This fall, the Headless Horseman rides again at Conner Prairie, offering 16 nights of spooktacular thrills from October 3 to October 27. The Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie has become one of Indy’s favorite fall events, drawing families who seek a mix of fright and fun.
General admission tickets are available starting August 29 for museum members and September 6 for the general public. You’ll definitely want to add this activity to your fall bucket list.
2024 Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie: What to Expect
The Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie is packed with fun for the whole family! Each year, it’s the attention to detail—the decorations, the themed music, and the warmth of a hot cider—that make the experience special. This creates an atmosphere that many look forward to as part of their fall traditions. There’s the 11-acre haunted corn maze, live performances, themed food and drinks, and of course, the haunted hayride.
The Haunted Hayride
One of the festival’s main attractions is the hayride. Where a tractor takes you on a journey through the eerie woods of Conner Prairie. Each tractor pulls two wagons, each holding around 10-15 people, so larger groups can ride together. As you settle onto the hay bales, you can feel the anticipation build as everyone quietly watches the shadows between the trees.
During the ride, you’ll come face-to-face with the Conner Prairie Headless Horseman, the event’s iconic figure. Seeing his silhouette in the mist is a moment that sends chills down your spine, and the sound of his galloping hooves will stay with you long after the ride is over.
A hayride requires a separate ticket, which costs $10. You’ll need to select your time in advance, and when your group’s time comes, you can enter the hayride line. When your group’s time comes, you can enter the hayride line. Although a small to moderate wait is still possible, the designated times have significantly improved the waiting experience. This year, you can easily reserve your hayride time online, making it simple to plan your visit.
Event organizers have emphasized the safety and enjoyment of all guests, with accessible wagons available for those who need them. For guests sensitive to loud sounds, bright lights, or who scare easily, it’s recommended to choose an earlier time slot. In addition, Conner Prairie provides sensory-friendly boxes at the ticket gates for those who may need them, ensuring a more comfortable experience for all visitors.
Tips for riding with young children
For families with younger children, it’s worth considering when to take the hayride. An early evening ride allows you to experience the magic of twilight, with just enough light to keep things playful rather than scary. The ride is less intense during the early evening, making it a better option for kids who might be sensitive to scares. After 8 p.m., however, the hayride passes through the dark woods, where eerie surprises may be too frightening for some children.
Conner Prairie Corn Maze
The corn maze at Conner Prairie is another big attraction during the Headless Horseman Festival. The maze covers a large area and has three different paths, each with its own level of difficulty. Visitors can choose between a puzzle maze, a shorter kids’ maze, and the more challenging Trail of Terror. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the maze at dusk for an extra thrill. You can also take the 1859 Balloon Voyage to see the maze from above. Watching the maze at twilight as day turns to night is a special experience that adds a touch of magic to your visit.
Trail of Terror
For those who enjoy a good scare, the Trail of Terror is an option. This path through the cornfield is designed with heightened frights in mind, appealing to visitors who are looking for a more intense experience. It’s not just about the scares—it’s the anticipation, the way the rustling corn makes your heart race before anything even happens.
Parental Guidance: While the festival is family-friendly, the Trail of Terror is not recommended for young children due to its intensity.
Family-Friendly Activities
In addition to the scarier attractions, the Conner Prairie Headless Horsemand Festival includes a number of family-friendly activities. These range from puzzle corn mazes of varying lengths to carnival rides like the barrel train ride and midway games. Watching kids’ faces light up as they ride the barrel train or down the inner tube slide is a highlight for many families.
The festival also has live shows, like a one-man performance of “Sleepy Hollow” and a magic show. There are also storytelling sessions and puppet shows that are perfect for younger kids.
Is the Headless Horseman Festival appropriate for small children?
The festival is meant to be family-friendly, but parents should know that the atmosphere gets spookier as the night goes on. Hayrides after 8 p.m. can be scarier and might be too much for younger children. It’s a good idea to start with the lighter activities and gradually move to the scarier ones to see how your kids handle it. The Trail of Terror offers an even more intense experience and is recommended only for those who enjoy a bigger scare.
Is the Headless Horseman hayride accessible and sensory-friendly?
Conner Prairie aims to make the festival accessible to all. Accessible hayride wagons are available for those who need them. Arriving early in the evening can make a big difference if you’re looking for a less crowded, more relaxed experience.
For more detailed information about accessibility options, including sensory-friendly accommodations, visitors are encouraged to visit the official Conner Prairie Headless Horseman FAQ page.Â
Access PassÂ
Indiana Access Pass participants may purchase tickets for $5 per eligible person. Hayride tickets are $2, but availability is limited. You can reserve Access Pass tickets in person at Conner Prairie or online at connerprairie.org.
More information about Headless Horseman Conner Prairie 2024:
The Headless Horseman Festival at Conner Prairie takes place every Thursday through Sunday from October 3 to October 27. For more information on the festival, including event schedules, parking details, and frequently asked questions, please visit the official Conner Prairie Headless Horseman Festival page. Stay updated on the festival by texting HEADLESS to 317-779-3330.
