It’s hard to find a season at Conner Prairie that we don’t love. Spring brings baby animals in the Animal Encounters Barn. Summer brings the Glorious Fourth and fireworks. Fall means treats from the Apple Store and Headless Horseman. You would think that winter at an outdoor living history museum would mean a season off from visiting. You’d be wrong.
Winter is actually one of my favorite seasons at Conner Prairie. The grounds are beautiful on a snowy day, and slipping into a simpler world makes you forget the craziness of our modern holiday for just a little while.
This year, Conner Prairie is adding something new to their December lineup. Don’t worry – the Gingerbread Village and Conner Prairie by Candlelight haven’t gone anywhere. In addition to these wonderful traditions, you can add the 1836 Outdoor Adventure to your list of holiday fun. On Saturday, December 10 and 17 you can visit Prairietown during the day and see what it was like to prepare for the holidays in 1836.
When we visited last Saturday we spent some time dipping our own candles. Elena loved this activity, and finished all three of our candles after Eli lost interest. Like many things from the 19th century, it’s a simple but time-consuming task. Allow at least 30 minutes to make a candle.
At the Connor home you can observe how hot chocolate was made in the days before Swiss Miss. The best part? Samples, of course!
Inside Dr. Campbell’s home, preparations for a party are under way. Don’t be surprised if the kids are enlisted to help roll and cut out gingerbread cookies . . . and sample them, of course!
It was balmy for this time of year when we visited, but I’m hoping at least one Saturday will be cold and snowy for the horse-drawn wagon ride. Even without snow, a ride through the woods with the sound of the jingling bells lifted our Christmas spirits.
Warm up back inside the Welcome Center by taking the time to see all the wonderful creations that make up Gingerbread Village. Next year we might just have to enter ourselves. Lastly, don’t forget about Discovery Station and the Craft Corner. It’s my favorite cure for cabin fever all winter long.
Many thanks to Conner Prairie, not only for graciously hosting us on opening day of the 1836 Outdoor Adventure, but for providing a world-class museum that we enjoy all year long!
