Things to do in Indianapolis

indianapolis

If you’re a car guy and car racing is quite frankly the blood that flows in your veins, then Indianapolis would definitely be the “heart” of your body.

 

Metaphors aside…

 

Truth be told, Indianapolis is a magnificent city. It’s actually the second largest town in the American Midwest. What’s more, is that this city, full of attractions, features the largest single-day sports event in the world – Indianapolis 500.

 

Except for car-related sports events, you’ll be able to explore a significant amount of historical and art museums that will definitely leave you impressed.

 

There are lots of cool exhibits and sites you can examine in Indianapolis. Still, in this guide, we’ve listed only the most prominent attractions that will undoubtedly leave you with a jaw-dropping experience.

 

Buckle your seats, as the car racers use to say, and let’s see what Indianapolis brings to the table:

Price


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  2. Low
  3. Medium
  4. Expensive

What are you looking for


  1. Adventure
  2. Nature
  3. Culture
  4. History
  5. Local experience
  6. Food

What kind of travel do you do


  1. Solo
  2. couple
  3. Family

Show only Phillip's favorite things:


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The Children’s Museum Of Indianapolis

Perhaps you are keen on history and dinosaurs? If that’s the case, then you simply can’t go wrong by taking a tour in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis with your family. What makes this building stand out is that it is the largest children’s museum in the world. We’re here to tell you that there are a significant amount of fun things to do in this museum when it comes down to your children’s entertainment.

Exploring ancient dinosaurs is one of the most fascinating things your kids can be engaged in. To be completely honest, your kids will definitely fall in love with the significant figures of the exhibited dinosaurs. Another quite an impressive attraction you’ll be able to examine with your family thoroughly is the five-level playground. It features a 43 ft “Fireworks of Glass” sculpture you can find hanging in the central room of the museum. This exhibition will definitely make you contemplate it for quite some time.

Does China seem compelling to you? If so, then in this museum, you and your kids will be able to explore the lives of young children in modern China. Another attraction that can captivate your kid’s attention is the 16 ft tall figure of Bumblebee, a character from the Transformers movie.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a fantastic site that will definitely leave you highly impressed and make you come back for more.


Low Adventure Food Family

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

This is the perfect place for any motor or car enthusiast. It will definitely load you with amounts of energy, making you want to come back for more incredible car-related experiences. It’s one of the largest international motor speedway capitals in the world. Moreover, this place hosts some of the most significant sporting events in the world. The site actually represents a 2.5-mile-long oval track. And it’s so big that it can literally fit the Roman Coliseum and the Vatican City, so beware not to get lost.

This place accommodates up to 300,000 people annually only for the Indy 500 event, which is the largest sports car event on the globe. You’ll be able to examine the Hall of Fame museum, which is the place where you can find all racing trophies. Other cool things you will be able to explore in the Hall of Fame are the memorabilia and winning cars of past open-wheel sporting events. The Hall of Fame museum will definitely take your breath.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a must-visit attraction in your “things to do” list. We recommend spending a whole day examining the place. It will, without a doubt, leave you highly impressed.


Expensive Local experience Food Solo

Indianapolis Zoo

If you are keen on animals, then the Indianapolis Zoo is the place where you’ll be able to examine over 250 species of animals. All these species can be found in the aquarium, the botanical gardens, and the zoo. What’s more, is that you’ll also be able to explore over 2000 plant varieties.

The whole place consists of 64 acres landscape, and you’ll definitely need a full day to examine most of the animals that can be found in the zoo. The elephants will undoubtedly leave you highly impressed. This is actually the perfect place for you and your family to learn a great deal about the animal’s natural habitats. Other incredible species you’ll be able to examine are polar bears, penguins, and other assorted beasts.

After you’ve finished your animal tour, you can get a burger, snack, or dessert and just enjoy the environment around you. The Indianapolis Zoo is the perfect place for animal lovers who seek to establish a deep connection with animals and nature.


Medium Adventure Nature Food Family

Conner Prairie History Park

If you are eager to know how life once was experienced, then the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park will be the perfect place for you. It consists of 800 acres of territory, where you’ll be able to find loads of wooded property. This is the place where you can literally travel back in time to live in a real prairie town.

What makes this attraction really stand out is the interactive theatre it features. This is the place where you will completely dive into the Civil War. Moreover, you’ll be able to explore how life used to be throughout these massive years. You can likewise help the actors finish their chores, which will give you the impression of traveling back in time. This is the perfect place for your family if you’re all passionate about history, and you would like to know more about America’s past. The Conner Prairie History Park is definitely worth the visit.


Low Culture History Local experience Family

Oldfields-Lilly House And Gardens

This beautiful place stands on the grounds of the Museum of Art in Indianapolis. It will definitely leave you with a jaw-dropping expression on your face due to its magnificent nature.

