See the Surprising Filming Locations for “Little House on the Prairie”

The much-anticipated adaptation of “Little House on the Prairie” has made its debut on Netflix, having premiered on 9 July. This contemporary retelling breathes new life into Laura Ingalls Wilder’s semi-autobiographical novels, which chronicle the early years of the Ingalls family during the 1800s. The storyline revolves around the family’s movement west towards Kansas, capturing the trials and triumphs faced during their pioneering journey.

Filming for the series took place entirely in Manitoba, Canada, a decision driven by the province’s vast landscapes and natural beauty, which closely resemble the undeveloped prairies of the American West. Showrunners Rebecca Sonnenshine and Trip Friendly—the latter being the son of a producer from the iconic 1970s series—endeavoured to create a production that resonates with both contemporary viewers and long-time fans of the original series.

Sonnenshine described Manitoba as an ideal filming location due to its abundant tall grasses and sweeping vistas, which provide an authentic backdrop to the inhabitants’ challenging lifestyles. The decision to replicate the original settings and integrate elements of Osage culture illustrates a commitment to honouring the source material while appealing to a modern audience.

The first season unfolds with Charles and Caroline Ingalls, alongside their daughters Laura and Mary, travelling from Wisconsin to Kansas. The narrative follows their perilous migration, which serves as a prelude to their eventual establishment in Independence. Among the many changes they encounter, the Ingalls family forms relationships with their new neighbours, the Mitchell family, who are members of the Osage nation. The show promises to offer a blend of family drama and survival tales, reflective of the American spirit of resilience.

While the story is rooted in Kansas, the production team chose to film in Manitoba, particularly around Winnipeg. The cast encountered numerous late spring challenges, including floods and extreme weather conditions, which added an element of authenticity to their portrayal of prairie life. Notably, actress Crosby Fitzgerald, who plays one of the Ingalls children, remarked on the beauty of Manitoba, expressing her appreciation for the stunning scenery.

The Ingalls family home—a central feature in the series—was constructed in Cooks Creek, a community rich in historical architecture. This log cabin was built using traditional methods, without nails, highlighting the craftsmanship of the period. Set designers faced an enormous task, employing over 175 personnel to ensure the sets matched the historical aesthetic.

As the filming progressed, the crew made the most of seasonal changes for winter scenes, with certain sequences filmed in real-time to reflect the changing environment. Specific outdoor scenes were shot at Fort Gibraltar, located in Winnipeg’s St. Boniface neighbourhood, further preserving the historical essence of the narrative.

Looking ahead, production for the second season is already underway. While the first season culminates with the family’s departure from their Kansas home, filming will remain in Manitoba. Sonnenshine has noted the crew’s continuing dedication to the books and its characters, ensuring that the storytelling remains true to the original texts.

As audiences once again immerse themselves in the world of “Little House on the Prairie,” this adaptation serves not only as a nostalgic return to a beloved story but also as an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and spirit of pioneering families in American history. The series strives to engage both new viewers and those familiar with Wilder’s works, encouraging a renewed appreciation for a classic narrative brought to life for the modern age.