Best Things To Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
The best things to do in Indianapolis include visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and exploring the Indianapolis Zoo. Discover the city’s vibrant culture and rich history.
Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, offers a variety of activities for all interests. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famous Indy 500, is a must-see for racing fans. The Indianapolis Zoo provides a fun and educational experience for families.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Indianapolis Museum of Art, while sports fans can catch a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The city’s downtown area features a blend of historic landmarks, modern attractions, and a bustling dining scene. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Indianapolis has something to offer.
Credit: www.visitindy.com
Top Places to Stay in Indianapolis, IN
| Hotel | Reviews |
|---|---|
| Bottleworks Hotel 850 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States of America | 501 |
| Ironworks Hotel Indy 2721 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240, United States of America | 629 |
| CozySuites TWO Bold Apts Monument Circle Indy Indianapolis, 46204, United States of America | 216 |
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Keystone 9450 Counselors Row, Indianapolis, 46240, United States of America | 359 |
| Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel 9625 North Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46290, United States of America | 961 |
| CozySuites l Trendy 2BR, Bottleworks Indy #1 Indianapolis, 46202, United States of America | 96 |
| Nestle Inn 637 North East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America | 190 |
| Old Northside Bed & Breakfast 1340 North Alabama Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America | 181 |
| Midwest Moonlight - Hot Tub, Fire Pit, Arcade 143 McKim Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46201, United States of America | 57 |
| Newly Remodeled Walking Distance to Lucas Oil West Arizona Street 117, Indianapolis, 46225, United States of America | 148 |
| CozySuites l Dream 1BR, Ford Assembly, Indy Indianapolis, 46202, United States of America | 147 |
| Chateau On the Riverfront East 77th Street 1741, Indianapolis, 46240, United States of America | 61 |
| CozySuites l Historic 2BR, Ford Assembly, Indy Indianapolis, 46202, United States of America | 106 |
| CozySuites l Roomy 2BR, Ford Assembly, Indy Indianapolis, 46202, United States of America | 106 |
| Fort Harrison State Park Inn 5830 North Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46216, United States of America | 622 |
| CozySuites l 1BR, Monument Circle, Indy Indianapolis, 46204, United States of America | 179 |
| Hotel Broad Ripple 6520 E. Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46220, United States of America | 90 |
| Indy Downtown Retreat near Lucas Oil Stadium Kansas Street 119, Indianapolis, 46225, United States of America | 63 |
| CozySuites Studio Near Whole Foods Indianapolis, 46204, United States of America | 77 |
| The Broadripple Gem 2 5860 Indianola Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220, United States of America | 45 |
| Spacious 2BR in Meridian Kessler by CozySuites Indianapolis, 46220, United States of America | 48 |
| Cozy Northside Indy Flat East 75th Street 2150, Indianapolis, 46240, United States of America | 53 |
| It's All Good - Two Homes Sleeps 18 1610 South East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225, United States of America | 42 |
| Balcony Overlooking Lucas Oil Sleeps 10 Wisconsin Street 128, Indianapolis, 46225, United States of America | 130 |
| Beautifully Remodeled in Downtown Sleeps 10 Iowa Street 330, Indianapolis, 46225, United States of America | 95 |
| CozySuites Spacious 1BR Near Whole Foods Indianapolis, 46204, United States of America | 49 |
| Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis Keystone 9450 Counselors Row, Indianapolis, 46240, United States of America | 161 |
| CozySuites l Trendy 1BR, Downtown Indy Indianapolis, 46203, United States of America | 89 |
| High-End Sporty condo near downtown 2903 West New York Street, Indianapolis, 46222, United States of America | 47 |
| CozySuites l Historic 2BR, Downtown Indy Indianapolis, 46203, United States of America | 60 |
| TWO CozySuites Stylish 3BR Downtown Indy Indianapolis, 46203, United States of America | 60 |
| Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West-Speedway 6315 Crawfordsville Road, Indianapolis, 46224, United States of America | 212 |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown 211 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225, United States of America | 404 |
| Downtown Digs ideal location downtown Indy Church Street 939, Indianapolis, 46225, United States of America | 40 |
