I still remember the words as if I’d heard them yesterday… ”Johnny, would you please run down the hill and fetch us some water from the well?”

As a shy and somewhat puzzled eight-year-old, I vividly recall looking over to my parents at that point for guidance. I was at Conner Prairie interactive history park in Fishers, Indiana and I was smart enough to know that I was part of a pretend classroom setting with other children my age while we all gathered in a 1800s-style school house; but did the lady calling me Johnny really want me to get some water for the class? As I began to stand, my father smiled and motioned for me to sit down.
They say that Conner Prairie, which covers approximately 200 acres, is a place where history comes alive through re-enactments and hands-on opportunities and believe me, that’s certainly the case. Even today, when I take my own children to visit this living museum and its five interpretive areas on Allisonville Road, not terribly far north of Indianapolis along the White River, I often chuckle to myself while privately reliving my own long-ago experience.

Recognized by the American Association of Museums as a national leader in quality learning and a AAA GEM attraction, Conner Prairie is a place where visitors of all ages can experience life as it once was in the Midwest, minus technology, utilities and distractions. William Conner - trader, interpreter, scout, community leader and entrepreneur - first came to central Indiana during the winter of 1800-01 and settled on the land that now encompasses the museum complex. Today, visitors can sneak a peek at Conner’s lifestyle by visiting the William Conner Homestead on-site and explore the first floor of central Indiana’s first brick home, where he actually lived with his family. Those interested in doing so can also visit the nearby Animal Encounters Barn or learn about candle dipping.

The 1816 Lenape Camp is the facility’s earliest historic area and provides learning experiences relative to the Lenape or Delaware Native Americans where guests can strike a deal with fur traders or test their skills at tomahawk throwing. In the 1836 Prairietown area, visitors can experience a pioneer village and literally help out with chores, watch a blacksmith and potter in action, participate in games of the time or simply listen to stories.

Finally, though I haven’t done so yet, guests can experiment with and learn about the science and technology of ballooning in Conner Prairie’s 1859 Balloon Voyage area. There’s even an option to actually soar 350 feet above the landscape in a tethered, helium-filled balloon.

To this day, I still wonder why I was jokingly referred to as Johnny by a very in-character volunteer actress at Conner Prairie some 35 years ago but I guess that’s part of the fun in visiting a living museum where you’re actually encouraged to learn, not only by looking and listening but by touching, smelling and tasting too.

Even while Conner Prairie’s outdoor grounds are closed from November through March, indoor exhibits can be seen and experienced year-round. For detailed information regarding hours of operation and ticket prices, potential “Johnnys” should call 800-966-1836 or see our online TourBook information. Click on the map to get driving directions from TripTik Travel Planner.  

The AAA GEM® Designation - While AAA does not rate attractions, we do evaluate them for AAA Approval. The inspectors that perform the evaluations may recommend a GEM designation for attractions of exceptional interest that greatly exceed requirements. A AAA GEM® attraction offers a Great Experience for Members. See AAA GEM attraction information in AAA TourBook guides or view a list of AAA GEM attractions by state.