Visitors to South Dakota are flocking to historic sites tied to the state’s pioneer and Wild West history, including cemeteries that bring the past to life. The Secretary of Tourism, Jim Hagen, highlights the popularity of sites like the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, the setting for the “Little House on the Prairie” book series. The annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet, now in its 53rd year, features local actors performing scenes from the beloved series.
New scripts and programs have been developed to enhance the pageant experience, including tours of the De Smet Cemetery where members of the Ingalls family are buried. Community actors provide summaries of the lives of the residents, bringing attention to figures like Aubrey Sherwood, who played a key role in preserving De Smet’s history.
Ann Lesch, a board member of the pageant, emphasizes the significance of the cemetery tours in highlighting both the Ingalls family and other community members featured in the books. The tours have resonated with visitors, providing a unique glimpse into the lives of those buried in the cemetery.
This story is part of a series by Jackie Hendry of South Dakota Public Broadcasting’s “South Dakota Focus,” previewing an upcoming show on South Dakota News Watch. For more in-depth stories, visit sdnewswatch.org. The innovative programs and historic sites in South Dakota continue to draw history enthusiasts and tourists seeking to connect with the state’s rich pioneer heritage.
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Photo credit www.yankton.net