Accessibility

Living History Farms is constantly working to improve accessibility while maintaining historical accuracy. If you have concerns about mobility, please speak with our staff when you arrive or call us in advance at 515-278-5286.

We strongly recommend that anyone with concerns about accessibility have one or more adults to assist them while touring.

Period Farms and Connecting Trails

The period farms are in a wooded area with a connecting trail less than a mile long. The terrain varies and includes both gradual slopes and steep hills. Benches are provided for resting along the trail. The trail surface includes milled asphalt, wood chips, gravel, and bare dirt. An abbreviated route is available upon request: Ask the tractor driver for a “Step Saver” tour.

Walnut Hill Town Sites

Most town sites are wheelchair-accessible with ramps, wide doorways, and low thresholds.

Access to the first floor of the Flynn Mansion is available through the east side kitchen door. A video tour of the second floor and a book of photos and descriptions is available from the historic interpreters at the Flynn Mansion.

The Doctor’s Office has a six-inch stoop at the front door, but the side door is wheelchair-accessible.

Boardwalks

Six-foot wide wooden planks connect most of the Walnut Hill town sites. Be cautious when traveling, as boardwalks are sometimes uneven and can be slippery when wet or frost-covered.

Tractor Carts

Open-air carts have ramps or lifts for wheelchair/scooter boarding.

Restrooms

Accessible modern restrooms are located at the Visitor Center, in Walnut Hill in the red building west of the gazebo, inside the Flynn Mansion (ask staff to point the way), and at the Wallace Exhibit Center. A portable accessible restroom is located at the 1700 loway Farm drop-off/pick-up point.