It encompasses 26 acres of fascinating landscapes, where you’ll be able to enjoy the moment. Here you can examine the Lilly House. It was actually the former home of Indianapolis philanthropist J. K. Lilly Jr. This house now serves as a museum. It encompasses impressive attractions that will keep you engaged.

Moreover, your whole family will be able to explore vast amounts of old furniture that recalls how people used to live back in the days. Finally, you’ll be able to follow beautiful ground trails that will take you to amazing natural places full of flora. All this incredible nature will definitely make you come back for more.

The Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens attraction is the perfect spot for those seeking to get along with nature.


Low Nature Local experience couple

Veal's Ice Tree

Undoubtedly, the Veal's Ice Tree will take your breath away with its beauty and magnificence. It dates back to 1961, and it is currently one of the most notable attractions you can explore with your family in Indianapolis. You can visit the icy tree every day of the week until the late hours of 9 or 10 pm.

Truth be told, there’s not much we can say about the Veal's Ice Tree. The only way you can actually enjoy the beauty of the icy tree is by visiting it. What we can say for sure is that it has been amazing audiences for over 50 decades, and it’s definitely worth checking it out.

Take a lot of selfies and photos so you can recall the magnificence of the Veal's Ice Tree when it comes to mind.


Free Local experience Family

Eiteljorg Museum Of American Indians And Western Art

By the name, you can tell that this place is all about the western cultures and past American Indians. But what we guarantee here is that you’ll have an awesome experience by exploring the exhibitions this museum offers.

What’s more, is that the museum features a significant amount of hands-on exhibits and attractions. Your kids will be able to experience Western culture and traditions fully. Moreover, your children will be able to dress in authentic costumes and represent the chief of an Indian tribe. Simply hop into this museum, and you’ll get an impression of how Indians used to live at the time.

What makes this place really stand out is its recreational part. It's the place where you’ll be able to examine an impressive collection of Native American art and history about the Western people and their lives. As of final, you’ll be able to visit an eye-catching gift shop where you can get attractive handcrafted tools, purses, and clothing.

The Eiteljorg Museum is a place that will leave you significantly impressed if you are keen on Indian-related movies and cultures.


Low Culture History Family

Rhythm! Discovery Center

If you are passionate about art and music, and you would like to dive into the world of percussion fully, then we highly suggest visiting the Rhythm! Discovery Center located in downtown Indianapolis. It’s been captivating audiences since its foundation in 2009 by the Percussive Art Society. What’s more, is that in this place you’ll be able to explore a significant amount of practical musical instruments and historical artifacts.

Examining this museum will allow you to learn a great deal about the nature of rhythms and percussion in terms of shaping communication, music, art, and society.

Moreover, in this incredible museum, you’ll be able actually to take part in some spectacles. Therefore, you’ll learn how to use a large number of exhibited musical instruments. All this will definitely make your experience unforgettable, and you’ll perhaps want to come back for more artistic endeavors. Customers boast their musical-related skills after mastering the techniques regarding musical instruments.

The museum is definitely worth it and will undoubtedly leave you highly impressed


Medium Adventure Local experience Food Family

Dallara IndyCar Factory

The Dallara IndyCar Factory is the place consisting of 20,000 ft ground where you’ll be able to explore fascinating sports cars and exhibits. Moreover, you’ll be able to participate in interactive, hands-on exhibits. It's where you can fully experience the excitement around driving a two-seater long IndyCar with a professional driver.

Another cool thing you can do that will definitely keep you engaged is contemplating master technicians crafting the Dallara IndyCar chassis. If you have plans to become an engineer, especially a mechanical one, then you would definitely fall in love with this exhibition.

As of final, you can take a picture standing next to the legendary DW12.

The Dallara IndyCar Factory delivers great experiences. Make sure to take photos along the way so you can recall the impressive exhibits displayed in this factory.


Low Local experience Food Solo Family

Indiana State Museum

If you’ve always wanted to know more about the history behind Indiana, this is your chance. The Indiana State Museum offers a lot of various exhibitions. Most of them display art, culture, and history that will definitely keep you engaged throughout your whole tour into the museum.

Moreover, you’ll be able to explore hands-on attractions that will allow you to learn a great deal about the Hoosier state’s history up until today. All of those historical sites are a gold mine for any person keen on history. After you’ve gone through every exhibit, you can head to the Farmers Market Cafe, to simply relax and enjoy the day with a cup of hot coffee.


Medium Culture History Local experience Solo couple

NCAA Hall Of Champions

The NCAA is one of the main attractions in Indianapolis. It will undoubtedly leave you highly impressed due to the history and awards the state contains when it comes to collegiate sports games.

