Growing up, I was fascinated by the “olden days,” as I called them. I loved the American Girl series of books and Little House on the Prairie. While I wasn’t always happy learning history from a textbook, I looked forward to the real life experiences when we got to step back in time and see how people used to live. The history of our area amazes me and I recently found a hidden gem just twenty minutes from our house – The Dinsmore Homestead.
When my three and a half year old and two year old asked where we were headed that day, I wasn’t sure how to explain it to them. They are obviously a little young to understand the historical significance, so I told them we were going to a big old farm to learn how people lived a long time ago. When I added that we would also go hiking in the woods, they were game.
The Dinsmore Homestead is located in Burlington, just a few miles down KY-18 from the highway. It is a historic site where families can learn what rural life was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The original house is preserved exactly as it was when the last family member left and when you walk in, you almost expect the family to be sitting in the room, reading stories and playing the piano. (But fear not, I was told it’s not haunted – I asked.) On the site, you will find the main house, a few out buildings, picnic tables and access to wooded hiking trails. It was a beautiful morning when we were there, and I would love to go back this fall when the leaves change.
We met up with Cathy, the Education Coordinator, who gave us a tour of the grounds. She was wonderful with my kids and tailored everything to them. She let them jump off the stone pedestal once used to get onto horses, she pointed out the tractor and antique wagons, and made sure to pull out handmade toys and a (very cool!) book that made animal sounds.
I really do think kids of all ages would enjoy this tour, and Cathy also realizes that some young ones may need to step out and that’s fine too. We ended our visit with a short hike up to the family cemetery. It was just my two little ones, and I and although I got a little weary at times being in the forest… at a graveyard… it was pretty cool.
Dinsmore is open for tours Friday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., but you can contact them for additional times as well. It’s a great place to visit whether you go with your family, a school trip, homeschool lesson — it’s a piece of local history right in our backyard! They also have a few fun, family friendly events coming up: All Hallows’ Eve is on October 29 from 5-8 p.m. and Christmas in the Country is December 3-4. Both of these events would be great opportunities to check out this unique, historical destination that brings the past to life and allows you to go back in time to experience family life as it once was.
The Dinsmore Homestead (website) is located at 5656 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY 41005. Call (859) 586-6117 for questions, hours or to set up a tour.
About Andrea:
A native Cincinnatian, Andrea has experienced life in all four corners of this city. After growing up on the west side, she headed north to attend Miami University, then moved east to Hyde Park and now lives in Northern Kentucky with her family.
When she’s not playing trains and doing the “hot dog dance” as a stay-at-home mom to her two toddlers, Andrea is busy writing for Cincinnati publications and sites. With a newfound passion for fitness and overall health, she spends a lot of time at her family gym and loves to play outside.
Andrea worked in education for several years and has a special love for children’s literature. She loves showing her children all our city has to offer and enjoys sharing her finds with other parents. Her favorite spots include the Cincinnati Zoo (although she steers clear of the bird house), her local library and any playground.