We were really excited for this event and traveled to spend the weekend. The Q&A and therefore the…read morepageant started much too late, especially for elders and littles. The Q&A was fun and it was great to hear some backstories from the show. Alison Arngrim (aka Nellie Oleson) was the most entertaining! We had to re-watch the scene of her flying down the hill into the water several times after she talked about her experience. After a break, the pageant started at 9pm but because it was so late (~10pm), we had to leave during intermission. We were not the only ones as there was a mass exodus happening to the point that there was a lineup to get out of the parking lot. My humble suggestion to the organizers is that you start all the pre-pageant activities, and therefore the pageant, much earlier. Fans will show up whenever you schedule it! The story was cute and you have to appreciate the local talent in order to enjoy the performance. This year was a continuation from last year. I'm not sure if that is always how it is, but it didn't seem to take away from the current story (iow, none of us were lost in the story at any point). Know what you're getting into and realize these are not professional actors. So be respectful! You can sit in fold out metal chairs or bring a blanket and sit in the grass on the sides and above the chairs. We sat in our assigned chairs from our tickets, but if we were to do it again (we won't), we would likely take a space on the side or top with a blanket and/or our own chairs. We also went by the event in the town of Walnut Grove, MN at the Leo Thorsness Memorial Talk the next day. This was another opportunity to hear from and get photos with Nellie, Michael Landon's children, Carrie, Grace, and others from the show. It was PACKED! I don't think the organizers realized how popular this was going to be and tried to keep it contained within the park. They should have expanded onto the town streets to accommodate the crowds. If you are a crowd type person, you would have enjoyed this immensely! If you are less inclined to share space with hundreds of sweaty strangers, get there first thing, get your photos, and get the heck outta there. Overall, if you're a fan of LHOTP, GO!! It looks like the 2025 schedule is similar, so have the elders and kiddos take a nap earlier in the day so they can hang through the long event. Bring bug spray, blankets, cushions for the fold out metal chairs or your own chairs and blanket, and money for all the cute merch (e.g. bonnets).

There is so much to see here for the Laura Ingalls Wilder/Little House On The Prairie fans. A lot…read moreof history on the Ingalls and Wilders. One entire room dedicated to the TV show which was a must see in our house growing up! Lots of fun books, movies and other items in the gift shop for everyone

I had fun here, but this is definitely more a place for kids and family fun than a historic or…read moreeducational site. I don't know how much I'd really consider this a "museum" but there's enough to enjoy and keep everyone occupied and entertained. There are several displays that feature info from Laura's life, what life was like on the prairie for the settlers and even some memorabilia from the TV show Little House on the Prairie. There is also a gift shop inside. Outside are several buildings to explore like an old church and a school house. I enjoyed myself because I acted like a kid here. For adults, though, I'd say this is more of a 3 star experience even if you're a Laura Ingalls fan. But if you're with children or you're a kid at heart, you can have a good 4 star time here. Just be ready to dress up, pose and take lots of pictures.

The Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts is a state-of-the-art, 1000-seat auditorium, which…read moreincludes a 50' x 40' stage (plus 25' wings on each side), full fly loft, a green room, dressing/makeup rooms, black box theatre, a costume shop, a scene shop, an orchestra pit, and a catering kitchen. It was planned and built in conjunction with Spirit Lake High School and serves both community and educational needs. It's a very impressive facility, especially for small town Iowa. Gayle and I came here recently for a Town Hall Meeting that was hosted by Charles Grassley, the Republican US Senator from Iowa. Although the subject of Health Care is now prominent in the news, Senator Grassley has a long tradition of holding at least 1 constituent meeting every year in each of Iowa's 99 counties. At the same time, he has not missed a single Senate vote since the big Iowa floods of 1993 (when he was in State with then President Clinton). He also has a high approval rate in Iowa, even amongst Democrats. My parents aren't in that group and actually prefer the politics of the other Iowa Senator - Democrat Tom Harkin. However, during the August recess, Senator Harkin was pretty much MIA during this Town Hall season. And since Gayle and I were in town, why not come and hear what one of our representatives has to say (and even if we might disgree)? There were about 800 people at this Town Hall Meeting and that included a good group of students in the balcony from Spirit Lake High School. The big turn out was probably a combination of the health care issue and the fact that the Sami Bedell Center is in a resort area. There was one guy in the Lobby sporting a "No Socialism" shirt and handing out leaflets. And other than very rare "hooting" during the meeting and some soft grumbling when Nancy Pelosi was mentioned, Gayle and I didn't have the impression that we were in the presence of a right wing audience that was egged on my the likes of Sean Hannity. In fact, the words "Barack Obama" were never spoken. Both Gayle and I found Senator Grassley to be soft spoken, well versed, and respectful. And he took notes. And although a few members of the audience made statements instead of asking a question, all inquires were well considered, polite and heartfelt. We never got the impression that we were in the middle of a rally or that any of the questions were planted. In fact, at one point after an audience member asked for a show of hands on some health care related issue, Senator Grassley politely declined as he didn't want such a demonstration to intimidate anyone. He also patiently explained to a citizen on why (by law) she wasn't getting a cost of living increase on her Social Security this year. His best quote of the session was that "You'll never be able to raise taxes high enough to pay for all the money that Congress wants to spend." Other questions besides heatlh care were asked during this 1 hour plus session. That included the deficit, illegal immigrants, cap and trade, college costs, and wind energy. I especially enjoyed the conversation about delivery of medical care into rural areas (and a key reason Senator Grassley is at the negotiating table) and the future supply of primary care physicians in those communities if the public option is implemented. According to Senator Grassley, Iowa is a high quality, but low reimbursement state. But the most interesting conversation Gayle and I had after attending this very worthwhile Town Hall Meeting, was how selective even the local media is in broadcasting the resulting sound bites. During our attendance, there were 3 times that the audience reacted with applause (and some hooting). In order of loudest to less so, one citizen asked that health care legislation be pushed as a tribute to Ted Kennedy. Another gave a very heartfelt description of how her departed father thought he had the best insurance money could by and how she had trouble getting insurance based on her preexisting condition. Finally, a small business owner described his hard work in making a profit and providing his employees with health insurance. He then strongly asked that the government keep out his business and his life. Guess which clip was broadcast by the local radio station? Listening to that made Gayle and I wonder what was really going on at some of the other Town Hall Meetings throughout our great Country.

