Conner Prairie

Update: Online registration to Adventure Camp has been restored.

Because of this disruption, we are extending pre-sale registration for PLUS-level members and up until Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m. Please continue to check the registration page, as registration will continue once it is back up and running. Basic Member and non-member registration is expected to be available beginning Tuesday, January 16. We apologize for the inconvenience this disruption has caused you and your families.

"Indiana Corn Marketing Council’s commitment to Conner Prairie" https://www.connerprairie.org/donor-spotlight-indiana-corn-marketing-council/

"The Indiana Corn Marketing Council is a statewide organization that strives to enhance the value of corn for Indiana corn farmers. The Council educates the public about agriculture, promotes new uses for corn to accelerate demand, supports sustainable farming practices, and more... In 2023, the Council became a sponsor of Conner Prairie, specifically of our first-ever Corn to Cocktail series, which explored corn-based spirits. At each event, guests learned about bourbon, vodka, gin or rye—investigating how the spirit is made from corn, where it originated, and other interesting history. Plus, guests got to make two delicious cocktails!"

Read more about the Indiana Corn Marketing Council's involvement with Corn to Cocktail: https://www.connerprairie.org/donor-spotlight-indiana-corn-marketing-council/

Tickets are going fast for Corn To Cocktail 2024! Purchase now: https://www.connerprairie.org/corn-to-cocktail/

During each hands-on session, we’ll explore a different corn-based spirit, investigate Hoosier corn provision and walk you through some basic bartending skills while mixing up two cocktails with fascinating histories.

2024 Dates:

🥃 March 14 — Bourbon SOLD OUT
🌽 April 18 — Vodka SOLD OUT
🍸 May 9 — Gin
🌾 July 18 — Rye
🍹 August 28 — Historical Punches SOLD OUT

Conner Prairie has been a cornerstone of the community for 50 years! 🏡

When Prairietown was established in 1974, the Conner Prairie our community knows and loves today started to come to life. The museum has continued to grow and offer numerous programs to serve the community over the past five decades.

Today, as we reflect on 50 years of service, we are sharing 50 commitments Conner Prairie is making to create a bolder impact for guests. Inspired by our mission and vision, the 50 commitments will be anchored in our heart for the past, head for the present and eye to the future.

The 50 commitments will be shared throughout 2024. Discover more: https://www.connerprairie.org/50-commitments/

Save-the-date: 2024 Adventure Camp registration opens at 9AM on 1.10 for PLUS-level Members and up and Access Pass! Registration opens for Members and Non-Members, 1.11.

Purchase / upgrade your membership now for early access! https://www.connerprairie.org/support/membership/

Discover more: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/camps/camps/adventure-camp/

Due to renovations to our Welcome Center, registration for Adventure Camp will be available online only. While we will be available by phone, please note that due to the volume of calls, you may experience long wait times.

Our best-loved summer activities are returning along with new ways to immerse yourself in nature, including The Trails at Conner Prairie, exploring the north woods and the outdoor mud kitchen, GaGa Pit and tetherball.

Conner Prairie ❤️'s 🐦 🕊 🦃 🦅's

Nature lovers, bird lovers, and bird watchers across the country annually recognize National Bird Day on January 5th. At Conner Prairie we are honored to steward over 1,046 acres of land where over 140 species of birds can be spotted throughout the year! We wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of our winged friends. What bird do you ❤️ the most?

Beginning this spring we invite you to explore more of Conner Prairie when our new trail system opens. The Trails at Conner Prairie will activate 200+ acres of the prairie and 3.3 miles of the White River through natural and paved trails and experience areas! Discover more: https://www.connerprairie.org/prairie-pathways-campaign/

"What motivates you to spend time outside? Perhaps it’s a sunny day and you want to take a walk with friends or family. It could be that you’ve been spending time on your computer and are granting yourself a screen time break. Maybe you are drawn to fresh air and consider yourself the 'outdoorsy' type. Time spent outside and in nature is unique and personal, just like each of us. For me, it’s the birds who draw me outside." — Michelle Morton, Nature Engagement Specialist at Conner Prairie.

BLOG: Birding at Conner Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/birding-at-conner-prairie/

Picture this, Prairietown, but it's winter! ❄️ ❄️ ❄️

2 weeks from today (1.18) we invite you to join us for special programming highlighting the beauty of winter! Winter on the Prairie is a one-of-a-kind way to experience everything Conner Prairie has to offer.

