This was our first year attending the Headless Horseman festival at Conner Prairie, and I’m so glad we went. We all had a great time!
Details
- Conner Prairie is an outdoor living history museum where the staff dresses, speaks, and acts like they would have in the mid-1800s in Indiana.
- The museum is located at 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers, Indiana (just north of Indy).
- Conner Prairie is Indiana’s first Smithsonian affiliate. They offer many types of events, interactions, and learning experiences for all ages.
- The Headless Horseman festival takes place Thursday through Sunday during the last several weeks in October.
- Tickets come at two different price points. Thursday and Sunday tickets are $17 per person 2 and older. Friday and Saturday tickets are $21 per person 2 and older.
- Children under 2 are free.
- Conner Prairie members are free.
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Haunted Hayride
In our opinion, the haunted hayride is by far the best part of the event. I was so surprised by how fast the tractor drives, how many beings and sound effects there are, and how long the ride is.
When you arrive at the gate, you’ll need to decide if you want to ride during the light or after dark. We rode during the light since our boys are still young, and it was still scary and fun. We all loved it!
Also, they do offer a seated hayride that is much more accessible for those who have a hard time climbing stairs and standing from a seated position on the “ground.” Just tell the workers you’d prefer a seated ride when you get to the front of the hayride line.
Activities Included with Admission
In addition to the haunted hayride, all of the following activities are included:
- Stevens Puppets Marionette Production of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (We love Stevens Puppets!)
- Midway-style Games (Tickets are given out as “prizes.” Just write your contact information on the back of the tickets, stick them in the box under the gargoyle, and you might win prizes such as Conner Prairie memberships or gift cards.)
- 3 Corn Mazes: Small, Large, or Haunted
- Barrel Train Rides (for 8 and younger)
- Craft Area to Create a White River Monster
- Percussion Jam Session with Bill Bailey
- The Mystic Fortuneteller
- “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” Cartoon Showing
- Professor Steve’s Science of Halloween Show
- Beautisha the Witch and Dr. Acula’s Cooking Show
- “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” One-Man Show by Actor Ty Stover
- Spooky Storytelling
- CR Ryan Demler Magic Show
Activities for an Extra Cost
- Face Painting = $8
- S’mores Kit = 2 for $6 or 4 for $10
- 1859 Balloon Voyage = $13 for member and $17 for guest
Food and Drinks
- The Apple Store is open and selling caramel apples, cider slushies, pies, popcorn, and other treats.
- The Prairie Grill sells hamburgers, hotdogs, pork tenderloins, chicken strips, french fries, chili, nachos, hot pretzels, and drinks.
- There are many food vendors selling items such as kettle corn, elephant ears, cotton candy, and beverages.
- When we visited, additional food vendors included Chick-fil-A, Hot Box Pizza, and Droopy’s BBQ.
- There is also a wine and beer tent.
As you can see, there is so much to do at the Headless Horseman festival!
In fact, there is so much going on, that we didn’t get to see everything because we were tired and ready to go home. We’ll definitely be back for more fun next year.
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