A 300 Year Walk Through Iowa's Farming History

Experience first-hand the changes in farming over time as you visit three working farms and an exhibit on farming in the 20th century. Students tour the 1700 Ioway Indian Farm, the 1850 Pioneer Farm, the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm, and the new exhibit at the Wallace Exhibit Center on 20th century farming. Themes tie the farms together, making connections and comparisons easier for students: Grades K-2, Homes and Families; 3rd-4th, Food Production and Preparation, and Livestock; 5th-6th, Farm and Home Technology and Power; grades 7 and up, teacher’s request.
Grades: Kindergarten and up; Time: 2-3 hours; Cost: $4.25 per student.  

Walnut Hill Town Tour

Students visit businesses, trade sites and homes typical of an 1875 town. Themes tie the stops at the various buildings together, making comparisons and connections easier for students: Grades K-2nd, “Then” vs. “Now”; Grades 3rd-4th, Community & Consumerism; Grades 5th-6th, Technological Changes at Home and the Workplace; Grades 7th & up, teacher’s request.
Grades: Kindergarten and up; Time: 2-3 hours; Cost: $4.25 per student.  

General Tour

This tour combines stops at all three farms (1700 Ioway Indian Farm, 1850 Pioneer Farm, and the 1900 Horse-Powered Farm) with visits to as many town buildings as time allows. The interdependence of and connections between farm and town are stressed. You can add a visit to the Wallace Exhibit Center at no additional charge.
Grades: 2 and up; Time: 4-6 hours; Cost: $5.25 per student.  

Animals in Action Tour
Available By reservation only

This program is VERY popular and has LIMITED availability. Call early to reserve your spot! Children will see and interact with animals at the 1900 Farm. As they tour the barn and barnyard, they’ll see cows, horses, pigs, sheep, and chickens in their homes on the farm. Available Monday-Thursday, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Grades: Pre-school and kindergarten; Time: 1 hour (includes tractor-cart ride); Limits: 15 students minimum, 25 students maximum. 1 morning group and 1 afternoon group; Cost: $2.50 per student  

Batter Up - Historic Baseball
Available: Monday-Wednesday, September to October

This program supports Character Counts! After the American Civil War, local baseball teams provided recreation and developed community pride among towns in Iowa. Discover the Iowa connections to our national pastime. Students will examine how the rules have changed since the 19th century, and how the game became universally popular. Each student will explore the history of the game, practice skills appropriate for the period, and get a chance to bat as they participate in an 1870s rules game. Available Wednesday-Thursday, September-October
Grades: 4th & up; Time: 1.5 hours: $3.50 per student