Carmel Live

About

Conner Prairie is a history museum on the White River in Fishers. The grounds include 1836 Prairietown, the William Conner House, Lenape Camp, Animal Encounters and trails.

The newest part is the Museum Experience Center, a remodel of the old Welcome Center, which opened April 3, 2026. Inside are Power of Place, a multimedia walk through 22,000 years of local history; Wellspring, a play space with a 180-degree cinema; Torn: A Family Portrait, about the Conner families and the Lenape; and Spark!Lab, a hands-on invention space.

The 1859 Balloon Voyage is a tethered helium balloon that lifts up to 20 people as high as 370 feet, for 10 to 15 minutes. In summer, Kroger Symphony on the Prairie brings the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and tribute acts to the amphitheater.

History

William Conner married Mekinges, a daughter of Chief Anderson, in 1800. He was an interpreter on the 1818 treaty that forced Indigenous people, including his wife and children, out of central Indiana. His brick house was finished by 1823. Eli Lilly bought the land in 1934, restored the home and later deeded it to Earlham College. Prairietown opened in 1974, and Conner Prairie became an independent museum in 2005.

When to go

From November 3 to December 28, 2026, only the Museum Experience Center is open, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It closes November 26, December 24, December 25 and January 1. Hours after December 28 and the 2027 reopening of the grounds aren't posted.

A Merry Prairie Holiday runs 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on November 27 and 28, Fridays through Sundays from December 4 to 20, December 21 to 23 and December 26 to 28, 2026. In 2026 the balloon flew April 3 to November 1, and Symphony on the Prairie ran June 26 to September 6. The 2027 dates aren't posted.

Check today's hours →

Good to know

Only the outdoor grounds are closed for now, and the indoor center is open. Parking is free and the museum is cashless. The balloon needs general admission plus a ride ticket. Symphony tickets come through the orchestra's box office, (317) 639-4300.

Price

• Winter admission, adults and seniors (Nov. 3 to Dec. 28)$15
• Winter admission, ages 2 to 13 (Nov. 3 to Dec. 28)$10
• Children under 2Free
• A Merry Prairie Holiday, nonmembers (2026)$26
• A Merry Prairie Holiday, members (2026)$15
• Balloon ride, nonmembers age 13 and up, plus admission (2026 season)$19
• Balloon ride, nonmembers ages 2 to 12, plus admission (2026 season)$11

Admission is half price after 3 p.m. if you buy in person. Members get in free. Active duty, retired and veteran military get in free with a valid ID, and their spouse and children pay half. Access Pass holders pay $5. Prices for 2027 aren't posted yet.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of Conner Prairie. They can change, so check before you go.

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