Netflix's Little House on the Prairie Remake Filmed in Manitoba, Canada, Citing Robust Film Industry
The new Netflix adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic, Little House on the Prairie, was filmed entirely in Manitoba, Canada, specifically around Winnipeg. Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine cited the region's expansive landscapes and established film infrastructure as key factors for the production.
Manitoba Hosts American Classic Adaptation
Despite its iconic American setting, the new Netflix series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie novels was filmed exclusively in Manitoba, Canada. Production took place between June and October, primarily in the Winnipeg area, as reported by Condé Nast Traveler on 22 July 2026. Showrunner and executive producer Rebecca Sonnenshine explained that the decision stemmed from the need for vast prairie landscapes combined with a robust film industry. The series reimagines the widely read children's books, originally published in the 1930s and 1940s, and incorporates broader historical research, including the lives of Native American people, with Osage cultural consultant Julie O’Keefe collaborating on accuracy.
Production Benefits from Local Infrastructure and Landscape
Winnipeg offered the necessary film infrastructure, including crews, equipment rentals, and soundstages, which supported the large-scale production. Sonnenshine noted that filming in Manitoba provided unique advantages, such as extended 'golden hours' during summer, with daylight lasting until 22:00, creating visually striking scenes. The production team constructed the Ingalls family cabin and the nascent town on leased private property outside Winnipeg, in Cooks Creek. This cabin was built using period-accurate techniques, employing real logs and no nails or hinges, demonstrating a commitment to historical authenticity in the set design.
Commitment to Historical Accuracy and Local Ecosystems
The series aimed to portray the prairie as both expansive and potentially dangerous, reflecting Laura Ingalls’ deep connection to the environment. Sonnenshine highlighted the variety of flowers present in the Winnipeg prairies well into September, a detail that surprised her. The production also focused on depicting the growth of the town over time, with early shots showing construction, indicating a settlement barely a year old. This attention to detail, from the natural environment to the historical building methods and the collaborative work with the Osage Nation, underscores the show's meticulous approach to its source material and setting.
Manitoba's Growing Appeal for Global Productions
The selection of Manitoba for a major Netflix production like Little House on the Prairie demonstrates the region’s growing appeal as an international filming destination. Its combination of expansive, varied natural landscapes and a well-established film industry makes it an attractive choice for projects requiring significant outdoor settings and professional support. This may encourage other global production companies to consider Manitoba, potentially driving further investment and job creation within the local film sector. Industry watchers will observe if this trend continues to draw more high-profile projects to the Canadian province.
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