Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we also strive to step into theirs. Through observation, deep listening, and thoughtful questioning, we create meaningful connections, offering guests an opportunity to go beyond “doing” and experience “being.”
Self-Guided Tours
Take your time exploring everything that Conner Prairie has to offer.
Learn more about our experience areas and what new discoveries will be made on your next field trip.
Reservations are required.
Please Note: if you make your Self-Guided Tour reservation online, it is not a confirmation of your field trip, but a request of a date and time. You will receive an e-mail from Conner Prairie that following week to confirm the date and time of your field trip.
To be eligible for school group rates, you must have 15 or more students in your group.
Who: Grades K–12
Dates:
April–May: Tuesday through Friday
August–October: Tuesday through Friday
Times: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Length: 3 to 4 hours recommended for a complete experience
Cost: $8/student | $8/adult chaperone. Teachers and school staff get in free.
Additional Experiences:
Sheep Showcase
Wonder Walk
Guided Walk Through Promised Land as Proving Ground
1859 Balloon Voyage
Steam On!
It's About Time
Visit Conner Prairie for FREE ahead of your visit to help plan! Simply show your school ID at the ticket desk
Experience Add-Ons
Experience Add-On: Sheep Showcase
Give your students personalized time with Conner Prairie’s animals and expert agriculture staff! In this add-on program, your class will spend time with our rare Tunis sheep in an up-close, informal environment. Discover such sheep topics as: life cycle, breeds, behavior, and wool. Feel free to bring lots of questions or to let the conversation flow where it may! We are so excited to share these fascinating animals with your students.
2025 Dates:
- May: 6, 13 and 20
- September: 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
- October: 7, 14 and 21
Reservations are $1 per student.
Each 30-minute time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers)
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776.6000.
Experience Add-On: Wonder Walk
Give your students the time, space, and freedom to connect with nature. In this add-on program, your class will spend time with our Education staff at Treetop Amphitheater and along the Trails at Conner Prairie. Engage your senses as you explore this natural area using scientific tools to get up close with nature. Let curiosity be the guide.
2025 Dates:
- April: 11, 18 and 25
- May: 2, 9, 16 and 23
- September: 5, 12, 19 and 26
- October: 3, 10, 17 and 24
Reservations are $1 per student.
Each time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers) for this 30-45 minute experience. Learn more.
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776.6000.
Experience Add-On: Guided Walk Through Promised Land as Proving Ground
Join us for a reflective walk through the new Promised Land as Proving Ground exhibit. This walk will include time to pause, reflect, notice and wonder as you experience Conner Prairie's newest exhibit with the Education Team.
2025 Dates:
- April: 3, 10, 17 and 24
- May: 1, 8, 15 and 22
- September: 4, 11, 18 and 25
- October: 2, 9, 16 and 23
Reservations are $1 per student.
Each time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers) for this 45 minute experience.
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776.6000.
Experience Add-On: 1859 Balloon Voyage
Give your students an experience of a lifetime! Fly up to 377 feet up in the air while learning about the launch of the "Jupiter" balloon being the first successful airmail delivery in the U.S. Feel free to bring your intriguing questions as you engage in this exhibit! Learn more about how our tethered helium balloon was an inspiration to the history of travel and innovation, and marvel at the amazing view of the prairie and beyond.
1859 Balloon Voyage reservations are available daily, weather dependent.
Reservations are $6 per person.
A signed waver is required.
Each 15-minute time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers)
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776.6000.
Experience Add-On: Steam On!
During this 30-minute Play Experience Add-On students will have the opportunity to interact with play invitations representing each of the letters in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). A multitude of state standards across disciplines will be represented in this experience. Invitations will include building bridges, exploring mathematical concepts with loose parts, representing learning through art and much more!
Ages: PreK-5th Grade
2025 Dates:
- May: 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22
Reservations are $2 per student
Each 30-minute time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers)
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776.6000
Experience Add-On: It's About Time
During this 30-minute Play Experience Add-On students in Preschool through Fifth Grade will have the opportunity to explore and discover the foundational concepts of history and the passage of time. Through objects representing art, music, technology, and play, children will be able to compare and contrast utilizing multiple senses. This field trip is designed to set the framework for conceptual understanding of history and the objects that help us to learn about people, places, and cultures.
Ages: PreK-5th Grade
2025 Dates:
- September: 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24 and 25
Reservations are $2 per student
Each 30-minute time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers)
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776.6000
Group transportation for field trips are available through a variety of charter bus providers, including GOGO Charters, Shofur, and Total Charter Bus.
Thank you to our K-12 Education Sponsor!
Pre-Visit Information and Resources
We're so glad you're here!
Here you'll find everything you need to plan for your upcoming field trip. If you would like assistance planning your visit or aligning to your specific curricular needs, please email schoolprograms@connerprairie.org We are here for you!
Additional Information
Group Leaders
For Pre-K–grade 1, at least one adult leader must accompany each group of five students. For grades 2–12, one adult leader must accompany each group of ten students. Group leaders are responsible for students' behavior and must accompany and supervise students at all times.
Accessibility
Conner Prairie strives to provide a rich and meaningful experience for all guests. If anyone in your group would benefit from a specific accommodation, please contact Guest Services for guidance on planning your visit.
Field Trip Funding Resources
Indiana Native American Indian Affairs Commission
The Michael Pace Educators Grant provides funds for teachers to take their students on field trips to learn about the rich Native American history found in Indiana. There are 25 grants each worth $250.
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