Conner Prairie to expand adult appeal with dining events, more

Conner Prairie is growing up.

Long-established as one of Central Indiana's favorite family friendly attractions, the interactive history park in Fishers will soon expand its lineup of events and programs to attract adults.

"When we talked to adults, they said they wanted unique hands-on experiences that they couldn't get anywhere else," said Ellen M. Rosenthal, who has been president and CEO of Conner Prairie since 2005. The plans were announced during the museum's annual meeting today.

The offerings this year will include a cocktail created by the Libertine's Neal Brown based on 19th century liquors and tips from photographer Rad A. Drew on capturing landscape images using an iPhone, Rosenthal said. Both events are in the works for this spring.

With 200 acres of farmland that includes livestock, natural grasses and native plants, Rosenthal said Conner Prairie will offer learning and entertainment experiences that focus on the museum's history.

Adults-only events scheduled so far this year include a flora and fauna workshop on April 5 presented by the Indianapolis Art Center; a dining experience on April 10 with Joseph Decuis Restaurant; History on Tap on May 30; and an abstract landscaping workshop June 7.

Museum members Brad and Kelly Douglas have enjoyed taking their two children, ages 5 and 10, to various events and exhibits over the past four years. In May, the couple attended History on Tap, an adults-only event sponsored by Horizon Council, Conner Prairie's young professional organization.

"These events are different than you would do with kids. It gives us a better opportunity to mingle with other adults and more time to delve into the history and look more in-depth at what's there," said Brad Douglas, 44.

History on Tap, featuring craft brewing demonstrations, historical beer tastings and music, drew 700 people in 2013.

"We've had some great success with adult programs like Hearthside Suppers and the Symphony on the Prairie series. We've gotten feedback that people like it and want more," said Chris Petrelli, director of programs, education and evaluation.

Other family attractions in Indianapolis also are catering to grown-ups. The Indianapolis Zoo is holding Zoolala — a night of food, music and dancing for the over-21 crowd — on Feb. 1. The Children Museum's second Adult Swim will be Feb. 22.

"Many visitors have joked over the years, 'You should have a time when only adults can visit the museum without the kids.' Now we're doing that, said Kimberly Harms, spokeswoman for the Children's Museum. "This is a wonderful date night opportunity and a unique way to explore your inner child in a fun way after dark," Jeffrey H. Patchen, CEO and president of the Children's Museum, said about the Feb. 22 event.

The target audience for Conner Prairie's adult-only events ranges from young professionals to adults 40 and older, said Petrelli, noting the Joseph Decuis dinner will cost more and be more formal than the casual History on Tap parties.

Joseph Decuis, a restaurant in Roanoke, is a natural partner for Conner Prairie because the restaurant focuses on "farm to fork" dining, Petrelli said. The April 10 event will be set in Conner Prairie's Chinese House, an artisan retreat nestled in the woods that is not usually open to the public. The intimate setting accommodates up to 64 guests. The menu will include Wagyu beef and a fine wine pairing, Petrelli said.

Other classes and events in the planning stages include traditional crafts such as throwing pottery with a local artist and dining events that include a butchering education component with Goose the Market, known for natural and locally butchered meats.

"We want to make every event relevant to our mission and part of our history. For example, the Chinese House has unique architecture, and it also has the unique lore of being rumored to be a 1920s speakeasy," Petrelli said.

Call Star reporter T.J. Banes at (317) 444-6815. Follow her on Twitter: @tjbanes.