Laura Days 2026 – Burr Oak, Iowa
June 26–28, 2026 • 50th Anniversary
Featuring Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), Q&A event, parade, and more.
This year’s Laura Days Celebration festivities are extra special as we mark 50 years of community, history, and fun! Come enjoy a weekend of parades, pioneer games, craft demonstrations, pie auctions, historic tours, music, and more. Bring your family, friends, and your love for Laura Ingalls Wilder to this milestone celebration!
Featured Guest: Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson)
We’re excited to welcome special guest Alison Arngrim, best known for her role as Nellie Oleson on Little House on the Prairie.
The full schedule is now available, featuring multiple opportunities to see Alison throughout the day—including a Q&A event, autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and a family-focused program in the park.
APPEARANCE HIGHLIGHTS:
Q&A Event (ticketed) • Parade Grand Marshal • Autograph & Photo Sessions • Free Family Program
Appearances are scheduled throughout the day on Saturday.
Featured Event: Q&A with Alison Arngrim
A special ticketed experience with Nellie Oleson herself. Hear behind-the-scenes stories and enjoy an interactive conversation with opportunities to submit questions in advance.
The Q&A takes place Saturday evening and is one of the featured highlights of the weekend.
Get tickets for the Q&A with Alison Arngrim
Schedule
Join us for a fun-filled weekend of history, community, and family activities at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park & Museum!
The 50th Anniversary celebration includes multiple appearances by Alison Arngrim throughout the day. See the full schedule below for times, locations, and event details.
Download 2026 Schedule – Full schedule below.
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE – RAIN LOCATION FOR ALL SATURDAY ACTIVITIES – BURR OAK LUTHERAN CHURCH
Laura Days Parade
Join us for the annual Laura Day Celebration Parade on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at noon!
Line up begins at 11:30 a.m. Use the farthest north entrance into Burr Oak and line up behind the other units. The Winneshiek County Sheriff, Mabel Legion Honor Guard with the American Legion Riders, the Grand Marshal and the Little Miss Laura candidates will lead the parade. No other line-up numbers will be issued.
Contest Rules & Applications
Contest Applications Now Open
The Little Miss Laura and Children’s Coloring Contests are currently accepting applicants. Apply now to be part of this year’s celebration!
Hourly Schedule
Friday, June 26
- 6:00 PM
- Bingo Night @ Barney’s Bar & Grill Patio
- 8:00 PM
- Live Music @ Barney’s Bar & Grill Patio
Saturday, June 27
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Gift Shop & Visitor Center Open
- 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tours of the Masters Hotel
- Register at the Visitor Center - Admission charged. Tours every half hour (closed for the parade 12 - 12:30PM). The last tour of the day begins at 4:00.
- 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
- Alison Arngrim Autograph & Wheelchair Photo Op
- Located at the Visitor Center. Admission charged.
- 10:00 AM
- Food Tent & Pie Auction
- Serving brats, hot dogs, walking tacos, pie, drinks, and more
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Kids’ Activities & Crafts in the park
- Children’s pioneer games.
- 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Schoolhouse Open
- 12:00 PM
- Parade
- Parade down 236th Avenue, north to south. Grand Marshall – Alison Arngrim
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Kids’ Activities, Crafts, & Games in the park
- Gunny sack race, rubber chicken throw, relay races, and more.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Schoolhouse Open
- 1:00 PM
- Pie Auction, Announcements, & Recognitions
- 2026 Little Miss Laura, coloring contest winner, Volunteer of the Year, Recognition of former Little Miss Lauras
- 1:00 PM
- Bean Bag Tournament Registration @ Barney’s Bar & Grill
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
- Alison Arngrim Family-Focused Program
- Located in the park - Free. Lawn chairs recommended.
- 2:00 PM
- Bean Bag Tournament
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Kids’ Activities & Crafts in the park.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Schoolhouse Open
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Alison Arngrim Autograph & Photo Session
- Located in Visitor Center. Admission charged.
- 6:00 PM
- Live Music @ Barney’s Bar & Grill Patio
- 7:00 PM
- Q&A with Alison Arngrim
- Located at Burr Oak Lutheran Church. $20 admission. Tickets available on our website until June 26, and in the gift shop until 5:00 June 27.
Sunday, June 28
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Ecumenical Church Service
- Located at Barney’s Bar & Grill Patio. Picnic tables available for seating. Donuts and coffee. Raffle drawing. Rain location at the Burr Oak Lutheran Church 2358 360th St. Burr Oak
- 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Gift Shop & Visitor Center open
- 11:30 AM
- Registration for ATV ride.
- Meet in front of the museum’s schoolhouse. $25 fee.
- 12:00 PM
- ATV Ride
- Ride will begin at noon.
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Tours of the Masters Hotel.
- The last tour of the day begins at 3:00. Admission charged. Register at the Visitor Center.