by Shelly on December 24, 2019 1 Comment

What to Do and Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

It’s no secret that Conner Prairie is our favorite Indy attraction. We try to go to all of their big events throughout the year and this year they’ve started one of our new favorite holiday traditions. Because this is such a big event (similar to Headless Horseman) I am going to share what to do and tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie.

Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday

Wear the proper gear. December in Indiana could mean 55 and sunny or 15 and snowy so be sure to dress for the weather. The majority of the event is outdoors so you’ll also want to wear good boots to trek through the snow (or mud in our case!)
Get there early. We made the mistake of getting there around 6p (gate open). There was a line down the sidewalk to get in just like at Headless Horseman. Thankfully they’re super efficient at getting people through the doors. If you have young kids with an early bedtime, get there 45 min early. If your family can stay out late, come an hour after the gate opens. The festivities last until 10pm. Do not plan on doing all of the activities unless you are going to be there for the entire 4 hours.
Choose 2. Choose two must-do activities and anything else is a bonus! Again, like Headless Horseman, this is a huge event. It will be busy no matter what night you go, so that means waiting in line for special attractions. The tubing hill was a 45-minute wait all night. That being said, if you can, go two nights. Splitting it into two nights will ensure you have enough time to really enjoy what you’re doing. Being able to stop for cocoa or to sing with the carolers will make your trip better for the whole family. With two young girls (1 and 6) we liked the Winterland Wonder Ride with Santa and going through the homes in Prairietown the best.

What To Do At A Merry Prairie Holiday

Step into the wonder of the season as you stroll through Reynolds Christmas Lights display.
Journey around the Clowes Common where you will find holiday treats and eats, artisans working on their seasonal crafts, and special photo ops.
Visit the North Pole Village.
• Enter the toy workshop and make a holiday gift with the help of Santa’s elves.
• Zoom down the Polar Bear Plunge dry snow tubing hill.
• Test your skill at the Reindeer Games Midway.
• Visit the Claus’ Cabin where you can visit with Mrs. Claus and drop off your letter to Santa.
• Hop aboard the Kringle’s Carousel to take a ride.
Enjoy local entertainers and musicians performing throughout the evening on Blitzen’s Bandstand while you enjoy some fresh, warm holiday treats and beverages, under the glow of holiday lights on the Conner House and Animal Encounters Barn.
Visit Prairietown where you will be wrapped in the warmth of Holidays through History:
• You can visit the 1860’s Hoosier Homefront, and Soldiers Camp to learn how they are celebrating the season during the troubling times of the Civil War.
• See classic Conner Prairie by Candlelight favorites, like Dr. Campbell’s Soiree, the disgruntled Mr. Fenton, and Mr. Whitaker’s Store, and the Curtis family making Christmas preparations.
• Witness the power of a second chance with a live reading from Charles Dickens a Christmas Carol and enjoy the sounds of Christmas Carolers.
• Sit down and warm up a spell while you hear holiday stories told through the use of historic Crankies.
Climb aboard the Winterland Wagon Ride across Conner Prairie’s Historic Grounds through thousands of twinkling lights.

For more FAQ check out Conner Prairie’s list about weather cancellations, where to get tickets and ADA accessibility. When you go, let me know your favorite events during the night!

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by Shelly on August 21, 2019 2 Comments

Must Do Holiday Event of the Season| A Merry Prairie Holiday

Conner Prairie is our favorite local destination for pretty much all of fall and winter. The number of events they have from Headless Horseman to Prairie Plates to Dinner with Santa is outstanding. Each one of them is such a special tradition.

This year they’re having their first annual A Marry Prairie Holiday which will likely be our new favorite family tradition!

“The holidays are always a special time at Conner Prairie filled with joy and excitement of the season,” said Norman Burns, President and CEO at Conner Prairie. “It’s a time of spreading goodwill and building memories with those you love. This year we’re excited to give the gift of new experiences that will bring the whole community together on our historic property.”

A Merry Prairie Holiday

New holiday programming includes:

Stroll through historical holiday celebrations in Prairietown
Participate in a nighttime, holiday-themed festival decorated with dazzling light displays and more throughout our grounds
Ride through our festive, historic grounds via wagon
Glide down central Indiana’s newest dry tubing hill
Ride on a vintage outdoor carousel
Hear the sights and sounds of the holidays with performances from local musicians, dancers and performers
Ring in the new year with during our New Year’s Eve (early) countdown
Favorite programming that will be returning includes Breakfast and Dinner with Santa, Storytime with Mrs Claus, and the takeover of Makesmith Workshop into Santa’s Workshop.

