Indianapolis, Indiana, has a wide range of activities to attract any traveller or adventurer. Known as “The Crossroads of America”, and by the locals as Naptown, Indianapolis is well worth a visit. If you were planning on visiting, then be sure to watch on to see the best things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana while you’re in town.
The Indianapolis 500
No list of best things to do in Indianapolis could possibly be complete without a special mention of America’s most prestigious racing event. The Indy 500 lives up to its name by treating spectators to a high speed 500 mile race around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The event is considered one of the three most prestigious races a drive could hope to win in their career, and attracts an audience of thousands.
This may be what puts Indianapolis on the map for most people, so it’s worth mentioning that travel and accommodation in the city may be tricky at this time. But that shouldn’t deter determined nascar fans from seeing what exactly makes this “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. And to those doing the math at home, 500 miles is longer than the distance between New York and Detroit.
The Central Canal
If it’s quiet and serenity in the heart of a city you want, then the Central Canal is for you. Also called the Indy Canal, this 3 mile canal snakes through downtown Indianapolis, and is a favourite with the locals and tourists alike. The canal changed its role since it was built in the 19th century, and now it offers visitors a chance to enjoy the water, as well as the shops and attractions around it.
Praised for its cleanliness, the Central Canal can be explored on foot or by bike with the Canal Walk, or visitors can rent kayaks, foot-paddle boats, or even a gondola to see the Canal from the water. Be sure to take your time and soak in the murals, artwork, and nearby memorials. But more on that later. Entrance is free, although renting a bike or boat will be extra.
Canoeing
If you want to take advantage of the natural beauty Indianapolis has to offer, why not rent a canoe and spend a day on the White River? Multiple companies just outside of Indianapolis offer rentals or guided trips.
Whether you want single or tandem canoes, kayaks, or an inner tube, you’ll find something that floats your boat. Rentals range from 1-hour short trips, all the way up to overnight camping options. Most companies will drop you off at a desired point, and then you’ll drift through nature disturbed only by the sound of the river.
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Explore Newfields
Want to take in some art? You’ll have plenty of options over at Newfields, a dynamic and inclusive 152 acre campus that houses the most prominent attractions in the Indianapolis art scene. Located on its grounds is the Indianapolis Museum of Art, one of the oldest and largest museums of its type in the US. The Museum features works by master artists like O’Keefe, Rembrandt, and Picasso, as well as exhibitions and works from around the world.
Besides that, Newfields includes all kinds of other attractions for any kind of art lover. There’s the Elder Greenhouse, beautifully maintained parks and gardens to stroll through, multiple spaces for lectures or performances, and the preserved Lily House, a time capsule of 1930’s life. And when you’re done, refresh with a drink and charcuterie board at the nearby Beer Garden.
Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum is an essential stop for anyone with an appreciation for art, history, and the people who first called America home. The museum is literally unique in the Midwest, being the only one of its kind, and is one of two museums offering similar sights east of the Mississippi river. In other words, it’s a kind of destination not many travellers get the chance to visit.
Inside you’ll find a treasure trove of Native American art and artifacts, giving visitors a deep look at their way of life. Besides historical art pieces, the museum also houses contemporary art that reflects or echoes Native American life. Furthermore, you’ll also find exhibitions and sections dedicated to frontier life and the Old West, as well as artwork by famed artists, including Andy Warhol.
Try the highs and lows
Indianapolis offers adventurers and thrill seekers multiple options both above and below ground. Located inside the Eagle Creek Park is Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park, a ropes and aerial obstacle course that takes you more than 40 feet off the ground. In groups, with your family, or solo, tackle more than 40 obstacles and fly by on the 5 ziplines in this thrilling canopy adventure.
And then, go low and explore a totally different side of Indianapolis. The Catacombs City Market tour takes you through the tunnels and chambers beneath the city market, and shows you when and why the city literally grew up from these chambers. It’s a unique subterranean destination, and sure to impress your friends, family, and followers.
