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American Cabaret Theatre

For great live performances and shows, head to the American Cabaret Theatre. It is housed in the beautifully restored Anatheaum house in downtown Indianapolis and features cabaret seating, concession areas, a gift shop, and a gorgeous central lobby. Renovations began on the theater in 1990, when the Arts Council of Indianapolis decided to rescue the dilapidated building from demolition and destruction. They set to work raising funds from local businesses and foundations, who generously donated millions of dollars to restore the structure and create an entertainment venue that the whole city would be proud of. The theater puts on a wonderful repertoire of shows each year, including such titles as Alice in Wonderland, Country Christmas Cabaret, and Live Music and Poetry. More »

Athenaeum Building

The Athenaeum building is a cultural landmark in downtown Indianapolis with roots in the German community stretching back to the late 1890s. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is utilized by the community as a German cultural center, community gathering place, education center, and event venue. The Athenaeum Foundation was formed in 1991 with the mission of preserving and restoring the historic building and supporting cultural events and programs held at the venue throughout the year. Some of these popular annual events include Oktoberfest, St. Nickolaus Fest, 4th of July Celebration, St. Martin's Children's Lantern Fest, and many more. More »

Brickyard Crossing

Sports enthusiasts will love playing this 18-hole, Pete Dye-designed course, which features four holes within the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's racetrack infield. (The remaining holes are on the track's east side.) The scenic course is considered challenging by the pros. While the existing Brickyard Crossing opened in 1993, there has been a golf course near the speedway since 1929. The facility also features a double-ended driving range (perfect for practicing before hitting the links), and a golf academy, where all levels of golfers can sign up for golf instruction taught by experienced instructors who pride themselves on lesson customization and flexibility. More »

Broad Ripple Village

This unique neighborhood is home to great shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It is one of the six appointed cultural districts in Indianapolis and was originally annexed into the city in 1922. Historically, the area was settled in the 1830s, when pioneer Jacob Coil claimed a plot of land near a shallow spot in the White River where the water "rippled" over the riverbed. Another town called Wellington was formed on the south side of the river around the same time, and the two competed for decades until they finally merged in 1884. Today, the area is known for its nightlife, unique local shops, art galleries, scenic trails, and diverse dining establishments, which range in cuisine type from brewpubs to Chinese food to Thai. Since it's located just north of Downtown Indianapolis, Broad Ripple is a convenient and eclectic place to explore that's well worth any visitor's time. More »

Canal Walk

An offshoot of the White River, Indy's Central Canal has a three-mile recreational loop around it. Residents and visitors alike love to walk, bike, or jog along the trail; in the warmer months, gondola rides are a popular activity. Bicycle and paddle boat rentals are available, and daily Segway tours are offered. The canal began as part of a Mammoth Internal Improvement Act that was proposed and signed into law in 1836, and in 1839, water was first pumped into the canal. Although it didn't end up being the huge, lengthy project that city officials had planned (due to budget constraints), the canal ended up as an eight mile stretch that went from Broad Ripple to Pleasant Run and provided the Indianapolis community with both an aesthetic and recreational outlet.
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Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park

Caribbean Cove is an indoor water park located inside the Holiday Inn North hotel; it encompasses about 50,000 square feet over two levels of the hotel. It features water slides, tube slides, a leisure river, jet sprays, spas, and a sports activity pool. Some of the slides will actually take you outside the water park, around the building, and back inside. Upstairs, you'll find a game arcade, and kids can create their own artwork at a "creativity center" next to the billiard tables. The Calypso Cafe is also located on-site, which is a great place to stop for a snack or drink break during all of your water-themed fun. More »

Carter's Antique Toy Museum

Truly a site for people of all ages, the Carter Toy Museum features antique toys that mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa will appreciate, plus a variety of attractions for the kids, such as bumper cars, a carousel, and coin-operated rides. The three-story building features a whole floor of arcade games and rides, as well as an old-fashioned ice cream parlor with homemade ice cream and an antique store selling French Havilland china, dolls, perfume, and jewelry. You'll truly find some unique toys here, as some of them come from the personal collections of manager Rachel Carter's grandfather and great-grandmother, and date as far back as the 1800s. More »

