Guest Map

William Conner House and Animal Encounters

Welcome Center

North/East side of property

1819 Lenape Indian Camp

Prairietown est. 1836

1859 Balloon Voyage

Mayfield & Nichols Dry Goods Store

Relive the attack of General Morgan and his raiders at the Dry Goods Store! Discover what happened to the town of Dupont overnight and the impact of the Confederate States Army. This theatrical experience* is ongoing. If doors are closed, please wait outside.

Mayfield & Nichols Dry Goods Store is ADA Accessible.

*This experience contains images of war, strobe lights, and loud noises.

Quartermaster Station

Have you ever wondered how soldiers communicated and housed supplies during the Civil War? Stop by the Quartermaster Station and learn how telegraphs revolutionized communication. Discover the different supplies the soldiers needed and how they turned the old schoolhouse into a Quartermaster Station. Learn more about this historical building through our collections page.

Quartermaster Station is ADA Accessible.

Union Camp

Start your journey as a Union soldier by checking out the camp. Discover what it's like to be a Union soldier. You might get a bit of training.

Union Camp is ADA Accessible.

Porter Family Home

Discover how people lived in Dupont, Indiana, after Morgan's Raid. Find out how the citizens are helping Union soldiers and learn what games they played in 1863 Indiana. Learn more about this historic home through our collections page.

Porter Family Home is ADA Accessible.

Field Hospital

Learn about how you can help injured soldiers after Morgan’s Raid. Explore how medical instruments were used to help injured soldiers.

River Crossing Splash Pad

child at river crossing splash pad

Open Memorial Day - Labor Day

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.

Learn more

Covered Bridge

Step into the story of Morgan's Raid through the Covered Bridge. The bridge brings you straight into the southern Indiana town of Dupont shortly after the raid. Learn more about the architectural history of the bridge through our collections page.

The Covered Bridge is ADA Accessible.

H10

Habitat: Sign of the Dragonfly

Sign of the Dragonfly showcases dragonflies as an indicator species which biologists and conservation managers can use to judge the health of an environment. Indicator species demonstrate the interconnectivity of species within habitats. Learn more about the artist Lisa Elliott.

∞

Sensory Friendly

Quiet Space Sensory Bins

Photo of quite space sensory bin

This spot offers a quiet location with a sensory kit that includes a weighted blanket and soft sensory toys, among other items.

Treetop Outpost

Nature Amphitheater

Enjoy engaging programs surrounded by a beautiful wooded landscape and learn about the great outdoors. Our nature-based programming will help you better understand the natural world.

River Lookout

White River in Indianapolis

With over 3 miles of the White River flowing through Conner Prairie, get breathtaking views of Central Indiana's most vital resource and learn how the river impacts the rest of the world.

Treehouse

Treetop Outpost

Explore each level of our 4-story treehouse. Be rewarded at the top with a beautiful forest view and a seek-and-find challenge. Grab a good book and relax in our reading room with books for all ages.

Nature Walk

Explore nature up close. Our Nature Walk gives you the opportunity for a more focused discovery of the plants and animals that call this land home. The trail contains a few steep spots, so we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes and traveling on foot.

Fort Hoosier

Unleash your wild side at our play structure – Fort Hoosier – located within Treetop Outpost. You'll be able to scale a climbing wall and more!

Prairie Overlook

The Prairie Overlook gives you a unique perspective to view Indiana wildlife. Don't forget to look up as you may see different types of birds. Habitat’s "Birds of Flight" is located in the Prairie Overlook to explore the natural science of flight.

Habitat: Habitat of Flight

bird statue at habitat

Temporarily Closed

Habitat of flight explores the importance of nature to the science of flight. Human innovation has been inspired to take to the skies. Learn more about the artist Scott Shoemaker

Habitat: Intro Pannel

Habitat: Intro Panel

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.

H11

Habitat: Meadows and Monarchs

Habitat: Meadows & Monarchs

image of a butterfly

Meadows & Monarchs presents examples of how native plants can support biodiversity. Protecting and cultivating local native plants are essential to maintaining habitats.

H12

Habitat: Foundations of the Sea

Foundations of the Sea focuses on corals as a foundational species that create habitats for countless marine creatures. Foundation species are fundamental to the structure and resilience of habitats.

Habitat: Bug B&B

People experiencing Habitat

Bug B&B focuses on restoring habitats for beneficial insects including pollinators. Humans can help build and restore habitats for beneficial wildlife. Learn more about the artist Boxx the Artist.

Habitat: Key to the Forest

Key to the Forest illustrates how a single species can play a critical role in the health of an ecosystem. Without these keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.

Habitat: Life Underground

Image of a mushroom

Life Underground shines a light on mushrooms and the hidden relationships under our feet that support healthy habitats. A successful habitat is a fragile, often invisible, interconnection between species, and needs human protection.

Habitat: Biomes

Plants and animals have adapted to survive in specific biomes (communities of plants and animals occupying a major habitat like a forest). Their interconnected relationships keep ecosystems in balance.

