Discovering the Past, Embracing the River: The Story of Conner Prairie
Tucked into the natural curves of the White River in Fishers, Indiana, Conner Prairie is more than a museum—it’s a living, breathing landscape where history and nature come together. Part of Central Indiana’s White Riverway collection of parks and attractions, Conner Prairie offers immersive, hands-on experiences that bring Indiana’s past to life, with the White River serving as both a historic force and a present-day thread that ties the land, stories, and community together.
A guest map sign of Conner Prairie
A Legacy Rooted in Nature
It all began with William Conner, an early 19th-century fur trader and settler who made his home on this land beside the White River. Over time, that land became Conner Prairie, a place where Indiana’s past is preserved and brought to life. Today, visitors can walk the same trails and the White Riverbanks, once used by Indigenous people, pioneers, and wildlife alike—connecting deeply to the natural rhythms of the land.
What To Expect When You Visit
Conner Prairie offers an expansive, interactive journey through time. From historic towns to nature trails, there’s always something to discover:
- Prairietown (1836) – Talk with townsfolk, help with chores, and see how life was lived before modern technology.
- Lenape Indian Camp – Experience Indigenous life and understand the seasonal relationship indigenous communities had with the river and land.
- Civil War Journey – Engage with dramatic stories and real history from the 1860s.
- Animal Encounters – From baby goats in their cozy shed to rare heritage breeds of sheep, chickens, and cattle, the animal barn is a visitor favorite—especially for families.
- Promised Land as Proving Ground – This powerful new permanent exhibit is more than a walk-through history—it’s a proving ground for understanding the resilience, innovation, and enduring legacy of Black Americans. From pre-colonial Africa to today, explore how food, fellowship, family, and faith have shaped the Black experience through storytelling, multimedia, and hands-on engagement.
At Conner Prairie, each exhibit becomes a proving ground for empathy, education, and connection across time.
Where Nature and Wildlife Thrive
Step outside the historic buildings and into a landscape where modern-day wildlife still shares the land, just as it has for centuries.
- Along the Conner Prairie Trail, you might spot turtles sunning themselves on logs, just steps away from the historic homesteads.
- In the tallgrass prairie, snakes slither through the underbrush—harmless, essential residents that help keep the ecosystem in balance.
- And of course, the baby goats—social, curious, and playful—live in harmony with the rhythms of the farm and the flow of the river nearby.
This is a place where animals, people, and the river all coexist. Whether it’s goats nibbling hay in a rustic shed, or a turtle diving into a quiet river eddy, each plays a part in the story of this land.
The White River: A Living Connection
The White River is the silent thread that ties all these experiences together. For centuries, it has been a source of life—for humans, for wildlife, for the very landscape that makes Conner Prairie specially unique. Today, the museum honors that legacy with:
- The 1859 Balloon Voyage and rise high above Conner Prairie to spot the winding White River and beyond—it’s a view the whole family will remember.
Whether you’re exploring nature trails, visiting with animals, or taking in history under the open sky, the White River is always near—flowing, supporting, connecting.
Expanding the Story: New Additions to Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is preparing to unveil a powerful new chapter—one that brings forward voices too long left in the margins. A major upcoming addition will expand the museum’s storytelling by honoring the Lenape people, the original inhabitants of this land, and highlighting the life of Mekinges Conner, the Lenape wife of William Conner.
This new space will deepen our understanding of the Lenape as not just part of the past, but as a living culture with enduring traditions and continuing ties to the region. Through immersive displays, oral histories, and interactive exhibits, visitors will encounter stories of identity, community, and resilience. Featured within this area will be an evocative exhibit that brings to light the lesser-known individuals—traders, craftspeople, and community members—whose contributions shaped Conner Prairie history. Traveling exhibits will also rotate through the space, offering fresh insights and contemporary Indigenous voices from across the country.
At the center of Conner Prairie’s grounds, a striking new art and architecture installation will soon take shape: a new wellspring. Made from a blend of concrete, metal, and other natural materials, this sculptural centerpiece will act as both a communal gathering space and a symbol of the many sources—natural, cultural, and historical—that contribute to Conner Prairie’s ongoing story. Like water, it’ll move, connect, and carry forward the stories of those that came before.
More Than A Museum
At Conner Prairie, you don’t just observe history and nature—you become part of it. It’s a place where you can imagine life in a different time, marvel at the natural world, and understand how everything—people, animals, land, and river—exists in careful balance.
So come explore. Watch a baby goat nap in the sun. Spot a turtle along the trail. Listen to the gentle rush of the White River. And soon, come walk through the wellspring and the new Lenape exhibits—leaving with a deeper appreciation for the many stories that continue to shape this land.
Discover the River That Connects Us All
Looking for something unforgettable to do along the White River this summer? Visit our Events Calendar to discover exciting happenings near you—especially at Conner Prairie, where history, music, and nature come to life.
Use the filters on our Events Calendar to plan your perfect summer outing. Whether you’re looking for a serene walk in the woods or a lively night of music, the White Riverway has something for you.
Be sure to tag us @inwhiteriver when you share your adventures—we’ll be celebrating your favorite riverway moments all summer long!
Tagged in: historic, Nature, Wildlife, History, Conner Prairie, White RIver, white riverway, destination development, Central Indiana