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Indy opened its Children's Museum in 1925, decades before the rest of America got on the kids'-museum bandwagon. Today the five-level, 433,000-square-foot facility is considered one of the world’s largest. Children love "Passport to the World", an internationally-themed gallery where you can climb onto a "howdah"--an ornate passenger basket placed atop Indian elephants--or sing along with a Mexican mariachi band. And the rock-climbing wall is a perennial favorite. Your entire family will be fascinated by Fireworks of Glass, the world’s largest Dale Chihuly glass sculpture that spirals 43 feet skyward in the atrium. More »

Circle Centre Mall

Four-story Circle Center Mall is spread along two blocks in the heart of downtown Indy. Roughly 100 stores, 20 restaurants, a nine-screen theater, and a brewery are part of the mall, which is anchored by department stores Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott. The glass-domed Artsgarden connects the mall's four buildings, and seven hotels connect to the mall via skywalks. Shoppers are sure to find all of the things they're looking for while cruising this mall, including everything from body lotion at Bath & Body Works, to the latest gadgets at Brookstone, to stylish eyewear at Sunglass Hut. More »

Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial

This is the nation's sole memorial honoring all recipients of the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military valor. The memorial features 27 curved glass panels, ranging from seven to ten feet tall and etched with the names of all of the 3,400-plus Medal of Honor recipients. The recipients' respective branches of services and the locations where they performed their heroic deeds are also recorded on the glass. The beautiful structure is located on the northern bank of the Central Canal, and took about five months to complete; construction began in January 1999 and was finished and dedicated on Memorial Day of the same year. More »

Conner Prairie

Conner Prairie is a living history museum that demonstrates what life was like in the 1800s. The Prairie is split into sections such as Liberty Corner, Prairietown, Connor Homestead, Lenape Camp, and the Museum Center, so visitors can easily navigate different areas within the 1,000+ acre site. During your visit, you'll see period actors plowing fields, teaching school, singing, and playing musical instruments. Get an even better sense of 19th-century life by pitching in with chores. The museum also offers classes for all of the showcased trades and crafts, such as blacksmithing, woodworking, weaving, and open-hearth cooking. If you're lucky, you may even catch a Civil War battle reenactment while visiting the Prairie, complete with scripted battle scenes, authentic military camps, soldier drills and demonstrations, and the music of military bands. More »

Crown Hill Cemetery

Crown Hill Cemetery is the nation's third-largest, and is listed on the National Register of Historic places. Opened in 1863, the 555-acre hilltop plot of land serves as the burial site of numerous famous individuals such as President Benjamin Harrison, Colonel Eli Lilly, 14 U.S. senators, three U.S. vice presidents, poet James Whitcomb Riley, and robber John Dillinger. The grounds also feature a Gothic chapel built in the late 1800s, plus a burial plot containing the remains of more than 1,600 Confederate prisoners-of-war who died in Indianapolis. Visitors will also be treated to views of wildlife, as the cemetery is home to over 300 white-tailed deer, who roam freely around the peaceful grounds. More »

Eagle Creek Park & Marina

Eagle Creek is one of the largest municipal parks in the nation, with nearly 4,000 acres of land and plenty of water. J.K. Lilly of Eli Lilly & Company donated the land to Purdue University in the 1950s, and Purdue later sold it to the city of Indianapolis. Thanks to the construction of a dam to control flooding, Eagle Creek Reservoir was born. Today the park offers a wealth of recreational activities, such as sailing, windsurfing, bird watching, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Unique programs are also available, including pontoon and sunset canoe trips. And the newer Earth Discovery Center features live native animal and plant exhibits, among many other treasures.
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Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Sitting on the edge of the city's scenic Central Canal near the entrance to White River State Park, the Eiteljorg is a unique art museum that combines American Western art and Native American art. The collections include everything from pottery, basketry, and sculpture to an Indianapolis Totem Pole and a stagecoach you can climb into to get a taste for 19th-century travel. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in the museum's great event and program offerings throughout the year, such as Community Drumming Circles, Drum-Making Workshops, and Wines of the West. The museum has been in operation since 1989, and has since become the state's premier venue for showcasing Native American art, crafts, and culture. More »

