The setting of the famous historic children's novel, Farmer Boy, proves to be a popular destination for today.

Hidden between the banks of the Trout River and an aging forest filled with pine and oak trees, lies one of the many jewels of the Northeast, the Wilder Farm.

The Wilder Farm was the childhood home of Almanzo Wilder, the hardworking farmer and carpenter who eventually married the famous author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. The farm became a popular site after his childhood in upstate New York, as told in the book titled Farmer Boy, the second in Laura's “Little House” series.

Farmer Boy recalls Almanzo's daily life in Burke, New York, in 1866. Barely nine years old, he busied himself with farm chores and school assignments, while learning to drive an oxen team and tolerate his four older siblings on a successful farm in the mid-19th century. Farmer Boy recounts these childhood memories with great detail, earning the farm an eternal place in American history.

“It's been really exciting to watch it grow from just a few buildings to the complex farm it is now.”

Laura Ingalls Wilder entertained millions of children across the country with her life stories as a pioneer women and the struggles she and her family endured. Almanzo was frequently a character in her series, and was described as a courageous farmer who loved spending time with his family and raising Morgan horses. The series offers incredible insight into their daily lives, including their numerous treks across the country, crop failures, debilitating illnesses, and the joy of raising their only surviving child, Rose.

The Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Association has dedicated itself to restoring and preserving the historic farm while educating visitors about the Wilder family and farm since 1987.

“Keeping the Wilder Homestead viable for future visitors involves the work and dedication of many people, mainly volunteers who lead tours, organize events, maintain the buildings, and much more,” remarked Kathy Ellis, president of the Almanzo and Laura Ingalls Wilder Association.

The nonprofit organization, with the assistance of federal grants and the generous donations of visitors, has already reconstructed the original barns and pump house. Other additions include a gift shop, visitor's center, and national archive of Laura's work. As more funds become available, the association is hoping to create an ice house, outhouse, and schoolhouse similar to those used by the Wilder family.

“It's been really exciting to watch it grow from just a few buildings to the complex farm it is now,” says Mary Craig, publicity chairperson and board member of the association.

As more funds become available, the association can use it to help maintain and add additional buildings to the farm.

The farm offers an array of attractions. From guided tours around the homestead to basket-weaving classes and ice cream eating contests, the museums offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves into the pioneer lifestyle. The gift shop sells everything from T-shirts and audio books, to locally-crafted bonnets.

According to Ellis, the tours are also given to elementary school children across the Northeast.

“I especially enjoy touring the Wilder Homestead with visiting children, bringing the story of Almanzo Wilder to life for them and seeing the wonder on their faces as they realize they are actually walking where he walked, worked, and lived with his family, just as they read in Farmer Boy,” states Ellis.

The Wilder Farm is open from Memorial weekend through Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday,and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Use of the Research Library and guided tours can be arranged by calling (518) 483-1207 or toll-free at 1-866-438-FARM for an appointment.

What's your favorite book by Laura Ingalls Wilder?

May 27: Opening day

June 10: Forsyth's Rifles, re-enactors for the War of 1812, along with Long Rapids Fife and Drum Corps will spend a day at the homestead. Visitors can also enjoy domestic arts, demonstrations, and local food vendors on the grounds.

September 23: The Almanzo Wilder Harvest Festival begins and offers art demonstrations, live animals, produce vendors, apple pie contests, and children's activities.

September 30: Closing Day

Other events are pending and include quilting and basket making workshops.

More from the Little House series:

-Little House in the Big Woods (1932)

-Little House on the Prairie (1935), a Newberry Honor book

-On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937), a Newberry Honor book

-By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939), a Newberry Honor book

-The Long Winter (1940), a Newberry Honor book

-Little Town on the Prairie (1941), a Newberry Honor book

-These Happy Golden Years (1943), a Newberry Honor book

-On the Way Home (1962, published posthumously)- a diary of Laura and Almanzo's move from De Smet to Mansfield, Missouri. Edited and added to by Rose Wilder Lane.

-The First Four Years (1971 published posthumously)

-West From Home (1974 published posthumously)-letters to Almanzo from Laura on her visit to daughter Rose in San Francisco in 1915.