Whispers at the Garden Gate™

Laura Ingalls Wilder Literary Tour: Little House on the Prairie, Ozarks & American Frontier Travel

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Ozarks & Little House on the Prairie Tour Featuring Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harold Bell Wright & Stories from the American Frontier

Step into the heart of the American frontier on this Little House on the Prairie & the Ozarks literary group tour, featuring the lives and stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Harold Bell Wright. Visit Laura’s home and museum on Rocky Ridge Farm, where she lived and wrote her Little House books, explore Laura and Almanzo’s beloved farmhouse, see Pa’s violin, handwritten “Little House” books original manuscripts, and gain insight into her pioneering life, family, and inspirations.

You’ll travel through the Kansas prairie to see the site of Laura’s childhood home, inspiration for the Little House on the Prairie book, step back in time to experience the setting and story of Harold Bell Wright’s Shepherd of the Hills, and climb aboard the Titanic. As you journey through the Ozarks’ rolling landscapes, historic towns, and frontier villages that shaped American storytelling, you will enjoy immersive experiences, artisan stops, workshops, and luxury accommodations.

Highlights

Each site we visit is a chance to step inside the pages of the Little House on the Prairie world and the landscapes that inspired Laura Ingalls Wilder


  • Mansfield, MO Attractions:
    • Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Rocky Ridge Farm
    • Laura and Almanzo’s Farmhouse
    • See Pa’s Violin & Little House manuscripts
    • Rock House & Rocky Ridge Bookstore
    • Laura’s Vegetable Garden
    • Laura, Almanzo & Rose’s burial site
    • Baker Creek’s Farm and Ozark Pioneer Village
  • Branson MO Attractions:
    • Historic farm – setting of Harold Bell Wright’s Shepherd of the Hills
    • Old Matt’s Cabin & Uncle Ike’s Post Office
    • Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theater Drama
    • Great American Chuckwagon Dinner Show
    • The Grand Village Shops
    • Titanic Museum – one of the world’s largest
  • Intependence KS Attractions
    • Little House on the Prairie Museum – Site of the real Little House & birthplace of Carrie Ingalls
    • 1800s Post Office & School House
  • Ozarks, MO
    • Dogwood Canyon
    • Finley Farms & The Ozark Mill
  • Springfield, MO
    • The Story House Bookstore
    • Ms. Gilmore’s Tea Room & Boutique
    • Hemingway’s Blue Water Café & the Original & Largest Bass Pro Shops
The details…

Stay, Meals & More

Acommodation

  • 5 nights at the upscale boutique, AAA 4-Diamond rated Hotel Vandivort in the heart of downtown Springfield, MO.

Meals

  • Daily breakfast at the hotel’s Library Tables, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners, 1 Afternoon Tea

Transportation

  • Travel by private coach for scheduled excursions

Optional Add On

  • Writing and Publishing Workshop with me, your host, and New York Times-featured award-winning author and writing coach Rosie J. Pova. Includes agent manuscript submission opportunities. For more information on subs, look for my manuscript wish list in the summer.

See you there- Ivanka

Departure dates & pricing

October 13-18, 2026 | 20 Guests

$3,250

  • 5 nights of luxury accommodation
  • Single-occupancy throughout
  • Daily breakfast, 3 dinners, 2 lunches, 1 afternoon tea
  • 7 Private guided tours plus 2 live shows
  • Viewing of original Little House manuscripts & Pa’s Violin
  • Private coach transportation for tours & excursions
  • Cultural and living history experiences
  • Delightful surprises
  • A lifetime of memories
Ivanka

Home is the nicest word there is.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

About Your Host

This journey is hosted by Ivanka Dimitrova

Ivanka is a writer, literary curator, and creator of Whispers at the Garden Gate, a program devoted to exploring classic literature by celebrating the pages and places where stories are born. Her own love of storytelling spans multiple genres, from children’s literature to contemporary fiction and poetry, and is reflected in her writing, travel, and literary explorations.

Ivanka is a published author, a literary agent intern, and an active member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Mystery Writers of America, the Women’s National Book Association, and a travel journalist with the International Travel Writers Alliance. Ivanka is represented by Focused Artists Agency and writes fiction and nonfiction for both children and adults. Through Whispers, she has interviewed renowned authors, scholars, and literary historians, including Natalie Jenner, Sarah McCoy, Genevieve Graham, Kathleen Grissom, Sarah Emsley, and more.

Ivanka’s approach to literary travel combines deep curiosity, storytelling, and a love of landscapes that inspired great works of literature. Guests often describe Whispers gatherings as thoughtful, intimate, and deeply inspiring — the perfect spirit for a literary pilgrimage to the American frontier. On this journey, Ivanka curates every detail to ensure that each moment, from quiet garden strolls to lively discussions of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s world, connects you with the heart of the story.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What airport should we fly into? We recommend flying into Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).

What is not included? Airfare to and from Springfield, MO, travel insurance, airport transfers, personal purchases and experiences, and some meals.

Who is the tour for? This is a ladies-only tour for ages 18+.

Is this tour meant for someone like me? This journey is designed for readers who grew up loving the world of Little House on the Prairie and those who are curious to explore the landscapes that shaped the life and writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. You might especially enjoy this tour if you appreciate literary history, small-town charm, meaningful conversations, and immersive travel that brings beloved stories to life.

How physically demanding is the tour? Our itinerary is designed with a gentle pace so that guests can truly savor the landscapes and literary places we visit. Most days include short walks through historic sites, museums, and charming small towns connected to the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the world of Little House on the Prairie. Walks are generally short and unhurried, and there will be time to rest, browse, and enjoy the scenery along the way. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

What is your cancellation policy? What is your cancellation policy? To secure your booking, we require a $250 non-refundable deposit. You may cancel up to 90 days prior to departure for a full refund, minus the deposit, up to 60 days for 75% and up to 45 day for 50% refund. No refunds for cancellations within 45 days prior to departure. Because of that, we strongly recommend traveler’s insurance.

What do I need to secure my space? You are required to pay your deposit and sign a travel waiver and acknowledgement of the cancellation policy prior to your first installment. Those will be emailed to you upon registration.

Will we have any free time? You will have some free time to relax and explore on your own. We will equip you with our list of recommended restaurants, shops, and activities.  

Can I bring a friend? Absolutely! Please invite your lady friends and relatives, or send a gift to a loved one. Share this page with anyone you know may like to join us. Keep in mind that this is a ladies-only event and all rooms are single occupancy.

Have additional questions? Reach us at: hello@ivankadimitrova.com

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