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Overview
Located in Fishers, Ind., Conner Prairie is a nationally acclaimed history destination. The outdoor museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity and foster learning about Indiana by providing engaging, individualized and unique experiences. Recently named a Site of Conscience, it is lauded for connecting past struggles to today's human rights movements.
Created by Eli Lilly in 1934, Conner Prairie combines history with science and encourages visitors to explore Indiana's natural and cultural heritage through hands-on, immersive and interactive experiences. The museum offers several historically themed, indoor and outdoor experience areas throughout its 800 acres of wooded property, including:
- Promised Land as Proving Ground - Immerse yourself in the many ways African culture influenced what’s known today as “American” culture. Have an unforgettable personal encounter with the traditions, challenges, and decisions of early Hoosiers.
- Animal Encounters - Step inside the barn of a real working farm where you can feed, pet, and play with livestock while learning from their caretakers.
- 1836 Prairietown - Step back in time and join a bustling community where people, animals, objects and daily routines are exactly the same as they were many years ago.
- William Conner House - Enter one of Indiana’s first brick homes where you will discover the story of William Conner and how Indiana’s history changed at Conner Prairie.
- Lenape Indian Camp - Live like a Lenape Indian as you toss a tomahawk, climb inside a wigwam and try your hand at fur trading.
- 1859 Balloon Voyage - Soar high above Conner Prairie in a helium-filled, tethered balloon and learn how manned flight moved from dream to reality.
- The Junction - Meet us at the crossroads of discovery and innovation as you embrace the adventures of play and learning without boundaries. Featuring early learning play spaces and a splash pad, this is a great family escape!
- The Trails at Conner Prairie - New in 2024, find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the wonders of the natural world through the prairie and along the oxbow of the White River.
- Habitat - Have you ever wondered what life is like underground or what it would be like to fly high above the trees? Habitat gives you the keys to discovery as you learn about elements like the science of flight or how various species can support biodiversity.
- Nature Walk - Nature Walk is an individualized way to connect with the flora and fauna throughout the grounds. Discover how this land was used in the past compared to how it is being used today. Habitat locations on the trails provide a deeper understanding of how protecting habitats protects life. Want to elevate your experience? Our Adventure Backpacks give you the tools to amplify that sense of wonder. Connect with a staff member at Treetop Outpost to borrow an Adventure Backpack.
- Treetop Outpost - A four-story treehouse will be the centerpiece of this new experience, inviting visitors to climb to the top and take in the view. Connect with nature as you walk along the White River and through scenic woods and prairie terrain.
- Discovery Station and Anything Can Happen Art
- Conner Prairie Store - The Conner Prairie Store located inside the Welcome Center offers unique gifts, old-fashioned candy, toys, games, jewelry and more.
Indiana's first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Hours:
- April-October: Open 10 am-5 pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Indoor play spaces, exhibits, and outdoor areas are open.
- November-March: Open 10 am-5 pm, Thursday-Sunday.
Admission:
$25, adults; $23, seniors 65 and older; $19, youth 2-12; members and children ages 2 and under are free.
1859 Balloon Voyage: $13, members; $17, non-members. Paid general admission to Conner Prairie is required to ride the 1859 Balloon Voyage attraction. Balloon voyages are weather dependent.
Access Pass: Conner Prairie is proud to partner with other central Indiana museums to make family fun available to more area families. Families that participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps or Hoosier Healthwise Insurance can visit Conner Prairie for just $2 per family member per visit. Aides enjoy complimentary admission with employee ID or proof of employment.
Military Discount: Conner Prairie is proud to offer admission relief to military members and veterans. The museum provides free general admission to active duty, retired and veteran military members and 50 percent off general admission for up to five immediate family members. Military ID is required. This discount is valid only for daytime general admission.
Conner Prairie is also a Blue Star Museum. Because of this designation, the museum offers free admission to active duty military personnel and up to five immediate family members – spouse and children – from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Listen to Conner Prairie's podcast, This is Problematic, examining problematic history and the ramifications still felt today.
Jun 6
Fishers
Step into history as Conner Prairie and the Horizon Council invite you to the return of History on Tap. Enjoy tastes…
Sep 11 to Sep 13
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It’s almost time to look to the skies! Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival will soon return to Conner Prairie, and this year’s…
