Protecting Habitats Protects Life
Habitats provide homes for all living things, from the tiniest ant to the tallest tree. The exhibition Habitat explores the critical need for varied habitats, how interconnected and fragile they are, and what we can do to protect them. The experience showcases the unique habitats throughout the gardens and landscapes of Conner Prairie.
Habitat was developed by Smithsonian Gardens and is made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
Springtime at Conner Prairie
April 19, 2025
Celebrate the joys of spring with a day full of adventure, featuring an exciting Easter egg hunt organized by age. Explore fun springtime activities in Prairietown that immerse yourself in the beauty of the season as our grounds bloom with new discoveries.
Enjoy a delicious Easter breakfast buffet and visit with the Easter Bunny for a photo op. Don't forget to bring your own camera to capture the memory! There will be open seating for preregistered guests.
First seating at 9 a.m. (to 10:30 a.m.)
Second Seating at 11:30 a.m. (to 1 p.m.)
Mother's Day Programming
Kick off your Mother's Day with Rosé and Roses. On Friday, May 9, pamper yourself with a wine tasting with Oliver Winery. Enjoy a fun selection of desserts throughout the evening. Cash bar available with Moscato flights and frozen wine slushies. Other activities include mindfulness meditation, nature walks, yoga sessions and a photo backdrop to share with your following!
Then on Sunday, May 11, celebrate that special person in your life with Mother's Day Brunch! Mother's Day Brunch also includes admission to our grounds for your entire party.
Upcoming Programs & Events
Corn to Cocktail: Rye
March 27
In this hands-on class, guests learn about the versatility of Indiana’s top crop–corn! Attendees learn about corn’s influence on history and also on the spirits that we consume. We will practice some basic bar skills, mix up two historical cocktails and hear the often-colorful stories behind each one, while sipping socially.
Wheel Thrown Pottery: Afternoon Sessions
March 18, 25, and April 1 and 8
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace.
Wheel Thrown Pottery: Evening Sessions
March 18, 25, and April 1 and 8
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace.
Weekday Wanders: Finding Inspiration From Nature
April 2
Artists, writers, poets, and scientists find endless inspiration from natural spaces and time spent in nature. Learn quotes and prompts to support you in finding your own inspiration as we wander the Trails at Conner Prairie together.
Homeschool Series: Art + Nature
April 4, 11 and 18
Tap into the creativity that is inside all of us and let your imagination run free! Join us each week as we allow children (and grown-ups, too!) the time, space and freedom to create in their own style and stage of development, design what their minds can dream up and think outside the box as we engage with and celebrate the creative process over the final product. We’ll spend time exploring a variety of art mediums while taking in the beauty of nature around us!
2-Minute Poetry
April 5, 12, 19 and 26
Celebrate National Poetry Month with us, every Saturday in April. Stop by the Treetop Outpost Crossroads and visit our poet and their typewriter. Supply them with a single word, and in two minutes, they’ll write you a personalized poem to take home, based on your prompt! While there, check out some biographies of famous Indiana poets.
Gardening for the Beginner
April 12
Join us in the garden for an introductory class where you learn all the basics to get your garden growing in the right direction. Learn how to select the perfect site, test the soil, prepare the ground, and when to know that your soil is ready for planting. We will plant some seeds for you to take home and start germinating for your very own garden.
Curious By Nature: Investigate Woods & River
April 14
Come, let your curiosity lead you as we explore and investigate the woods and river nestled in a special spot not open to the public. We’ll end our time together challenging our bodies & minds as we maneuver our way through an outdoor obstacle course!
Weekday Wanders: Flight
April 16
Join Conner Prairie Director of Digital Experiences and Research, Ryan Shank, for a look into the evolution of flight in the wild and its impact on human flight.
History on Tap Kill the Keg Party
April 17
Fishers Sun King Brewery is hosting the Horizon Council for a special Kill the Keg party! Join us to enjoy a keg and pick up History on Tap tickets early! (Must be in attendance to purchase tickets.) For every pint purchased at this event, Sun King Brewery will donate $1 back to Conner Prairie's Mission Impact Fund.
Springtime on the Prairie
April 19
Celebrate the joys of spring with a day full of adventure, featuring an exciting Easter egg hunt organized by age. Explore fun springtime activities in Prairietown that immerse yourself in the beauty of the season as our grounds bloom with new discoveries.
Breakfast with the Bunny
April 19
Enjoy a delicious Easter breakfast buffet and visit with the Easter Bunny for a photo op. Don’t forget to bring your own camera to capture the memory!
Homeschool Day
April 23
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.”
Corn to Cocktail: Vodka
April 24
In this hands-on class, guests learn about the versatility of Indiana’s top crop–corn! Attendees learn about corn’s influence on history and also on the spirits that we consume. We will practice some basic bar skills, mix up two historical cocktails and hear the often-colorful stories behind each one, while sipping socially.
We Can Camp!
