45 Years of Fun!

What do Tina Fey, Mariah Carey, Matt Damon and Living History Farms have in common? They are all turning 45 this year!

Our mission states, "Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor history museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences."

The fun starts May 1st when we open for the season.

Living History Farms Fun Facts:

Living History Farms sits on 500 acres, and is often referred to as the "Central Park" of Urbandale.

LHF has 40 historic and modern buildings, 6.5 miles of roads, and has more than 18,000 artifacts.

On October 4, 1979, the largest crowd in Iowa's history, gathered on the grounds of Living History Farms (LHF) for Saint John Paul II's visit.

Since 1970, LHF has shared its mission with over 1 million school children.

The first official day camp at LHF was held in 1975, and was offered for 2 weeks only. Now LHF day camp is offered for 13 weeks (including spring break, summer, and winter), with over 1,000 participants annually.

LHF visitors, on average, consume well over 6000 bottles of sarsaparilla, 4000 bags of lemon drops, and 2000 bags of gumdrops each year. And also about 1000 hot-dogs a year.

In 2014, LHF had over 1000 volunteers and is currently ranked first for number of volunteers among our Outdoor History Museum peers.

Over 100,000 runners have participated in the LHF Cross Country Race - one of the largest cross-country races in North America - the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Awards and Accolades:

2015 - William J. Peterson/Edgar R. Harlan award presented by the State Historical Society of Iowa for significant long-term contribution to Iowa History

2015 - "Bravo" award by Trip Advisor

2014 - Midwest Living's Best of the Midwest Magazine named Living History Farms the "#1 Great Place in Des Moines to Take the Kids!"

2014 - Let's Move! Museum national designation

2013 - Golden Silo Award presented by Silos and Smokestacks for Outstanding Interpretation

2013 - Award of Merit presented by the American Association of State and Local History for Flynn Mansion Preservation

2013- Best Places in Iowa List presented by bringfido.com and Ruff Guide to the U.S.

2012 - DSM Top List - Best Family Attraction

2011 - Web Marketing Association for outstanding achievement in website development

2011 - Outstanding Interactive Marketing Initiative presented by the Iowa Tourism Office

2010 - Certificate of Appreciation presented by 734th Agribusiness Deployment Team of the Iowa National Guard

Over our 45 years, we have had more than 5.5 million guests, including Saint John Paul II, President Barack Obama, First Lady Barbara Bush, Vice President Dan Quayle, Governors, congressional and statewide elected officials and candidates. But our most important guest is you! 

To celebrate 45 years, Living History Farms has two new special events planned, in addition to our annual favorites:

45th Anniversary Reunion

June 13, 9 am to 4 pm - Haven't visited LHF since you were in school? Come back and participate in some of our favorite hands on activities from our first 45 years! www.LHF.org/45

In the evening, former and current volunteers, staff members, and interns of LHF are invited to a 70's themed LHF Reunion from 4-8 pm. This ticketed event will feature a Happy Hour (wine/beer cash bar) at 4pm, followed by a picnic dinner, and a presentation by keynote speaker and former Director of History, Tom Morain. After dinner, enjoy nostalgic music by the band Toaster, alumni "meet and greets", LHF trivia, historic games, and fellowship. Participants are encouraged to record memories of LHF in a reunion video booth. Please help us get the word out to all of our "alumni". Details on evening event at www.LHF.org/reunion.