| Spacious and Charming Cottage 5 min to Downtown Ransdell Street 3360, Indianapolis, 46227, United States of America | 53 |
| Holiday Inn Indianapolis Airport, an IHG Hotel 8555 Stansted Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46241, United States of America | 993 |
| JW Marriott Indianapolis 10 South West Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States of America | 833 |
| Drury Inn & Suites Indianapolis Northeast 8180 North Shadeland Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46250, United States of America | 787 |
| Modern 3 BR home w hot tub movie room dog park Devington Circle 5850, Indianapolis, 46226, United States of America | 28 |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis-Keystone, IN 8980 River Crossing Boulevard , Indianapolis, IN 46240, United States of America | 196 |
| Renovated 3 Bedroom Home 5 min to Downtown 2546 S Pennsylvania st, Indianapolis, 46225, United States of America | 35 |
| CozySuites TWO Stylish Apts, Monument Circle, Indy Indianapolis, 46204, United States of America | 58 |
| CozySuites l Roomy 1BR, Monument Circle, Indy Indianapolis, 46204, United States of America | 68 |
| FRONTDESK Wholesale District Downtown Indy Apts Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States of America | 47 |
| Beautifully Updated Sleeps 7 10 min to Lucas Oil North Hamilton Avenue 804, Indianapolis, 46201, United States of America | 33 |
| Conrad Indianapolis 50 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, United States of America | 252 |
| TownePlace Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Airport 8850 Hatfield Dr., Indianapolis, 46241, United States of America | 140 |
| Private Bedroom Downtowns Indy - Shared 1615 North College Avenue, Indianapolis, 46202, United States of America | 24 |
| Elegant 5BR Home in Perfect Indy Location 2052 Bellefontaine Street, Indianapolis, 46202, United States of America | 43 |
| Home2 Suites By Hilton Indianapolis Greenwood 5215 Noggle Way , Indianapolis, IN 46237, United States of America | 208 |
Explore White River State Park
White River State Park is a must-visit in Indianapolis. This urban park offers a mix of natural beauty and modern attractions. It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers.
Walking Trails
White River State Park boasts beautiful walking trails. These trails offer scenic views and serene landscapes. You can take a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk. The trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate.
Some trails run along the White River. These offer picturesque views of the water. You can also find benches along the way. These are perfect for resting and enjoying the surroundings.
- Canal Walk: A 3-mile loop with water views.
- Historic Central Canal: Perfect for a peaceful walk.
- White River Promenade: Beautiful views and lush greenery.
Indianapolis Zoo
The Indianapolis Zoo is within White River State Park. It’s a great place for animal lovers. The zoo features a wide variety of animals.
Kids will love the Dolphin Pavilion. Here, you can watch dolphins perform amazing tricks. The Oceans exhibit lets you explore marine life up close. You can even touch sharks and rays.
| Exhibit | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Dolphin Pavilion | Live dolphin shows |
| Oceans | Touch sharks and rays |
| Deserts | See unique desert animals |
The zoo also has a botanical garden. This garden is filled with beautiful plants and flowers. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature.
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Credit: www.midwestliving.com
Visit The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a must for racing fans. This iconic venue is home to the famous Indy 500. It offers an unforgettable experience for all ages. Let’s explore the key attractions at the Speedway.
Hall Of Fame Museum
The Hall of Fame Museum is a treasure trove of racing history. It features over 75 cars, including Indy 500 winners. You can see classic cars, trophies, and memorabilia. The museum also offers interactive exhibits. These exhibits help you learn more about racing legends and their achievements. Here is a quick overview:
| Exhibit | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic Cars | View historic race cars from various eras. |
| Trophies | See the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy and others. |
| Interactive Displays | Engage with hands-on exhibits about racing. |
Racing Events
The Speedway hosts numerous racing events throughout the year. The most famous is the Indianapolis 500. This event attracts thousands of fans every May. Other notable events include:
- Brickyard 400
- IndyCar Grand Prix
- Red Bull Air Race
Each event offers unique experiences and thrills. Here is a summary of the top events:
- Indianapolis 500 – The greatest spectacle in racing.
