CURRENT HOURS: Opening Day for general touring is May 1
Want to know more about something you saw at Living History Farms, interested in learning a new skill, or just want to have fun with friends and family? Then sign up for one of our Historic Skills Classes!
You will work in small groups to learn more about a specific skill or trade that was common in the 19th century, from baking to blacksmithing. And with a small class size, you are guaranteed lots of individualized instruction and plenty of opportunities to participate.
Have a specific interest but not a ton of time? Join us for a Signature Sampler! You will get a sample of the tastes, talents, and atmosphere found in our historic kitchens, craft shops, and farms.
Date | Time | Subject | Location |
| Tuesday, March 23, 2021 | 6:00-7:30pm | Spiced Apple Tarts | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 9:30-11:00am | Biscuits, Gravy, and Coffee | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, April 10, 2021 | 9:30-11:00am | Sheep Chores | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, April 17, 2021 | 9:30-11:00am | Horse Chores | 1900 Farm |
Jump to the Signature Sampler Class Descriptions
These classes are more in-depth experiences than our Signature Sampler classes.
Date | Time | Subject | Location |
| Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 1:00-4:00pm | 19th Century Bread Baking – SOLD OUT | Tangen Home |
| Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 9:00am-Noon | Blacksmithing Basics – SOLD OUT | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, March 27, 2021 | 1:00-4:00pm | Blacksmithing Basics – NEWLY ADDED | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 10, 2021 | 9:00am-Noon | Blacksmithing Basics – SOLD OUT | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 10, 2021 | 1:00-4:00pm | Blacksmithing: Items for the Home – SOLD OUT | Blacksmith |
| Sunday, April 11, 2021 | 9:00am-Noon | Blacksmithing Basics – SOLD OUT | Blacksmith |
| Saturday, April 17, 2021 | 1:00-5:00pm | Basics of Draft Horse Driving | 1900 Farm |
| Saturday, April 17, 2021 | 1:00-5:00pm | Basics of Pioneer Hearth Cooking – SOLD OUT | 1850 Pioneer Farm |
Jump to the Historic Skills Class Descriptions
These classes are for pairs of adults and teens (ages 12 and up).
Date | Time | Subject | Location |
| Sunday, April 11, 2021 | 1:00-4:00pm | Basic Blacksmithing with Teens | Blacksmith |
Jump to the Family Class Descriptions
Roll out a pie crust for this spicy apple treat. Whip sweet cream for the top while it bakes in the wood stove. Enjoy the results with a mug of hot cider.
Bake a fluffy baking powder biscuit in the wood stove while stirring up milk-and-sausage gravy to go over the top. Grind some beans and boil a pot of coffee to go with it all.
Sheep ChoresMeet the wooly ewes that spend the winter at the 1900 era Farm and help with the morning chores, such as feeding, watering, checking ewes in anticipation of lambs. Dress for the weather and a farm environment.
Horse ChoresSpend the morning in the 1900 Farm barn, feeding, and grooming the draft horses and mule. Dress for the weather and a farm environment.
Blacksmithing Basics – New session added on March 27The class is designed to give someone with little or no metal working skills as a hands-on, fun, “be a blacksmith for a day” experience. Explore the basics of forge work in a blacksmith shop while making a decorative iron project to take home. Topics will include safety, tools and equipment, and beginning techniques for shaping metal. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather (the shop is heated by a wood-burning stove only).
Students will have the opportunity to make at least 2 of the following decorative projects for the home: candleholders, napkin rings, hooks, decorative metal paper towel holder, or a letter opener. It is helpful if you have taken our blacksmithing basics course. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather (the shop is heated by a wood-burning stove only).
This class is sold out.
Basics of Draft Horse DrivingLearn the basic commands for driving a team of draft horses or mules. Go through the process of harnessing and grooming a horse or mule. Practice the basic commands by doing some ground driving, and then by driving a wagon. Dress for the weather and for being on the farm around animals. Class will be held rain or shine. Participants will also receive handouts about the basic care of horses and basic driving techniques.
Basics of Pioneer Hearth Cooking – SOLD OUTLearn the basics of hearth cooking, while exploring how new settlers in Iowa produced, prepared, and preserved food. Participants will use 1850s era recipes to make their lunch. While your meal is cooking, tour the 1850 Pioneer Farm. After eating their meal and cleaning up, everyone will go home with copies of recipes, and information on how to care for their cast iron cooking utensils. Dress for being on a farm, and for cooking! Part of the class will be outside while you tour the farm. Note: You will be eating your meal around 4:30pm, so plan accordingly.
This class is sold out.
Basic Blacksmithing with TeensThis class will allow a parent or grandparent to work with a teen as they learn historic blacksmithing techniques in a historic setting. Everyone will get to make several small, hands-on projects, such as small dinner triangles and hooks. Begin by learning about proper safety in a workshop environment. Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather. The shop is heated by a wood-burning stove only.