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 |
|---|
| Enjoy views across the prairie at ground level on this fully paved trail. |
| Length: Approximately 2 Miles |
| Terrain: Paved trail |
| Duration: 45 - 75 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.
Explore Trails programs and events in 2025
(select the program below for more information)
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.
| Forest Therapy: Weekday Sessions | geared towards participants ages 16+ |
|---|---|
| Weekday sessions last 2.5 hours
May 22: 10 a.m. June 19: 9:30 a.m. July 24: 9:30 a.m. August 21: 9:30 a.m. September 18: 10 a.m. October 9 10 a.m. |  |
| Forest Therapy: Weekend Sessions | geared towards participants ages 16+ |
|---|---|
| Sessions last 2.5 hours
May 4: 10 a.m. July 27: 9:30 a.m. September 21: 10 a.m. |  |
| Forest Therapy: Weekend Sessions | family-friendly, geared towards participants ages 5+ |
| Sessions last 1.5 hours
June 22: 9:30 a.m. August 24: 9:30 a.m. October 5: 10 a.m. |  |
Forest Therapy: Weekday Sessions
Geared towards participants ages 16+
Weekday sessions last 2.5 hours.
May 22: 10 a.m.
June 19: 9:30 a.m.
July 24: 9:30 a.m.
August 21: 9:30 a.m.
September 18: 10 a.m.
October 9: 10 a.m.
Forest Therapy: Weekend Sessions
Geared towards participants ages 16+
Weekend sessions last 2.5 hours.
May 4: 10 a.m.
July 27: 9:30 a.m.
September 21: 10 a.m.
Forest Therapy: Weekday Sessions
Family Friendly, geared towards participants ages 5+
Weekend sessions last 1.5 hours.
June 22: 9:30 a.m.
August 24: 9:30 a.m.
October 5: 10 a.m.
Dates for 2025 coming soon
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.
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. A trail mix bar and cash bar will be available for the first 45 minutes of the event. The Trails stroll will last 60-75 minutes, concluding with a sunset viewing at Hilltop Pavilion.
Sunset Strolls: Thursday evenings in summertime
Dates and times vary to reflect the sunset
May 29: 6 p.m. Black Birders Week
June 26: 6:30 p.m. Civic Season
July 31: 6:30 p.m. Theme coming soon
August 28: 6 p.m. Theme coming soon
Find a deeper connection with nature as you explore the Trails at Conner Prairie on a guided stroll. Each stroll will focus on a different theme to build knowledge of, connection with, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Unless otherwise mentioned, these strolls will be led by members of the Conner Prairie Education team.
These wanders are free with admission and begin at the main entrance gate.
Weekday Wanders: Wednesdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Weekend Wanders: Select Saturdays from 10:30–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–1:30 p.m.
(*unless otherwise noted)
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.
Learn more about Nature and the Trails at conner Prairie through our blogs
Fostering nature programs to be intentionally inclusive
What is intentionally inclusive programming and why do we host these programs here at Conner Prairie? Historically, there’s been a lack of representation and diversity in most nature-based programs and…
Learn More about Nature and Sustainability at Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie stewards 1,046 acres of natural habitat and green space, including more than 6 miles of shoreline along the White River. Take a look at some of our education,…
Partnering to Protect the White River: Conner Prairie and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust
Pictured here: David Hillman, Senior Program Officer at Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, at Treetop Outpost. For 22 years, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust has provided more than $1.2…
Invading Nature: Exploring the Impact of Invasive Species
The story of Lenape indigenous peoples in Hamilton County and their displacement from their land by white settlers is familiar to visitors of Conner Prairie. But did you know that…
How our new experience, The Trails at Conner Prairie, impact the world around you
Time spent outside and in nature is unique and personal, just like each of us. In March of 2023, I shared my story of birding and invited guests to join…
Spending Time in Nature for Mental Health Awareness Month
Before I sat down to write today, I took a walk outdoors. I felt the sunshine on my face, heard and felt the whistle of the wind blowing through the…
Birding at Conner Prairie
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