Indianapolis Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
Have you ever wondered what life was like for some of the first Indiana settlers? Well, a trip to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time to experience life back in those early days. This living history museum recreates 19th -century life along the White River, with both indoor and outdoor engaging and interactive experiences.
With over 800 acres, the whole family can interact and explore the fields of science, history, nature, engineering, and technology. Conner Prairie is Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate. The Park provides a vast array of things to see and do while learning the history and culture of the early 1800s. Children will love the S.T.E.M. activity area in the Welcome Center.
The Park offers families many varied and unique experiences such as the Lenape Indian Camp, Prairie Town 1836, The William Conner House, animal encounters, the 1836 Civil War Journey, the 1859 Balloon Voyage, and much more. It is an outdoor extravaganza of period buildings and has exceptionally knowledgeable costumed staff eagerly waiting to answer any questions about life in 1836.
Conner Prairie has many demonstrations throughout the day to teach visitors about the daily prairie life, including rope making, pottery, carpentry, and animal care. A trip to the blacksmith’s shop and the loom room highlight their hard work and craftsmanship. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was awarded to Conner Prairie in December of 2010 in a ceremony held at the White House.
In 1934 wealthy pharmaceutical entrepreneur Eli Lilley purchased the property and the William Conner House; he restored the house and opened it to visitors. Lilly added many structures to the farm and by 1840 saw the addition of a still, a trading post, and a loom room. Lilly set up an endowment to ensure the Museum’s operation would continue and remain open to the public. The historic Museum expanded further, and the outdoor Prairietown was constructed. The Museum’s growth also brought increased attendance. Conner Prairie now welcomes approximately 450,000 guests annually.
The Welcome Center is home to the Discovery Station/Craft Corner indoor play area and “Create.Connect” (history and science exhibits). It is also home to the banquet hall and gift shop. The Discovery Center is for children up to 8 years of age, and it is where creativity and play rule the roost. Activities abound with climbing a tree-like structure, dressing up as a critter, reading in the book hive, and creating some one-of-a-kind experiments and crafts.
The Create.Connect is all about helping kids discover how science, technology, engineering, and math have a place in the history of Indiana. Industrious Hoosiers and their historical contributions are highlighted, such as building a windmill, using wind to keep an aircraft in flight, or designing your own invention in the patent office.
The Makesmith Workshop has seasonal theme changes but always allows children of all ages to participate in basic activities such as hammering a nail, molding a piece of metal, or sowing a button.
Animal Encounters is home to over 18 different farm animals, and using all five senses teaches visitors about various aspects of the farm and barn. Adults and children will experience sheep shearing, milking the cows and goats, and collecting the chicken eggs. Guests can get up and close with animals like horses, cows, goats, sheep, chickens, and ducks.
The William Conner House was built in 1823 and is thought to be one of the first brick buildings built in Indiana. It is a two-story Federal-style home on the west fork of the White River. William Conner became a wealthy fur trader, military scout, interpreter, politician, and founder of Hamilton County, Indiana. The home was used for political and community meetings, the circuit court, and the town post office. Guests can tour the house that is full of interactive and hands-on activities depicting home life in 1825.
Prairietown is a recreation of an 1836 pioneer community. Visitors walk outdoors to visit the blacksmith, doctor’s office, carpenter, schoolhouse, pottery shop, and inn. Guests are encouraged to select a character card at the entrance and play the role while in Prairietown. Guests who arrive early may get the chance to help with some morning chores and earn some coins to spend at Mr. Whitaker’s store. The costumed interpreters are happy to present first-person impressions of Prairietown residents and teach about early farm life.
The 1859 Balloon Voyage takes visitors on a 15 minute tethered balloon ride sailing as high as 377 feet. The Helium-filled 105-foot tall balloon can carry 20 passengers in its gondola. It holds the record as the world’s most giant tethered gas passenger balloon. There is an exhibit that teaches the historical use and technology of ballooning. There are evening and sunset trips for an extra-special ride while the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays at the Park.
The Lenape Indian Camp has recreated wigwams and a log cabin for the fur trade camp. Visitors learn of the life and culture of the Lenape Indians and their relationship with the American fur traders. Visitors may get the opportunity to participate in the daily tomahawk throw or making a traditional pendant or bracelet.
Conner Prairie holds a fantastic assortment of seasonal activities. Fall brings a harvest of fun-filled and even some spooky events such as a 160-foot corn maze, a scarecrow creating a contest, a festival of machines big and small, and a Halloween festival where the Headless Horseman rides again. A Merry Prairie Holiday with events such as Christmas Eve traditions of the 1800s; stroll through the glittering light displays, The North Pole Workshop (get a peek at Santa and his Elves), Kringle’s Carousel, and the Polar Bear Plunge, a 150-foot sledding hill.
“Conner Prairie is a unique historic place that inspires curiosity and fosters learning by providing engaging and individualized experiences for everyone.” this is Conner Prairie’s mission. It is an excellent place to step back in time, have some hand’s-on fun, and learn local history too.
Check out the Eiteljorg Museum which is in Indianapolis too.
Back Home – Excalibur Water Systems – Water Treatment & Purification in Indianapolis, IN