Habitat: Nests

Nests highlights a variety of nests as diverse as the birds that build them. Nests reflect the resources available in a habitat and the needs of the home builder.

Habitat: Deadwood is Life

Image of deadwood is life in treetop

Dead wood is a fragile, crucial habitat that is home to diverse species. Through interconnected sustainable ecosystems, these species need human protection.

∞

Sensory Friendly

Quiet Space Sensory Bins

Photo of quite space sensory bin

This spot offers a quiet location with a sensory kit that includes a weighted blanket and soft sensory toys, among other items.

Prairietown est. 1836

McClure Home

McClure house prairietown

Learn about the family that owns the carpenter shop and take a walk through their home. Learn more about this historic home through our collections page.

McClure’s Home is ADA Accessible.

Carpenter shop

Carpenter Shop

Discover a new technique at the carpenter shop. Watch as the carpenters construct, repair and make different objects out of wood! Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

The Carpenter Shop is ADA Accessible.

Curtis' Home

Stop by the Curtis’ home to learn about the family that does all the blacksmithing in Prairietown. Learn more about the building the Curtis family calls home through our collections page.

The Curtis’ Home is ADA Accessible.

Blacksmith Shop

What does it take to be a blacksmith? Explore the art of blacksmithing on the forge and watch as our blacksmiths make horseshoes, hooks and so much more. Stop by and watch sparks fly! Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Blacksmith Shop is ADA Accessible.

Whitaker Store

Whitaker's Store

Looking to buy from the Whitaker family? Stop by the Whitaker Store in Prairietown to learn what it is like to be a shopkeeper and what kind of goods were sold in the 1836 store. Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Whitaker Store is ADA Accessible.

Schoolhouse

What was school like in the 1800s? Our one-room schoolhouse gives guests a glimpse of what children were learning about in the nineteenth century. Learn more about the schoolhouse through our collections page.

Schoolhouse is ADA Accessible

Dr. Campbell's Office & Home

Spring Break at CP

Get to know the founder of Prairietown and the influence and power he wields. Learn about the Campbell family and discover new things about the history of medicine. Learn more about the Campbell’s Office and home through our collections page.

Gregory's Home

Turner's Home

Step into the Turner family's garden. Learn about the different plants that Mrs. Turner grows and uses to heal her family. Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Baker Brothers' Pottery Shop

Are you interested in pottery? Stop by the Baker Brothers’ pottery shop to watch the master potters create wheel-thrown pots, cups and so much more! Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Baker Brothers’ Pottery Shop is ADA Accessible.

Origins Cabin

Step into the origins of African American culture. Learn about the traditions, challenges and decisions of early Hoosiers. Learn more about this historic cabin through our collections page.

Golden Eagle Inn

What does it take to operate an inn in the 19th century? Stop by the Golden Eagle Inn where you can learn how people travelled through town and savor the smells from the kitchen. The Golden Eagle is a great opportunity to discover stories of the past. Learn more about this historic building through our collections page.

William Conner House and Animal Encounters

William Conner House

Step into the story of Conner Prairie’s namesake, William Conner. Explore the house that is over 200 years old and immerse yourself in the different activities that tell you about how the land was settled, surveyed and sold. Imagine yourself in this house and discover what pioneer life was like. Learn more about The William Conner House through our collections page.

Loom House

Discover the ways that textiles would have been made during the time the Conner family was alive. At the Loom House learn how our weavers start with wool, spin it into yarn, dye the yarn with natural dyes then weave it into fabric. These textiles are used throughout our grounds, and you may even see some of it in the Whitaker Store. Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Loom house is ADA Accessible.

Spring House

Image of spring house

How did people keep their food cold throughout the year? The Spring House provides answers to maintaining and preserving food. Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Heirloom Garden

Conner Prairie Garden

Learn about the value of heirloom plants and their importance to life in the nineteenth century. Take a stroll through the garden and see what's in bloom.

Animal Encounters

Get up close and personal with our animals and heritage breeds! Learn about animal husbandry, life cycles, animal behaviors and so much more! Our Agricultural specialists are available to answer questions and provide information about our animals. Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

Habitat: Homes

Homes encourages homeowners and gardeners to look at their gardens as more than a pretty place. Embrace a little messiness and a home garden can become a rich habitat for wildlife.

∞

Sensory Friendly

Quiet Space Sensory Bins

Photo of quite space sensory bin

This spot offers a quiet location with a sensory kit that includes a weighted blanket and soft sensory toys, among other items.

1819 Lenape Indian Camp

Trading Post

Learn how items in the trading post impact life in 1816. Be immersed in the stories from our fur trader and discover the economic and societal importance of fur. Learn more about the history of this building through our collections page.

1816 Lenape Indian Camp

Trading Post is ADA Accessible

Bark House (Hòkèsikaon)

Our Bark House is a traditional Lenape home made with saplings and bark. This home housed the trappers and tribe members that needed a place to stay while they were trading their furs with the trader.

