What is Conner Prairie?
At Conner Prairie, you’ll find four themed historic areas to explore: Lenape Camp, Conner Homestead, 1836 Prairietown and 1859 Balloon Voyage. In each area "look, don’t touch" becomes "look, touch, smell, taste and hear” as you live history first-hand. Explore 200 beautiful, wooded acres and discover fun daily activities, themed days and exciting ways to experience the past with your family. Don’t miss the Animal Encounters Barn where you can get up close with your favorite farm friends!
Adventure awaits you inside the Welcome Center with Discovery Station, the year round play and learning area built just for kids. Create a masterpiece or two in Craft Corner, with new activities offered every week.
1816 Lenape Camp
Dance to the sound of the water drum and gourd rattle in Conner Prairie's earliest historic area. Experience the lives of the Lenape, or Delaware, Indians and strike a deal with the fur traders. Challenge your friends to the tomahawk throw and see who can hit the bullseye.
William Conner Homestead and Animal Encounters Barn
Peek into William Conner’s world when you visit his homestead, a treasured piece of Indiana history. Explore the first floor of central Indiana’s first brick home, where the fur trader and Indiana statesman lived with his family. Meet animals up close in the large timber-frame barn, see what's simmering in the Loom House, dip a candle and stroll through the heirloom gardens.
1836 Prairietown
Experience what life was like in 1836 Indiana when you visit Prairietown, a pioneer village bustling with activity. Jump in and help with chores, lend a hand to the town carpenter and feel the heat from the blacksmith’s forge! Try your hand at pioneer games or visit with the town folk and trade stories.
1859 Balloon Voyage
Discover one of the earliest chapters of aviation history at Conner Prairie’s newest historic experience, 1859 Balloon Voyage. Experiment with the science and technology of ballooning, then soar 350 feet above the landscape in a tethered, helium-filled balloon and see the world like John Wise did! For additional dimension to your balloon voyage, step into Museum Theater this summer to experience the story of John Wise and 19th century ballooning.
A New Exhibit - coming spring 2011
Conner Prairie will announce the details of an exciting new exhibit in the fall of 2010! The area known as Liberty Corner is currently under construction and will reopen in spring 2011 as a different time period and a whole new experience.