From November 2, 2007 to March 16, 2008, Living History Farms Historic Dinners Program offers guests the opportunity to step back into the past and enjoy a lantern-lit evening of hearty food and fun. All meals are prepared with historic recipes popular in their respective time period. The evenings also include Victorian parlor games at the Tangen Home or a tour of the barn at the 1900 Farm. Casual dress is suggested.

To download a copy of the current Historic Dinners brochure click here.

1900 Farm Dinners

A horse-drawn wagon carries you to the farmhouse, where the smell of freshly baked rolls and hot cider welcomes you. Take your seat at the table next to the kitchen stove and enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal served family style by our historical interpreters.

Make room for dessert with a lantern-lit trip outside to our 118-year-old barn. Or stay inside and peruse the 1895 Montgomery Ward catalog and enjoy a game of checkers. Don’t forget to ask for the authentic turn-of-the-century recipes before you leave for home. Bundle up again for the wagon ride back to your vehicle. Dinner is served daily at 6:30 p.m., and also at 1:30 p.m. on weekends. By special request, a 1:30 p.m. dinner is available Tuesday through Friday.

• Roast Beef or Chicken both with Mashed Potatoes & Gravy or Center Cut Ham Roast with Escalloped Potatoes
• Three Vegetable Side Dishes
• Homemade Rolls with Churned Butter, Jams, and Pumpkin Butter
• Bread & Butter Pickles
• Chocolate Cake & Fruit Pie
• Coffee, Hot Cider & Water

1875 Tangen Home Dinners

Stroll along a lamp-lit boardwalk to the cozy 1875 Tangen House. Sip spiced punch next to the glowing parlor fireplace while a host shares stories of Victorian life. Savory aromas summon you into the elegant dining room for a multiple course meal. Interpreters serve dinner family style, along with a few insights into 19th century cookery.

After dinner, gather with fellow guests for some lighthearted parlor amusement. Join in a bit of music or a dramatic recitation led by the parlor host. Everyone will want to take part in a charming Victorian guessing game or a rollicking round of “Hunt the Thimble”. Savor the rich pound cakes and relaxing conversation before leaving this unique dining experience. Authentic recipes are shared.

Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and also at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. By special request, a 1:30 p.m. dinner is available Tuesday through Friday.

• Savory Soup
• Roast Turkey with Dressing or Roast Pork with Specialty Potatoes or Chicken Fricassee served with Rice
• Two Vegetable Side Dishes
• Citrus Ice
• Fresh Dinner Rolls with Sweet Cream Butter
• Jams, Jellies & Sweet Pickles
• Fancy Cake & Preserved Fruit
• Coffee, Hot Punch & Water

General Information

• Historic Dinners are $45 per person. Gratuity is optional.
• Historic Dinners last about 2 1/2 hours.
• At Historic Dinners, all guests are seated together family style to create a full table.
• At Historic Dinners, 10 people are a full table, but we can seat up to 12 in one party.
• Wine brought to the Historic Dinners will be served during the meal. One bottle of wine per 2 people. No beer or liquor, please.
• Please dress for the weather.

Payment Information

• A deposit equal to half of the total will be charged to your credit card upon placing the reservation.
• The balance will be automatically charged to your account two weeks prior to your dinner.
• MasterCard and Visa are accepted.
• Payments by check are due two weeks prior to your dinner.
• Gift certificates are available at the Administration Office during weekday business hours.
• E-mail confirmation is available.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

• The deposit of groups of 8 or more is non-refundable once the deposit is received.
• For reservations of 7 or less, cancellations occurring at least 14 days prior to the reservation date will be refunded the deposit, minus a $5 per person reservation fee.
• No refund is given for any cancellation less than 14 days prior to the reservation date.
• Dinners are weather dependent. Cancellations by Living History Farms due to weather conditions will be rescheduled as available.

Reservation Information

Advance reservations are required. Call 515-278-5286, Monday - Friday for reservations.

The first party to make a reservation selects the main entrée for that dinner.  

Flynn Afternoon Teas

Enjoy a Fall Harvest or Holiday tea at the 1875 Flynn House complete with an assortment of delicious sweets and savories. Fall Harvest teas take place November 12 –November 18, 2007. Holiday teas take place November 28 – December 6, 2007 and December 11 – December 19, 2007.

The tea experience begins at 1:30 p.m. and lasts approximately two hours. Reservations are $27.50 per person and are limited to sixteen guests for each seating. Reservations may be made by calling the Scheduling Office at Living History Farms at 515-278-5286.