The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is leaning into spring break programming with hands-on exhibits, a Family Discovery Day focused on agriculture and the return of its popular Pinewood Derby event, museum officials said during a recent appearance on WILO and Hoosierland TV. The museum is also open daily through March 29 for spring break, giving families more chances to visit during the school break.
Agriculture focus
Carla Knapp, Director of Communication for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and Chloe Pannell, part of the museum system’s communications team, said this week’s Family Discovery Day is designed to connect visitors with Indiana’s agricultural roots. The event was described as free with museum admission and scheduled to include live farm animals, hands-on planting activities and opportunities to talk with local farmers. An event listing also said visitors can “explore and celebrate the impact agriculture has on our lives every day.”
“We’re gonna have live farm animals,” Pannell said, adding that visitors also can “talk with the local farmer” and try activities tied to planting and food production. The program is part of the museum’s broader effort to make history interactive and accessible for children and adults alike.
Knapp said the agricultural theme connects especially well in Indiana, where farming remains central to the state’s identity. “Agriculture is such a huge part of our heritage,” she said, noting that visitors can see how farming shaped the state’s past and still influences daily life.
Spring break schedule
The museum is expanding access during spring break, with its Indianapolis location open daily through March 29. The museum’s website says spring break hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, a departure from its usual Wednesday-through-Sunday schedule.
Knapp said the extra days are meant to give families more flexibility. “Because it is spring break, the museum is actually open now daily,” she said, describing the added schedule as an opportunity for visitors to explore exhibits, galleries and special programs.
One of the ongoing attractions highlighted by museum staff is “Mazes and Brain Games,” an exhibit built around puzzles, problem-solving and hands-on discovery. The museum said the exhibit includes more than 60 large- and small-scale activities.
Pinewood Derby returns
Another major draw is the Pinewood Derby, set for March 25-29, with official race day on March 28. The museum says the event features a 125-foot track, which it describes as the longest in Indiana, and includes both speed competition and a best-in-show contest.
Knapp said the annual race has become a favorite for families. “This is one of our most popular events of the year,” she said, adding that the competition combines racing heritage with creativity and family participation.
The museum’s event page says the best-in-show contest will include a special category tied to America’s 250th birthday. It also says official race cars must be registered by 10:30 a.m. on March 28, with race time at 11 a.m.
Historic sites network
Beyond the Indianapolis museum, the organization operates 11 historic sites across Indiana, including the Levi and Catharine Coffin House, Gene Stratton-Porter’s home, the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, the original state capital in Corydon and the original territorial capital in Vincennes.
Knapp said that reach gives visitors multiple ways to experience Indiana history. “No matter what your interest is, we have something for you,” she said, describing the museum system as a place where visitors can find art, literature, architecture, natural history and historic homes.
Visitor information
Museum staff said the easiest way to plan a visit is through indianamuseum.org. The site notes that advance ticket purchases can save money, and membership provides access to the museum and historic sites as well as reciprocal benefits at many other museums and cultural attractions.
For local families looking for a spring break outing, the museum is pitching an experience that mixes education with hands-on fun. “Whenever you come to the Indiana State Museum, you get to put your hands onto different tools,” Knapp said. “Our museum system does such a fantastic job of delivering those experiences to people.”
