Conner Prairie: Fun Exploring 19th Century Life

Connie Attractions & Events, Indiana April 10, 2018conner prairie, Conner Prairie Fishers IN, Conner Prairie Indiana, Living history museum, living history museum Indiana 6 Comments

From a balloon ride that soars 350 feet above the ground to a Civil War area that uses extensive special effects, Conner Prairie living history museum is much more than we anticipated. On our last visit, over twenty years ago, Conner Prairie consisted of the William Conner House, the 1836 Prairietown, and not much more. Don’t get me wrong. We enjoyed it then. But on our return there last summer we were wowed with all of the additions. The museum covers over 1,000 acres and is one of the most visited outdoor living history museums in the United States. Here are some of the areas that we particularly enjoyed.

Rising High: Conner Prairie 1859 Balloon Voyage

Connie Attractions & Events, Indiana September 18, 2017September 11, 20171859 Balloon Voyage, conner prairie, conner prairie balloon, Conner Prairie hot air balloon, conner prairie hot air balloon rides, Hamilton County IN, Hamilton County Indiana, hot air balloon rides indiana, Living history museum, living history museum Indiana 2 Comments

The year is 1859. Experienced balloonist John Wise attempts to deliver airmail for the first time in U.S. history. He plans to fly his balloon from Lafayette, Indiana, to New York City with a bag of 123 letters. Unfortunately, the wind blows in the wrong direction. Instead of flying northeast, the balloon flies southward. He gives up after 30 miles and lands in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Fast forward to 2017 and the Conner Prairie living history museum where one of the attractions, the 1859 Balloon Voyage, represents Wise’s airmail attempt.

I was excited to ride in the Conner Prairie 1859 Balloon Voyage because despite my fear of heights, a ride in a hot-air balloon is on my bucket list. The 1859 Balloon Voyage isn’t quite the same as a hot-air balloon ride, but it’s a step towards it.