Enjoy the beauty of nature!
Find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the wonders of the natural world through the prairie and along the oxbow of the White River.
The Trails at Conner Prairie is approximately two miles long and is located on the grounds of Conner Prairie as a guest experience. Consisting of two pathways — a paved Prairie Trail and a more rugged, natural R.B. Annis Vista Trail — our wildlife-friendly trails provide discovery for everyone.
Get more out of your experience with our self-guided programs that serve as an enhancement to nature as you learn more about the plants, animals and people who historically and presently call this space home. Nature explorations, Forest Therapy and more, The Trails at Conner Prairie is a holistic experience.
The trails close one hour before the museum closes.
The Trails at Conner Prairie are supported by the Prairie Pathways Campaign. Thank you to all those who supported this campaign! For more information on the Prairie Pathways Campaign, click here.
| R.B. Annis Vista Trail |
|---|
| Take in the sights and sounds of the forest along this elevated, rugged trail. |
| Length: Approximately 2 Miles |
| Terrain: Gravel trail |
| Duration: 60 - 90 minutes |
| Prairie Trail |
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| Enjoy views across the prairie at ground level on this fully paved trail. |
| Length: Approximately 2 Miles |
| Terrain: Paved trail |
| Duration: 60 - 90 minutes |
Enjoy self-guided exploration
Self-guided programs, curated by our nature specialists, engage guests in various topics related to nature exploration and Conner Prairie. Just pick up a leaflet at any trailhead and begin your journey. These leaflets will provide information and/or invitations to engage with the nature and history surrounding you throughout the Trails. New programs will be provided throughout the season.
Mile markers are posted every one-tenth of a mile on both the Prairie and R.B. Annis Vista trails. Utilize the mile markers to determine how far you'd like to adventure around the trails.
2024 Events
March 30: Trails open house — Learn about the new Trails at Conner Prairie during our Trails Open House. Enjoy warm drinks and a make-your-own Trail Mix bar at Hilltop Pavilion while chatting with Conner Prairie staff about our new nature programs for 2024. Join our Nature Engagement Specialist for a guided stroll of the trails. This event is included with daily admission.
April 20: Earth Day — Honor Earth Day at Conner Prairie with nature-focused programs along the Trails. Meet community members focused on nature and conservation, take guided strolls along the trails with Conner Prairie staff and engage in playful invitations to connect with our beautiful planet. This event is included with daily admission.
May 11: Wellness in Nature — Give yourself the gift of time and space to be fully present and enjoy what nature can offer during our Wellness events at Conner Prairie. Join us for yoga at Featherston Barn and Forest Therapy along the trails. These are ticketed events.
June 14: Birds & Brews — Experience birds and their habitats by taking a guided bird walk along the Trails with Jeff Canada, owner & coffee roaster, of Wood Warbler Coffee located in Noblesville, IN. After strolling, enjoy a presentation on Smithsonian-certified bird friendly coffee. This is a ticketed event.
July 26-27: Water Explorations — On July 26, engage in water-related programs at Treetop Outpost and the shoreline of the White River. On July 27, enjoy a guided float of the river, experiencing exclusive access to the White River. Programs on July 26 are included with daily admission; purchase tickets for July 27 White River float.
August 10-11: Wildlife Weekend — Learn about the plants and animals who call Indiana home through conversations with local wildlife partners. Enjoy guided nature walks along the Trails at Conner Prairie, nature exploration at the Drifiting Studio and explore moths during an evening program at the Prairie House. Click here for details.
September 14: Bird Migration Walk — Join Amos Butler Audubon Society for an autumn bird walk along the Trails. Enjoy the beauty of migration as birds return south, resting among the trees, river, and prairie habitats at Conner Prairie. Some binoculars will be available to borrow; feel free to bring your own. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
October 5: Time with Trees (guided nature walk) — Join Conner Prairie staff for a stroll along the R.B. Annis Vista Trail. This tree stroll will focus on identification, history, science, and invitations to connect with trees through your senses. This event is included with daily admission.
October 27: Big Sit Birding Event — Join Indiana Audubon at Conner Prairie for a Big Sit as part of Birdability Week 2024. This free outing is open to everyone including beginner birders and families with small children. Join a guided bird outing along the paved Prairie Trail, or view birds along the trail from benches. This event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
Ongoing Events
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
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.
Black Birders Week
Save the Date! May 25 – May 31, 2025
Trail Certifications
The Trails at Conner Prairie has been designated as a Certified Sustainable Trail through Indiana Wildlife Federation. This program promotes trails in thriving habitat corridors that both people and wildlife can safely enjoy. As an IWF partner and environmental advocate, we provide educational opportunities, habitat protection, and sustainable trail maintenance.
Trail Reminders
- Trails close one hour before the museum closes.
- Please respect this space and the plants and animals who call this area home.
- Avoid interacting with natural wildlife.
- Refrain from damaging natural plant life.
- Dispose of any waste in appropriate receptacles.
- For your safety, please remain on marked pathways at all times and refrain from climbing, swimming, wading or fishing.
- Firearms and cigarettes (including e-cigs and vaping devices) are not permitted anywhere on Conner Prairie property, including the trails.
There are no restrooms along the trail.
In case of emergency or if assistance is needed, call 317-776-8774 and report the number on the trail marker nearest to your location. Trail markers are placed every 1/10 of a mile around the trail.
Nature Activities
Look Up!
From the trail, you may see all kinds of birds including hawks, woodpeckers, warblers, finches, sparrows, and even the occasional Bald Eagle.
Use your senses
Activate your senses as you stroll the Trails. Use your eyes, ears, hands, and nose to connect with the endless nature around you.
Animals all around
The Trails include forest, river, riparian, and prairie habitats, teeming with local wildlife. Look for evidence of deer, squirrels, birds, insects and chipmunks.
Get active on the prairie
If you walk the whole length of the Trails at Conner Prairie it is roughly 2 miles! It’s the perfect place on the Prairie to get a little exercise.
Borrow an adventure backpack
Borrow an Adventure Backpacks from Conner Prairie staff at Treetop. These are filled with tools to give you even more ways to discover nature.
Self-guided Programs
Pick up a leaflet at any trailhead and begin your journey. These leaflets will provide information and/or invitations to engage with the nature and history surrounding you.