Ready. Set. Explore!

Summer

Summer days are a great time to enjoy Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliated museum. Wonder through time as you experience history come to life. Enjoy nature-based play at Treetop Outpost then cool off at our River Crossing Splash Pad.

Watch our sunflower field come to life and book an event or photography session as the sun-drenched flowers tower over you. Catch a baseball game and be a part of America’s favorite pastime.

Through engaging storytelling, meaningful conversations and acres to explore, central Indiana summers are an unforgettable experience!

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History on Tap

June 6, 2025

History on Tap

Conner Prairie’s Horizon Council invites you an evening of craft beer at Conner Prairie, featuring tastings from dozens of local craft brewers with more being added regularly.

Wander wooded gravel roads through our historical areas, check out some 1830s entertainment, all while experiencing tastings from over 27 brewers. Food options available (at an additional cost) range from soft pretzels, burgers, BBQ, and tacos to ice cream and donuts.

For updates and event info, text "HOPS" to 317.779.3330. Message & data rates may apply.

CP Fall Blue Balloon Ride

Jupiter Flights Balloon Festival

 September 5 - 7, 2025

two guests watching the hot air balloons

Come celebrate a weekend of innovation and experience the colorful glow of Indiana's largest hot air balloon festival.

Check out all of the engaging family-fun activities across three days that will explore the innovation of flight!

Get updates about the festival by texting GLOW to 317-779-3330

Golden Hour Gatherings

August 24 and 31

hands of senior couple toasting with glasses of wine having dinner al fresco in sunflower fields

Experience the magic of Golden Hour Gatherings at Conner Prairie! Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of our sunflower fields while savoring heritage breed foods and artisanal cocktails. Join us for a celebration of nature, flavor, and community.

Programs & Events

Symphony on the Prairie

Symphony on the prairie

From June 27 through August 30 at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre, fans will be thrilled with an exciting line-up that offers a fun-filled musical summer experience for the whole family.

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Membership Appreciation Month

June 1 – 30

Conner Prairie is happy to offer members a month of exclusive experiences and a little extra love to thank them for their continued support.

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Stroller Strides

June 3, 10, 17 and 24

Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies.

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History on Tap

June 6

Conner Prairie’s Horizon Council invites you to an evening of craft beer at Conner Prairie, featuring tastings from local craft brewers and vintners.

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Pop-up Play

June 7

Join us for a morning of Pop-up Play designed especially for early learners to wonder, explore, discover and create! This special time between child and caregiver will be led by our education staff.

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Weekday Wanders: Introduction to Forest Therapy

June 11

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. 
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Playtime on the Prairie

June 11 and 25

Playtime on the Prairie is a hour and a half nature-inspired, deconstructed play experience for early learners ages 0-5 years. Through intentional selection of materials, direct access to nature, and an opportunity for self-directed play, we design the environment and overall experience to inspire curiosity and provide time for children to explore and discover.
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Throwback Camp

June 14

Experience the best of Conner Prairie Adventure Camp as an adult during Throwback Camp. Enjoy a grownups-only day of canoeing, ziplining, archery, camp crafts, field games, summer tubing, and more!

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Iced Cream Three Ways

June 14

Did you know that you can find ice cream recipes dating back to 1830s cookery books and beyond? Discover those receipts with us and get your ice cream cranking arm ready as we try out some of these historical recipes for both familiar and more unusual flavors.

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Harmonic History

June 14 and 15

Experience live musical demonstrations throughout 1836 Prairietown. Stop by the Origins Cabin and learn a new African instrument or step into the Turner house where Mr. Turner will be playing historic African instruments.

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Father's Day Lunch

June 15

Celebrate the father in your life by joining us for our Father’s Day Picnic Lunch. Relax, let us do the cooking, and make the day special with a delicious picnic on the prairie.

Child exploring nature with a magnifying glass

Curious by Nature

June 16

Join us as we spend our time together in nature’s classroom exploring the natural spaces here at Conner Prairie, often in spaces not open to the general public. Each date will be unique and special, and you won't want to miss a single one! We can't wait to welcome you to Curious By Nature!

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Forest Therapy: Weekday Session (Ages 16+)

June 19

Forest Therapy is a guided outing that invites participants 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.

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Read, Rock & Roll

June 19

Enjoy a casual, relaxed morning specially designed to encourage community and connection with others and with your child.

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Juneteenth Free day

June 19

Explore Conner Prairie for Free! Enjoy a day filled with exploration and discovery across our 1,046 acres of land.

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Juneteenth Jubilee

June 19

Celebrate Juneteenth with Fishers Arts Council at Conner Prairie. Explore Black-owned businesses and community resources along with local food vendors and entertainment.

