Log Barn
Pretend you're a farmer, and help unload hay or corn from the fields. Then, stroll through antique farm equipment and learn how it works.
Pennsylvania Bank Barn
When the horses aren't in the fields you can find them resting in the barn. Groom or pet them in their stalls; they always love visitors! If farming interests you, inquire about some of the historic techniques. Plus, kids can gather straw to jump in.
Zimmerman's Farm & Home
You're hired! The Zimmerman family is looking for a farm hand to join the family and help with all of the daily chores. Help milk the cows, pitch hay in the barn, make bread or plow the fields with draft horses. Come back again and again—every day is different.
District #2 School
Grab a slate and chalk and get ready for your lesson for the day! Mrs. Young will teach you and other students what school was like in rural 1886.
Cedar Chapel Covered Bridge
Pause a moment on the bright red bridge and listen to the frogs in the pond below. This bridge serves as the "time portal" between 1836 Prairietown and 1886 Liberty Corner. The bridge originally crossed Cedar Creek in DeKalb County, Indiana, and in 1972 it was moved to Conner Prairie. In 2001, it was preserved and restored for public use.
Theater Performances
Try out for the circus or meet a suffragette fighting for her right to vote at one of the scheduled theater performances. Each show is different—plan to see them all!
Farm Hands
Roll up your sleeves, the Zimmerman family needs help on the farm! Milk the cows, pitch hay in the barn, make bread or plow the fields with draft horses.
Barkers' Pottery Shop
Watch the Barker Family sculpt, throw and form the clay as they carry on the family tradition as potters. Discover how the family lives off the land season by season using their trade to get by.
Curtis' Blacksmith Shop & Home
Feel the heat from the forge as Mr. Curtis pounds out red-hot iron. The town blacksmith keeps busy molding hinges, hooks and horseshoes for other residents. Step into the Curtis home next door, too, to see what industrious project the family has undertaken for the day. Then, take a few minutes to play hoop and stick and other fun games with the Curtis children.
Whitaker's Store
Your dollars won’t work at this store! Visit Mr. Whitaker, the store owner, to see what currency is used in Prairietown. Scan the shelves for goods that were available to residents on the Indiana frontier.
Prairietown Schoolhouse
What is your favorite subject? Mr. Ferguson is your teacher for the day—come see which lesson he’s teaching, and learn something new while you’re there.
Dr. Campbell's Home
Doctor Campbell and his family are the founders of Prairietown and pillars of the community. Ask the doctor about early 19th–century medical procedures and practices. Peek into the bustling kitchen and learn how the hired hands help run this large household.
McClure's Carpenter Shop & Home
Listen for the latest town gossip and news from Mrs. McClure as she goes about her daily chores. Stroll out the back door and into the woodworking shop to learn what tools and techniques Mr. McClure is using to complete his current order.
Golden Eagle Inn
If travelers are looking for a place to stay while away from home, The Inn offers a hot meal and a warm bed! Place your belongings to reserve a bed space, then help the family with their daily chores.
Fentons' Home
Red, blue and orange are a few of the cornucopia of colors that Mr. Fenton uses to weave his intricate coverlets on the loom. Pick out your favorite pattern and place your order. Assist Mrs. Fenton with making tape or fulling a new blanket.
Sgt. Hasting's Cabin
Play a game of checkers with your friends and family, or lend a helping hand to the Hastings’ who are trying to get their cabin cleaned up.
Squatters' Cabin
Explore this cabin Dr. Campbell is trying to sell, then negotiate the price with him. Imagine what it would be like to live in Prairietown and what you would put in your house.
Hands-on Pottery
Pretend you’re a real Prairietown potter—practice on a kick–wheel, load the kiln and fill the bin.
Loom House
The loom workers are busy weaving, dyeing and spinning thread for their latest textile production. You may even get to jump in and help!
Conner House
Tour the homestead of William Conner, an early fur trader and member of the Indiana legislature. This historic structure was the first brick home in Hamiltion County. While visiting, you may run into a member of Conner's household staff or a fellow lawyer.
Conner Barn
Snuggle, hold, pet and groom your favorite furry friends at
Animal Encounters. Learn how to milk a cow or hear other interesting animal facts from Conner Prairie specialists. With new babies born every spring, you will usually see calves, lambs, chicks or kids!
Candle Dipping
Before electricity, candles lit the way. At the candle dipping shed, you can create your own candle from beeswax and tallow, and take the creation home. Try turning out the lights to see how pioneers work by the glow of the candle.
