Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes | Dining Options | Red Hat Programs | Youth Group Adventures
Connect with your group by sharing in one of our exciting group programs—some in air-conditioned comfort! Topics are tailored to fit your group. Choose from
- Heirloom gardening
- Antique artifacts
- Textiles and more!
You and your group will take part in an interactive, one hour presentation on the topic of your choice. Also enjoy access to the Conner Prairie Store and the indoor exhibit area. Schedule your indoor or outdoor program anytime during general admission hours, depending on your program selection, group size and availability. Top off your day with a tasty group meal. Reservations are required.
$7.50/person (15 person minimum)
Behind-the-Scenes Programs
Conner Prairie now offers “behind-the-scenes” special interest programs exclusive to groups! One hour programs and tours, hosted by a member of our staff, can be scheduled anytime during regular operating hours and may be presented in our Welcome Center or throughout the historic areas, depending on the program.
$7.50/person
(15 person minimum, 25 person maximum unless noted)
Reservations are required.
Add a visit to our outdoor historic areas and explore at-your-own-pace (group rate of $9.50/person), and to complete your day, a group meal or lunch on your own in The Overlook Room can be combined with any program.
Live Like Lincoln
In 2009 we celebrate the Lincoln Bicentennial with a fun-filled, interactive program. Choose any four of these activities for your group: writing with quill and ink, dipping a candle, mustering with the militia, using a surveyor chain, building a split rail fence, keeping the books at the general store and going to school.
(50 person maximum)
Museum Theater: Stories of the Past
Visit with a 19th-century “mad scientist,” try out for the circus at the Tent Show or select from one of several other zany and entertaining vignettes.
(50 person maximum)
Threads of Time: Historic Textiles
Learn how textiles were produced in the 19th century and watch the fascinating processes of spinning, weaving, and dyeing. Examine quilts and coverlets of the past.
(50 person maximum)
19th-Century Clothing: 100 Years of Fashion
Chat with Conner Prairie's historic clothing coordinator and get up to speed on the changing fashions of the 1800s. Discover how we bring these styles to life in our historic areas. Attention Red Hatters: A special program is available on hats!
(50 person maximum)
Home-Grown History: Heirloom Gardening
Explore our gardens and discover flowers, herbs and vegetables of the 19th century. Select a guided tour of the Conner House garden devoted to flowers and herbs, or discover the vegetable and medicinal gardens of 1836.
What Is That? Artifact Identification
Become a historical private eye and try to determine the usage of selected artifacts from our collections. Lift, touch and examine each item. Find the true nature of each object and learn how it was actually used.
50 person maximum
Restoration Tour: Conner House
The Conner House is one of only two 19th-century buildings original to Conner Prairie and the only one we know for certain that was built by William Conner. Learn about the restoration of the home and discover intriguing facts about Conner Prairie’s preservation process.
You Choose: Create Your Own Program
Can't find a topic that meets your needs? Just let us know your group's special interest, and we'll work with you to tailor a program just for you!
Let us plan the perfect day for you and your group. Email grouptours@connerprairie.org, call 317.776.6000 or 800.966.1836 or fax 317.776.6243.
If you are looking for school tour information, please call Guest Services at 317.776.6006 or 800.966.1836, or see our field trip page.