The Charming Small Town In Wisconsin That Was Home To Laura Ingalls Wilder Once Upon A Time

Long before Laura Ingalls Wilder was a famous author, the basis of a popular prime-time television show, and a cultural icon, she was just a little girl living in the wilds of Pepin, Wisconsin. A lot has changed in Pepin since the 1800s, but it will always be the home of Laura Ingalls Wilder in the Little House in the Big Woods. Here’s what you need to know about this charming small town's big claim to fame.

Pepin has a long history. The community’s name comes from French explorers and traders in the area - Pierre Pepin and Jean Pepin du Cardonnets.

Long after the days of French traders were over, the Ingalls family arrived in the Pepin Area in a region that had been named by the French: the Big Woods (Grand Bois).

On February 7, 1867, Laura Elizabeth Ingalls was born to Charles Phillip and Caroline Lake Ingalls on a primitive farm located about seven miles north of the Village of Pepin.

Although the Ingalls family did not live long in the Pepin area, their time left a big mark on the little Ingalls girl. Ingalls' home in Pepin became the setting for her first book, Little House in the Big Woods.

Today, Pepin hasn’t forgotten the Ingalls family. There’s an annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Days festival that’s held each fall. There’s also a museum dedicated to the author in town and a replica cabin that’s located on the family's original homestead land.

The cabin is tiny, and it offers a window into the simple and difficult lives of early Wisconsin pioneers, even if you haven’t read the books. But if you’re a fan of the author, you’ll definitely want to visit this little home!

Pepin is a great place for a getaway – there are plenty of things to do in town once you’ve explored the town’s literary history, including wineries, great dining and shopping, and waterfront activities. Learn more on the Visit Pepin website, and here are some more reasons why you should visit this gorgeous little town.