The Conner Prairie Museum Store will also be open during this time for all of your holiday gift-giving needs.

Visit connerprairie.org for more information and tickets for upcoming events.

ABOUT CONNER PRAIRIE

Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.

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by Shelly on November 19, 2018 Leave a Comment

Candlelight at Conner Prairie and Other Holiday Events

2018 Candlelight at Conner Prairie Brings New Spin on an Indianapolis Tradition

Explore Six Unique Events from November to January with Holidays on the Prairie

Conner Prairie by Candlelight

Conner Prairie by Candlelight is back this year, new and improved
for six nights in December. New this year visitors can tour 1836 Prairietown where
it’s the night before Christmas at their own pace. Also new this year, visitors can
warm up with hot chocolate, and adults can try a variety of adult beverages.
“We invite your family to start a new tradition or build on an existing one with
Candlelight,” said Norman Burns, president and CEO at Conner Prairie. “By changing
the format of Candlelight to allow visitors to tour at their own pace instead of on a
guided tour, more people will be able to enjoy this holiday experience.”
During this family-friendly event, visitors will meet a variety of characters in their
homes without feeling the pinch of time and learn how new settlers to Indiana’s
frontier carried on their holiday traditions. At the end of the night, visitors will either
join Dr. Campbell at his home for dancing and singing as his family rings in the
holidays, or join the ‘rowdies’ and carolers to sing around the bonfire.
Conner Prairie by Candlelight will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. starting December
7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22.

In addition to Candlelight, Holidays on the Prairie features five other special events.

Breakfast and Dinner with Santa: Eat a meal with the best Santa in town
and tell him your Christmas wishes, take pictures and decorate cookies.

Gingerbread Village: See a variety of gingerbread masterpieces created by
both amateurs and professionals.

Holiday Cheers: Enjoy an adults-only evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine, craft
beer and spirits as you take a candlelit stroll through 1836 Prairietown.

Tales at the Holidays: Letters from the Civil War: This two-person play
uses song, dancing and puppetry to tell the intriguing story of brave mail
couriers during the Civil War. Also discover a carefully curated exhibit that
leads to our version of today’s Santa Claus.
Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy short craft activities at holiday-themed
Make and Take stations.

Conner Prairie Store

The Conner Prairie Store is also open throughout the holiday season featuring
Conner Prairie-made pottery and textiles, and Indiana-made food and gift items.
Located inside the Welcome Center, the store is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday to Sunday, and during special events including Candlelight.
“Whether you’re shopping for your child, friend or family member, we have locally-
made gifts for everyone on your list,” said Elaine Molin, retail manager at Conner
Prairie. “The pottery made on site is always a best seller, and you truly won’t find it
anywhere else. We also make one of a kind corporate gift baskets.”
Visit connerprairie.org/holidays for more information and tickets to upcoming
holiday events.

ABOUT CONNER PRAIRIE

Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie
welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first
Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-
themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history
and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look
into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit
organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on
grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations
for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for
admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.

by Shelly on July 27, 2018 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendars for These Fall Events at Conner Prairie

Fall Events at Conner Prairie- some of my favorite memories of visiting Conner Prairie are from the fall months. The cool crisp air, smell of camp fire and lots of fun family activities! Here is a quick sneak peek of what’s to come this fall at Conner Prairie. Be sure to check out the apple cider slushies at the Apple Store! If you are an email subscriber they usually give coupons in your email for discounts at the Apple Store.

Fall Events at Conner Prairie

NEW! BLACK PIONEERS: ROBERTS SETTLEMENT IN 1836

Museum theatre on Saturdays in September
Part of Giving Voice: African-American’s Presence in Indiana’s History, a
collaborative initiative of Conner Prairie and Asante Children’s Theatre.

THE APPLE STORE

September 1–October 31
Treat your family to deluxe caramel apples, cider slushies, apple-themed gift
items and more. This seasonal treasure is managed by the Conner Prairie
Alliance and its proceeds support Conner Prairie’s exhibits and programs.

