Step Into Spring

Outdoor grounds are open

Plan for an unforgettable day this spring at Conner Prairie and discover new sights and sounds as our outdoors come alive. Enjoy picturesque strolls surrounded by the natural beauty of our 1,046 acres and immerse yourself in history at Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliated museum.
Explore play-based educational activities in Treetop Outpost or discover various habitats across our landscapes with our latest Smithsonian experience. Watch our historic gardens bloom and discover the world's rarest heritage breed.

 

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People experiencing Habitat

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.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Past Events

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March Disability Awareness: Building Our Future Together

March 3
6 - 9 p.m.

In Collaboration with Fishers Arts Council, Conner prairie is hosting the 2023 Disability Awareness Month Artist Reception in the Welcome Center. This free event is open to the public and highlights the creative skills of both visual and performing artists. Light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided.

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Curious Conversations: Creating space for sensory needs

March 7
3:30 p.m.

In making places more accessible, it takes everyone for it to be successful. Ross Edelstein, an expert in building experiences in public places for people with autism, discusses the historical context, process and purpose that goes into making space for sensory needs. He is joined by Kelsey Van Vorst, outreach and community engagement manager, who will discuss what Conner Prairie has done to make the grounds more accessible and provide sensory friendly experiences and reimagined sensory bins.

Man working with wood

Dovetailing Basics

March 11

Hand cut dovetails are not only practical and beautiful, but also a source of pride for the craftsman. In this class students will make a simple box with a sliding lid to learn how to lay out and cut through dovetails. Time will be taken in the class to discuss other types of dovetail joints.

blacksmithing

Blacksmithing: Fun in the Forge

March 11

You will have the opportunity to complete several simple projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on how to use it), and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided.

Prairietown

Sensory Friendly Hours

March 12
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enjoy a calm environment at Conner Prairie and explore at your own pace. Anything that makes loud noises or has bright lights (i.e., the Dry Goods Store in CWJ) will be shut off unless specifically asked to turn on. Access to the quiet space areas in our buildings and across the grounds will be highlighted for easy access.

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Chautauqua

March 15

Calling all scholars, social butterflies, adventurers... Join us for 3-evening series themed around an Indiana county with historic stories that are generated from there, featuring a concentration on varied storytelling modes and Indiana history.

Children looking at an Arapawa goat

Outdoor grounds open

March 28

Plan your outdoor adventure at Conner Prairie today! With over a thousand acres to explore, step into the story and connect with nature. Explore our hands-on educational activities in Treetop Outpost or wander over to Prairietown to be immersed in a deeper understanding of Indiana history.

Person working on pottery

Wheel Thrown Pottery

April 4

Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. Students will be able to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to progress at your own rate and develop your skills.

Breakfast with the Bunny

Springtime on the Prairie

April 8

Join us as we celebrate springtime on the Prairie. Enjoy the beauty of spring at this special one-day event. Begin your day with Breakfast with the Bunny and in the afternoon participate in Easter egg hunts for children of all ages along with springtime crafts and activities for guests to participate in during daytime operations.

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Homeschool days

April 12
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

On this day, any homeschool family can visit Conner Prairie for our current school group rates without the usual requirement of having a group of 15 students or more.

White River in Indianapolis

Curious Conversations: Sustainability Along the white river

April 12
2 p.m.

Flowing through the heart of Conner Prairie, the White River is a vital resource that influences countless people downstream and amongst its watershed. Join Andrew Bradford, Vice President, Chief Advancement Officer of Conner Prairie, and Kelly Brown from the White River Alliance as they tell the story of how human impact has affected river ecology.

kids with sheep

Sensory Friendly Hours

April 16
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enjoy a calm environment at Conner Prairie and explore at your own pace. Anything that makes loud noises or has bright lights (i.e., the Dry Goods Store in CWJ) will be shut off unless specifically asked to turn on. Access to the quiet space areas in our buildings and across the grounds will be highlighted for easy access.

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Activating Our Future: Deepening Our Roots 2023 Annual Report

April 17
8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Join us for the 2023 Annual Meeting as we present "Activating Our Future: Deepening Our Roots." This year's meeting promises to be an exciting event as we feature keynote speaker Dr. John Falk, Founder and Principal Researcher at the Institute for Learning and Innovation.

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Firkin Tapping Party at Sun King Brewery

April 20
5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Visit Fishers Sun King Brewery for a special firkin tapping party and pick up early bird tickets to the festival. Enjoy their brand new brew, Coming Down in Pairs, a peanut butter chocolate banana beer. For every pint purchased at this event, Sun King Brewery will donate $1 back to Conner Prairie's Mission Impact Fund.

