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, we saw the beginning of our historic town. Besides the Baker Creek Seed Store, we also have a speaker barn, restaurant, an old-time mercantile, herbal apothecary, a natural bakery, garden museum and blacksmith shop, two music barns, a Western jail, a native rock oven, a windmill and many breeds of historic poultry and livestock.

The best part? It’s free except for the two days each May when the Spring Planting Festival is in full swing. Visitors are often surprised when there’s no charge—they’re used to paying the hefty admissions for big theme parks. For Jere and Emilee Gettle, the owners, seeds are their business, but Bakersville is a labor of love.

We are 10 minutes from Mansfield, MO, home of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and only 90 minutes from Branson.