Ignite Your Curiosity at Conner Prairie

INDIANA’S TOP MUSEUMS & EXHIBITS

Whether you want to take a trip back in time, learn about important moments in history, or just enjoy exploring and interacting with some really cool exhibits, plan a trip to some of Indiana’s top museums and exhibits.

DAVID OWSLEY MUSEUM OF ART

Ball State University • Muncie bsu.edu/doma

The David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) has a diverse permanent collection of more than 11,000 original works of art representing all seven continents. Located on the Ball State University campus, DOMA is open to the public with no admission fee.

WAYNE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

1150 North A Street Richmond wchmuseum.org

The Wayne County Historical Museum is a unique showcase of Wayne County history and world culture. Our founder, Julia Meek Gaar brought back items from her many world excursions to share with the children of Wayne County. From an Egyptian Mummy to cultural objects from Europe, Japan, and the Middle East and beyond, Your Wayne County Historical Museum can transport you to many times and places. As the museum’s first director, Mrs. Gaar collected objects that interpreted the vast history of Wayne County, and made important connections between Wayne County and the world at large. Comprised of eight buildings on a compact site, the museum is a unique repository of Wayne County history from early pioneer life through the industrial revolution into modern times.

BRAUER MUSEUM OF ART

1709 Chapel Drive • Valparaiso Valpo.edu/Brauer-Museum-of-Art

On the campus of Valparaiso University, the Brauer has Northwest Indiana’s finest American art collection, ranging from nineteenth-century landscapes to the contemporary Chicago scene. In tranquil surroundings, see works by the likes of Romare Bearden, Frederic Church, Helen Frankenthaller, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ed Paschke, Robert Motherwell, and Kara Walker.

MIDWEST MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

429 South Main Street • Elkhart MidwestMuseum.org

The Midwest Museum of American Art is located in the center of downtown Elkhart in a beautifully restored neo-classical style bank building. The museum showcases almost 200 years of the Story of American Art on display year-round including, the largest public collection of Overbeck Art Pottery, the largest public collection of signed and numbered Norman Rockwell lithographs & collotypes, and works by Grant Wood, John Singer Sargent, Andy Warhol, and paintings by Hoosier Impressionists. Nearly 1,200 works are on display throughout the year. Temporary exhibits highlight regional artworks and important themes and movements from American Art history. Experience something new with every visit!

CABIN AT WILDFLOWER WOODS, ROME CITY

1205 Pleasant Point • Rome City 260-854-3790 • indianamuseums.org

Noble County’s most visited historical attraction is the Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site. “Our Gene” is Indiana’s most widely read female author, naturalist, film producer, and entrepreneur. She designed her Cabin at Wildflower Woods in Noble County and financed its building with her own money. The cabin-style home sits in primeval wood on the south shore of Sylvan

Lake in Rome City. The white cedar log cabin features multiple porches, a conservatory, and a photographic darkroom. A beautiful stone fireplace in the living room is adorned with carved Aztec Indian heads brought back from Mexico by Gene herself.

Completed in 1914, Gene resided here until 1919. Today, an extensive collection of her belongings is interpreted for visitors. The home is a museum that actively educates and inspires school children and thousands of guests annually. Gene is entombed in an above-ground, marble garden crypt nestled in the woods at the site. To learn more, set up a tour, participate in special events, or stroll and visit Gene’s beloved Limberlost home, visit the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites website.

GRISSOM AIR MUSEUM

1000 W. Hoosier Blvd • Peru grissomairmuseum.com

At the Grissom Air Museum, you can explore historic aircraft from the Cold War era, learn what it’s like to be called an “Airman,” and jump into a cockpit and take off in a static display.

While the museum offers many experiences and exhibits, including 29 aircraft, a B-58 Rocket Sled, guard tower, and more, you won’t want to miss their lineup of special events.