Ellenberger Park

Ellenberger Park was created in 1909 by master landscape architect and urban planner George Edward Kessler. Tucked on Indy's East Side in Irvington, one of the city's first planned suburbs, it includes a pool, ice rink, tennis courts, baseball and softball diamonds, a football field, and a three-quarter-mile paved fitness trail. The trails here wind through forested parkland and nearby sparkling streams, making for an idyllic place to take a stroll or jog. The park is also the northernmost trail head for the Pleasant Run Trail, a scenic recreational trail that connects several classic parks. More »

Fashion Mall at Keystone

An upscale business and shopping district, Keystone's main attraction is The Fashion Mall, which features about 100 specialty shops and restaurants such as Coach, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and Tiffany & Co. The mall is anchored by well known stores such as Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, giving it a nice variety of both specialty shops and popular chain stores. When hunger strikes, head to one of the mall's many restaurants where you can find something to suit even the pickiest eaters. Options include T.G.I. Friday's, The Cheesecake Factory, El Torito Grill, Starbucks Coffee, and many others. For those who aren't into shopping, head to the Keystone Art Cinema & Indie Lounge, where you can catch the latest movie (they specialize in independent and first-run films) or see live entertainment on the weekends. More »

Fort Harrison State Park and Golf Resort

Fort Harrison State Park is a 1,700-acre park featuring an 18-hole, Pete Dye-designed golf course, a nature center, restaurant, and lodging in several historic homes and a small inn. Visitors have access to a wealth of walking, biking, and jogging trails; picnic sites; fishing spots; horseback riding; cross-country ski trails; a sledding hill; and two national historic districts. History buffs will love seeing the former Citizen's Military Training Camp, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and a World War II prisoner-of-war camp. The Fort was originally opened in 1906, under the direction of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted to keep a military base near Indianapolis. It stayed in operation for training, headquarters, and troop support and reception until 1991, when it was decommissioned. In 1995, the U.S. Department of the Interior donated part of the fort's land to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to be used as a park and recreational site. More »

Fountain Square Theatre Building

The Fountain Square Theatre Building opened in 1928, and contains entertainment venues, shops, and professional offices. The historic building was once an integral part of the neighborhood in which it is located, as it had more theaters than any other city sector during the era from 1910 to 1950. The building fell into disrepair in the 1960s and 1970s, but was renovated in the 1990s. Today this historic building contains various businesses, including three restaurants, an inn, an historic theater, and eight lanes of duckpin bowling. It is also regularly used as a meeting and event space, and features banquet and meeting rooms for groups ranging in size from 10 to up to 400 people. More »

Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden

Established in 1889, 136-acre Garfield Park is one of Indianapolis' oldest. And its most notable treasure is the conservatory and sunken garden. Three fountains dot the garden grounds, which are laid out to showcase its classical European formal gardens, complete with benches and winding pathways. Three distinct seasonal plant displays are showcased here each year, highlighting flowers that bloom in the spring, summer, and fall. The spectacular conservatory features a 7,500-square-foot Amazon River Region Tropical Rainforest, complete with a 15-foot waterfall and additional tropical plant displays. Special exhibits, classes, and shows are held annually at the conservatory, such as the ever popular Holiday Poinsettia Show. More »

Harrison Center for the Arts

The Harrison Center for the Arts provides studio space for roughly two dozen local artists, and contains a gallery and outdoor courtyard, among other spaces. It was founded to promote, support, and foster appreciation for arts in the community. The gallery here features great rotating shows by mostly local artists that change every month, so there's always something fresh to look at. They also put on artist receptions and other community and private events in their expansive facility. After browsing the gallery and studios, be sure to head down to the lower level, called "The Underground", which provides space for concerts featuring local musicians, theater, and music classes. The Harrison Center is also home to offices for a handful of non-profit organizations, including VSA Arts and The Nature Conservancy. More »

Hilbert Circle Theatre

The 1,781-seat Hilbert Circle Theatre, which opened in 1916 as one of America's first grand move palaces, is home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra performs more than 200 classical and pops concerts annually, and most of these concerts take place in the beautiful Hilbert Circle Theatre. The building was extensively renovated in 1948--with help from a generous donation from Stephen and Tomisue Hilbert--and reopened as one of the city's most elegant concert and performance halls. It is designed in Neo-Classical Revival style, complete with unique details such as murals and coffered plaster ceilings. More »

