In March 2024, the small city of Simi Valley, California transformed into a nostalgic haven as fans and cast members of “Little House on the Prairie” gathered to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary. With tours of the iconic Big Sky Ranch, where much of the beloved series was filmed, the weekend was packed with fun, heartfelt moments, and a trip down memory lane.

Fan Attire and Global Attendance

More than 18,000 devoted fans of all ages joined the festivities with friends and family. They flocked from around the globe—including France, Sweden, Poland, and Japan—to meet their favorite stars and share stories of how “Little House on the Prairie” was a beacon during tough times. Many dressed in their prairie best with bonnets, calico dresses, suspenders, and hats.

Even some of the youngest attendees dressed up as Half Pint or young Almanzo. Their authentic attire made for some great photo opportunities.

Other fans added personal touches to their outfits to pay homage to their favorite characters or actors from the show.

Star-Studded Cast Reunion

The reunion was a significant event for the cast. Some had not seen each other since the show ended in 1983. Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls) perfectly captured the sentiment: “It’s like a big family reunion.”

Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder):

Melissa showcased her Modern Prairie line of clothing, accessories, and housewares made by women and from women-owned businesses.

Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) and Jonathan Gilbert (Willie Oleson):

The actors who played siblings Nellie and Willie Oleson were reunited at last. They posed in front of Oleson’s Mercantile as Jonathan held his signature lollipop from the show.

Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder):

Dean shared news about his new book Prairie Man: My Little House Life and Beyond. 

Leslie Landon Matthews (Etta Plum):

Two of Michael Landon’s children, Leslie Landon Matthews and Michael Landon, Jr., spoke on a panel and were so grateful for the continued outpouring of love from fans.

Other attending cast members included:

• Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls)
• Rachel Lindsay Greenbush and Sidney Greenbush (Carrie Ingalls)
• Wendi Lou Lee and Brenda Turnbaugh (Grace Ingalls)
• Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle)
• Lucy Lee Flippin (Eliza Jane Wilder)
• Jennifer Donati (Baby Rose Wilder)
• Jennifer and Michelle Steffin (Rose Wilder)
• Patrick Labyorteaux (Andrew Garvey)
• Linwood Boomer (Adam Kendall)
• Ketty Lester (Hester-Sue Terhune)
• Pamela Roylance (Sarah Carter)
• David Friedman (Jason Carter)
• Bonnie Bartlett (Grace Edwards)
• Brian Part (Carl Sanderson Edwards)
• Victor French, Jr., (Son of Victor French who played Mr. Edwards)
• Jonathan Kovacs (The Wild Boy)

Tour of Big Sky Ranch

Attendees got a chance to visit the exact spots where their favorite scenes were filmed. The scenic rolling hills and carefully recreated building façades of Walnut Grove provided an emotional and unforgettable experience for many fans and cast members alike. A special thanks to Rob Frank of Big Sky Movie Ranch for making this tour possible for all the visitors from far and wide.

Interior Set Replicas

Fans could also experience life inside the Ingalls’ house, Oleson’s Mercantile, and Schoolhouse at the Simi Valley community center. These interior replicas and the façade recreations were brought to life by a talented group of artists, including Orlando de la Paz, Eric Caron, Derek Hecker, and Todd McCraw. The attention to detail was astounding, making visitors feel as if they were immersed in their favorite scenes from the show.

To top it off, memorabilia such as scripts, set stills, and even Michael Landon’s golf cart were on display.

Interactive Pioneer Life and Merchandise

Reenactors and historians offered fans a chance to experience pioneer life through various activities such as churning butter, blacksmithing, and jewelry making.

The festival featured a variety of products including anniversary t-shirts and tote bags, dolls and playsets for kids, and miniature collectible façades of the sets.

More to Come

The 50th-anniversary celebration of “Little House on the Prairie” in Simi Valley was a huge success in large part due to the tireless efforts of the organizers and volunteers, including the cast members and the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s CEO Kathi Van Etten and her team organized a heartfelt tribute to a show that has touched countless lives and continues to resonate today.

In 2025, the cast will be dedicated to bringing you more “Little House Love,” bigger and better than ever. In the words of actor Dean Butler, “Little House Forever!”