April 26–27
Love the idea of camping as a family but don't know where to start? Join us as you learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun outdoor experiences and spend the night on our grounds in a tent! This program is perfect for first-time campers or anyone looking for a refresher. We provide all the camping gear you'll need, along with modern restrooms and overnight security.
Woodworking Unplugged: Spoon Carving
April 26
Learn how to carve a simple spoon in this one-day, beginner friendly class. Lessons will cover safe carving techniques, tools, differences in carving greenwood* and “dry” wood, and the use of finishes. Finally, students will be given ample time to carve a simple spoon design as part of a group session. This process will further develop the skills and passion to continue carving on your own.
Weekend Wanders: Introduction to Forest Therapy
April 26
This 1-hour introductory experience invites participants to slow down and experience natural spaces in new ways. Forest Therapy, also known as “Forest Bathing”, encourages participants to "bathe" in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells in our shared natural setting.
Ladies' Night Series: Garden Party
April 26
Enjoy an evening of exploration and education at Conner Prairie. During this (adults only) event you’re invited to join a guided tour of our Conner House gardens and Loom House. Learn about the special plants in this garden and their uses in textile dying.
Free Forest Therapy Experience
April 26 and 27
This weekend, discover the restorative power of nature with a free introductory Forest Therapy experience at Conner Prairie! Guided by a certified forest therapy guide, this mini-session invites you to slow down, engage your senses, and reconnect with the natural world—all on Indiana’s first and only certified Forest Therapy trail.
Curious By Nature: Forest Bathing
April 28
Forest Bathing is a guided walk that invites participants of all ages to slow down and experience natural spaces in new ways. Your guide will offer a range of invitations to support “bathing” in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells in this shared natural setting.
Annual Meeting
April 29
oin us for the 2025 Conner Prairie Annual Meeting, where we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and look ahead to the future of storytelling, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Weekday Wanders: Spring Migration
April 30
Playtime Meet Up
May 2 and 16
Woodturning for Beginners
May 3 and 4
In this class, learn the basics of woodturning while making simple and elegant projects including a candleholder, a rolling pin, and a honey dipper. This two-session class celebrates all the possibilities created from a single machine and a few hand tools.
Wedding of Convenience
May 3 and 4
Come witness the nuptials of Solomon Hawkins and Ruth Curtis and see how a Methodist wedding of convenience differs from a wedding of love.
We Can Camp!
May 3–4
Love the idea of camping as a family but don't know where to start? Join us as you learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun outdoor experiences and spend the night on our grounds in a tent! This program is perfect for first-time campers or anyone looking for a refresher. We provide all the camping gear you'll need, along with modern restrooms and overnight security.
Forest Therapy
May 4
Experience the pleasures of nature through all your senses, led by a certified Forest Therapy guide. Forest Therapy is a guided walk that invites participants to slow down and experience nature spaces in new ways. It’s a time to intentionally surround yourself in nature without distraction.
Stroller Strides
May 6, 13, 20 and 27
Join us on the Trails for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies. It includes power walking and intervals of strength and body toning exercises using exercise tubing, the stroller and the environment.
Ladies' Night Series: Rosé and Roses
May 9
Pamper yourself with a wine tasting with Oliver Winery, fun appetizers and desserts, along with activities that include make your own floral bouquet, make your own goat milk soap, mindfulness meditations, nature walks and yoga sessions.
Heirloom Plant Sale
May 9 and 10
Mother's Day Brunch
May 11
Celebrate that special person in your life this Mother's Day by reserving a table for our annual Mother's Day Brunch. Mother's Day Brunch also includes admission to our grounds for your entire party.
Curious Conversation: Speaker Series
May 13
Tune in as we host a rotation of outside speakers and experts on Indiana History. During this Curious Conversation, Dr. R. Douglas Hurt will discuss the history of agriculture in the 19th century Midwest.
Weekday Wanders: Introduction to Forest Therapy
May 14
This 1-hour introductory experience invites participants to slow down and experience natural spaces in new ways. Forest Therapy, also known as “Forest Bathing”, encourages participants to "bathe" in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells in our shared natural setting.
Read, Rock & Roll
May 15
Enjoy a casual, relaxed morning specially designed to encourage community and connection with others and with your child.
Heritage Tasting Experience
May 17
Enjoy eight tasting stations featuring unique small bites, each showcasing ingredients from heritage breed animals. From rich, time-honored flavors to unexpected pairings, this one-of-a-kind experience connects food, history, and sustainability in a delicious way.
Heritage Breeds Week
May 17 - 23
Participate in exciting activities, watch fascinating demonstrations, learn about Conner Prairie's efforts to preserve heritage breeds and discover what makes these rare animals so special. Meet and Greet with animals all across the grounds.
Leaf and Flower Pounding
May 18
Spring brings out the best in nature’s colors as blooms come to life in a palette of endless possibilities. The season’s natural materials can be an inspiration for you to use your green thumb and create beautiful and impressive works of art in unconventional ways. Leaf and flower pounding is where you can learn how to transfer the color from flowers and leaves onto various items by using a hammer.