Hinkle Fieldhouse

Home of Butler University's basketball and volleyball teams, historic Hinkle Fieldhouse is one of the nation's most famous basketball arenas. Constructed in 1928 with a seating capacity of 15,000, it reigned as America's largest basketball arena for more than 20 years. The inaugural basketball game was played in the Fieldhouse on March 7, 1928, but the building wasn't officially dedicated until December 21 because construction wasn't completed until then. The venue got its name from the one of the University's beloved coaches/athletic directors, Paul D. Hinkle. Many people know Hinkle Fieldhouse from its role in the popular movie Hoosiers.
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Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium

Holcomb Observatory is one of the largest public observatories in the world, and is home to a 38-inch Cassegrain reflector. The observatory and planetarium are operated by Butler University, and are open to the public most Friday and Saturday nights from late January through late July, and mid-September through early December. During these times there's a planetarium show, and afterward you can look through the telescope, weather permitting. Aside from public showings, the observatory and planetarium are utilized by the students and faculty at Butler University as a laboratory for conducting research and studying the universe. More »

Hoosier Park Casino

Hoosier Park is a one-level casino open 24 hours a day. Inside you'll find 2,000 slots and a wealth of e-table games with denominations ranging from once cent to $100. There's even a High Limit area, which includes high stakes slots, three-card and video poker, roulette, and electronic blackjack. Hoosier Park Casino also features nine different restaurants and lounges, as well as live headliner concerts and other performances throughout the year, to make it a top-notch entertainment facility. The park opened in 1994 and has become one of the premier horse racing tracks in the country for Standardbred and Thoroughbred racing, incorporating popular events such as the Dan Patch Invitational Pace, Hoosier Cup, Indiana Oaks, and Indiana Derby. More »

Hunter's Honey Farm

Hunter's Honey Farm is a third-generation beekeeping operation that produces honey and honey-related products such as beeswax, bee pollen, and propolis, all of which are used to make things like beeswax candles and soap, sauces, and candy. The farm produces a great variety of different honeys, including such varieties as raw, wildflower, spun, lavender, and many others. In addition to producing honey and honey products, they also manage countless bee hives throughout the state, helping pollinate crops such as apples, melons, and strawberries. The business includes a gift shop, and visitors are welcome to sign up to take tours of the farm which focus on beekeeping, honey extracting, and (of course) honey tasting! More »

Indiana History Center

The Indiana History Center, home to the Indiana Historical Society, contains a wealth of information about Indiana's history via exhibits, programs, a library, and theater. History buffs will love the great interactive displays and exhibitions here that present the state's history, personalities, and heritage. Head to the William Henry Smith Memorial Library, where you'll find one of the state's largest collections of documents, memorabilia, and literature relating Indiana's history. The Basile Theater, also located within the Center, is a popular place for local events and gatherings such as presentations and seminars. If you're visiting in the summer, stop by for the popular "Concerts on the Canal", which usually take place in front of or nearby the History Center. More »

Indiana Live Casino

Indiana Live Casino features more than 1,900 high-tech slot machines, electronic table games, Roulette, plenty of food, and live entertainment. The entertainment is spread throughout the 233,000 square-foot facility, which sits next to Indiana Downs horse racing track. In addition to its popular gaming areas, the Casino offers a variety of dining options, including Cafe Live! (a Wolfgang Puck restaurant), Nascar Sports Grille, Live! Market, Makers Mark Steakhouse, and VIP Slot Clubs. Various live entertainment shows are also presented at the Casino, ranging from concerts to comedy shows. More »

Indiana Medical History Museum

The Indiana Medical History Museum contains medical artifacts from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It's housed in what was once the pathology building at the former Central State Hospital, and that structure, built in 1895, is America's oldest surviving pathology facility. The museum contains three clinical labs, a photography lab, teaching amphitheater, autopsy room, and library. All of the labs are dedicated to representing the history and beginnings of psychiatry and modern medicine. The museum presents an array of exhibits that are both educational and interesting, including an authentic mid-20th century doctor's office, complete with typical instruments and tools, and a medicinal plant garden showcasing plants that have been used to treat illnesses for centuries.
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Indiana Repertory Theatre