Trading Post
Bring your furs if you want to trade at the post! The shop owner, Duncan McKinnen, came to the White River country to trade with the Lenape Indians and he’s ready to do business with you.
Wigwams
From log cabins to traditional wigwams covered with bark or cattail leaf mats, the Lenape Indians had interesting homes. Duck into the wigwam and sit on the dirt floor to experience what life was like in a Lenape village.
Tomahawk Throwing Contest
Are you right on the mark when it comes to throwing? Sign up for the tomahawk competition at the Lenape Camp where kids can take turns trying for a bullseye.
Prairietown
Explore this exciting pioneer village and visit with the residents. Jump in and help with chores,
meet the animals and watch the blacksmith and potter in action!
Weekend Highlights
A New Family in Town
Sat. & Sun., August 30 & 31
Mon., September 1 (Open Labor Day)
A new family has arrived in Prairietown. Will they be welcomed or asked to leave?
Lydia’s Funeral
Sat. & Sun., September 13 & 14
Pay your respects to the Curtis family’s beloved friend, Lydia Hawkins.
Pottery Kiln Firing
Sat. & Sun., October 4 & 5
Watch the potters load the kiln, and then feel the heat as the flames dance around the pots.
James’ and Ada's Wedding
Sat. & Sun., October 11 & 12; 1:30 pm
Join Prairietown residents as they prepare for and celebrate Ada Noreen McClure’s and James Cox’s wedding. Stay for dancing and wedding cake!
Election Day in Prairietown
Sat. & Sun., October 25 & 26; 1:30 PM
The title of local Fence Inspector is up for grabs and every vote counts. Listen to the candidates debate, and then choose your favorite. Or put your name on the ballot.
Liberty Corner
Cross the covered bridge into 1886 and discover the rural community of Liberty Corner. Stop in at the local school and
attend class. Explore religious life and social issues of the day in the Quaker meeting house. And, don't leave town
without calling on the Zimmermans at their Victorian-era farmhouse. Mrs. Zimmerman loves to entertain in her parlor
and Mr. Zimmerman's always looking for an extra hand at chore time!
Weekend Highlights
A Farm Wedding
Sat. & Sun., August 23 & 24; 1:30 pm
Two of Mr. Zimmerman’s farm hands are tying the knot, but will religion get in their way? The bride’s parents refuse to attend the ceremony, so Mr. Zimmerman will give her away instead.
Cornfield Treasure Hunt
Sat. & Sun., September 6 & 7
Search for hats, shoes, cups and more in the ready-to-harvest cornfield.
Country Fair
Sat., September 20; 10 am-5 pm
Sun., September 21; 11 am-5 pm
It’s a 19th-century farm fair extravaganza! Step into the mysterious Tent of Wonders, check out antique tractors, shop at the Country Market, go for a ride on a hay wagon and try tons of delicious festival goodies.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Sat. & Sun., October 18 & 19; 1 pm
Celebrate the centennial of baseball’s unofficial anthem, composed by Indianapolis native Albert Von Tilzer. Cheer on your favorite historic team, or take the field with them.
Conner Homestead
Explore the first floor of what is likely the first brick home in central Indiana. Find yourself face
to face with William Conner's business partner as he prepares for a court case.
Or maybe help the hired woman with chores.
New! See the whole house by signing up for a free tour. A costumed host leads the way at 2 and 4 pm daily.
You'll learn about the home's history, architecture and owners.
Don't forget to explore the outside, too! Check out the large timber-frame barn, see what's simmering in the Loom
House, dip a candle and stroll through the heirloom gardens.
Museum Center & Clowes Common
The Museum Center is the perfect place for an introduction to Conner Prairie and a look back at history!
Acquaint yourself with the 19th century by browsing the indoor exhibits and viewing the orientation film.
Talk to a Conner Prairie representative about how to make the most of your visit.
Discovery Station
Play, learn and discover in this kid-sized town. Run the local store, sell a ticket at the train station,
try on fun costumes and much more. Non-stop, indoor action for toddlers and up.
See more about Discovery Station.
Craft Corner
Create your own masterpiece and take it home. You might make a coil pot, covered wagon, dress a paper
doll with historic clothing, spin a bowl with a professional potter, make a puppet and more.
Activities vary daily and some require an additional fee.
The Museum Center also houses
The Eatery, the
Museum Shop,
Guest Services, banquet facilities and meeting rooms. It is also the departure location for behind-the-scenes tours, which
provide an inside look at Conner Prairie areas such as the collections storage areas and historic
clothing departments.