Why: We would like to honor the memory of Quinton’s father, Tim Nannet. Tim began volunteering at Pioneer Village in August 1987 and eventually became its manager after founder Mauri Williamson handed over the reins.

From July through September, Tim would lead Pioneer Village and once the fair concluded, he would continue his work as the Indiana State Fairgrounds Facility Enhancement Manager, helping preserve and expand the Indiana history he loved so tirelessly.

To our family, Pioneer Village and the Indiana State Fair are synonymous with Tim. His legacy is still deeply felt throughout both, and we would love to share this special place, and a piece of his story with you.

What Is Pioneer Village?

Pioneer Village is a living-history attraction at the Indiana State Fair that tells the story of Indiana’s agricultural past. Created more than 60 years ago by Purdue University's Mauri Williamson, it brings together historic buildings, antique farm machinery, traditional crafts, music, and demonstrations to show how Hoosiers lived and worked in earlier generations.

Where Is Pioneer Village?

Pioneer Village is located in the northeast section of the Indiana State Fairgrounds, on the north side of the grounds between the Machinery Field and the Family Fun Park.

What can we do at Pioneer Village?

You can try to find Hailey and Quinton while they blend in with Pioneer Garb. You can explore antique tractors and farm equipment, watch vintage machinery operate, tour historic-style buildings, listen to traditional music, and learn about early Indiana agriculture and household life. Be sure to bring a good sense of humor.

What Is the Indiana State Fair?

The Indiana State Fair is a 15-day celebration of agriculture, food, entertainment, and nearly every imaginable form of Midwestern enthusiasm. The 2026 fair marks its 173rd edition, making it the sixth-oldest state fair in the country. Over the years, it has grown into Indiana’s largest annual event and is consistently ranked among the top state fairs in the United States. Each year, nearly 1 million visitors come to see livestock, 4-H competitions, live performances, historic exhibits, carnival rides, and enough fried food to make your cardiologist uncomfortable. The fairgrounds are more than 200 acres with a 1-mile racetrack in the center. All that’s to say, it’s big, so wear comfortable shoes.

Where Is the Indiana State Fair?

~15 miles, or about a 30-minute drive, south of Daniel’s Vineyard and the recommended hotels

~4 miles north of downtown Indianapolis

Indiana State Fairgrounds

1202 East 38th Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46205

Parking and Admission:

Guests arriving by car through Gate 1, Gate 5, or Gate 6 will pay for parking ($10 per vehicle) at the entrance and then be directed to the infield. Fair admission is purchased separately either before hand (Tickets - Indiana State Fair) or at the entrance after you parked. Ultimately, plug it into the GPS and follow the smell of Corn, Coal, and Crispy food, you'll get there fine.

What Can We Do at the Indiana State Fair?

You can easily spend a full day here. In addition to exploring Pioneer Village, visit the livestock barns to see cows, pigs, horses, and sheep, oh my! Be sure to sneak a peek at the World’s Largest Hog.

You can also admire cheese carvings that would make your charcuterie board blush, watch 4-H competitions, ride carnival rides, browse exhibits, listen to live music, visit the Big Top Circus, see art like the Rewind: A VHS Revival exhibit, play putt-putt golf, go fishing in the DNR pond, and discover just how seriously the Midwest takes tractors, corn, dairy products, history, and competitive animal grooming.

But MOST importantly, you should eat your way through the fairgrounds. Corn dogs, elephant ears, donut burgers, fried butter, and pork tenderloins the size of hubcaps. Remember that calories consumed at the State Fair are considered part of Indiana cultural education. Don’t deprive yourself of an opportunity to learn and immerse yourself with the Midwest! Also, don’t mention this to your PCP, and most certainly do not tell them a cardiac ICU nurse and an ER doctor told you to do so. It's fineeeeeeeee...