Live Indianapolis 'Oregon Trail' game will pair beer with bear attacks

Next month, slap on your suspenders and head to the Indiana Historical Society for some live "Oregon Trail" gaming.

From 7 to 9:30 p.m. April 4, the Indiana Historical Society will bring the popular grade-school computer game to life in an "Indiana Trail" event.

But if you think a Hoosier take on "Oregon Trail" will be a walk in the park, think again.

Indiana Historical Society Public Programs Coordinator Callie McCune said settlers will hunt for meat, take on a bear attack or maybe even die of cholera — all with an Indiana bent.

"Instead of settling Oregon, you'll be journeying across Indiana in the early 1800s," she said. "You'll travel across the state with oxen and horses to set up a homestead."

Pioneers will travel between stations set up throughout the building, drawing cards along the way that might grant them an extra wheel for their wagon or saddle them with a broken leg. The atmosphere will be more fun than competitive, McCune said, though there will definitely be winners and losers.

"You can definitely die early," she said. "We'll have a 'Graveyard Lounge' where you can go chill, and an arcade setup where you can play the old game using computer keys instead of a mouse."

McCune said the event is rated PG-13 and is probably appropriate for a mature 13-year-old.

Costumes from the '80s and '90s are encouraged. Gamers can grab Upland Brewing Co. beers from a cash bar, with light refreshments also available. 

The event costs $20 in advance, or $25 at the door. Tickets are $15 for Indiana Historical Society members. 

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Even if you've mastered the video game, McCune warns you should watch out for surprises. Snakebites might not be the least of your worries. 

"Apparently Indiana had a lot of quicksand," she said.

Email IndyStar reporter Sarah Bahr at sbahr@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @smbahr14.