Gayle and I recently attended and really enjoyed a 4:30 Saturday Matinee of "How to Succeed in…read moreBusiness Without Really Trying". It's been years since I attended an Okoboji Summer Theatre production and was impressed on how the auditorium and physical campus had been improved. The production itself, although a bit long, was professional, entertaining, and impressive. I also enjoyed the local feel of the place and knowing that we were witnessing a training ground for future successful actors and other stage professionals.

Worlds Best Theatre, spent some great summers there. the best crew that will make you feel like you…read moreare a part of the magic

Great plays; excellent acting; great food; great service. We have attended several times over the…read morelast 20 years. We just went to "Funny Money" last week and it was hilarious. I think it is a good value when you consider it is your dinner and the show together. If you haven't been there, give it a try. Feel free to ask me questions. DEL JOHNKE

I am not a regular theater visitor but went to a play called Arsenic and Old Lace there over a year…read moreago. I have tickets to go back to another play this April. My first experience was very good. If you attend the dinner shows which most of the show are dinner shows you have a couple of choice for dinner and mine was great. The cast is very professional and do a great job. I am looking forward to going back.

Saw my friends uncle here. Very popular place. Went for the Sal vulcano show. What a time. The…read morebathrooms are clean and very cool. Lots of lights in there you know how it is of course. Staff is helpful and one guy is 6'7". How awesome. Very inclusive. Lots of help for those that have disabilities and accommodations. Love u Sal and the pav

Great venue....saw Herb Alpert earlier this month, while visiting old friends…read more Acoustics....Excellent!!

If you have never visited a small town theatre, try this one as it is a pleasure to see. They have…read morethe latest movies, a great box office price and the concession stand is nostalgic and reasonable. The folks that run the place are always a pleasure to chat with when we go. The theatre area is always kept nice and its great to see the craftmanship of the age. I hope this review reaches people and they visit this theatre. It's worth the cost. Please drive if you live a distance, you will not be disappointed. Plenty of close parking. I would love to see this and other theatres like it flourish as they did in the past, it makes for a fantastic date night reminicient of older times. Right on Main Street, hometown USA.

From the owner: Movie Theatre, Performing Arts Venue, Nightliferead more

I had an excellent experience with this theater! Incredible talent, lovely facilities, and…read moreexcellent customer service. 10/10 recommend catching a show there!

From the owner: We are Prairie Repertory Theater, a semi-professional theater company located in the beautiful town…read moreof Brookings, South Dakota. Our 2023 company is comprised over 30 students who attend institutions all across the country. These artists not only perform in our shows, but also work hard in our shops and take turns designing the technical elements of our fully staged productions. Our mission is centered around providing intensive training for these students, as well as providing the best possible theatrical entertainment for the people of the upper Midwest. We strive to promote family-friendly performances for the public through experiential and collaborative opportunities for company members. This season, we’re proud to present two plays and two musicals. Our 2023 season line up this year includes Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell, Rumors by Neil Simon, See How They Run by Philip King, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. You can purchase tickets online at prairierep.org or give us a call at our box office at 605-688-6045.