Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Indiana:
1Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
Lincoln City, INThe Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is a significant historical site located in the old Lincoln City, Indiana. This presidential memorial preserves the farm where the young Abraham Lincoln lived with his family from 1816 until 1830. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the early life of one of America's most influential presidents. 2Conner Prairie
Fishers, INConner Prairie is a living history museum located in Fishers, Indiana, United States. The museum is dedicated to preserving the William Conner home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum recreates 19th-century life along the White River and hosts several programs and events, including outdoor performances by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and summer camps. 3Prophetstown State Park
West Lafayette, INProphetstown State Park is a significant historical site that commemorates a Native American village. This village was founded in 1808 by Shawnee leaders Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa. Located north of present-day Lafayette, Indiana, the village grew into a large, multi-tribal community. 4Fort Ouiatenon
West Lafayette, INIn 1930, a local doctor named Richard Wetherill constructed a replica of Fort Ouiatenon. This replica, although not an exact match to the original fort's construction style, is now the central point of a county park. The original site of Fort Ouiatenon, located about a mile from the replica site, was discovered and confirmed through archaeological excavations in the 1960s. 5Fort Harrison State Park
Indianapolis, INFort Harrison, often referred to as Fort Ben, is a state park situated in Lawrence, Indiana. The park occupies a portion of the former site of Fort Benjamin Harrison, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's location and its rich history make it a fascinating destination for tourists. 6Spring Mill State Park
Mitchell, INSpring Mill State Park, a sprawling 1,358-acre state park, is situated in the state of Indiana. It is conveniently located to the south of Bloomington and about 3 miles east of the city of Mitchell on Indiana Highway 60. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike. 7The Barns at Nappanee
Nappanee, INThe Barns at Nappanee, previously known as Amish Acres, is a tourist attraction located in Nappanee, Indiana. The site was developed from an 80-acre Old Order Amish farm, offering visitors a unique insight into the Amish way of life. The farm was originally homesteaded by Moses Stahly in 1873, making it one of the earliest Amish settlements in Indiana. 8Snite Museum of Art
Notre Dame, INThe Snite Museum of Art is a fine art museum situated on the University of Notre Dame campus, near South Bend, Indiana. It is a cultural hub that houses around 30,000 works of art spanning various cultures, eras, and media. The museum is not only a place for art appreciation but also supports faculty teaching, research, and student involvement through programs, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions. 9Grover Museum
Shelbyville, INThe Grover Center: Museum and Historical Society, also known as the Louis H. and Lena Firn Grover Museum, is a local history museum situated in Shelbyville, Indiana, USA. The museum is operated by the Shelby County Historical Society, whose headquarters are located within the building. The museum is home to three rotating galleries and three permanent galleries, which are used to display artifacts that are historically significant to Shelby County, Indiana. 10Hesston Steam Museum
La Porte, INThe Hesston Steam Museum is an outdoor museum situated in Hesston, Indiana. It is managed by the Laporte County Historical Steam Society. The museum's location is 1201 E 1000 N, La Porte, IN 46350, making it easily accessible for visitors. 11Buckley Homestead
Lowell, INThe Buckley Homestead Living History Farm is a county park and historical museum situated in Lowell, Indiana. It is open to the public from 7 a.m. to sunset throughout the year, providing ample time for visitors to explore and appreciate the historical significance of the site. 12Washington Park Zoo
Michigan City, INThe Washington Park Zoo is a unique attraction located in Michigan City, Indiana. It spans across 15 acres of land, situated on a hilly sand dune near the southeastern tip of Lake Michigan. This location not only provides a beautiful backdrop for the zoo but also creates a unique environment for the animals. 13Historic Forks of the Wabash
Huntington, INThe Historic Forks of the Wabash is a museum park located near Huntington, Indiana. It is home to several historic buildings, trails, and remnants of the Wabash and Erie Canal. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the area, including its architectural heritage and the significant role of the canal in the region's development.- 14
Billie Creek Village
Rockville, INBillie Creek Village is a large open-air living history museum and park. It spans over 70 acres and is filled with 38 historical buildings and structures. Visitors can also see hundreds of antiques and artifacts that are displayed throughout the village.