The professional resident repertory theater is nearly 40 years old, and hosts about ten plays annually in a striking, 80-plus-year-old building considered one of Indy's iconic cultural assets. It's considered one of the most youth-oriented professional theaters in the nation, as well as one of the largest not-for-profit professional resident theaters in Indiana. The Repertory Theatre has occupied its current venue since 1980 (the Indiana Theatre), and has renovated the building to contain three stage spaces--Mainstage, Upperstage, and Cabaret--as well as a beautiful Grand Lobby. Whatever the season, there are always great shows to see here; favorites have included To Kill a Mockingbird, Crime and Punishment, and A Christmas Carol. More »

Indiana State Capitol

A visit to a state's capital city isn't complete without stopping by the state capitol building. The State House in Indianapolis won't disappoint, with its variety of educational public tours and beautiful architectural details such as a soaring stained-glass-adorned rotunda, ornate statues, and tall granite columns. Construction of the building was completed in 1888, and it is one of the few single state capitol buildings in the country to house all three branches of the state government. The building itself encompasses four stories, and houses the offices of the State House of Representatives, State Senate Chambers, and the State Supreme Court, among other governmental offices. More »

Indiana State Fairgrounds

Indiana's state fairgrounds hosts more than 300 events annually, including a flower and patio show, home show, and the uber-popular Indiana State Fair, which draws nearly one million people. The +250-acre, 17-building site is the largest tourist destination in central Indiana. Popular events and shows that are held here each year include the Great Train Expo, which features a variety of model trains and collections, and the Central Indiana RV & Camper show, where visitors can check out the latest in recreational vehicles. The star of the fairgrounds, of course, is the Indiana State Fair, which generally takes place in August and is a popular place to visit for great rides, exhibits, and live entertainment. More »

Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum is a three-story museum filled with exhibits exploring the state's art, science, history, and culture. You'll find the collections expertly laid out in different themed sections, such as Americana, Fine Arts, Biology, Paleobiology, Social History, and others. Constructed from Indiana materials, the museum is tucked into White River State Park. The museum also features great rotating exhibits with titles such as On My Honor: Girl Scouts Since 1912, and Shadow and Substance: African American Images from the Burns Archive. You'll also find a nice IMAX theater here, where you can catch enthralling big-screen shows that focus on themes like the Alps and Under the Sea.

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Indiana Transportation Museum

The Indiana Transportation Museum preserves the state's railroad history through its museum, gift shop, and rides on authentic trains. There is a wide variety of equipment to check out here, including locomotives, engines, freight cars, and cabooses that have been carefully restored by the museum's volunteers. The attraction has 38 miles of track (originally known as the Indianapolis & Peru), and more recently called the Nickel Plate Road. You can take a regular ride or book a dinner train excursion; the most popular event is the Fairtrain, which takes passengers to the Indiana State Fair each year via 10 round-trips daily. More »

Indiana War Memorial Plaza

Encompassing seven blocks, the Indiana War Memorial Plaza is a beautiful park-like area filled with monuments, Neo-classical buildings, and open green spaces and gardens. The majority of the monuments and sculptures here are dedicated to memorializing the people and experiences of various wars that the United States has been involved in over its lifetime. The different parts of the Indiana World War Memorial are great reminders of all of our wars, soldiers, veterans, and our ultimate goal of peace. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a stunning limestone sculpture--it rises 284 feet above the ground below and is definitely worth a visit. Visitors can also check out the two museums located in the plaza, the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum and the Indiana War Memorial Museum, to learn about the U.S. military and its war history, and see rare memorabilia and artifacts. More »

Indianapolis Art Center

The Indianapolis Art Center exhibits artwork via 35 exhibitions per year, and offers art classes--such as glassblowing, photography, and ceramics--led by professional artists. The center was started in 1934 after the Great Depression as a way to help artists remain employed. They originally worked in makeshift shacks, community buildings, and over-garage studios, until the official Indianapolis Art Students League was incorporated under one roof in 1961. Today, the center functions as a place where artists can gather, work on their craft, and educate the community about the importance of art. The center also includes a studio shop featuring the original work of more than 75 local and regional artists in mediums such as pottery, watercolors, oils, jewelry, fiber arts, and more.
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Indianapolis Artsgarden