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The All-American Hot Dog

June 20 and 21

Discover how food, culture and immigration’s impact shapes the history and perception of the ‘all-American’ hot dog.

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Weekend Wanders: Civic Series

June 21

On this wander, participants will be introduced to and invited to utilize the “36 Questions for Civic Love” from the National Public Housing Museum. In collaboration with Civic Season programming, this wander encourages us all to strengthen our community relationships.

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Forest Therapy: Weekend Session (Ages 5+)

June 22

Forest Therapy is a guided outing that invites participants 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.

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Ladies Night Series: Yoga

June 22

Join us for an evening of self-care and relaxation. This event includes nature walks, forest therapy, and yoga sessions (mats provided or bring your own). Finish the night enjoying the beautiful sunset view over the prairie with a mindfulness meditation.

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Weekday Wanders: Civic Series

June 25

On this wander, participants will be introduced to and invited to utilize the “36 Questions for Civic Love” from the National Public Housing Museum. In collaboration with Civic Season programming, this wander encourages us all to strengthen our community relationships.

A group of people walking on grass

Sunset Stroll

June 26

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.

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Throwback Camp

June 28

Experience the best of Conner Prairie Adventure Camp as an adult during Throwback Camp. Enjoy a grownups-only day of canoeing, ziplining, archery, camp crafts, field games, summer tubing, and more!

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Stroller Strides

July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29

Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for Stroller Strides hosted by FIT4MOM North Indy. Stroller Strides is a total fitness program that moms can do with their babies.

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Wheel Thrown Pottery

July 1, 8, 15, and 22

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.

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Glorious 4th

July 2, 4 – 6

Independence and freedom are contested ideas. Join the citizens of Prairietown as they celebrate 60 years of American independence, but also hear how others have questioned just how free America is. This program is free with general admission.

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Playtime Meet Up

July 4 and 18

Join us for an exclusive time of play and discovery especially for our youngest guests ages 6 years and younger an hour before Conner Prairie opens to the public.

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Weekday Wanders: EcoTherapy

July 9

Join Marissa Byers, founder of EcoTherapy for All, in a gentle nature stroll. EcoTherapy encourages connection and restoration with others, ourselves, and the earth.

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Playtime on the Prairie

July 11 and 25

Playtime on the Prairie is a hour and a half nature-inspired, deconstructed play experience for early learners ages 0-5 years. Through intentional selection of materials, direct access to nature, and an opportunity for self-directed play, we design the environment and overall experience to inspire curiosity and provide time for children to explore and discover.
Child exploring nature with a magnifying glass

Curious by Nature

July 14

Join us as we spend our time together in nature’s classroom exploring the natural spaces here at Conner Prairie, often in spaces not open to the general public. Each date will be unique and special, and you won't want to miss a single one! We can't wait to welcome you to Curious By Nature!

Reading

Read, Rock & Roll

July 17

Enjoy a casual, relaxed morning specially designed to encourage community and connection with others and with your child.

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Throwback Camp

July 19

Experience the best of Conner Prairie Adventure Camp as an adult during Throwback Camp. Enjoy a grownups-only day of canoeing, ziplining, archery, camp crafts, field games, summer tubing, and more!

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Pop-up Play

July 19

Join us for a morning of Pop-up Play designed especially for early learners to wonder, explore, discover and create! This special time between child and caregiver will be led by our education staff.

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Hay in a Day

July 19

Try your hand at scything, raking, and stacking hay while you learn about pasture plant identification and why hay is so important both historically and today. You can even enter in a hay cutting competition!

Child exploring nature with a magnifying glass

Curious by Nature

July 21

Join us as we spend our time together in nature’s classroom exploring the natural spaces here at Conner Prairie, often in spaces not open to the general public. Each date will be unique and special, and you won't want to miss a single one! We can't wait to welcome you to Curious By Nature!

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Forest Therapy: Weekday Sessions (Ages 16+)

July 24

Forest Therapy is a guided outing that invites participants 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.

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Historic Vegetarian Cooking

July 26

Dive into history and learn from the past as you cook a variety of historical vegetarian recipes from the early nineteenth-century movements.

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Weekend Wanders: Herpetology Exploration

July 26

Join Jim Horton of the Hoosier Herpetological Society to learn about the variety of reptiles and amphibians of Conner Prairie.

Child exploring nature with a magnifying glass

Curious by Nature

July 28

Join us as we spend our time together in nature’s classroom exploring the natural spaces here at Conner Prairie, often in spaces not open to the general public. Each date will be unique and special, and you won't want to miss a single one! We can't wait to welcome you to Curious By Nature!

