Indianapolis: The Crossroads of America

Indianapolis offers world-class museums, a thriving culinary scene, and a rich sports tradition. Stroll through White River State Park or visit the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Discover the city's charm and Midwestern hospitality. Indianapolis awaits!

Things to do in Indianapolis

Book your flights and be sure not to miss the following attractions when visiting Indianapolis:

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum is a must-see for racing fans. The museum features a collection of race cars, trophies, and memorabilia from the history of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in the world.

Visitors can tour the Speedway and see the famous Yard of Bricks, where the race begins and ends. The Speedway also offers several racing experiences, such as the Indy Racing Experience, where visitors can ride in a real race car with a professional driver.

In addition to the Indy 500, the Speedway hosts other races throughout the year, including NASCAR and sports car races. If you're in Indianapolis during the racing season, take in a race at the Speedway. It's an unforgettable experience where you can experience the thrill of racing up close.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world, with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that are fun and educational. From dinosaurs to space exploration, the museum offers a variety of exhibits to spark the imaginations of children of all ages. One of the most popular exhibits is the Dinosphere, which features life-size dinosaur skeletons and a hands-on fossil lab.

The museum also offers outdoor exhibits, including a large water playground and a tree house that provides a bird's-eye view of the museum's 30-acre grounds. With so much to see and do, plan a full day at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

White River State Park

White River State Park is a scenic urban park with walking trails, gardens, and outdoor concerts. The park has several cultural attractions, including the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Visitors can take a boat ride on the park's central waterway or rent a bike to explore the park's trails. One of the park's main attractions is the Indianapolis Zoo, which features more than 1,400 animals from around the world.

Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is a world-renowned museum featuring art and artifacts from around the globe. The museum's collection includes more than 54,000 works of art from ancient times to the present, emphasizing American art and design. The museum also has beautiful outdoor gardens and sculptures.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Miller House and Garden, a mid-century modern home designed by architect Eero Saarinen. The house can be toured and features original furniture and artwork from the period. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs, including art classes and workshops for all ages.

Book your tour here and explore the highlights of Indianapolis with the Attraction Pass!

Mass Ave Arts District

The Mass Ave Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood of art galleries, theaters, independent shops, and restaurants. The district is known for its diverse business offerings and lively atmosphere. Visitors can catch a show at one of the theaters or browse the unique shops that sell everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing.

The district also has several public art installations, including murals and sculptures, to explore. Be sure to visit the Art Bank, a former bank now serving as an art gallery with over 20 artists exhibiting. The Mass Ave Arts District is a great place to experience Indianapolis' local arts and culture scene.

Getting around Indianapolis

Renting a car is a great option for those who want to be more flexible with their travel plans. There are several car rental companies at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Book your rental car here!

IndyGo is Indianapolis' public transportation system that operates over 30 bus routes. The bus system is a convenient way to get around, but it can take longer than driving or carpooling.

If you're using public transportation, download the IndyGo app to plan your route, buy tickets, and view real-time bus schedules.

Indianapolis is a relatively flat city, which makes biking a popular and enjoyable option for visitors. Indy has a bike rental program called Pacers Bikeshare, with bikes available at stations throughout the city. Visitors can rent a bike for a day or a week and explore the city at their own pace. The city also has more than 200 miles of bike lanes, making it a bike-friendly destination.

Amtrak's Cardinal line also passes through Indianapolis, connecting the city to Chicago and New York City. The train station is located downtown and is a convenient option for travelers from surrounding cities.

History of Indianapolis

Indianapolis was founded in 1821 as the capital of the state of Indiana and was designed by Alexander Ralston, who also helped plan Washington, D.C.

During the Civil War, Indianapolis played a critical role in the Union war effort. The city became a major supply depot for the Union Army and experienced significant growth during this period. Indianapolis was also a center of war production, with many factories producing goods for the Union Army.

In the early 20th century, Indianapolis became known as the "Hub of America" due to its central location and excellent transportation infrastructure. The extensive network of railroads and highways made the city a major hub for commerce and industry.

The city also played an important role in the civil rights movement. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in Indianapolis, just hours after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The speech is credited with preventing riots in the city and encouraging peaceful protests.

Today, Indianapolis is a thriving city with a strong economy and rich cultural heritage. It is home to many museums, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. The city is also known for its sports culture, with the famous Indianapolis 500 auto race held yearly at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Your trip to Indianapolis

Indianapolis has a thriving food culture with unique dishes you won't find anywhere else. Be sure to try the famous breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, a staple of the Hoosier State. For a sweet treat, try the famous Indiana Sugar Cream Pie, a delicious dessert made with cream, sugar, and nutmeg.

If you're a motorsports fan, plan your trip around the Indy 500, one of the largest motorsports events in the world. Held every Memorial Day weekend, the event attracts visitors from all over the world.

Indianapolis offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, whether exploring White River State Park or hiking in Eagle Creek Park. If you are looking for something a little quieter, stroll through the Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of the city.

Book your flights to Indianapolis here!

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