The Indianapolis Artsgarden is a seven-story, glass-enclosed structure connecting the Embassy Suites complex, the Conrad Hotel, and Circle Centre Mall. Suspended over the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets, it's the site of more than 300 free performances and exhibits annually. Visitors should stop by the beautiful glass-enclosed landmark for a great view of the city, as well as the free lunchtime performances. A Cultural Concierge is also located in the Artsgarden to help you obtain tickets and discounts for area arts and cultural events available through the city's IndyArts Card.
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Indianapolis Cultural Trail

The unique, 7.5-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an urban bike and pedestrian path that connects many of Indy's neighborhoods, entertainment venues, and the city's five downtown cultural districts: Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, The Canal & White River State Park, and the Wholesale District. If you use this path, you'll pass by and through many of the city's leading arts and culture hot spots. The Cultural Trail will eventually hook into the Monon Trail, affording downtown users convenient access to Broad Ripple Village. There are also great displays of public art scattered throughout the length of the trail; the city works with local artists and curators to procure and install some of the area's best and most unique pieces. More »

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

One of America's most famous sports icons, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is also considered the world's greatest racecourse. Its signature event is the Indianapolis 500, a 500-mile car race around the speedway's 2.5-mile oval. The first race was held in 1911, when the champion, Ray Harroun, won by averaging 74.6 miles per hour around the then-red-brick track. Today's winners average nearly 190 miles per hour, and the red bricks have long been replaced by asphalt except for a small strip marking the start/finish line. The race is one of the largest single-day sporting events in the world, with more than 300,000 people in attendance. The speedway is also host to a wide variety of other races, and the adjacent Hall of Fame Museum contains an extensive collection of racing cars and automotive memorabilia. More »

Indianapolis Museum of Art

The Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of the largest encyclopedic art museums in the nation, with more than 50,000 works in its collection. Some of the more notable items are pieces by Gauguin and Seurat, plus an outstanding collection of Japanese Edo-period paintings. Most visitors will recognize Robert Indiana's 1966 LOVE painting, one of the most-reproduced art images in America's post-war era. A 12-foot steel sculpture of the painting is on the museum grounds. The museum grounds also contain the historic, 26-acre Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, and the widely anticipated Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, a 100-acre tract of woodland, wetland, lake, and meadow featuring commissioned works by emerging and veteran artists. More »

Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo has a great location right in the heart of both downtown Indy and the scenic White River State Park. It opened in 1964, and has been driven by its mission of conservation, education, and research since its inception. The Zoo's animal exhibits are spread throughout the grounds to make it easy for visitors to see what they want; they are organized into five different biomes, including a Forest biome, Oceans biome, Deserts biome, Plains biome, and Encounters biome. More than a million folks stop in every year to peek at the 350+ animal species, visit the aquarium (the state's largest) and stroll through the affiliated White River Gardens. For an extra fee you can zip on a wet suit and join zoo trainers and dolphins in a small, wade-in pool. Rubbery dolphin kisses included.
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Indy Racing Experience

The Indy Racing Experience is a unique venture that gives you the chance to drive in a real Indy 500 race car. The program offers both driving and two-seater programs. In the former, you'll learn how to drive a real IndyCar Series car that has actually been driven in the Indianapolis 500, then follow a lead car around the track. Your speed will depend upon your comfort level in the car. In the two-seater program, you'll sit behind a driver in a stretched-out IndyCar Series car and feel the speed and pressure of driving up to 180 miles per hour. The Indy Racing Experience began in 2001, and also operates at other tracks around the country.

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James Whitcomb Riley House

James Whitcomb Riley was a noted Indiana poet, authoring such famous poems as Little Orphant Annie, When the Frost is on the Punkin, and The Raggedy Man. His red-brick home in the city's historic Lockerbie neighborhood is now a museum showcasing many of his personal belongings, such as his writing desk, top hat, and cane. There are also great displays of period furniture and other accessories filling the home and adding a historic feel to the building. The 1872 Italianate home is one of America's only examples of late-Victorian preservation. More »

