Conner Prairie

Day 6: Conner Prairie

Final stop... Fishers, Indiana. Our week-long, kid-friendly romp around Kentucky and Indiana was coming to a close. It was Sunday, and we had thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this vacation.

The Huber van pulled in to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. Dad found a nice shady spot to park. Not a close-to-the-entrance spot, but when has he ever cared about that? He wanted to keep the car cool like he always does. And just as always, he backed into his prime spot so we could pull out easily when we were done.

No line to wait in. We had Conner Prairie to ourselves. For a little while anyway. We bustled around this 1836 prairie town, talking to townspeople, bartering with store clerks, trying new (or maybe old) recipes, and learning how to make a go of it on the prairie.

Try a prairie trade before even going out to prairie town. DT loved the old-fashioned store. Prices were reasonable too. Or maybe he was just giving his dear mom a break.

Spin the wheel to find your fate in prairie town. The trade you land on determines your job for the day. You'll learn what was it like to be a craftsman, a farmhand, a cook, or housekeeper in the 19th century.

Or, you could just end up the town criminal!

DT's swindling list of must-do's.

My little criminal! He's so proud that he just disturbed the peace without harming anyone. Number 3 on his list of must-do's. Check.

Experiment with the hand tools of the 1836 prairie.

Try your hand at candle dipping. Patience required!

Learn an old-fashioned family game. (Notice the wigwams in the background. DT loved the Lenape Indian Camp since he had just made a wigwam diorama for a 3rd grade school history project.)

And be sure to explore the prairie's barn. Pet the baby lambs, goats and calves, or hold a newly hatched chick. They're just so stinking cute!

What a great learning experience! I wish we could have taken pictures during the 1863 Civil War Journey. With performers in period costumes and incredible hologram video projection, it's a 4-D experience that puts you in the middle of General John Hunt Morgan's raid on Indiana. You'll be asked to defend the state from rebel raiders. It's pretty exciting!

I must say it again... Thank you Mom and Dad for planning this vacation for DT and I. We loved it. And we'll always remember this time with you!