Here is a list of events happening at Conner Prairie next month:
HOURS
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
ADMISSION PRICES
Adults: $17
Seniors ages 65 and older: $16
Youth ages 2-12: $12
Members and youth under age 2: Free
Group tours: Groups of 15 people are more should call Guest Services at (317) 776-6000 to make reservations; adults $12, youth ages 2-12 $8
1859 BALLOON VOYAGE TICKETS
Donor Club members: $8
Members: $12
Non-members: $15
ACCESS PASS
Conner Prairie is proud to partner with other local museums to make family fun available to more Indiana families. Families that participate in any of the state assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, food stamps or Hoosier Healthwise Insurance, can visit for just $2 per family member per visit. Aides enjoy complimentary admission with employee ID or proof of employment.
MILITARY ADMISSION RELIEF
Conner Prairie offers admission relief to the military by providing free daytime general admission to active-duty, retired and veteran military members and 50 percent off the general admission price for up to five immediate family members. Military ID is required. This discount is valid only for daytime general admission.
SPECIAL EVENTS
History on Tap
6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. June 2
Tickets from $35-$55
Ages 21 and older
Conner Prairie’s Horizon Council invites hosts an evening of craft beer, food and fun featuring tastings from more than 20 local craft brewers. Explore nightlife in 1836 Prairietown and sample historical beer brewed on site. Check out craft brewing demonstrations and talk with craft beer experts. Premium, general admission and designated driver tickets still available. Price includes food voucher as designated and a commemorative glass.
Barker Brothers Kiln Burn
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10
Free with general admission. Gather around the Barker Brother’s Pottery Shop to watch how delicate clay pots transform into beautiful, durable wares using centuries-old techniques. Look past the flames as they swirl around the orange, glowing pots. The Barker family stokes the kiln with wood continuously from dawn until about 3 p.m., steadily raising the kiln’s temperature to 2,300 degrees.
Curiosity Fair
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10-11
FREE with general admission. Children of all ages and their families are invited to play, create and investigate the mysteries of the world around them! Learn about drones and making video games, explore 3D printing, discover the art and sport of rhythmic gymnastics, use an atlatl to throw a spear and discover the science behind pitching a baseball. Through a series of activities, presentations and hands-on demonstrations, the whole family will be encouraged to ask questions, share knowledge and ignite the urge to discover. Scheduled to appear over the weekend are community representatives from the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Indians, Indy Fuel and Indy Eleven.
Marsh Symphony on the Prairie
2017 series begins June 16
Experience the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and many other musical guests each weekend at Conner Prairie’s amphitheatre. It’s the perfect place to meet friends, family and even large groups for a fun night out. Take flight in the 1859 Balloon Voyage and hear the amazing sounds of the symphony from 370 feet up in the air. Balloon hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and flights are weather dependent. Balloon tickets cost $20 for the general public. For the complete lineup and to order tickets, visit indianapolissymphony.org.
Celebrate Father’s Day
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 17-18
Free with general admission. Start Father’s Day with a bang by firing a Civil War-era cannon or rifle. Test wilderness skills and help tan hides and make fish traps at Lenape Camp. Throw an atlatl. Participate in a game of chance, a rounder’s game or even an ant race. Try woodworking techniques at our pop-up maker workshop. Some events are timed or have an additional fee. See connerprairie.org for details.
The Rhodes Family Incident
1 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 24
Welcome Center, Lilly Theater. Free with general admission. This 30-minute interactive museum theater program, written by Crystal V. Rhodes and in collaboration with Asante Children’s Theater, tells the story of two contemporary college students who grew up in Westfield, Ind., and discover a historical racial incident that challenges their notions of identity and their hometown. The play was inspired by research into African-American history in Hamilton County. This play is part of the Giving Voice Initiative, supported by the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, Indiana Arts Commission and the Conner Prairie Alliance.
CAMPS, PROGRAMS AND CLASSES
Adventure Camp
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 30-Aug. 4
$245 per week/non-member; $215/member. Ages 5-15. Supported by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent, Adventure Camp provides a great action-packed experience in a unique, outdoor environment staffed with skilled counselors. Camp activities include a backyard zip line and obstacle course with a huge climbing tire tower and cargo net challenge. Campers will swim, fish, hike, cook over a fire, make ice cream, ride line-led horses, make art and more. Early drop-off and late pick-up options are available for an additional fee. Some weeks and age groups are sold out or have limited availability. Reservations are required; register online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.
Prairie Tykes
$12/child ($11/member)
Connect one on one with your little ones ages 3-6 while you make crafts, dance, sing and take part in the special activity of the day. Younger siblings are welcome; ages 2 and older require a ticket. Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Reservations are required; register online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.
Time for Tools
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 8-9
Find out what types of tools are used by carpenters, potters and blacksmiths. Then, make a craft for that special someone on Father’s Day.
