Indianapolis Zoo · Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's almost exactly in the center of Indiana, on a site selected by 10 government commissioners in 1820 for the state's new capital. Indianapolis has a lot of things to do, from taking an evening walk on the Canal Walk after a dinner by the water to visiting the city center. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is located north of downtown, in the expansive Newfields Park.
The museum's main galleries include works by legends such as Rembrandt, Cézanne, Picasso and O'Keefe. The museum grounds also house the Lilly House, a 1913 estate that showcases authentic furniture and decorative art. Visitors will also enjoy a walk through the gardens, an outdoor space that offers a wide variety of flora, including the formal garden, the ravine garden, the rain garden and more. The circuit, a 2.5-mile oval, was originally designed as an automotive test track, but the first 500 mile race in 1911 was so successful that it became a regular circuit.
Over time, the track, which was originally paved with bricks (which was still used to mark the finish line), adapted to cope with increasing speeds. The capacity for spectators was also expanded, and the racetrack now seats more than 250,000 people in the stands and more than 150,000 on land. The race is held every year in late May, and the racetrack hosts many special events for visitors and racing enthusiasts. Visitors who want to learn more about the race and racing, but are unable to attend the big race, can visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, located on the circuit grounds.
In addition to the changing exhibits that show winning cars from the past, the collection's permanent vehicles include a 1922 Dusenburg, a 1938 Maserati, and a 1960 Watson, among others. Additional exhibits include memorabilia and photographs from past races. The Central Canal crosses White River State Park, built in the early 19th century to help bring goods into and out of the city. The canal, which is no longer an industrial waterway, is now filled with rowing boats and kayaks, which offer visitors a new perspective on the city center; rentals can be found just across the canal, from the Eiteljorg Museum.
Along the water is the three-mile Canal Walk, a well-maintained pedestrian path that extends from 11th Street to the park, flanking both sides of the water. The space is popular with tourists and locals alike, providing easy access to many of the city's shops, attractions and restaurants. The Soldier and Sailor Monument is located in Monument Circle, in downtown Indianapolis, and is the city's most important monument. Completed in 1902 after five years of construction, this limestone monument commemorates the lives lost in the Civil War.
The Indiana World War Memorial is another important tribute. This imposing square monument is a silent reminder of the madness of war and pays homage to fallen soldiers. The Sanctuary Room on the third floor symbolizes peace and unity, as it is built with building materials from around the world. Also on the war memorial there is a museum dedicated to Indiana soldiers.
Exhibits include an AH-1 Cobra Attack helicopter, military uniforms and weapons, and other military-related artifacts and information. The exhibitions include paintings and sculptures from the west from the early 19th century onward, including works by landscape designers Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran, and paintings and sculptures by leading Western artists Frederick S. An extensive collection of works by the Taos Society of Artists and Indian arts and crafts from across North America is also on display. The Indianapolis Zoo opened its doors in 1964 and today plays an important role in conservation and research worldwide.
Located in the White River State Park, it contains not only a zoo, but also an aquarium and a botanical garden. The botanical garden covers three acres and includes permanent and changing gardens that represent flora from around the world. Tourists looking for a quiet spot in nature will love Holliday Park, located along the White River. It offers 3.5 miles of trails that wind through forests and wetlands, including a wheelchair-accessible observation deck by the water.
The park is also home to beautiful gardens throughout the year that are maintained by several groups of local gardens, as well as a picturesque rock garden and an arboretum with more than 1200 trees. This house of the twenty-third president of the United States is also filled with Harrison's personal belongings. The house also hosts several special events throughout the year, including the celebration of President's Day. Eagle Creek Nature Reserve and Park is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States, covering an area of 5,300 acres that includes both land and water recreational facilities.
In addition to a small beach, visitors can rent boats at the marina, including kayaks, pontoons and canoes, and even take sailing lessons in summer. Eagle Creek is also a popular fishing spot, known for its walleye and largemouth bass. For children and families there is a playground, beach volleyball and a treetop adventure course with zip lines. There is a 36-hole golf course at Eagle Creek Golf Club, and the park hosts regular concerts throughout the summer.
Canal and White River State Park is a beautiful green oasis located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, where the public can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and find quiet places to relax. White River State Park has 250 acres of green space with a network of walking and running trails, shady spots for picnics, and places to relax. If you're wondering what to do in Indianapolis with the whole family, this is a great place to visit. Scattered across the canal and park are some of the city's most popular and fascinating museums, architecture, attractions and other entertainment, such as the Indianapolis Zoo, the Lawn at White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum and the NCAA Hall in Champions.
The Canal Walk is a 3-mile circuit on the downtown waterfront that is filled with runners, walkers, cyclists, pedal boats and gondolas who enjoy exercising without traffic. Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the area, including exploring twenty-five historic residences built between 1855 and 1930, as well as some newer ones, such as the North Vermont Street house. One of the district's most famous buildings is the James Whitcomb Riley House Museum, which was home to the famous poet for more than 23 years and has a collection of elegant Victorian furniture and architecture. Located in the White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum features an annual calendar of exhibits that explore the art, science and culture of Indiana and houses the state's largest IMAX theater.
