Give your students a unique and personal experience to connect with history and nature. At Conner Prairie we invite guests to “Step into the Story,” and we also strive to step into theirs. Through observation, deep listening, and thoughtful questioning, we create meaningful connections, offering guests an opportunity to go beyond “doing” and experience “being.”
While the Museum Experience Center opens in Spring 2026, we will begin preparing to welcome school tours inside in the Fall of 2026. In the meantime, students and teachers can continue to enjoy the high‑quality outdoor experiences and immersive learning that connect history with nature, creating unforgettable moments schools return for year after year.
Take your time exploring everything that Conner Prairie has to offer.
Learn more about experience areas and what new discoveries will be made on your next field trip.
Self-Guided Tours
Reservations are required.
Please Note: If you make your Self-Guided Tour reservation online, it is not a confirmation of your field trip, but a request of a date and time. You will receive an e-mail from Conner Prairie that following week to confirm the date and time of your field trip.
To be eligible for school group rates, you must have 15 or more students in your group.
| Who | Grades K–12 |
| Dates | April–May: Tuesday through Friday August–October: Tuesday through Friday |
| Times | 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Length | 3 to 4 hours recommended for a complete experience |
| Cost | $9 / Student $9 / Adult Chaperone Teachers and school staff get in free. |
Experience Add-Ons
- Sheep Showcase
- Wonder Walk
- Guided Walk Through Promised Land as Proving Ground
- Steam ON!
- 1859 Balloon Voyage
Experience Add-On: Sheep Showcase
In this add-on program, your class will spend time with our rare Tunis sheep in an up-close, informal environment. Discover this heritage breeds animal and learn about its life cycle, breeds, behavior, and wool. Feel free to bring lots of questions or let the conversation flow where it may! We are so excited to share these fascinating animals with your students.
2026 Dates:
- April 7, 14 and 28
- May 5 and 12
- September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
- October 6 and 13
Reservations are $1 per student.
Each 30-minute time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers).
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776-6000.
Experience Add-On: Wonder Walk
Give your students the time, space, and freedom to connect with nature. In this add-on program, your class will spend time with our Education staff at Treetop Amphitheater and along the Trails at Conner Prairie. Engage your senses as you explore this natural area using scientific tools to get up close with nature. Let curiosity be the guide.
2026 Dates:
- April 8, 15, 22 and 29
- May 6 and 13
- September 2, 9, 16 and 30
- October 7 and 14
Reservations are $1 per student.
Each time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers) for this 30-45-minute experience.
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776-6000.
Experience Add-On: Guided Walk Through Promised Land as Proving Ground
Join us for a reflective walk through the new Promised Land as Proving Ground exhibit. This walk will include time to pause, reflect, notice and wonder as you experience Conner Prairie's newest exhibit with the Education Team.
2026 Dates:
- April 9, 16, 23 and 30
- May 7 and 14
- Sept 3, 10, 17 and 24
- Oct 1, 8, 15 and 22
Reservations are $1 per student.
Each time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers) for this 45-minute experience.
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776-6000.
Experience Add-On: Steam On!
During this 30-minute Play Experience Add-On students will have the opportunity to interact with play invitations representing each of the letters in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). A multitude of state standards across disciplines will be represented in this experience. Invitations will include building bridges, exploring mathematical concepts with loose parts, representing learning through art and much more!
2026 Dates:
- April 29 and 30
- May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22
- September 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 24 and 25
Reservations are $2 per student.
Each time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers) for this 30-minute experience.
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776-6000.
Experience Add-On: 1859 Balloon Voyage
Give your students an experience of a lifetime! Fly up to 377 feet up in the air while learning about the launch of the "Jupiter" balloon being the first successful airmail delivery in the U.S. Feel free to bring your intriguing questions as you engage in this exhibit! Learn more about how our tethered helium balloon was an inspiration to the history of travel and innovation, and marvel at the amazing view of the prairie and beyond.
1859 Balloon Voyage reservations are available daily, weather dependent.
Reservations are $6 per person.
A signed waver is required.
Each 15-minute time slot can accommodate one classroom of students (approximately 25 students, plus their accompanying chaperones and teachers).
For reservations, call Guest Services at (317) 776-6000.
Parent and Teacher Resources
We're so glad you're here!
If you would like assistance planning your visit or aligning to your specific curricular needs, please email schoolprograms@connerprairie.org. We are here for you!
Transportation Fund
Conner Prairie is honored to offer a Transportation Fund to Central Indiana schools and organizations. Fund dollars are available throughout the calendar year on a first-come, first-served basis. The Transportation Fund is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Tom & Julie Wood Foundation.
Group Leaders
For Preschool through Grade 1, at least one adult leader must accompany each group of five students. For Grades 2 through 12, one adult leader must accompany each group of 10 students. Group leaders are responsible for their students' behavior and must accompany and supervise students at all times.
Accessibility
Conner Prairie strives to provide a rich and meaningful experience for all guests. If anyone in your group would benefit from specific accommodations, please contact Guest Services in advance. We're here to help you plan a visit that meets your needs and ensures a comfortable, enjoyable experience for everyone.
Thank you to our k-12 Education Sponsors!
Indianapolis Group transportation for field trips are available through a variety of charter bus providers, including GOGO Charters, Shofur, and Total Charter Bus.