About the Organization
Living history museum and outdoor history park showcasing 19th-century Indiana life through costumed interpreters, historic buildings, and interactive experiences spanning pioneer to Civil War eras.
Signature Attractions
As Indiana's premier interactive history park and Smithsonian Affiliate, Conner Prairie offers visitors an unprecedented journey through time across 800 acres of immersive historical environments. The museum's crown jewel is the world's largest tethered helium balloon, the 1859 Balloon Voyage, which rises 377 feet above the ground carrying up to twenty passengers. This extraordinary attraction commemorates John Wise's pioneering 1859 flight that marked America's first airmail delivery. The museum's living history areas create authentic 19th-century communities where visitors don't just observe history—they participate in it, joining costumed interpreters in daily activities from woodworking and weaving to cooking over open hearths.
The museum's innovative Create.Connect center represents a groundbreaking fusion of science center interactivity and historical storytelling, featuring hands-on exhibits about Hoosier innovation from wind energy and early aviation to rural electrification and the space race. Nature enthusiasts can explore the four-story Treetop Outpost treehouse, hike The Trails through prairie landscapes along the White River oxbow, or visit the Animal Encounters barn to meet heritage breed livestock including rare Arapawa goats and English Longhorn cattle—the same breeds that would have populated Indiana farms in the 1800s.
Educational Excellence and Cultural Impact
Conner Prairie's designation as a Site of Conscience reflects its commitment to connecting historical struggles with contemporary human rights movements. The museum's Black history programming offers visitors a powerful journey from pre-colonial Africa through present-day America, while the 1863 Civil War Journey exhibit brings Morgan's Raid to life through dramatic reenactments and interactive experiences. Beyond daily programming, Conner Prairie enriches the community through Symphony on the Prairie concerts featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, specialized programs like the monthly "Taste the Past" culinary series, seasonal Headless Horseman rides, Hearthside Suppers, and extensive summer camp offerings. The museum also maintains a valuable collection of historic clothing and accessories, now accessible worldwide through a partnership with IU Indianapolis University Library.
What to Experience
- The 1859 Balloon Voyage, a tethered helium balloon rising high above the grounds
- 1836 Prairietown and other living history areas with costumed interpreters
- The William Conner House on the historic grounds
- The Treetop Outpost, Animal Encounters, and trails along the White River
- Seasonal festivals such as the Headless Horseman and Symphony on the Prairie
Planning Your Visit
Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038, and can be reached at (317) 776-6000. As a large outdoor living history park, its hours, ticketing, and event and festival schedules change throughout the year and with the seasons, so confirm current details before you go on the official website at connerprairie.org.
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