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:
Chicken Check-in
Wonder Walk
1859 Balloon Voyage
History/Science Sampler
Visit Conner Prairie for FREE ahead of your visit to help plan! Simply show your school ID at the ticket desk
Civics: Power of Place Field Trip
Students are invited to discover their stories and their role in history through the power of place: learning the history of where they are to better understand who they are. Together we will delve into civic action, participation, and what it means to be a good ancestor through the lens of place. During this guided field trip, your students will engage in identity work, explore the grounds of Conner Prairie to better understand the true history of the place and the people who once called it home, and use their observations to inspire and support their activism.
Experience Add-Ons
Experience Add-On: Chicken Check-In
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 chickens in an up-close, informal environment. Discover such chicken topics as: life cycle, breeds, and behavior. 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. Feel free to bring lots of questions or let the chickens be your guide.
2023 Dates:
- September 7, 14, 21, 28
- October 5, 12, 19, 26
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 Nature Walk. Engage your senses as you explore this natural area using scientific tools to get up close with nature. Let curiosity be the guide.
2023 Dates:
- August 25
- September 1, 15, 22, 29
- October 6, 13, 20
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: History/Science Sampler
Join the fun where history and science meet! How does our balloon fly? Why do some cows have spots and others don’t? Find answers to those questions and more at History/Science Sampler!
2023 Dates:
- September 20 and September 27
Reservations are $2 per student.
Each time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers) for this 30 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 $5 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.
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
Transportation Fund
Conner Prairie is honored to offer a Transportation Fund to Central Indiana schools and organizations. Fund dollars are available throughout the calendar year on a first-come, first-served basis.
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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