For Little House on the Prairie fans, the character of Almanzo Wilder holds a special place in our hearts as the gentle, plain-spoken man who captured the heart of Laura Ingalls and later became her devoted husband. But how much do we know about the essence of this man who was born in 1859 and lived 90 years until his passing in 1949? Dean Butler, who portrayed Almanzo Wilder in the NBC television series, dives deep into the defining experiences of Almanzo’s youth in his documentary, Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura.

Released in 2008, this captivating one-hour film offers a unique glimpse into Almanzo’s formative years, before he met his future wife, Laura Ingalls. Drawing from her book Farmer Boy, the documentary vividly recreates scenes from Almanzo’s childhood on the Wilder farm located near the town of Malone in the North Country of New York State in the 1860s.

Dean Butler’s storytelling brings Almanzo’s world to life through historical reenactments, beautiful videography, thoughtful narration and a melodic original score. Filmed on location at the Wilder Homestead, the documentary beautifully reveals the rural environment where Almanzo grew up. In addition, the Wilder Homestead played a key role in ensuring the historical accuracy and authenticity of the production.

What sets Life Before Laura apart is its ability to connect Almanzo’s past to his role in Laura’s future, revealing how his boyhood on the farm influenced his resilience, determination, and love of family—qualities that became essential during the couple’s trials and triumphs in their later years. Through this exploration, viewers gain a greater appreciation of Almanzo’s contributions to Laura’s lasting legacy.

In addition to its compelling narrative, Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura is rich in educational value and serves as a wonderful supplement to the Little House book series. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the books, a devoted follower of the television series, or simply curious about history, Almanzo Wilder: Life Before Laura is a must-watch.

Find the full documentary on Apple TV and watch the trailer on YouTube. DVDs can be purchased from the Almanzo Wilder Farm, the Ingalls Homestead in De Smet, SD,  the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, and Dean Butler’s online store.