- Brickyard 400 – A NASCAR favorite.
- IndyCar Grand Prix – A road course challenge.
Don’t miss the chance to witness these thrilling races. The Speedway is an essential stop for any visit to Indianapolis.
Discover The Children’s Museum Of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a top attraction in the city. It is the largest children’s museum in the world. Families love its interactive exhibits and educational programs. This museum offers a fun learning experience for kids of all ages.
Interactive Exhibits
The museum features many interactive exhibits that engage young minds. One favorite is the Dinosphere, where kids can see life-sized dinosaur replicas. Another popular exhibit is the ScienceWorks, which lets children explore hands-on science activities.
Each exhibit encourages kids to touch, play, and explore. The museum makes learning fun and exciting. Kids can also visit the Take Me There: Greece exhibit. They can learn about Greek culture through interactive displays.
Educational Programs
The museum offers a range of educational programs for children. These programs are designed to inspire a love of learning. One of the most popular programs is the STEMLab. Kids can participate in science, technology, engineering, and math activities.
There are also art classes where kids can express their creativity. The museum hosts storytelling sessions that captivate young audiences. Additionally, they offer seasonal camps that provide in-depth explorations of various topics.
Families can also enjoy special events throughout the year. These events often include interactive workshops and live performances. The museum ensures that every visit is both educational and entertaining.
Stroll Through The Indianapolis Museum Of Art
Visiting the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a must for art lovers. This museum offers a variety of art pieces and beautiful gardens. It’s a great place for a relaxing day out.
Art Collections
The Indianapolis Museum of Art has diverse art collections. You can find art from different periods and cultures. The museum houses over 54,000 pieces of art. These include European, American, African, and Asian artworks.
One of the popular sections is the European Art collection. It features works from famous artists like Rembrandt and Turner. The American Art collection includes pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries. It showcases works by artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Edward Hopper.
Don’t miss the Asian Art collection, which includes Japanese prints and Chinese ceramics. The museum also has contemporary art, with pieces from the last 50 years.
Outdoor Gardens
The museum’s outdoor gardens are a highlight. They cover 152 acres and are perfect for a stroll. You’ll find beautiful flowers, trees, and sculptures.
One of the main attractions is the Lilly House and Gardens. This historic estate includes a 26-acre garden. It’s full of colorful flowers and peaceful walkways.
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is another must-see. It features 100 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The park also includes several art installations.
For a unique experience, visit the Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion. It offers a great view of the surrounding gardens and sculptures.
Enjoy Mass Ave Arts District
Indianapolis boasts the vibrant Mass Ave Arts District. It’s a hub for culture and creativity. This district offers a mix of local shops, live performances, and street art. Enjoy a stroll down this lively avenue for an unforgettable experience.
Local Shops
Mass Ave is home to unique local shops. Find one-of-a-kind items and support small businesses.
- Silver in the City: A treasure trove of quirky gifts and jewelry.
- Homespun: Features handmade goods and local artisan crafts.
- Arts A Poppin’: Offers eclectic art pieces and handmade items.
Each shop has its own charm. You can find everything from handmade jewelry to locally crafted art.
Live Performances
The Mass Ave Arts District is the place for live performances. Enjoy a range of shows from theater to comedy.
- Old National Centre: Hosts concerts and Broadway shows.
- Theatre on the Square: Known for its engaging plays and performances.
- Crackers Comedy Club: Offers hilarious stand-up comedy acts.
These venues provide a variety of entertainment. Whether you love music, theater, or comedy, Mass Ave has something for you.
