Pepin, Wisconsin Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Every great story has to start somewhere, and for one of the best-known pioneer voices in American literature, that beginning unfolded in the Big Woods of western Wisconsin. If you've ever wanted to do a deep dive into the origin story behind the Little House books, this literary destination in Pepin, Wisconsin, belongs on your bucket list. Devoted Laura Ingalls Wilder fans travel for miles just to stand where the iconic author's journey began. I recently took a scenic drive down to this charming Mississippi River town to visit the sites for myself, and I think they definitely reflect the pioneer spirit of Wilder's books.

The Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Story

Before the open prairies of Kansas and the Dakotas, or the banks of Plum Creek, there was the Big Woods. Laura was born right here in Pepin County in a log cabin on February 7, 1867. Her earliest childhood memories of cozy winter nights and playing with her sister Mary all stem from her time living in the cabin between the villages of Pepin and Stockholm, Wisconsin. Wilder's first book, Little House in the Big Woods, detailed her childhood experiences in the Pepin area and became an almost-immediate success.

What You Can See and Experience

In the heart of Pepin, you'll find the Laura Ingalls Wilder, easily recognized by its weathered wooden façade and a large, cutout of a young girl wearing a blue sunbonnet. After browsing the exhibits, you can take a quick stroll over to the historic Pepin railroad depot. This beautifully preserved building features classic railway crossing signage and vintage railway carts parked out front on the brick patio, adding an extra layer of 19th-century history to your visit.

The highlight of my visit, though, was the Little House Wayside. About 7 miles outside of town, you'll find a replica of the family's log home perched on a bluff over a wooded valley.

Featuring sturdy log walls, a wooden shingle roof, and a heavy stone chimney, it offers not only a spectacular photo opportunity—especially if you catch it glowing in the sunset—but also insight into the Ingalls family's living conditions.

Tips for Planning Your Literary Pilgrimage

Pepin is located along the Great River Road, making it a perfect spot to set up base camp for a weekend adventure in Wisconsin's Driftless Area. (With its breathtaking views out over Lake Pepin, though, you may not want to leave). The Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum in Pepin is open seasonally, so you'll definitely want to check its hours before planning your visit.

As an aspiring writer, I find sites like the woods where a legendary American author took her first steps inspiring—and if you're a fan of literature, I think you will, too. When you're ready to set out on your adventure, let Only In Your State’s itinerary planner handle the heavy lifting of mapping out your route.