About the Organization
Living history museum interpreting 19th-century Indiana life through immersive experiences. Costumed interpreters in historic buildings recreate 1836 prairie town and Civil War camp.
Collections and Exhibits
Spanning 800 acres of wooded property, Conner Prairie stands as one of the nation's most visited outdoor history museums and Indiana's first Smithsonian Affiliate. Founded by Eli Lilly in 1934, the museum preserves the historic William Conner home, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features several distinct historical areas where costumed interpreters bring the past to life through hands-on demonstrations of daily activities like cooking, pottery-making, woodchopping, and animal husbandry. Visitors are encouraged to participate in these authentic historical experiences throughout their journey.
Among the museum's most distinctive attractions is the 1859 Balloon Voyage, which holds the record as the world's largest tethered gas passenger balloon. Standing 105 feet tall and filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium, the balloon carries up to twenty passengers on 15-minute rides to heights of 377 feet, commemorating John Wise's historic 1859 airmail delivery from Lafayette to Crawfordsville. The museum also houses the Treetop Outpost, a unique four-story treehouse that invites visitors to explore nature through hands-on activities, and the 1863 Civil War Journey exhibit featuring Morgan's Raid with live action performances and interactive displays.
Special Programs and Conservation
Conner Prairie's Create.Connect initiative celebrates Hoosier innovation through year-round indoor exhibits exploring wind energy, early flight, rural electrification, and the space race of the 1950s and 1960s. The museum serves an important conservation role by maintaining heritage breed livestock including Arapawa goats, Tunis sheep, American rabbits, English Longhorn cattle, and Ossabaw hogs—breeds chosen to match historical descriptions of 19th-century Indiana farm animals. Recently designated as a Site of Conscience, Conner Prairie presents powerful Black history programming that traces the African American experience from pre-colonial Africa to present-day America through storytelling, multimedia, and immersive activities. The museum also hosts the beloved Symphony on the Prairie concert series featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, along with candlelight tours, seasonal events, and the monthly "Taste the Past" culinary program.
Plan Your Visit
Please check the organization's website for current hours, admission fees, and any special events or programs. Many historical societies offer guided tours, educational programs, and research services by appointment.
Getting Involved
Historical societies thrive on community support. Consider becoming a member, volunteering your time, or making a donation to support the preservation of local history. Many organizations also welcome donations of historical artifacts, photographs, and documents relevant to the area's heritage.
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