Conner Prairie

My family visited for merry prairie. We went on the weekend before Christmas, Saturday night and it was busy, as to be expected. The lines for everything were pretty long. I wish they had more of the old time buildings open and actors. There were a few open, but that's it. My kids enjoyed the tube slides and all of the lights the most. The lights were pretty impressive! They tried the sock skating but weren't impressed. All in all we had a nice experience.

I came here as a kid in 4th grade and loved it. I also came a few years ago and had a good time. My family has been wanting to visit so we went today. I'm not sure if it's because it's a weekend or what, but there were many live actors, and a lot of the employees were sitting there on their phones just scrolling and admitted they were just filling in. I think during field trip times they often have a lot more activities and demonstrations. When we went there was not much going on. The actors who were working did a great job and provided info. They also used to have a nice civil war area and now there is really nothing over there except a splash pad. Also no gift shop as the main building is under renovation. I'd probably hold off suggesting people visit as it's $25 until all the construction is done and changes are made. I understand needing to make changes to keep up with times, but it's a shell of what I remember.

I've been to Conner Prairie numerous times and always enjoyed being transported back into the early days of colonization. They have an old school house, a chapel, a covered bridge, wells to pump your own water, Dutch ovens cooking over fireplaces. Plus, authentic costumes that would be so hot to wear in the summer that's for sure. A Blacksmith, leather and goods, and I remember being able to throw a tomahawk and making it stick to the tree not once but twice. It was fun. They also have a few wigwams to explore. They're neat in person. They have a huge hot air balloon that's tethered to the ground that's really fun. You can see all the way to downtown Indianapolis from up in the air in Fishers. The Headless Horseman event throughout the fall is awesome. Nothing like being on a tractor in the middle of the woods and hearing and then seeing the Headless Horseman riding alongside your tractor with a sword. I loved how they played the old Legend of Sleepy Hallow on a loop during that event. I love that movie! The tubing slides were also fun. The Apple Store never disappoints with the freshly made caramel apples, hot apple pies, and cups and cups of apple cider slushies. I love historical things and places like this. So, going into the gift shops is always fun also. Lots to see and choose from.

I visited Conner Prairie for the Symphony on the Prairie Star Spangled Symphony over the 4th of July holiday. It was a lovely evening filled with an impressive musical performance, historical reenacters, incredible fireworks and even live cannon shots during the performance of the 1812 Overture! I loved getting to pack a picnic and it was very easy to find space on the lawn with a good view of the stage. My partner and I arrived an hour and a half before the performance started to find a spot, enjoy our picnic and soak up the beautiful summer evening. It was so cool to look out on the prairie land behind the stage during the show and I thought the production value of the performance was great. Parking was easy and it only took 20 min to exit the venue - quicker than average! Can't wait to go back for another show this summer.

We'd been looking forward to the Broadway night at Symphony on the Prairie for several weeks. We decided to try and get seats in the Sunset lounge just to see what it was like over on the hill. It was the best choice ever. The weather was perfect and so was the parking since those tickets included a parking pass very near our seats. The seats were comfy and gave you a choice of an Adirondack or a soft seat or couch. All seats had a table nearby. They had cocktails and soft drinks available on site and also they sold charcuteries, chicken salad, and a dessert tray. We had cocktails and a charcuterie which was more than enough for two. There were restroom trailers right behind the lounge so we didn't have to go far for that. Getting out after the show was a breeze. Think we may try these seats again.

I didn't take a lot of pictures, but, I have to say that Conner prairie has really upped their game in the amount of activities and fun for children that they offer! We hadn't been in about three years and just went for the first time today after a trunk or treat event. There is now a three story treehouse, a playground area, and craft center indoors. So in addition to learning about native Indiana, there is a ton of play fun that can be had. We spent noon until 430 at Conner Prairie and still could've stayed longer. Make sure to stop at the Apple store and get a slice of apple pie, apple and pumpkin donuts, apple cider, fresh popcorn, and tons of other treats! Definitely would recommend as a fun way to spend the day and exhaust the kids!

