Conner Prairie

General Info & Tips

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.

Conner Prairie provides multi-generational activities to inspire curiosity and meaningful interaction with exclusive experiences. Voyage on a hot air balloon, encounter animals, experience the Nature Walk, or visit the William Conner House for year-round fun. 

Top Exhibits

• Spark!Lab: This new permanent exhibit explores the fundamentals of creating through hands-on activities using textiles, wood, metal, pottery, and more.

• 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 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.

• 1863 Civil War Journey: Immerse yourself in Hoosier life during the Civil War and enlist to help defend the state from Confederate Gen. John Hunt Morgan and his raiders.

• 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.

What to Look Forward To

Promised Land as Proving Ground, Coming Summer 2023: Reflect on centuries of African American history from pre-colonial Africa to the present day. Promised Land as Proving Ground specifically explores the development of African American faith ways and their expression through food, music and dance, and activism from traditional African religion to the African American Church. 

Tips for Visiting

Tickets to visit Conner Prairie can be purchased online or at the Welcome Center of the museum. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 2-12, $19 for seniors 65+, and children ages 2 and under are free. Children younger than 2 years old enter for free. Combine and save on Indy’s top attractions with a 1-day or 3-day Indy Attraction Pass. This Smithsonian affiliate has an extensive 1000-acre campus, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire. Many area hotels include tickets to Conner Prairie, and be sure to eat at Café on the Common and shop in the Conner Prairie Store. Conner Prairie offers ADA compliant experiences and celebrates quiet activities for sensory sensitive guests. Learn more on our Accessible Indy guide.