PRAIRIETOWN LAND SALE

September 3
Would you like to be a land owner and settle in the beautiful and growing
village of Prairietown? Join us as Dr. Campbell auctions off town lots to
prospective settlers.

FESTIVAL OF MACHINES

September 15, 16
Celebrate Indiana’s rich history of designing, building and innovating amazing
machines. Explore a wide variety of vintage vehicles as we play host to the
Indiana Region Classic Car Club of America’s Indiana Grand Classic.

CORN MAZE

September 22
This family friendly attraction will have you adventuring your way through
corn-lined trails that twist, turn and dead-end. Check out my write up from last year’s first annual corn maze. Visit connerprairie.org to
learn more.

What has been your favorite fall memory at Conner Prairie so far? If you haven’t been, what are you adding to your family bucket list for this fall?

5 Reasons to Head to Conner Prairie This Summer

5 Reasons to Head to Conner Prairie This Summer- This summer Conner Prairie has added a few new attractions to their large list of fun! Here is the low down for what’s opened for exploring this summer at Conner Prairie. Be sure to add Symphony on the Prairie to your summer bucket list. It’s one of our family’s favorite summer time traditions! Check out their Fun Guide here.

Photo credit: Conner Prairie

5 Reasons to Visit Conner Prairie This Summer

Make a Splash: Reimagined River Crossing

Make a splash at our revitalized River Crossing play area.
We have reimagined our popular water playscape to
take families on a river journey. Try your hand at our new
fishing activity, then journey under a covered bridge that
leads you outdoors to find the Alice Dean at the dock
in town. You can pretend to be her captain or help load
cargo to prepare for your own riverboat trip. Favorites
like the trains, climbing structure and water play will remain with fun new
activities and improvements. Our new River Crossing experience also includes
features to make visiting a breeze for families, like a more accessible entrance
and large storage cubbies for bags and towels.

Get Back to Nature: New! River Lookout and
Treetop Classroom

Experience the outdoors at Conner Prairie in our new
nature experience areas. The River Lookout will provide an
incredible view, and give you access to rarely seen sights
on our property. The lookout will not only be a place to
visit nature’s beauty, but will also highlight the history
and ecology of the waterway with interpretive signage.
In addition, the Treetop Classroom will be nestled in the
woods near Treetop Outpost. This 50-seat site will feature a covered, raised
stage for nature chats, performances, and storytelling that highlight the richness
of the natural world around us.

Photo credit: Conner Prairie

Have an Adventure: SUMMER DAY CAMPS

8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
$250 week non-member, $220 week member
Early arrival and late departure options available for additional fee
Reservations are required. Register online at
connerprairie.org or by calling 317-776-6000.
• Adventure Camp (ages 5–15) May 29–Aug. 3, weekly
• Specialty camps are sold out. If you are interested in
being placed on a wait list, contact Guest Services at
317-776-6000.

Take Flight: NEW! Thursday Night Balloon Voyages

5:30–10 p.m. Thursdays, June 7–August 23
$17 non-member, $13 member
Weather permitting. Check connerprairie.org for balloon status.
Step into the gondola of our tethered balloon and see
Conner Prairie from a new perspective! You’ll be lifted
more than 370 feet into the air as the sun sets over the
prairie and be treated to unique views of our 1,000 acres.
Enjoy light refreshments or a glass of wine. Ticket provides
access to 1859 Balloon Voyage only; outdoor experience
areas will not be open.

Enjoy a Concert: Kroger Symphony on the Prairie

Select dates, June–September
Visit indianapolissymphony.org or call 317-639-43000 for tickets, schedule
and information.
Experience the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and
many other musical guests each weekend at the Conner
Prairie Amphitheatre. It’s the perfect place to meet friends,
family and even large groups for a fun night out.
Bring your own food and drinks or purchase concessions
on site. Buy a table by the stage or bring your blanket for
the lawn. Take flight in the 1859 Balloon Voyage and hear
the amazing sounds of the symphony from more than
370 feet up in the air! Balloon hours are 6–10 p.m., and flights are weather
dependent. Balloon tickets sold on-site for $22/non-member and $17/Conner
Prairie member.

What to Do and Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie

Tips for A Merry Prairie Holiday