Patriotic Party
9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. June 22-23
Play patriotic games, dance to patriotic tunes, make a festive Fourth of July hat, and munch on a red, white and blue snack!
Prairie Tots
$6/youth ($5/member)
A 45-minute program for 2 year olds and their parents or grandparents, filled with silly fun including crafts, singing and activities perfect for toddlers. Children must be accompanied by an adult at no charge. Reservations are required; register online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.
Time for Tools
9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. June 16
Find out what types of tools are used by carpenters, potters and blacksmiths. Then, use them to make a gift for that special someone on Father’s Day.
Prairie Pursuits
Check out our how-to classes and workshops geared toward adults and teens on a variety of topics. They are ideal for anyone wanting to discover new talents or perfect a current skill set. Reservations are required; register online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.
Blacksmithing: Hammer and Tongs
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31, June 1
$250/non-member, $240/member; ages 16 and older. Hand forge your own small (about 1 ½ pounds) blacksmith hammer and several styles of blacksmith tongs including flat bit, bolt, box jaw and scroll pliers. The morning of May 31 will be spent forging the hammer, with the remaining time and June 1 class spent on forging the various styles of tongs.
Fun in the Forge
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 3
$95/non–member, $90/member; ages 14 and older. Be a blacksmith for a day. Learn to heat metal in a coal forge and shape it on an anvil. And, you’ll have the opportunity to complete several simple projects like barbeque skewers, a dinner bell, and a flint and steel fire starter with instructions on how to use it. All tools and materials will be provided.
Conner Prairie at Dawn
7 a.m. to 10 a.m. June 17
$10/non–member, $9/member; ages 18 and older. Are you a nature lover, photographer, painter or bird watcher? Don’t miss this opportunity to explore our beautiful grounds before we open to the public. Take photos, paint, sketch, hike or just relax. Professional photographers and artists are welcome. All photographs and works of art must be for personal use only, and waivers for artists will be available at the ticket desk. If you want to explore our grounds after 10 a.m., you must purchase an admission ticket for $17. Members receive free admission.
iPhoneography
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 24
$75/non-member, $70/member and early registration through May 29; ages 18 and older. Join local photographer Rad A. Drew for an introduction to the fundamentals of iPhone photography. You’ll explore the possibilities of your phone and learn how to use a host of apps to create remarkable images. After an initial learning session, you’ll photograph the Conner Prairie grounds, applying newly acquired skills. Then, return to the classroom to process images. iPhones will not be provided. Photography apps are not included in workshop price and must be purchased separately from the App Store (about $15 or less). Some apps may not be available for Android devices.
Fun at the Potter’s Wheel
9 a.m. to noon June 24
$55/non-member, $50/member; ages 14 and older. This class will introduce you to wheel-thrown pottery. No experience is necessary so don’t be shy about signing up. Your pottery pieces will be fired, glazed and ready for pick-up on July 7. You’ll want to bring an apron and old towel for clean-up. All materials and supplies will be provided.
Prairie Plates
This unique foodie experience for adults celebrates the farm-to-table food and craft drink movement, featuring the region’s top chefs and gourmet artisans with dining experiences throughout Conner Prairie’s grounds. Reservations are required; register online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.
The Garden Table with Chef Luke Weber in Prairietown
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 22
Ages 21 and older; $95/non-member, $85/member. Experience the ambiance and charm of 1836 Prairietown. Enjoy drinks and dine on fresh, seasonal dishes prepared by Chef Luke Weber of the Garden Table. More details about this Prairie Plate event are available at connerprairie.org.
TRY SOMETHING NEW
Make a Copper Bracelet
Every half-hour from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily beginning June 6; ages 8 and older. Head to the workshop at Treetop Outpost to find out about man’s ancient connection to copper working as you use simple tools to hammer, form and texture a copper bracelet. Ages 8-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Make & Take a Basket
2 p.m. daily through June 4; ages 4 and older. Visit the Loom House and learn simple basket-making skills as you weave a small reed basket.
Create a Piece of Pottery
2 p.m. daily except on June 10; Ages 4 and older. At the Barker Brothers’ Pottery Shop in Prairietown, you’ll work with air–hardening clay while learning techniques such as coil building and decorating as you make your own piece of pottery to take home.
BANG! Fire a Rifle
2:30 p.m. daily; ages 14 and older. Head to 1863 Civil War Journey to learn how a Civil War-era musket was loaded and fired, according to military protocol. Then fire either a Springfield or Enfield rifle yourself.
Build a Wooden Treasure Box
One-hour weekend sessions starting on the :30 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through June 4; 3 p.m. weekdays through June 4. Ages 8 and older. At the workshop at Treetop Outpost, construct a simple wooden box with a lid using a hammer, nails, plane and saw. Ages 8-14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cast Trade Silver
3:30 p.m. daily; ages 8 and older. Visit Lenape Indian Camp to find out why trade silver was so important to the Lenape. Then cast your own pewter pendant to take home.