The Memorials
Indianapolis has the honor of having the second most significant memorial to soldiers, sailors, and other fallen heroes, with Washington DC taking the top spot. With its centuries of history, the memorials pay tribute to the fallen of Indianapolis and elsewhere, and visitors can pay respects to these beautiful and serene monuments.
Although small, the DR. Martin Luther King Park and memorial should not be missed. This haunting and poignant memorial stands at the scene where Robert Kennedy delivered a speech to a large crowd, announcing that MLK had been assassinated. The memorial, opened in 1995, features statues of Kennedy and King, echoing their messages and sentiments of ending division.
Besides that, Indianapolis has many other spectacular memorials to appreciate. Located at the heart of the city is the iconic Soldiers and Sailors monument, built to honor the fallen after the Civil War. The monument has become an emblem of the city, and is certainly not to be missed. Be sure to stay after dark and catch one of the spectacular lightshows projected on the monument. There are too many memorials and monuments to mention and pay proper justice to, so you’ll have to navigate a map and make a day of it.
Indianapolis Speedway
Even if it’s not racing season, it’s always a good time to visit the Indianapolis Speedway. The iconic track offers tours led by passionate staff, and visitors on the tour are able to see all kinds of behind-the-scenes areas, all while learning about the Speedway. There’s even the Basement Tour, which used to have a legendary and elite status. Now it’s available to the public, although its collection of cars, motorcycles, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia are so popular that you’ll want to make reservations.
If you’d rather take a look around the exhibitions, the Speedway museum houses an abundance of racing history. Considering the Indy 500 has been going for more than 100 years, there’s plenty on display. This includes hundreds of winning cars, detailing the evolution of automobile racing, trophies in the winner’s likeness, and an art gallery with paintings and works that evoke the spirit of racing.
Indianapolis City Market
If you feel like browsing through the eats and crafts of Indianapolis, then the City Market is a must. This spacious and historic 2 storey building has a huge variety of food stalls, pop-ups, and vendors, and is a great way to browse from an international menu for lunch.
Cheesesteak subs, chicken and waffles, Mexican, beer, coffee, and many more are up for grabs here. There’s also a barber to freshen up your style, and a bike garage to help you explore Indianapolis’ extensive cycling network. The City Market is also close to the Catacombs, so rolling those into one outing is a sure win.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Indy is bike friendly. Really, really bike friendly. And from the saddle of a bicycle is the best way to appreciate the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The 8-mile trail in the heart of the city guides explorers on a journey through the founder’s goals of urban beautification, sustainability, and economic growth.
What this means is you get to ride along perfectly maintained bike roads with plenty of art installations and amenities to check out while en route. Tours are offered as well, which will connect riders with shops and restaurants along the way. Take your time on the Cultural Trail, and be sure to enjoy the parks, scenery, and the public art works. And if you didn’t pack your bike, don’t let that stop you. There are multiple ridesharing terminals to rent one for the trip.
Indianapolis Children’s Museum
For travellers with kids, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum is an absolute must see. Taking the top spot as the world’s largest children’s museum, this attraction offers hands-on exhibitions and interactive learning for kids, including the fully-grown kind. Grown ups might want to use their children as an excuse to get in!
This huge museum can take more than 3 hours to get through, and guides young minds in learning more about dinosaurs, astronomy, archaeology, and so much more. It spans 5 levels, and includes a recently added outdoor play area featuring playful snapshots of 10 different sports to try. And be sure to check out the unmissable and jaw-dropping “Fireworks of Glass”, a sculpture made of over 3200 pieces of blown glass that’s the same height as the building!
You’ve made it this far, now it’s your turn to let your voice be heard, what are some of the best things to do in Indianapolis that you know of? Did we miss anything crucial? And what are you most excited to see? Leave a comment below to let us know. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like the video, hit the bell, and subscribe to ViewCation for more awesome travel content.