Lockerbie Square

You'll find a mix of Italianate, Federal, and Queen Anne homes in historic Lockerbie Square, the city's oldest surviving neighborhood and home to the residence of the late, notable poet James Whitcomb Riley. The area was originally settled by immigrants and was one of the city's first "suburbs". The name "Lockerbie" comes from Lockerbie Street, which was named for one of the original families that lived here and was instrumental in plotting out the neighborhood. After a long and prosperous few decades, Lockerbie Square fell into disrepair during the early to mid-1900s, until 1958 when a group of enterprising citizens and organizations decided to restore the area. Today, the neighborhood is a unique enclave of history and culture, filled with restored homes and businesses. It's located just northeast of the city center, and partly encompasses hip Mass Ave. More »

Lucas Oil Stadium

The seven-level Lucas Oil Stadium is the home of the National Football League's Indianapolis Colts. It replaced the old RCA Dome when it was officially inaugurated in August 2008, and has been received warmly by Indianapolis sports fans. The stadium, which features a retractable roof, seats 63,000 for football and up to 70,000 for basketball games. The stadium is also used for conventions, exhibitions, trade shows, and NCBB basketball events. In addition to the sports fields/courts, it offers seven locker rooms, meeting rooms, 137 suites, dual two-story lounges, and many more state-of-the-art amenities. Several hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are conveniently located near the stadium, including the newly-expanded convention center. More »

Madame Walker Theatre Center

The Madame Walker Theatre Center is housed in the historic Madame C.J. Walker Building, named after Madame C.J. Walker, who started a lucrative hair care product business and is considered one of the first self-made female millionaires in the country. Out of her love for the performing arts, Walker began to develop the theater and building in the early 1900s, then died in 1919. Her daughter completed the project in 1927, and the Walker Building became the center of African-American entertainment and business until the mid-1950s, when the building and area began a slow decline. Eventually the building was renovated, and today it's the site of numerous annual dancing, jazz, theater, and literary events. In 1991, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark and now serves as a reminder of African American history and culture in Indianapolis. More »

Mass Ave

Mass Ave is one of Indy's cultural districts, and is a hot spot for art galleries, unique restaurants and shops, and a vibrant nightlife. If you're looking for art, Mass Ave is one of your best bets in Indianapolis, featuring such great gallery treasures as Dean Johnson Design and Gallery, Kuaba Fine Art Gallery, and McFee Gallery and Studios. There are also plenty of other shopping outlets lining the street, including unique stores such as The Best Chocolate in Town and Mass Ave Toys. If entertainment is on the itinerary for the day, Mass Ave also offers great theaters and clubs; check out the acclaimed American Cabaret Theatre and Chatterbox Jazz Club. More »

Monon Trail

This asphalt trail stretches 10.5 miles, from 10th Street to 96th Street. There are several major access points; each has free parking. Allowed activities include walking, biking, running, and cross-country skiing. Starting from the southern end of the trail, you'll pass through a more industrial area, which includes the Indiana State Fairgrounds, then head north, where you'll reach mostly residential parts of the trail. You can continue on the trail heading north, where it connects to the Carmel section of the greenway. The Monon Trail is a great way to see some great area attractions, as it winds close to such popular destinations as the Indianapolis Arts Center, Broad Ripple Village, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. More »

Morris-Butler House

The Morris-Butler House is a historic home in the city's Old Northside, a National Register of Historic Places neighborhood. It was constructed in 1865, and today functions as a museum housing mid-Victorian decorative arts. Its rooms have been restored to their original 19th century specifications, complete with period furniture and architectural details. Various events and festivities are held at the historic home throughout the year, including a Valentine's concert and dinner and a Civil War History Camp for Kids. The home is the Old Northside's only example of Second Empire style, which is distinguished by its high mansard roof. More »

Nancy Noel's The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a renovated Victorian church that houses the studio and gallery of acclaimed artist N.A. Noel. It's one of the only places in the world where collectors can find a complete collection of her work, including her popular paintings of Amish and African people. Items for sale here include original paintings, limited and open edition prints, canvas works, and books. The restaurant in the Sanctuary is also located inside the renovated church, and features delicious lunches and elegant afternoon tea. More »