Built of steel, brick and glass, the building is a work of art in and of itself and the galleries, which house more than 452,000 artifacts in collections, are spread over three floors. The Indianapolis Children's Museum is on a mission to become one of the best museums for children on the planet. Its goal is to introduce children to a variety of learning experiences that encompass the arts, sciences and humanities to enrich their lives. To this end, the museum has accumulated an enormous collection of more than 130,000 artifacts that bring history to life.
To make your visit as easy as possible, the museum offers free parking, advance ticket sales, stroller and locker rentals, free Wi-Fi and lots of interactive fun. You can complete your visit at the museum store, which is filled with educational books, games and more to help you continue the fun at home. Indianapolis Children's Museum, 3000 North Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000 The Indianapolis Zoo is home to more than 3,800 animals representing 320 species, has a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Located in White River Park, the zoo is organized into biomes (areas of the planet with similar climates, plants and animals) and has a variety of exhibits, habitats and exhibits that show the inhabitants of the zoo.
Located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Oldfields—Lilly House %26 Gardens is a beautifully maintained estate that houses the Lilly House Historical Museum. Lilly (Junior), the mansion has been exquisitely restored to its former glory from the 1930s and is now open to the public to pay homage to the late Indianapolis businessman. Widely recognized as one of the world's best war monuments, the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Memorial is an outstanding Indianapolis landmark. The monument pays homage to all the men (and women) who courageously served in the War of Independence, the War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Border War and the Spanish-American War.
Literally packed with symbolic sculptures, the monument measures over 284 feet tall and is built with gray limestone that was mined in Owen County. There is an observatory and gift shop, which can be reached by 330 stairs (free of charge) or by lift, for a small fee. Guided tours can be booked in advance. Soldiers and Sailors Monument, 1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46204, 317-232-7615 Fans can enjoy an exhilarating ride on any of the tracks in a two-seater car driven by an Indy Racing League driver, or they can drive themselves a car that competed in the Indianapolis 500 Miles.
Passengers or drivers are equipped with all safety equipment and are given a safety instruction before the trip, and participants must be 18 years or older, under 6'5 in height and under 250 pounds. Located in the historic Holy Rosary neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis, Bluebeard is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves a lunch and dinner menu of contemporary American cuisine. Housed in an elegantly renovated 1924 industrial warehouse, the restaurant features a cozy family dining room, an elegant bar, and an outdoor patio for outdoor dining. With approximately 1,400 acres of water and 3,900 acres of land and serving primarily as a nature reserve, Eagle Creek Park is the largest public park in Indianapolis.
Located on 56th Street, the park is known for a variety of natural landscapes, waterways and trails for people to enjoy, and offers an ideal location for a variety of hobbies, sports and other outdoor activities. The park is home to Go Ape Treetop Adventures, Bark Park and a 36-hole golf course, as well as several cross-country skiing trails, a swimming beach, hiking trails and fishing areas. Shooting enthusiasts will delight in the shooting range, while wildlife lovers can head to the Woodland Wildlife Reserve, the Ornithology Center, and the Marsh and Bird Sanctuary. The Southport Antique Mall (SAM) is a unique shopping center in the heart of Indianapolis that sells a variety of vintage items, from fashion and decoration to electronics and collectibles.
Located on Southport Road, the award-winning mall has more than 200 vintage and vintage boutiques offering a variety of distinctive vintage objects and treasures for every occasion. The mall also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year, such as All Saints' Eve and the famous “Southside Vintage Market Place”. You are reading 25 Best Things to Do in Indianapolis, Indiana Back to Top. In addition, this state museum houses the largest IMAX theater in Indianapolis and in the state of Indiana in general.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile urban pedestrian and bicycle trail in downtown Indianapolis that was created to connect neighborhoods, cultural districts and entertainment services and to provide an outdoor recreational space for the public to enjoy. White River State Park has extensive green spaces and is home to some of the city's top tourist attractions, such as the Indianapolis Zoo, a baseball park, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum, an Imax theater, the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial. Among the many museums worth visiting in Indianapolis is the Indiana State Museum, a notable museum located within the White River State Park. The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is a spectacular museum in Indianapolis that houses the roots of the great writer Kurt Vonnegut in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis is also famous as a racing city; the K1 Speed is an incredible sports attraction in Indianapolis for racing enthusiasts. This museum is one of the best Indianapolis attractions and is a perfect place to visit in Indianapolis for art lovers. All the fascinating things to see in Indianapolis are within the four walls of this museum, as you explore the depths of Indianapolis's artistic culture through thought-provoking exhibits and exciting pieces in each collection. Located in the White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum features a variety of exhibits and experiences that explore the state's natural and cultural history.
In addition, White River State Park is surrounded by many popular Indianapolis locations, making it a perfect place for tourists to start their Indianapolis adventure. Whether you're visiting Indianapolis for the Indianapolis NASCAR 500 race or just to see the sights, downtown is the best place to stay. The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the most important children's museums in Indiana and the world in general, full of excitement. If you're looking for the best things to do in Indianapolis with kids, you can't miss the Indianapolis Zoo.
The Indianapolis Zoo is a famous zoo and tourist attraction located in the White River State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. . .