When Little House on the Prairie was first introduced as a pilot film in early 1974, it was uncertain whether audiences would embrace the storyline of a pioneer family trying to make a living from the land. However, the show quickly gained popularity and became an iconic part of American television history.
The authenticity of the show’s outdoor vignettes and historically accurate buildings made it challenging to film solely on a sound stage. As a result, the production team utilized various locations to bring the show’s scenes to life. Unfortunately, some parts of the show’s set, particularly the town of Walnut Grove, were destroyed in a staged explosion during the series finale of the third and final Little House film, The Last Farewell.
It is a common practice in the entertainment industry to recycle and discard sets and costumes from various productions, and Little House on the Prairie was not exempt from this trend. As a result of these practices, the original buildings from the show are no longer standing, except for some replicas constructed for fans to visit. Adding to this unfortunate reality, the remaining portions of the set were also destroyed by fires in 2003 and 2019.
Although the original set of Little House on the Prairie is no longer available, fans can still cherish the show’s memories through photographs and videos. Those who want to relive the iconic moments can visit the Big Sky Ranch and compare the locations to the original filming spots.
It is intriguing to witness how the landscape has evolved since the show’s initial broadcast. Despite the loss of the original set, the show’s legacy is still alive through the loyal fan base and the heartwarming memories shared by the cast and crew.