A Victorian Bed and Breakfast located in
the Little Town on the Prairie
De Smet, South Dakota
Hometown of author Laura Ingalls Wilder
Families come from all over the world to visit Laura Ingalls Wilder's hometown and we are proud to be a part of that love. Our home belonged to Banker Ruth from the Little House book The Long Winter.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Tour Schedule · Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
The church "Pa" helped build
History of Prairie House Manor
I wonder what it was like to walk the streets of De Smet in 1880 when Colonel Thomas H. Ruth served as mayor. Here in the Little Town on the Prairie he was known as Banker Ruth, an early businessman. He purchased our property in 1884 and completed his house in 1894 before the birth of his son, Edwin.
We restored the home in 1989 and opened for business on June 29, 1990. At that time it was dedicated to the Lord as a Christian business and the Lord has richly blessed us with wonderful couples and families.
Guests enjoy six rooms with private baths. Guest rooms on the first floor are handicapped accessible. Rooms are suitable for a romantic get away or a family vacation. We welcome all.
We dreamed of returning the house to its' historic elegance. Searching for pictures we found one in an antique postcard display at the Oxbow Restaurant and one in Laura Ingalls Wilder Country, page 81. Ron Waldner worked from the pictures he designed and built the porch to its' original style. In 1998, we added the glass windows to make the front sitting porch a 3 seasons dream porch.
Our home is listed on the national historic registry for the person, Colonel Thomas H. Ruth, that lived here.
Welcome to De Smet
Fresh air, sunshine and wide open prairies greet you when you explore the "Little Town on the Prarie." Whether you are looking for a fun family vacation, a hunting or fishing trip or some unique shopping and dining, De Smet has it all.
Visit the original homes of famous author Laura Ingalls Wilder and take a covered wagon ride or take in the Laura Ingalls Wilder pangeant.
Visit Lake Thompson, just eight miles east of De Smet, South Dakota's largest natural lake. It's an angler's haven with walleye, perch and northern pike. The De Smet area also offers the best pheasant hunting in east central South Dakota.
De Smet also offers many unique shops on Main Street, midwestern hospitality at a wide selection of restaurants and lodging options. Go to www.desmetsd.com
The Prairie House Manor Bed & Breakfast is a member of the following associations: Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers of South Dakota