Grab your boots and mittens as you journey across acres of nature to explore. Discover the tranquility and beauty that can only be found after a fresh snow. Then, join the residents of Prairietown and warm up by the hearth as you take in the smells of the food on the fire. Make new friends as you learn how winter was embraced with parlor games and time spent indoors with friends and family — much like it is today.

Looking for a place to play? Check out our two indoor play spaces featuring elements of Discovery Station and special programming that celebrate creativity and play!

Step into the Story this Winter and experience more with Winter on the Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/ Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday.

🌟 Ready to elevate your career? 🚀 Don't miss the chance to connect with Conner Prairie recruiters at the Indy Pride Career Fair on Tuesday, January 9th, from 5P - 8P.

🌈 Explore exciting opportunities with us and other fantastic companies! 🤝🔍

Visit https://indypride.org/event/career-fair/ for more details and secure your spot. Let's make strides together! 💼✨

More jobs at: https://www.connerprairie.org/join-our-team/

Reminder: applications to join the Conner Prairie Youth Volunteer Program are due on Friday, January 5, 2024.

Young people ages 10-18 can interact with the public as costumed characters and in modern uniform. Opportunities range from caring for baby farm animals, spinning wool, setting up play invitations in Treetop Outpost, teaching Lenape games, helping with summer camp, and much much more!

Apply now: https://www.connerprairie.org/support/get-involved/youth-volunteer/

The application can be submitted through the website, emailed to [email protected], or submitted through postal service postmarked January 5, 2024.

We are looking forward to seeing those applications!

Huzzah!! Happy New Year! 🎊

Wishing all our staff, volunteers, donors, members, visitors, partners, supporters and friends all the best in 2024!

Join us beginning 1.18 for Winter on the Prairie! ❄️ ❄️ ❄️ Special programming will be available, highlighting the beauty of winter! 1.18 - 3.24, Thursday - Sunday, 10A - 3P: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

100 days away from the total solar eclipse... we're excited!! 🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕

We're 💯 days away from witnessing an out-of-this world experience—the total solar eclipse! The Conner Prairie Eclipse Festival will shine a light on the great wonders and science of space! On April 8, 2024, our festival grounds will transform into a haven of wonder and delight. Indulge your senses as you take in live performances from musical acts, dance companies and enlightened talks from renowned experts who will shed light on the science behind this mesmerizing event.

Discover more and purchase your tickets: https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/product/275

Looking to enhance your Total Solar Eclipse experience this coming April 8? The VIP Solar Eclipse Soirée begins at 9:30AM, 30 minutes prior to our festival opening, and will continue until 5:30! https://www.connerprairie.org/solareclipse2024/

Looking to get more information about the Eclipse and upcoming details? Text ECLIPSE to 317-779-3330

Looking back at 2023 we wanted to highlight the success of our Prairie Pathways Campaign. 🙌

The Prairie Pathways Campaign will provide funding for a renovation of the current Welcome Center to become a true Museum Experience Center beginning February 2024. More than $40 million in philanthropic support to the Prairie Pathways Campaign since 2018 has helped not only fund the transformation of the Museum Experience Center, but other capital projects including the museum’s newest exhibit, Promised Land as Proving Ground, and the Trails at Conner Prairie, both set to open Spring of 2024.

Discover more about the parts of our Prairie Pathways Campaign: https://www.connerprairie.org/prairie-pathways-campaign/

• Museum Experience Center Transformation: https://www.connerprairie.org/museum-experience-center-transformation-faqs/

• Promised Land as Proving Ground: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/experiences/promisedlandasprovingground/

• Trail System: https://www.connerprairie.org/nature

Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday. Discover more about Winter on the Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/ During this time guests can participate in activities throughout the grounds including Prairietown and the William Conner House.

Conner Prairie Announces $33 Million Museum Experience Center Transformation: https://www.connerprairie.org/conner-prairie-announces-33-million-museum-experience-center-transformation/

Looking back at 2023 we wanted to highlight our Heritage Breeds Program. 🐑 🐐 🐄 🐇 🐖

At Conner Prairie, we are passionate about agriculture and determined to keep the history of our land and historic breeds alive by showcasing how they contribute to our community, state, nation and the world.

Discover more about Heritage Breeds at Conner Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/agriculture-at-conner-prairie/ -breeds

You can experience Animal Encounters at Bayt Pavilion this winter with Winter on the Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/ Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday.

