into Prairie Life
Throughout the day, visitors will have opportunities to experience traditions and everyday life from the late 1800s.
Kay Little — Schoolmarm
Step inside the one-room schoolhouse, where returning guest Kay Little will offer visitors a glimpse into what a typical school day might have looked like during the late 19th century.
Mary Meckley — Traditional Rag Dolls
Discover the art of traditional handmade rag dolls with Mary Meckley. Her handcrafted dolls have been popular with museum visitors throughout the season, and Carrie Days guests will have an opportunity to learn more about this timeless prairie tradition.
Food, Fun and Festivities
Come hungry! On Saturday, the Independence Lions Club will host a hot dog feed beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until 2:00 p.m. Cake will be served during the celebration, and free watermelon will offer a refreshing summertime treat.
Visitors are also encouraged to come dressed in their pioneer best for a special costume contest hosted by Laura Ingalls Gunn. Costume judging will take place at approximately 4:00 p.m.
A silent auction will also be held throughout the day, with winners announced around 4:00 p.m.
An Evening on the Prairie
At 6:00 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, playwright and pastor Tracy Megli of Tulsa will present segments from his new Kansas prairie musical, When the Prairie Stopped Singing.
Set against the backdrop of the Little House cabin and the Kansas prairie, the production uses music and storytelling to bring history to life while honoring the past, sharing the stories of two cultures and encouraging greater understanding for future generations.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an unforgettable evening under the wide-open Kansas sky. Refreshments will be provided by the cast and crew.
In the event of rain, the musical performance will be relocated to the William Inge Theatre at Independence Community College.
Sunday, August 2
The Carrie Days celebration continues Sunday, giving visitors another opportunity to experience the Little House on the Prairie Museum and enjoy the beauty and history of the Kansas prairie.
Start the morning with breakfast and a themed drink at High Road Coffee Roasters, spend the day exploring Independence and the museum, and return for the second performance of When the Prairie Stopped Singing at 6:00 p.m.
Admission Information
Regular museum admission rates will apply during normal museum hours.
Admission to the 6:00 p.m. performances of When the Prairie Stopped Singing is free, with a freewill donation encouraged for those who are able to give. Donations will benefit the Little House on the Prairie Museum and support planned improvements to the museum grounds.
Make It a Little House Weekend in Independence
Carrie Days is more than a celebration, it is an opportunity to walk where history happened, meet people who continue to preserve the Little House legacy and experience the beauty of the Kansas prairie for yourself.
While you’re here, make a weekend of your visit. Enjoy breakfast and themed drinks in downtown Independence, explore the community’s local shops and attractions, grab dinner before the evening performance and discover even more of the history and hospitality that make Independence a memorable destination.
Whether you grew up reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, watching the beloved television series or are discovering the Little House story for the first time, Carrie Days offers a special opportunity to become part of a story that continues to inspire generations.
Carrie Days
Saturday and Sunday, August 1-2
Little House on the Prairie Museum
2507 CR 3000, Independence, Kansas
Come for the history. Stay for the weekend. Experience the story on the Kansas prairie.