Deanna Rose Farmstead

I had to run an errand in southern Overland Park yesterday, so I took Jack and one of his little neighbor friends, Keaton, to the Deanna Rose Farmstead along the way. We got there early, shortly after it opened, so there weren't many people (plus it was Tuesday) and the weather was perfect. I don't think I even broke a sweat — in the middle of July!

First up is the traditional "petting zoo" part. A woman who was tending the garden nearby cut us off a fresh piece of broccoli. It was more bitter than we're used to ... so Jack fed it to a goat.

The boys loved feeding the animals, both large and small. Or maybe they just liked putting quarters into the dispensers, turning the crank and letting the feed fall into their hands. Either way, the entire outing only cost $1!



They played for a while on the prairie playground and in the sand pit.

Then it was off to the pioneer village. We went up to peek in the windows of this old one-room schoolhouse, 'cause it just seemed like the thing to do. Little did we know ...

... there was actually class going on inside! Jack saw the picture on the wall and said, "Look, it's George Washington!"

On the tractor trail, Jack hopped on an Allis Chalmers, just like Grandma Nancy has.


This was the mining area, where you can pan for hidden treasures.

I was really impressed with this huge, "hands-on" dairy barn.



Her name was Pippi.



Helping churn butter.

Figuring out which farm animals eat what food.

The Kanza Indian encampment. Its earthen lodge is made from more than 600 logs, is filled with artifacts and furs, and is surrounded by three teepees.

Note the horse-drawn hayride in the background, thank you very much.

The whole place is full of interactive areas utilizing old artifacts.

After seeing the bobcats and the bald eagle, one of our last stops was the nature trail, where I encouraged the boys to run ahead all they wanted.

Jack's favorite thing was "the bull."

The colorful flowerbeds and all the landscaping is really impressive. Heck, the whole place is really impressive. We had a great time!