In the rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks stands a legacy to the passing of time. The homestead act in the mid-1800s encouraged the Rippee family to move west and settle what is reputed to be the longest-lasting homestead in Missouri. The family raised many varieties of produce, birds and animals, and were quite skilled in the crafts of the region. They traded with the Osage Indians and cared for soldiers during the Civil War in their hand-hewn log-cabin. Bakersville is situated on the original Rippee farm.
The Baker Creek Seed Store now stands
where the family’s market garden once was. In 2007, was the beginning of the historic town. Besides the Baker Creek Seed Store, they also have a donation-based vegan restaurant, (which we ate their daily special, this day was... brown rice, topped with veggy mix, pumpkin cookie and orange wedge.) Then there is a speaker barn, an old-time mercantile, herbal apothecary, a natural bakery (yes we tried their huge cinnamon rolls)
and blacksmith shop, two music barns, a Western jail, a native rock oven, a windmill, their seed warehouses, and many breeds of historic poultry and livestock.
The best part? It’s free!
They are 10 minutes from Mansfield, MO, home of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and 90 minutes from Branson.
A great place to visit!
Nana
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