Relax At Eagle Creek Park
Indianapolis offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. One of the best places to unwind is Eagle Creek Park. This sprawling park offers a variety of activities for relaxation and adventure.
Boating Activities
Eagle Creek Park is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. The park’s large reservoir provides perfect conditions for various boating activities.
- Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the calm waters.
- Canoeing: Enjoy a peaceful canoe ride with family.
- Sailing: Take a sailing lesson or rent a sailboat.
These activities are available for all skill levels. You can rent equipment or bring your own.
Hiking Trails
Eagle Creek Park offers miles of hiking trails suitable for all ages. These trails provide stunning views and a chance to see wildlife.
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Red Trail | 3 miles | Easy |
| Blue Trail | 5 miles | Moderate |
| Yellow Trail | 10 miles | Hard |
Each trail offers unique scenery and challenges. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, there’s a trail for you.
Indulge In Broad Ripple Village
Broad Ripple Village is a vibrant neighborhood in Indianapolis, Indiana. It offers a mix of entertainment, dining, and culture. This area is perfect for both day and night adventures. Let’s explore the best things to do in Broad Ripple Village.
Dining Options
Broad Ripple Village boasts a variety of dining options to suit every palate. Here are some top spots:
- Three Sisters Café: Enjoy farm-to-table breakfast and brunch.
- Petite Chou Bistro: Savor French-inspired dishes in a cozy setting.
- BRU Burger Bar: Indulge in gourmet burgers and local brews.
Each restaurant offers a unique ambiance and delicious food. There’s something for everyone.
Nightlife
As the sun sets, Broad Ripple Village transforms into a nightlife hotspot. Check out these popular venues:
- The Vogue: A historic venue featuring live music and DJ nights.
- Brothers Bar & Grill: A lively spot with great drinks and a fun atmosphere.
- Chumley’s: Perfect for craft beer lovers and sports fans.
Whether you enjoy live music or a relaxed pub, Broad Ripple Village has it all.
Credit: www.visitindy.com
Tour The Indiana State Capitol
The Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis is a must-see attraction. This historic building offers a glimpse into the state’s rich history. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture and learn about Indiana’s government.
Historic Architecture
The Indiana State Capitol boasts beautiful historic architecture. Built in the 19th century, it features a stunning rotunda and impressive columns. The exterior is made of Indiana limestone, adding to its grandeur.
Inside, the building showcases intricate woodwork and marble floors. The stained glass windows are a highlight, depicting scenes from Indiana’s history. The artwork and murals add to the building’s charm.
Guided Tours
The Indiana State Capitol offers guided tours for visitors. These tours provide insights into the building’s history and architecture. Knowledgeable guides lead the tours, making them informative and engaging.
Tour schedules are available on the Capitol’s official website. Tours usually last about an hour and are free of charge. Special tours for school groups and organizations can also be arranged.
During the tour, visitors can see the Governor’s office, the Supreme Court, and the legislative chambers. The tour also covers the history of Indiana’s government and its role in the state.
Guided tours offer a unique way to experience the Indiana State Capitol. They provide a deeper understanding of the building and its significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Must-see Attractions In Indianapolis?
Indianapolis boasts must-see attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Children’s Museum, and the Indianapolis Zoo. Each offers unique experiences.
Is Indianapolis Good For Family Vacations?
Yes, Indianapolis is great for family vacations. The Children’s Museum, White River State Park, and Indianapolis Zoo are family-friendly attractions.
What Outdoor Activities Are Available In Indianapolis?
Indianapolis offers various outdoor activities. Visit White River State Park, hike in Eagle Creek Park, or explore the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Where Can I Find The Best Food In Indianapolis?
For the best food, visit Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple. These areas offer diverse dining options.
Conclusion
Indianapolis offers countless activities for every visitor. From museums to parks, there’s something for everyone. Plan your trip and experience the best attractions. Make unforgettable memories in this vibrant city. Indianapolis awaits you with open arms. Start exploring and enjoy all that this amazing destination has to offer.