Top Things to do in Indianapolis, IN, USA
There are many places to visit in Indianapolis that make it a great tourist destination. Most of the major museums and galleries in Indy will be free on Thursdays after 5 pm, making it easier for visitors to save money on their trip. In addition, the Children’s Museum offers a wide variety of educational exhibits and is free after 5 pm.
For those who like history and buildings, the Indiana State Museum has got everything from Ice Age Artifacts to Civil War items from the American Civil War.
Experience car racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where you can see cars go around the track at high speeds. Take a game of baseball at Victory Field, home to the Indianapolis Indians minor league team, or watch an NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Sharkies Bar and Grill is one of the local favorites featuring food and drinks specials daily as well as live bands and DJs. For amazing views of downtown Indianapolis take a ride on the SkyWheel Ferris Wheel that opens in May every year.
Indianapolis was established in 1820 as the state capital of Indiana at the center of its five-county central core. The city is known as the crossroads of America, and it is here that the north and south meet. As a result, Indianapolis residents have a vibrant urban lifestyle full of opportunities to experience one of the area’s great arts districts or sporting events.
The 20 best tourist attractions in Indianapolis, Indiana
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Indianapolis Zoo
If you are looking for a day trip destination in the Indianapolis area, you may consider the Indianapolis Zoo. This zoo is a unique place for kids and adults alike. The zoo boasts over 1,200 animals of 230 species. It also has a botanical garden and an aquarium.
Located in White River State Park, the zoo opened in 1964. Today, the zoo spans 64 acres.
Featuring several interactive exhibits, the Indianapolis Zoo is a great way to see the world. In addition to the typical animal displays, the zoo features oceans, deserts, and a botanical garden. There are more than 47,000 plant specimens here.
Unlike other prominent city zoos, the Indianapolis Zoo has a well-rounded approach to conservation. It participates in the International Elephant Foundation, the International Rho Foundation, and the International Iguana Foundation.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a world-renowned motor racing track. It is the location of the annual Indianapolis 500. Aside from the race, the venue hosts various events and activities.
In addition to the track, the city of Indianapolis offers many unique attractions and recreational opportunities for families. If you’re visiting the city with young children, check out the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This museum features five floors of interactive learning experiences for kids and adults. You can even get a tour of the facility.
Other fun activities in the Indianapolis area include attending a White River State Park concert. The park is home to a summer series of concerts and activities.
Also, you can visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. It’s home to a collection of Native American art, including a full-size replica of an American Indian canoe.
Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Soldiers & Sailors Monument in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a landmark commemorating Hoosiers’ sacrifices during the Civil War. This is one of the most visited landmarks in Indianapolis. It stands atop a raised foundation and is built of oolitic limestone from Owen County, Indiana.
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument has four statues at each of its corners. The soldiers on the monument represent Hoosiers who served in the American Revolution, the Indian and British Wars, the Spanish-American War, the Frontier Wars, and the War of 1812.
The design of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument incorporates the Greek goddess Nike with Lady Liberty. The design of statue holds a sword and is 38 feet tall.
When the Soldiers and Sailors Monument was first dedicated, it was called Monument Place. Later it changed its name to Monument Circle.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world. It has been around since 1925 and is located on 30th Street and North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to its extensive collection of exhibits, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers a variety of fun educational activities to visitors of all ages.
Founded by Mary Stewart Carey, a civic-minded woman, the museum opened in a carriage house of the Propylaeum, a local civic club. She enlisted the help of local civic leaders, the Progressive Teacher’s Association, and others to create the institution.
Today, the museum is housed in a 472,900-square-foot building. Four significant expansions have been completed since 1976. This facility has an extensive book library, a wide ramp for accessibility, various hands-on science exhibits, and seasonal displays.
Newfields
If you’re looking for new ideas, nature, and arts, consider a trip to Newfields. This 152-acre cultural campus features the Lilly House, the Museum of Art, and the nature park.
You can stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy a meal at the Café, or even catch a concert in The Toby. There’s also a sculpture park to explore.
There are a variety of exhibits to check out, but you’ll probably want to focus on the Museum of Art. It’s home to one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary art. And it’s free to visit.
Also, check out the IMA’s Museum & Garden Shop, which has a unique selection of items. During Spring Blooms, there are flowering displays on the grounds.
Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek Park is a popular place for families and friends to gather. It offers hiking, biking, and water sports and has a bird sanctuary. Purdue University once owned the park, but the city of Indianapolis purchased the property and turned it into a recreation area.
In addition to the park’s many features, it is also home to the “Eagle Creek Park Foundation.” The foundation is dedicated to volunteerism and community involvement.
The foundation was established in 1979. Today, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is the steward of Eagle Creek Park.
The park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, covering nearly 3,900 acres. It has a large reservoir and is surrounded by forests and wooded areas. Located about 13 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities and amenities.
Fort Harrison State Park
The former site of the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison military base is now home to one of the best state parks in the city of Indianapolis. The park, named for the 23rd President of the United States, has more than 1,700 acres of woodland and offers a wide array of outdoor activities. It has been a part of the Indiana State Park System since 1996.
The activities offered at the park include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and canoeing. There are also picnic areas, sports fields, and a dog park. Guests can also take advantage of the park’s many attractions, such as the interactive nature center.
During the spring, you can expect to see colorful wildflowers throughout the park. Another fun thing to do is ice fishing on Delaware Lake.
White River State Park
White River State Park is a unique urban cultural park in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. The park spans 250 acres and includes many attractions. It has a variety of museums, parks, and trails.
The park is home to the NCAA Hall of Champions, the IMAX theater, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indianapolis Zoo. Visitors can also take a canal walk, rent a pedal boat, or enjoy a romantic gondola ride. Other White River State Park attractions include the Farm Bureau Lawn, the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, and the Victory Field. In addition, live concerts have been held on the lawn since 2004.
There is also a Canal Walk with a waterside cafe and fountains. Visitors can also take a Segway tour to explore the riverway. Another attraction is the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park. This facility is a popular site for music performances. Teachers Credit Union purchased naming rights to the amphitheater in 2021.
Aside from its recreational facilities, the park is also home to several historic landmarks. One is the White River Trail, a 4.75-mile trail that runs between the White River Parkway and the river. The trail passes the Indianapolis Zoo and Lilly Recreation Park south on the west bank.
Visitors can experience the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial by crossing the pedestrian bridge over the White River. The memorial includes names of the medal recipients and stories of their accomplishments.
Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum is an Indianapolis, Indiana, museum that showcases the best of Indiana’s past, present, and future. It’s located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis.
The museum features numerous exhibits and galleries. Each area highlights something different. From the science museum to the art museum to the historical museum, there is something to see and learn for everyone.
The museum is an excellent place to take a family day out. It has various educational programs and events, including interactive story time, an early childhood center, and a play area. The museum also has a full calendar of special exhibits.
One of the unique aspects of the Indiana State Museum is that it’s a museum and the home base for a statewide network of historical sites. These sites include eleven culturally significant locations throughout the state.
Indiana War Memorial & Museum
The Indiana War Memorial & Museum is a collection of historic buildings, monuments, and exhibitions dedicated to the military heritage of Indiana. The Indiana War Memorial & Museum is open five days a week in University Park. It includes a Flags of Honor Display, Veterans of Foreign Wars Headquarters, an Indiana Military Museum, and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America headquarters.
Established in 1925 by the state legislature of Indiana, the Indiana War Memorial & Museum is the oldest public war memorial in the United States. It pays tribute to the countless veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. Originally established to honor veterans of World War I, the Indiana War Memorial & Museum now serves as a repository of military history and memorabilia for all who visit.