1816 Lenape Indian Camp

Bark House is ADA Accessible.

Lifeways Cabin

Through arts, culture and social importance, discover what life was like as a Native American and white settler in 1816 Indiana. Learn more about the history of this cabin through our collections page.

1816 Lenape Indian Camp

1859 Balloon Voyage

Balloon Kiosk

Stop by the 1859 Balloon Voyage kiosk to learn more about the exhibit and purchase your tickets.

1859 Balloon Voyage

Balloon Kiosk is ADA Accessible.

Café on the common

Stop by the cafe for lunch or a sweet treat. The Cafe on the Common is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Hours:
Tuesday- Sunday: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

Full menu is available from 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Snack menu is available 3 p.m.– 5 p.m.

View the Menu

1859 Balloon Voyage Ride

Smiling Girl On A Balloon Ride Above The Corn Maze

Our 1859 Balloon Voyage is a testament both to the history of travel and how we understand and inspire innovation.

The 1859 Balloon Voyage is ADA Accessible.

1859 Balloon Voyage Exhibit

Child and parent at the Balloon Voyage exhibit

Explore the history and innovation of flight with the 1859 balloon voyage. Discover the story behind the first successful airmail delivery in the U.S. and how science and engineering helped transform transportation.

The 1859 Balloon Voyage Exhibit is ADA Accessible.

Welcome Center

Conner Prairie Store

Looking for period clothing for children, or unique Conner Prairie-made pottery and textiles? The Conner Prairie Store offers a wide range of Indiana-made food and gift items, including old-fashioned candy, jewelry, toys, games, books and more.

Open Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Conner Prairie Store is ADA Accessible.

Discovery Station

Discovery Station is a space for year-round fun for the whole family! Here you can create, climb, explore, play and pretend! Children develop their critical thinking and motor skills while playing and being their authentic selves at the same time. There is also a special area for infants to roll, crawl and investigate with toys and materials especially for them.

Discovery Station is ADA Accessible.

Anything Can Happen Art

In this space, we encourage guests of all ages to create art with whatever materials they wish without pressure of expectation or desired result. You can find Anything Can Happen Art inside Discovery Station.

Anything Can Happen Art is ADA Accessible.

Spark!Lab

Kids at spark!Lab

In Spark!Lab, we believe everyone is inventive. Everyday we provide opportunities for children and families to explore their inventive creativity—to create, innovate, collaborate, and problem solve— because these experiences empower kids to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed today and in the future.

Spark!Lab is ADA Accessible.

∞

Sensory Friendly

Quiet Space Sensory Bins

Photo of quite space sensory bin

This spot offers a quiet location with a sensory kit that includes a weighted blanket and soft sensory toys, among other items.

North/East Side of Property

Featherston Barn

barn patio

The perfect stage is set for a rustic chic wedding, reception or event. Rough-hewn posts and solid plank floors frame oversized barn doors that open onto a 2,000 square foot patio—ideal for outdoor ceremonies or pre-meeting cocktails.

Featherston Barn is ADA Accessible.

Ag Adventures Estridge Family Park

Stop by our accessible playground that provides a place to play for all children with all abilities alongside each other. This unique park is an impactful way Conner Prairie, in partnership with Unlimited Play, is working to deliver upon its commitment to provide engaging and individualized experiences for everyone.

Ag Adventure at Estridge Family Park is ADA Accessible.

Small Picnic Shelter

Enjoy a great view of our 1859 Balloon Voyage while gathering at our small picnic shelter. Children have the opportunity to play on the nearby Ag Adventures Playground and relax in the shade. This shelter is great for small gatherings and field trips.

Designated Picnic Area

Bring a sack lunch and eat at the Designated Picnic Area near the Welcome Center entrance. This is a public space and is open to all groups and visitors during normal operating hours. Sit back, relax and enjoy your lunch on the prairie.

Designated Picnic Area is ADA Accessible.

Hilltop Picnic Shelter

Enjoy a picnic on the prairie with a scenic view of our 1859 Balloon Voyage and an open field.

Hilltop Picnic Shelter is ADA Accessible.

Bayt Pavilion

This sheltered area is great for an enclosed picnic. Bayt is a three-sided pavilion that provides shelter from the elements and a fireplace for colder days and nights.

The Apple Store

Our delicious caramel apples are a fall favorite. Choose from a variety of treats including cider slushies, candies, doughnuts and a great selection of local gifts.

Closed for the season.

Learn more about our classes

Apple Store is ADA Accessible.

Trades Studio

Looking to learn a historic skill? At the Trade Studio guests can enhance a hobby and learn new skills like pottery, blacksmithing, leatherworking and so much more.

The Trades Studio is by appointment and class only.
Trades Studio is ADA Accessible.

Prairie House

Get the chance to enjoy an open window-lined meeting space that overlooks Conner Prairie’s wooded scenes. The Prairie House is great for large gatherings and is used for Adventure Camp.