We Use the Past to Shine a Light on the Future
We are one of the largest attractions in the region and one of the most visited outdoor museums in the country. We have a long history of innovation that spans the fields of history, agriculture, science, and nature. Throughout our 1,046 acres, every guest has the opportunity to pursue fun and knowledge in a way that is tailored to them.
Conner Prairie is Indiana's first Smithsonian affiliate that is changing how people use museums. Through interactive, immersive, and hands-on experiences across our grounds, each visit to Conner Prairie is your own. Have a conversation about the past in Prairietown, discover a new habitat in nature, or discover ways you can be stewards of agriculture through programs like the preservation of heritage breeds animals. Conner Prairie is a place of "doing."
Our Mission at Work

Conner Prairie is a unique historic place that inspires curiosity and fosters learning by providing engaging and individualized experiences for everyone.
We're living on the edge of history. At Conner Prairie, every guest has the opportunity to pursue knowledge and fun in a way that is tailored to them. As one of the largest attractions in the region, and one of the most visited outdoor museums in the country, we have a long history of innovation. We inspire curiosity and foster meaningful interaction with unique, engaging experiences that don’t exist anywhere else.
Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) Promise Statement
Conner Prairie is a place where the doors are always open to a diversity of voices and limitless experiences.
Click here to learn more about our DEAI commitment.
Our Vision
Conner Prairie will expand the boundaries of our historical and natural resources by exploring, celebrating, and improving the human experience.
Our Values
Heart for the Past
Head for the Present
Eye to the Future
Our Smithsonian Affiliation
In 46 states, Puerto Rico and Panama, more than 200 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations are connecting the Smithsonian with their local communities. Conner Prairie is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has been since 2008
Visitors to Smithsonian affiliates throughout the country may view major works of art, historic objects of flight, wonders of nature, icons of American history and other artifacts, artworks, and scientific specimens from the Smithsonian’s national collections throughout the year. Smithsonian affiliates may also offer special educational programs designed for schools, centers serving preschool and kindergarten through grade 12 students and adult learners.
Check out more information about our Smithsonian Affiliation!
Give with Confidence. Conner Prairie has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid's GuideStar. See our profile!
Awards
2026
Best New Experience for Promised Land as Proving Ground - Indiana Tourism Association Award2025
PRSA Hoosier Chapter Award of Honor for Headless Horseman Campaign2023
AAM Reaccreditation2022
Received Run it Back award from Dream Alive. For 2 years partnering with DA
Midwest Living's Best of the Midwest 2022: Best Historical Site2021
Received Reader's Digest Top 25 Corn Mazes - #62020
Recognized by Indianapolis Star Official Community Choice Awards as the Best Historical Site and Best Summer Camp2019
Recognized by Fishers City Council with the Life Without Limits Award for Conner Prairie's support of DEAI and received CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions 2019 Partner Award2018
Named a Site of Conscience by the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience2017
Reimagined William Conner House awarded the 2017 American Alliance of Museums Excellence in Exhibition2015
Recipient of $7.5M Lilly Endowment Grant for Organizational Sustainability2013
Named one of six Magnetic Museums in the country in the book "Magnetic: The Art and Science of Engagement"
One of the top five most visited outdoor museums in the United States2012
Awarded $2.3M National Science Foundation grant2010
National Medal, Institute for Museum and Library Services2008
Indiana's first Smithsonian Institute affiliate
Annual Reports
- 2025
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- 2023
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