Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage, having lifted over 190,000 passengers 377 feet up in the air, is one of only four tethered helium balloons in the whole country and is the only one in the world to put balloon flight into a historical context. Photo credit: Ryan Ahlwardt / Conner Prairie.

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is a nationally acclaimed living history museum in Fishers, Indiana, which preserves the William Conner home. The outdoor museum – listed on the National Register of Historic Places – recreates 19th-century life along the White River and aims to inspire curiosity and foster learning about Indiana. Recently named a Site of Conscience, Conner Prairie is lauded for connecting past struggles to today’s human rights movements.

Created by Eli Lilly in 1934, Conner Prairie combines history with science and encourages visitors to explore Indiana’s natural and cultural heritage via several historically themed, indoor and outdoor experience areas throughout its 800 acres of wooded property.

The park is named after – and built around the former home of – William Conner (1777 – 1855), who was a prominent trader, interpreter, military scout, community leader, entrepreneur, and politician who founded Hamilton County, Indiana in 1823. Conner’s legacy is born out of important trading relations that he – along with his brother, John – established with the Native Americans along the west fork of the White River in the early 1800s.

Among the experiences available to guests at Conner Prairie include the William Conner House, one of Indiana’s first brick homes – built in 1823 – where you can learn the story of William Conner; Makesmith Workshop, which explores the fundamentals of creating through hands-on activities; Animal Encounters, where you can feed, pet, play with, and learn about livestock; 1836 Prairietown, where you can be taken back in time to experience a bustling community from many years ago; Lenape Indian Camp, which allows you to learn Lenape Indian customs; 1863 Civil War Journey, which allows you to experience Hoosier life during the Civil War; Treetop Outpost, a four-story treehouse that enables you to connect with nature; and many, many more.

Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The museum also hosts several programs and events, including outdoor performances by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and summer camps.

Conner Prairie is also a Blue Star Museum, and as such offers free admission to current military members and veterans, as well as discounts to their family members; in addition, the museum also offers discounts for families who are receiving public assistance.

To find out more, please visit https://www.connerprairie.org.

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
13400 Allisonville Road
Fishers, IN 46038
(317) 776-6000
https://www.connerprairie.org

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