This is the perfect place for all of your college-related sports fans in your family. You’ll be able to learn a lot about the collegiate sports that were played in the state, and the awards won. Another cool thing you can do is to explore the 1930’s designed gymnasium and see how college people used to train back in the days.

The NCAA boasts a rich sports history. So if you are all about sports and competitions, then this is a place that you will definitely fall in love with.


Low Local experience Food Solo couple Family

Duckpin Bowling

If you have spent your whole day strolling in Indianapolis, then your following stop must be at the Duckpin Bowling. It’s the perfect place to loosen up and actually entertain yourself. If you’re keen on bowling or billiards, then you will undoubtedly fall in love with this place.

Duckpin bowling is quite similar to the traditional style of bowling, but it encompasses a few tweaks. It’s scored differently, but the overall system is easy for everyone. After a few tries, you will have mastered the game.

What’s more, is that the staff will serve you a meal it can make your stay pleasant and enjoyable. Make sure to explore the whole building as it contains a significant amount of historical sites.

Duckpin Bowling is a great entertaining activity for anyone. It’s definitely worth the pick.


Low Local experience Food couple Family

K1 Speed Indianapolis

If your kids are looking for an activity that can generate significant amounts of adrenalin, then you can’t go wrong with the K1 Speed Indianapolis. It features 900 ft long race tracks where your kids will definitely enter the roles of professional racers.
The K1 Speed Indianapolis is actually a great place to check out once you’ve finished your tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

What’s more, is that while your kids are having fun racing each other, you can have a coffee or a snack at the Pit Cafe Snack bar or at the large lounge area.

Other cool things to explore feature the fantastic collection of racing memorabilia, and the gaming area where your kids can play digital games after their intense competitions.

The K1 Speed Indianapolis is a great place where you and your family will definitely have tons of enjoyment.


Low Adventure Local experience couple Family

500 Museum

If you’re seeking to explore the rich history of motor racing, then the perfect place for you will be the 500 Museum. It boasts quite an extensive collection of past race cars that will definitely leave you highly impressed. This place is one of the oldest and most revered motorsport facilities in the world.

This building is actually one of the most over-crowded sites in Indianapolis you can visit. It has been amazing audiences for many years, and it will definitely keep your family engaged throughout your tour in the museum.

Some of the exhibitions you’ll be able to explore our cars, trophies, photographs, racing records, memorabilia, and fine art. All of the attractions in the museum highlight the international importance of motorsports.

It’s undoubtedly a great place where your whole family will be able to have a whale of a time.


Medium Local experience Solo couple

Lucas Oil Stadium

The Lucas Oil Stadium is actually one of the most prominent attractions Indianapolis has to offer. We highly suggest buying a ticket for a football game, concert, or merely taking a walk around the stadium along with your family. What’s more, is that the stadium features a significant amount of shops and eateries. That way, you can’t run out of things to do when you are strolling in the Lucas Oil Stadium.

In 2012, the stadium had the honor of hosting the Super Bowl XLVI. Now, it’s often referred to as ”The House That Manning Built.” Yet, Peyton Manning no longer plays for the Indianapolis Colts.

This place is a must-visit destination for your family as it features a lot of shops, hosts great concerts and football games, and your family definitely won’t run out of things to do.


Medium Adventure Culture History Local experience Food Solo couple Family

 

General info about Indianapolis

Country The United States of America
Capital Washington DC
Language English
Timezone  (GMT-5)
Currency English
International dialing code +1 317
Electricity The standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
City population of Aruba 872,680

 

 

 

Things To Know Before Visiting Indianapolis

 

In the very center of Indianapolis, you’ll find a cobblestone garden featuring a large war memorial where you can stroll around.

 

Truth be told, Midwest America is widely known for its unpredictable weather. On top of that, Indianapolis is located precisely at the center of the Midwest, so be prepared for any unexpected weather conditions. The average temperature during the day is around 70*F (21*C). Of course, in the winter months, it drops significantly down to 4 or 5 degrees Celsius.

 

Traveling around the city with a bus is quite easy. And the town is made easy to navigate. So you won’t experience any issues finding attractions and sites if you have a GPS by your side.

 

One of the things that really makes Indianapolis stand out is the craft beer. The city is full of craft beer shops, and you should definitely visit one during your stay in Indy. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to buy alcohol on Sundays. That’s true, it’s the law, and it should be followed.

 

As of final, Indianapolis is genuinely the Mecca for friendly and warm people. You simply can’t find a better place to talk to people and share cool stories than with Indianapolis citizens.

 

Indy is definitely worth the place, and we highly suggest planning a trip to Indianapolis.

 

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