Looking back at 2023 we wanted to highlight 200 years of the William Conner House. 🏘️

Built 200 years ago (1823) and newly restored for the Indiana Bicentennial, the Conner House is an immersive experience unlike any other.

Discover more about the William Conner House at Conner Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/experiences/william-conner-house/

You can experience the William Conner House at wintertime with Winter on the Prairie: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/ Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday.

Photo 1: William Conner House in the winter.
Photo 2: From the Conner Prairie Museum Archives. 09.01.1938_Conner House
Photo 3: William Conner House 1973.

Merry Christmas from Conner Prairie! 🐮🐮🎄🐮🐮

Pictured are our Randall Linebacks, they’ve had a busy season helping Santa deliver goodies to all!*

Kickstart your winter at Conner Prairie! ❄️❄️❄️ Beginning 1.18 special programming highlighting the beauty of winter will begin! Winter on the Prairie is a one-of-a-kind way to experience everything Conner Prairie has to offer. Grab your boots and mittens as you journey across acres of nature to explore. Discover the tranquility and beauty that can only be found after a fresh snow. Then, join the residents of Prairietown and warm up by the hearth as you take in the smells of the food on the fire. Make new friends as you learn how winter was embraced with parlor games and time spent indoors with friends and family — much like it is today. Looking for a place to play? Check out our two indoor play spaces featuring elements of Discovery Station and special programming that celebrate creativity and play!

Discover more: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

*Our older Linebacks, Flint and Steel, are to the left of the tree and our younger Linebacks are to the right of the tree!

Presenting a 2 for 1: We've all heard of Elf on a Shelf... but have you heard of...

"Trinket helps prepare, Santa’s rare red chair." or "Trinket adjusts Frosty’s light, to keep A Merry Prairie Holiday running right"...? 🧝 Which one do you prefer, he needs to know for his elf profile leading into the big day.

A Merry Prairie Holiday continues for two more nights, 12.21 & 12.22, 5:30P - 9:30P. Get your tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/

Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330.

A Merry Prairie Holiday Access Pass Sponsor Huntington Bank.

Special thanks to our Supporting Sponsor: The William G. Pomeroy Foundation.

Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday. See what you'll experience: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

🚨 New Blog Alert 🚨 ‘The Impact of the Youth Leadership program’: https://www.connerprairie.org/the-impact-of-the-youth-leadership-program/

“Our family has volunteered well over 10,000 hours at Conner Prairie. While that may seem like our gift to Conner Prairie, in reality, Conner Prairie has given our family invaluable lessons and memories that will last a lifetime.” –Amy Kalscheur

"If anyone feels the impact of Conner Prairie’s Youth Leadership Program, it’s the Kalscheur family. From Indianapolis, Mike and Amy have eight kids, and each one has served as a Youth Volunteer at Conner Prairie."

Written by Erin Silcox, Senior Manager of Annual Fund and Donor Relations at Conner Prairie

We are currently accepting submissions from youth ages 10-18 for our 2024 Youth Volunteer program! The deadline is January 5, 2024. Apply now online: https://www.connerprairie.org/support/get-involved/youth-volunteer/

We've all heard of Elf on a Shelf... but have you heard of "Trinket has always wondered why he’s not star, of this overly giant Conner Prairie postal card"...? 🧝

A Merry Prairie Holiday is tonight, 5:30P - 9:30P. Get your tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/

Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330. A Merry Prairie Holiday runs 11.24 - 12.17, 21, 22. (Friday - Sunday, 5:30P – 9:30P).

Upcoming ASL Night: 12.16. Tours starting at 6P, 7P, and 8P. Purchase Tickets: https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/product/212/ Special thanks to Luna Language Services.

A Merry Prairie Holiday Access Pass Sponsor Huntington Bank.

Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday. See what you'll experience: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

Have you ever visited the “dugout canoe” in our Lenape Indian Camp? 🛶 This canoe is a facsimile of an actual canoe discovered in the “horseshoe bend” of the White River in November of 1964 by Clay Kinsey (a resident of the Frank Levinson Farm).

Kinsey reported the find to the Hamilton County Historical Society, who thought the canoe would be a perfect fit for Conner Prairie’s Collection, were it resides to this day!

The canoe is believed to be from the early 19th century and was most likely used by white fur traders. The original canoe is 24’ long, weighs nearly 2000 pounds, and is made of tulip poplar. The canoe was excavated and conserved in 1965 by Earlham College. It was on display at the Indiana State Museum until the 1990s, when it was returned to Conner Prairie where it now sits happily in the Collection. Due to its fragile condition, it cannot be put on display without being completely encased.

