Conner Prairie - Fishers, IN - A History Museum in Central Indiana

Conner Prairie located in Fishers, Indiana mixes the past with the present for a highly interactive learning experience for students of all ages. The namesake of Conner Prairie was William Conner a wealthy landowner and business man. His mansion in disrepair after years of neglect was resurrected in the 1930's by Eli Lilly. Then in 1970 Myron Vourax developed it to the innovative place it is today.

The park is the only Smithsonian member in the state of Indiana. Conner Prairie's philosophy of learning is a complete interactive approach with all the senses: taste, touch, smell, feel and listen involved. The park stretches for 200 acres with 5 major areas with specific historic themes. The welcome center is the perfect introduction to Conner Prairie. A short film depicting the layout of the prairie, interactive activities, an all day craft corner and helpful staff members will set the visitor on the right path to the Conner Prairie experience. Liberty Corner is a replica farm community where the Zimmerman's live. The community has a baseball field, Log Barn, Bank Barn, Zimmerman House and Barn, a schoolhouse, and Cedar Chapel Covered Bridge. Lenape Camp is an historic Indian Village consisting of an overlook, trading post, wigwam, storyteller's cabin and tomahawk throwing contest. The sounds of the water drum and gourd rattle is heard throughout the camp. Prairietown is a replica pioneer town. The town consists of Barker's Pottery Shop, Curtis' Blacksmith Shop and Home, Conner House Garden and Overlook, Loom House, Sgt. Hastings' Cabin, Whitaker Store, School House, Dr. Campbell's' Home, Gregory's Home, McClure's Carpenter Shop and Home, Cabin For Sale, Golden Eagle Inn, and Animal Encounter Barn. The Conner Homestead is located in Prairietown and daily tours of the house are offered. 1859 Balloon Voyage is located in the center of the prairie. The flight school has a comprehensive history of the technology and development of hot air balloon science. Visitors may experience the hot air balloon firsthand just like John Wise did in 1859 while soaring 350 feet above the prairie.

Conner Prairie has several education based programs based on age ranges. Learn and Do offers weaving, pottery, blacksmithing basics and knife making, and holiday ornament decoration. Prairie Tykes is a program targeted for 2-5 year old age range. The amazing race through time is a fun competition between families as they compete to survive the 19th century lifestyle. Challenges consist of setting traps, starting fires, and building fences. Each family team will experience unexpected obstacles along their journey and the winner of the three day race gets a free pass to the Balloon Voyage. The Girl Scouts offer a prairie patch program where girls can earn a badge completing pioneer chores. Science Saturdays explores natural phenomena such as weather related activities, the science of soil and understanding pioneer life from a scientific view. Conner Prairie Baseball lets visitors experience Baseball as it was in the early 19th century. The Conner Prairie 1886 Baseball Club plays exhibition games through the season. The Lyceum Adult Lecture Series speak on historical topics and are held on the grounds of Conner Prairie. Conner Prairie is located at 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Indiana, 46038. Phone 800-966-1836 or 317-776-6006. Email: info@connerprairie.org .