Connor Prairie has all kinds of events for people of all ages running now through February. Visit connerprairie.org for more information.
Hours
Jan. 11 to Feb. 28
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday
Indoor play spaces and exhibits are open. Outdoor grounds are closed.
Admission
Adults and seniors ages 65 and older: $8
Youth ages 2 to 12: $8
Members and youth under age 2: Free
Group tours (groups of 15 or more should make a reservation by calling Guest Services at (317) 776-6000)
Adults and youth ages 2 to 12: $7
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.
Now open
Makesmith Workshop at Conner Prairie
A new, year-round exhibit that opened at Conner Prairie Jan. 11 will help visitors learn new skills and use their creativity to make items with their hands.
Construction on Makesmith Workshop, a 500-square-foot makerspace built by general contractor the Hagerman Group, began in November. Through daily hands-on activities, the exhibit will engage visitors of all ages and skill levels to work with textiles, wood, metal, pottery and other materials.
January programming inside Makesmith Workshop will focus on working with textiles, as visitors will learn sewing, stitching and weaving skills and can choose to help create a visitor-made quilt. Programming from February through April will help visitors work with wood, as they’ll learn how to create a dovetail joint and saw, hammer and carve.
Special Events and Activities
American Heritage Chocolate Making
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 14
$55 non-member, $50 member
Enjoy time with their loved one with some traditional chocolate treats and drinks. Guests will learn about the history of chocolate and take part in its preparation from bean to cup. Grind on a traditional metate, grate brick chocolate and spices. Warm yourself by the fire as you help to prepare delicacies such as chocolate puffs and cracknels. This class is for guests 18 and older.
Free Admission Day: President’s Day
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 19
It’s George Washington’s birthday and his fellow presidents and first ladies are gathering to throw him a surprise party. All day long we’ll have history’s greatest presidents and first ladies giving presentations and mingling with partygoers. Visitors can play games, sing songs and hear stories that celebrate the presidency.
Prairie Pursuits
Prairie Pursuits offers how-to classes and workshops geared toward adults and teens on a variety of topics, and the classes are ideal for anyone wanting to discover new talents or perfect their current skill set. Reservations are required and can be made online at connerprairie.org or by calling (317) 776-6000.
>> Knifemaking: Making a Hand-forged Knife
6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22
$175 non-member, $160 member
Crafting your own knife is a satisfying challenge. During this course series, you’ll upcycle used steel into hand-forged and finished knives. Learn about proper forging, heat treating and handle construction. Some basic tools and materials are required. Ages 16 and older.
>> Fun in the Forge
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 3
$95 non-member, $90 member
Be a blacksmith for a day. Learn to heat metal in a coal forge and shape it on an anvil. Complete several simple projects, such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel fire starter with instructions on how to use it and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided. Ages 14 and older.
>> Basic Blacksmithing
6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26
$225 non-member, $215 member
Learn the basics of hand-blacksmithing and bench-work techniques, including tending a fire, drawing out, upsetting, welding, file work and finishing work. With those skills, you’ll complete a series of simple projects, including hooks, chain links, cooking utensils and blacksmith tongs. All materials are provided. Ages 16 and older.
>> Basic Pottery
6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27
$165 non–member, $155 member
Learn all aspects of making beautiful wheel thrown pottery including glazing techniques. You’ll have access to your own wheel and equipment while receiving individual instruction from our master potters. It’s a perfect class for beginners and more advanced students. All clay and other materials are included in the class fee. You’ll want to bring an apron and towel for clean-up. For ages 14 and older.
>> Fun at the Potter’s Wheel
9:30 a.m. to Noon Feb. 17
$55 non-member, $50 member
This is a fun class designed to introduce you to wheel thrown pottery. No experience is necessary. All materials and supplies will be provided. You’ll want to bring an apron and towel for cleaning up. Your pottery pieces will be fired, glazed and ready for pick-up about one month after the class. Ages 14 and older.