Descendants of Forest Beaver, owner of the land where the canoe was originally discovered, visited recently to see the amazing piece of history that was dug up from their grandfather’s property nearly 60 years ago. Sally Knopp, Debbe Beaver, and Susie Crandall all visited their grandfather’s farm often. Sally even remembers seeing the canoe – still half-buried in the mud of the White River – when she was around 3 years old.

Learn more about this canoe in our Collections: Story Through Objects series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSdwVBPe14o

We've all heard of Elf on a Shelf... but have you heard of "Trinket Puddingmoon playing with an old wooden loom"...? 🧝 Come on, these can't all be winners!

A Merry Prairie Holiday continues tonight, 5:30P - 9:30P. Get your tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/

Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330. A Merry Prairie Holiday runs 11.24 - 12.17, 21, 22. (Friday - Sunday, 5:30P – 9:30P).

Upcoming ASL Night: 12.16. Tours starting at 6P, 7P, and 8P. Purchase Tickets: https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/product/212/ Special thanks to Luna Language Services.

A Merry Prairie Holiday Access Pass Sponsor Huntington Bank.

Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday. See what you'll experience: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

We've all heard of Elf on a Shelf... but have you heard of "Trinket out standing on the ridge, of an old, covered, lit-up bridge"? 🧝

A Merry Prairie Holiday is back tonight, 5:30P - 9:30P, and Trinket Puddingmoon (EA to Santa) is here to audit the Naughty or Nice list. See where you stand and stay tuned for more soft rhyme's... Get your tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/

Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330. A Merry Prairie Holiday runs 11.24 - 12.17, 21, 22. (Friday - Sunday, 5:30P – 9:30P).

Upcoming ASL Nights: 12.9 and 12.16. Tours starting at 6P, 7P, and 8P. Purchase Tickets: https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/product/212/ LUNA Language Services.

A Merry Prairie Holiday Access Pass Sponsor Huntington Bank.

Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday. See what you'll experience: https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

Save the Date: 2024 Adventure Camp registration opens January 10 at 9AM for PLUS-level members and up, as well as a limited number of Access Pass registrants. All member and nonmember registration begins January 11 at 9AM 🛶 With the upcoming Welcome Center transformation, registration will be available online only.

Discover more: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/camps/camps/adventure-camp/

Are you ready for an action-packed summer? Our 2024 Adventure Camp returns weekly, May 28 through August 2.

Not a member yet? By becoming a member, you get access to early registration (PLUS level and up) and discounted camp fees. Membership does not guarantee a spot in Adventure Camp. If you have not created an account online, you can easily do so here: https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/register

Adventure Camp is a great way for campers, ages 5 to 13, to explore Conner Prairie's natural habitat while engaging in activities that enhance skills and create meaningful and lasting connections.

Hanukkah begins this evening, December 7 and runs through Friday, December 15, 2023. 🕎

Come learn how a Jewish family celebrated the holiday in 1836 during A Merry Prairie Holiday. See how different Prairietown families celebrated this season: https://www.connerprairie.org/explore/things-to-do/merry-prairie-holiday/

Get updates about the festival by texting MERRY to 317-779-3330. A Merry Prairie Holiday runs 11.24 - 12.17, 21, 22. (Friday - Sunday, 5:30P – 9:30P).

Upcoming ASL Nights: 12.9 and 12.16. Tours starting at 6P, 7P, and 8P. Purchase Tickets: https://connerp.ticketapp.org/portal/product/212/

Save the date: Winter on the Prairie begins 1.18 from 10A - 3P, Thursday through Sunday. See what you'll experience! https://www.connerprairie.org/winter-on-the-prairie/

Get your tickets now for Corn To Cocktail 2024! 🍹 🥃 🍋 🍸https://www.connerprairie.org/corn-to-cocktail/

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Corn To Cocktail sessions! This holiday season, make it a double by purchasing tickets for yourself and gift the budding home-mixologist in your life a session, too!

During each hands-on session, we’ll explore a different corn-based spirit, investigate Hoosier corn provision and walk you through some basic bartending skills while mixing up two cocktails with fascinating histories.

Tickets are available for those 21 and up. Purchase Tickets: https://www.connerprairie.org/corn-to-cocktail/

This program is made possible through the support of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council.