Woman making cocktail

Corn to Cocktail

April 20

Explore four different spirts to learn where they originated, how they’re made, their history in the United States — and best of all — how to make them into delicious cocktails.

blacksmithing

Blacksmithing: Fun in the forge

April 22

You will have the opportunity to complete several simple projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on how to use it), and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided.

Guests enjoying Memory Cafe

Memory Cafe

April 29
This month's theme: Farm Animals

Our Memory Cafés are a safe and welcoming space where people can come together for a social experience.  Each program is specifically designed using one or more of the five senses in order to stimulate conversation and social interaction between the participants.

Prairietown Wedding couple

Prairietown Wedding

April 29

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Ada Noreen McClure and James Cox Jr. Our Prairietown wedding will highlight the Scotch-Irish; Scottish/ Irish/ English cultural traditions of the 19th century in the Midwest, and it will also reflect the various families united by this love union.
Prairietown Wedding is included with General Admission

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Prairietown Garden party

May 6

Join us for our 1836 Garden Party at the Campbell house. The Campbell's invite you to experience classical music of the 19th century that will be performed in a fashionable concert setting. You will hear operatic singing accompanied by classical piano music.
Garden Party is included with General Admission

heirloom plants

Heirloom Plant Sale

May 12 - 13

The Conner Prairie Heirloom Plant Sale is back! We’ll have a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes and peppers, along with a selection of herbs and flowers. Mother’s Day weekend is the traditional frost-free date in central Indiana, making it a safe time to put out your more tender plants.
Our gardening experts will be available to help with your plant selections.
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We can camp!

May 13 - May 14

Love the idea of camping as a family, but don't know where to start? Join our We Can Camp guides to learn basic camping skills, enjoy fun, outdoor experiences like fishing and archery, and spend the night in a tent!

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Mother's Day Brunch

May 14

Celebrate that special person in your life by joining us for our Mother's Day brunch. Relax, let us do the cooking, and make the day special with a delicious variety of items to choose from.

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Mother's Day Tea Party

May 14

Join Mrs. Campbell and her daughter Lillian, as well as other Prairietown Folks for a Mother's Day Tea Party! Event will be in the afternoon but all day the Campbells and other folks will be getting ready for the Tea Party. With a Taste of the Past included.

Discovery Station

Sensory Friendly Hours

May 14
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Enjoy a calm environment at Conner Prairie and explore at your own pace. Anything that makes loud noises or has bright lights (i.e., the Dry Goods Store in CWJ) will be shut off unless specifically asked to turn on. Access to the quiet space areas in our buildings and across the grounds will be highlighted for easy access.

Ossabaw pig

Curious Conversations: Ossabaw Hogs with Dr. Michael Sturek

May 15
6:15 p.m.

Did you know that Ossabaw Hogs could hold the key to our understanding of diabetes and cardiovascular disease? Learn more about this fascinating connection and the importance of preserving Heritage Breed animals. Hear from guest speaker Dr. Michael Sturek, M.S., Ph.D. Co-Founder, CorVus Biomedical, LLC and CorVus Foundation, Inc., who studies Ossabaw Hogs and their connection to diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

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Wood-Fired Oven Pretzels with Homemade Mustard

May 20

Make pretzels using a water bath over the hearth fire and bake them in the cob oven and/or in Dutch ovens. While the pretzels are baking, the mustards (sweet and hot) can be made.

Man making a knife

Knifesmithing Workshop

May 20

Join Nathan Allen as he walks students through the basics of making a hand forged knife. Using reclaimed materials, students will learn to work a coal fire, forge a blade, hand finish and harden and temper for excellent edge holding qualities.

Woman making a leather pouch

Leatherworking

May 20

Join Ken Scott as he teaches you his unique style of making hunting bags and pouches. Through pattern development, cutting, stitching, finishing, and basic leatherworking techniques, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind hunting pouch.

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Barnyard Brush Strokes

May 21
2:30 p.m.

 Join us for two painting activities presented by Kiln Creations in celebration of Heritage Breeds week. Enjoy an afternoon of watercolor painting with detailed instructions based on an animal of your choosing. Come ready to enjoy yourself, and we’ll do the rest!

Arapawa Goat

Heritage Breeds Week

May 21 - May 27

Come celebrate Heritage Breeds Week with us! 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.

Springtime on the Prairie

Join us on April 8 for Springtime on the Prairie. Celebrate the beauty of spring at this special one-day event. Begin your day with Breakfast with the Bunny and in the afternoon participate in Easter egg hunts for children of all ages along with springtime crafts and activities for guests to participate in during daytime operations.

Springtime on the Prairie

Join us on April 8 for Springtime on the Prairie. Celebrate the beauty of spring at this special one-day event. Begin your day with Breakfast with the Bunny and in the afternoon participate in Easter egg hunts for children of all ages along with springtime crafts and activities for guests to participate in during daytime operations.