The Trails at Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie Museum is located along the banks of the White River. The White River formed during the glacial retreat over 17,000 years ago. Early humans arrived in this area around 13,000 years ago to enjoy the rich habitat along the river banks. This land has been tended by many Indigenous communities, including the Miami and Lenape people, groups who still have an active presence here at Conner Prairie and in central Indiana. When William Conner arrived in the area in the early 1800s, he built relationships with members of the Lenape. Those relationships had positive and negative impacts on the local communities and surrounding land. Eli Lilly purchased the property about 100 years ago with the aim of connecting people with history. His creation of the berm around the oxbow of the White River is still utilized today as part of the trail system. Conner Prairie Museum is now a regional outdoor attraction and living history museum situated on 1000 acres. This land continues to be tended by a dedicated group of staff, volunteers, donors, and board members of diverse backgrounds and interests.