A group of people walking on grass

Sunset Stroll

July 31

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.

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Corn to Cocktail

July 31

Corn: we know it, we love it, it’s a vital part of Indiana’s agricultural heritage. But what’s it got to do with alcohol? Join us for Corn to Cocktail, where we’ll investigate Hoosier corn provision, learn how corn becomes spirit, share some history, and make a couple of potent potables.

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Playtime Meet Up

August 1 and 15

Join us for an exclusive time of play and discovery especially for our youngest guests ages 6 years and younger an hour before Conner Prairie opens to the public.

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Pop-up Play

August 2

Join us for a morning of Pop-up Play designed especially for early learners to wonder, explore, discover and create! This special time between child and caregiver will be led by our education staff.

Child exploring nature with a magnifying glass

Curious by Nature

July 28

Join us as we spend our time together in nature’s classroom exploring the natural spaces here at Conner Prairie, often in spaces not open to the general public. Each date will be unique and special, and you won't want to miss a single one! We can't wait to welcome you to Curious By Nature!

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Stroller Strides

August 5, 12, 19, and 26

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.

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Weekday Wanders: Apps for Community Science

August 6

Learn to use mobile phone apps to support community science projects. Also known as Citizen Science, these projects connect scientists and members of the general public in collaborative ways.

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History Through Art: Natural Watercolors

August 7

Learn to use mobile phone apps to support community science projects. Also known as Citizen Science, these projects connect scientists and members of the general public in collaborative ways.

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Playtime on the Prairie

August 8 and 22

Playtime on the Prairie is a hour and a half nature-inspired, deconstructed play experience for early learners ages 0-5 years. Through intentional selection of materials, direct access to nature, and an opportunity for self-directed play, we design the environment and overall experience to inspire curiosity and provide time for children to explore and discover.
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Historical African American Cooking

August 9

Nourish your soul and immerse yourself in the fellowship of historical African American cuisine. Explore open-fire cooking and help prepare and enjoy delicious gumbo, macaroni and cheese, mandazi, and kush. Throughout the day, you will learn about the history of African American foodways and how it played an important role in the impact of our society.

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Historic Baseball

August 9

Baseball is a sport rooted within American culture.
Join us to watch a historic game of baseball between two local historic baseball clubs! This program is free with general admission.

Reading

Read, Rock & Roll

August 15

Enjoy a casual, relaxed morning specially designed to encourage community and connection with others and with your child.

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We Can Camp

August 16–17 and 23–24

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.

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Homeschool Day

August 19

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.”

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Weekday Wanders: Historic Hoosiers

August 20

Learn to use mobile phone apps to support community science projects. Also known as Citizen Science, these projects connect scientists and members of the general public in collaborative ways.

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Forest Therapy: Weekday Sessions (Ages 16+)

August 21

Forest Therapy is a guided outing that invites participants 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.

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Woodworking Unplugged: Bowl Carving

August 23

In this beginner-friendly class, students will learn to carve and shape a decorative bowl using a variety of hand tools, including gouges, draw knives, and chisels.

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Weekend Wanders: Intro to Forest Therapy and EcoTherapy

August 23

Forest Therapy, also known as “Forest Bathing”, encourages participants to "bathe" in the sights, sounds, textures, and smells in our shared natural setting. EcoTherapy encourages connection and restoration with others, ourselves, and the earth. Join for one or both wanders to build your own nature connection for wellness.

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Forest Therapy: Weekend Session (Ages 5+)

August 24

Forest Therapy is a guided outing that invites participants 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.

hands of senior couple toasting with glasses of wine having dinner al fresco in sunflower fields

Golden Hour Gatherings

August 24 and 31

Experience the magic of Golden Hour Gatherings at Conner Prairie! Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of our sunflower fields while savoring heritage breed foods and artisanal cocktails.

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Homeschool Series: Nature Journaling

August 26

Looking to complement your home studies with the addition of programming focused on nature and the arts? Come join us for a multi-age series of classes held one day per week. Please read the details carefully for each series program, as important information such as day of the week, length of series, and ticket pricing is different for each.

A group of people walking on grass

Sunset Stroll

August 28

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.

Woman making cocktail

Corn to Cocktail

August 28

Corn: we know it, we love it, it’s a vital part of Indiana’s agricultural heritage. But what’s it got to do with alcohol? Join us for Corn to Cocktail, where we’ll investigate Hoosier corn provision, learn how corn becomes spirit, share some history, and make a couple of potent potables.

Past Events