Today is President's Day, which means a free admission today at Conner Prairie. Although all pre-registration online is done, you can still get in before 5 p.m. I did and am enjoying seeing the different activities which varied from years ago. I got a Braille print of my name, listened to stories about Presidents, learned that Pres. Washington danced, got recipe cards, and am watching a video about being a bill, etc. The last (next) fancy tea party is 2 p.m. I got lots more to see and do.Proper mask wearing is required today while visiting. Be safe and keep others safe.

Wow! This place is amazing. It is like fitting 10 pounds in a 5 pound bag. You can purchase tickets in person at the Welcome Center, but I recommend buying them online before you get there. They are cheaper online and they save you some time. Also, Active Military and Retirees are free with ID (thank you for your service). Masks are required in every indoor attraction and building. They have tons of free parking available. The staff there is very friendly and helpful. You can tell that they take pride in the complex and it shows.Inside the Welcome Center is a gift shop, restrooms, ticket counter and a very nice indoor play area with a small train track, grocery area, puppets, club house, a baby play area and a place where kids can do some crafts. My littles did not want to leave.Once outside of the Welcome Center, you will see the huge 1859 Ballon Voyage (which you can ride for an additional fee). It is is large hot air ballon that takes you way up high above the complex. There is a large ballon exhibit in the circular area surrounding the ballon and leading to the ballon's ticket counter.The complex has a large area called 1836 Prairie Town. It is a village of old buildings such as a store, school, blacksmith shop and a house, all complete with characters. I stopped in on the blacksmith as he was making horse shoes. You have to have a mask on if you go inside any of the structures.You will also find a petting barn out there where you can pet sheep and goat. You can also see some chicken.On the other side of the complex, there is an Indian village that has ax throwing, animal hides, and a wood hut. You can also work with some clay, for an additional $5.The complex has a very nice play ground that has a huge jungle gym with a few slides, a saucer swing. an in-ground merry go round, and some precision instruments. The floor is lined with the bouncy rubber surface. It is very modern and well maintained.My littles found the area of the complex that had tubing. There was a big hill and a small one. The only problem is that you had to lug the tube up the hill every time you wanted to ride. But hey, it was free. My littles loved it (especially since I brought the sled up the hill every time.Other things you will find here is radio controlled plane exhibits and demonstrations, a very nice outdoor amphitheater, two food spots (with an occasional additional food truck or two), two covered pavilions to eat or just take a load off, and a barn located by the playground where you can drive R/C cars, make a spirograph, make a homemade hovercraft with a leaf blower, or build something out of large foam blocks.Man, I was wore out after my visit. I spent about 3 hours there and feel that I did not even scratch the surface. Me and my littles had a great time here. Keep in mind that there is a lot of walking though. Luckily I had my stroller. I recommend bringing a wagon and some water with you during your visit, if you have kids with you. You will thank me later. This is definitely worth a visit. It is a fun place that provides you with a historical look at the area and takes you back to times long ago. I will surely be back. And this time I will have a plan of attack so I can cover more ground.

Went for an outdoor concert to see Phil Collins. What a fun night. Parking was easy with being directed exactly where to go. It was easy to find lawn seating to place our chairs we took. We took food and thoroughly enjoyed the evening! Restrooms were clean and within a good distance. The weather was perfect and so was the band as well as the crowd! Leaving was good because we waited a bit so the crowd had already left. They do have an officer directing traffic which was helpful too. I'll def go back for another concert! It was one of the most fun nights and a bonus being outside. Fantastic!!

Went here for Symphony on the Prairie and it was really cool. The sunset was really beautiful and the music was great. It was music from U2 and the band did a great job. There are also plenty of things to do for kids. There is a playground, volleyball courts, and big fields. I recommend this for a good time.