Historic New Harmony Tours

Historic New Harmony offers three daily tour options for those who want to learn more about the town of New Harmony: Atheneum Tours (20 minutes; on demand, Tuesday-Sunday), Tram Tours (45 minutes; mornings, Tuesday-Saturday), and History Tours (2 hours; afternoons, Tuesday-Sunday).     

Atheneum Tours

Begin your New Harmony journey with our convenient and free 20-minute introductory tour at Richard Meier's architectural masterpiece, the Atheneum, where you'll discover the basic story of New Harmony before stepping into the town's historic streets. Available on demand Tuesday through Sunday when the Atheneum is open, this tour starts with our 12-minute orientation film, Utopia: The New Harmony Experience, in our climate-controlled theater. After the film, take a close look at the models of New Harmony as it looked in 1824 and the Harmonist brick church, which was located in what is now Church Park. Your tour will also include a walk through the Atheneum's public spaces with one of our knowledgeable staff members, who will share insights about Meier's modernist design philosophy and how this building connects past and future in New Harmony. 

The Atheneum Tour is perfect for visitors with limited time, families wanting a gentle introduction, or anyone seeking context before exploring the outdoor historic sites on their own. It provides the essential foundation that will enrich every moment of your New Harmony experience. 

Tram Tours

Historic New Harmony welcomes you to take a Tram Tour of New Harmony with one of our knowledgeable interpreters!  Available Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Central Time, our 45-minute Tram Tours will introduce you to the town's must-see sights, show you restaurants to try and stores to browse, and tell you about the community's fascinating history from the first utopian settlement to the present day. 

Our morning Tram Tours are perfect for anyone visiting New Harmony, but have proven to be great for these kinds of people:

• New Harmony residents hosting friends or family who want to explore the town.
• Those with physical challenges.
• Those who don't want to do walking tours.
• Families with children who cannot do longer tours.
• Couples and families looking to build a fun local daytrip.
• Those attending a conference or meeting elsewhere in town who want an introduction to local history. 
• Those who only have a couple of hours to spend here and want the "most bang for their buck."  

History Tours

Take a deep dive into New Harmony's history with one of our knowledgeable interpreters on Historic New Harmony's daily History Tours! Available Tuesday through Sunday at 1 p.m. Central Time, our 2-hour History Tour will transport you around New Harmony onboard our tram and take you inside historic buildings and sites that help tell the town's unique story. Explore the histories of two utopian communities - one religious, one secular - that set the stage for New Harmony's legacy of experimentation and innovative thinking through two centuries and into the present. 

Our afternoon History Tour is recommended for anyone visiting New Harmony, but has proven to be great for these kinds of people:

• History enthusiasts.
• Curious learners who enjoy depth over surface-level information.
• Those who like storytelling and narrative rather than dry facts. 
• Lifelong learners who see travel as an educational opportunity.
• Those who don't want to do walking tours or have physical challenges.
• Couples and families looking to build a history-centric local daytrip.

Buy your ticket at the Atheneum Visitors Center on the day you arrive or call us at 812-682-4474. We would be happy to tell you more about our tours and help you plan your visit to New Harmony!