The Warbird Cruise In, their annual car show, takes place August 5. Come out and see hundreds of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Enjoy food, DJ, 50/50 drawing, great airplanes, and don’t forget to check out their indoor exhibit and gift shop

On Saturday, October 15, their third Jeeps, Jets, and Jams event kicks off at 9 a.m. with Jeep registration. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot next to the plane of your choice. At 10 a.m., the gates open to the public. Enjoy musical entertainment throughout the day.

Lights in the Airpark, A walk-thru winter event, takes place November 24-December 31. Enjoy the lights and celebrate the holiday. Light up displays highlight our Cold War era aircraft. And don’t forget out illuminated Guard Tower. Open Thursday-Sunday, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost is just $6 per person and includes admission into the indoor museum. Children five and under are free.

VISIT NOBLE COUNTY’S AWARD-WINNING MUSEUMS

Mid-America Windmill Museum, located in Kendallville, is home to 55+ restored windmills. Both large and small windmills allow visitors to get up close and learn about the history and power of windmills. With educational backgrounds and hands-on learning, The Windmill Museum is a great place for families. Learn More: www. midamericawindmillmuseum.org

In Noble County, you must explore the Old Jail Museum, located just west of the courthouse square at the corner of West Main and North Oak Streets in Albion. Built in 1876, the brick and Indiana limestone structure is in the Second Empire architectural style. It features jail cells and living quarters, preserved and presented with period furnishings and artifacts. The building initially served to not only contain criminals and alleged violators but also was home to the Noble County Sheriffs and their families from 1876 through 1965. Relish learning about Noble County’s unique and rich history with a self-guided tour at the Old Jail Museum. Enjoy this museum on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Learn More: www.sites.rootsweb. com/~innchs/old-jail/old-jail-museumof-noble-county-historical-society.html

MINNETRISTA MUSEUM & GARDENS

1200 North Minnetrista Parkway • Muncie 765-282-4848 • minnetrista.net

Built on the unique legacy of the Ball family and company, Minnetrista works to nurture a thriving community that takes pride in its accomplishments and strives for a brighter future. Located on the White River in the middle of Muncie, this 40-acre museum

WABASH COUNTY MUSEUM

36 E Market Street • Wabash 260-563-9070 • wabashmuseum.org

The Wabash County Museum is a 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art historical museum located in beautiful downtown Wabash, IN. The museum features more than 90 exhibits, an enormous indoor play and learn center and family friendly programming year round. Visit www.wabashmuseum.org to learn more. and gardens is a community gem. Whether exploring their exhibits and historic homes, or meandering the trails, visitors can find a moment outside of the everyday where discovery, imagination, and learning are core. Their calendar full of educational programs, workshops, and community events is ever-changing as they strive to meet the communities’ interests and needs.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Bob Ross Experience, where you can explore the life, philosophy, and art of the iconic American painter inside the historic home where The Joy of Painting was filmed.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Muncie or a life-long resident, there is something for you at Minnetrista. In everything they do. They hold their mission central: connecting people, encouraging engagement, and improving our community.

ELWOOD HAYNES MUSEUM

1915 S. Webster St. • Kokomo 765-456-7500 • visitkokomo.org

Learn about notable inventor, Elwood Haynes. Haynes invented the first commercially successful gasoline powered automobile in the United States in 1894, named “The Pioneer.” The famous inventor’s former Kokomo residence now houses a collection of his possessions and inventions. A revolving exhibit of Haynes automobiles are also on display.

SEIBERLING MANSION AND HOWARD COUNTY MUSEUM

1200 W. Sycamore St. • Kokomo howardcountymuseum.org

The Howard County Museum is located inside the Seiberling Mansion. Built in 1891 by industrialist Monroe Seiberling, the mansion features stunning architectural design, beautiful hand-carved woodwork, multiple exhibits throughout highlighting the history of Howard County, and spectacular holiday tours. Open Tuesday-Sunday 1-4 p.m., February through December.