Curious By Nature: Foraging
May 19
Come join us as we learn what foraging is all about! Who can forage, where do we forage and why do we forage?
Forest Therapy
May 22
Experience the pleasures of nature through all your senses, led by a certified Forest Therapy guide. Forest Therapy is a guided walk that invites participants to slow down and experience nature spaces in new ways. It’s a time to intentionally surround yourself in nature without distraction.
Corn to Cocktail: Bourbon
May 22
In this hands-on class, guests learn about the versatility of Indiana’s top crop–corn! Attendees learn about corn’s influence on history and also on the spirits that we consume. We will practice some basic bar skills, mix up two historical cocktails and hear the often-colorful stories behind each one, while sipping socially.
River Crossing opens!
May 24
Our splash area is the perfect place to cool down during your visit. Kids can have fun boarding the Alice Dean steamboat, firing water cannons, guiding toy boats along the river and more. This area is full of hands-on activities that encourage pretend play and family interaction.
Black Birders Week
May 24–31
Weekend Wanders: Beginner Birding
May 24
Weekday Wanders: Black Birders Week
May 28
Homeschool Day
May 29
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.”
Sunset Stroll
May 29
A glowing sunset that stretches across the open prairie is an unforgettable experience. Take an evening stroll with fellow nature enthusiasts and engage in insightful conversations about nature. Each stroll focuses on a different theme to build knowledge, connection, and appreciation of the natural world around us.
Historic Baseball Game
May 31
Baseball is a sport rooted in American culture.
Join us to watch a historic game of baseball between two local historic baseball clubs!
Past Events
Metalworking, Copper Bracelet: Morning Class
March 7
Creating wearable art is a unique and personal metalworking experience. We provide the tools and techniques for you to make a copper bracelet. You will begin with soft copper. Using hammers, you will flatten, texture, and shape metal into a beautiful, custom piece for yourself or someone special.
Metalworking, Copper Bracelet: Afternoon Class
March 7
Creating wearable art is a unique and personal metalworking experience. We provide the tools and techniques for you to make a copper bracelet. You will begin with soft copper. Using hammers, you will flatten, texture, and shape metal into a beautiful, custom piece for yourself or someone special.
Fun in the Forge
March 8
Experience the thrill of being a blacksmith for the day. At Fun in the Forge, you will learn how to use a coal forge and anvil to create some simple yet impressive products. From wall hooks to BBQ skewers, flint and steel to a dinner bell, this program guides you through the process of learning new skills and refining techniques.
Blacksmithing: One Piece Knife
March 14
In this class, you will learn how to use our traditional coal forge, gain hammer and anvil techniques, and perfect the use of files and grinders. After you have crafted your knife, you will heat treat the metal for a hardened finish. Upon completion, you not only get to leave with an enhanced understanding of history, but you also get to take home your creation.
The Magic and Science of Dairying: Making Soft Cheese, Cultured Butter and Other Dairy Treats
March 15
This hands-on experience focuses on how important and easy it is to learn the techniques of dairying. In this five-hour workshop we will focus on wholesome soft cheese and two types of butter, plus other historic dairy treats!
Winter on the Prairie
January 30–March 16
Winter on the Prairie is a one-of-a-kind way to experience everything Conner Prairie has to offer. Grab your boots and mittens as you set journey across acres of land. Discover the tranquility and beauty that can only be found after a fresh snow.
Woodworking Unplugged: Shaker Side Table
March 5, 12, and 19
In this weekly workshop, consisting of three sessions, students will build a small table with a single drawer using hand tools and locally sourced walnut wood. We will use the same methodology as woodworkers from the few Shaker communities in this region during the early 1800s.
Member-Only Winter on the Prairie Hours
March 20, 21, 22 and 23
Join us for exclusive events tailored for our members that celebrate guest favorite events from Winter on the Prairie. Our Member-Only Hours celebrate the joys of play as we open up Featherston Barn, Ag Adventures Playground (weather permitting) and the Tubing Hill (weather permitting) for mornings filled with discovery and adventure for your little ones.
Woodworking: 19th Century Puzzle Box
March 22
Pocket-size boxes with trick lids were popular in the nineteenth century for carrying tobacco, among other things. These novelty boxes could take many shapes, from simple rectangles to coffins, shoes, and more. Easy to make and fun to use, this project makes for a great handmade gift or keepsake.
Curious by Nature: Promised Land as Proving Ground Guided Walk
March 24
Join us for a reflective walk through the new Promised Land as Proving Ground exhibit. This walk will include discussion time as well as time to pause, reflect, notice and wonder as you experience Conner Prairie's newest exhibit
Curious Conversations: Speaker Series
March 25
Tune in as we host a rotation of outside speakers and experts on Indiana History. During this Curious Conversation, Mr. Bryan Glover will discuss the history of the Roberts Settlement, an African American community that began in the 1830s.