NCAA Hall of Champions

If you're a sports fan, you'll love the NCAA Hall of Champions. There are hundreds of interactive exhibits here that cover the gamut of NCAA sports, from basketball to gymnastics to tennis. Upon entering the 30,000 square-foot complex, visitors are welcomed into the Great Hall--a three-story glass-enclosed space that serves as the launching point for the other exhibit rooms. Head over to the Hall of Honor to check out players who have been honored for both their athletic and academic excellence, or check out the Arena where you'll see a display for each of the NCAA's 23 different sports. The Play area is sure to be a popular place for the whole family to spend some time, as it offers various hands-on exhibits, such as testing your strength at a rowing skull, shooting hoops from the free-throw line, or experiencing the thrill of downhill skiing in a simulator. There is a lot to see and do here, so be sure to take your time and explore, as this is truly one of the city's greatest attractions. More »

O'Reilly Raceway Park

O'Reilly Raceway Park (ORP), a multipurpose auto racing facility, was created in 1958, when 15 Indy businessmen and racing professionals ponied up $5,000 apiece to purchase a 267-acre farm about seven miles from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It hosted the first NASCAR race in Indianapolis in 1982, and has been the venue of choice for many races since then. The facility contains a 15-turn, 2.5-mile road course, a quarter-mile drag strip, and a .686-mile oval. ORP hosts the MAC Tools U.S. Nationals during Labor Day weekend; the race is considered the world's most prestigious drag race. Other popular events held here include the Craftsman Truck Series race and races for the Busch Series Grand National Division. More »

Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens

Tucked away on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, this 26-acre historic estate once belonged to J.K. Lilly, Jr., an Indy businessman and philanthropist. Lilly House, the estate's home, is a 22-room mansion, with beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding it that were designed by Percival Gallagher, a member of the landscape architecture firm Olmsted Brothers (of Central Park fame). Today, the house features eight furnished rooms on the main level each representing the 1930s era with its furniture, decor, and accessories. Close to 90 percent of the furniture in the home actually belonged to the Lilly family. On the upper level, visitors get a great view of the gardens as well as a look into the past through exhibits about 1900s Indianapolis and the American Country Place era. More »

President Benjamin Harrison Home

The President Benjamin Harrison Home is a stately, red-brick, Italianate-styled home on Indianapolis' Delaware Street. Harrison built the home in 1874, when he was working as an attorney, and it features 16 rooms, a carriage house, and a brick drive. Harrison and his family lived in the home for most of the next four decades, with the exception of 1881-1887, when Harrison served in the U.S. Senate, and 1889-1893, when he was President. Harrison died in the home in 1901, although his family remained there until 1913. Afterward, the house was rented out for a few years, then became a rooming house until the 1930s when it was purchased by the Arthur Jordan Foundation to be used as a dormitory for their female Conservatory of Music students. The home was opened for public tours in the 1950s, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. More »

Rick's Cafe Boatyard

This restaurant and bar has long been popular with locals because of its great food--especially seafood--and prime location on the scenic Eagle Creek Reservoir. The "boatyard" part of the restaurant's name comes from the scores of boats that are anchored on the adjoining docks owned by Rick's. Locals head to Rick's for the great food and scenery, and also for the great live jazz that is featured here nightly and on weekend afternoons. During more temperate months, dining is available on the restaurant's sprawling outdoor deck. More »

Scottish Rite Cathedral

This stunning downtown building, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, will immediately catch your eye. It was constructed between 1927 and 1929 by the Valley of Indianapolis Scottish Rite, an affiliate of Freemasonry. Once considered one of the world's most beautiful structures, the Tudor-Gothic styled cathedral features a 212-foot tower, 54-bell carillon, and a floating ballroom, as well as lots of detailed carved Russian curly oak woodwork and beautiful stained glass windows. It's notable as one of the largest buildings in America dedicated to Freemasonry, and is a popular place to hold events such as weddings, balls, and other types of celebrations.
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Slippery Noodle Inn

The Slippery Noodle is Indiana's oldest, continually-operated bar. Established in 1850, the two-story building has been everything from a road house and bordello to a way station on the Underground Railroad. Today you can enjoy live blues music every night along with good food (ranging from burgers to swordfish) and drinks. It is a very popular place for locals to go and enjoy live music, and has hosted such great headliners over the years as John Mayall, Albert Collins, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Edgar Winter, and many more. They even have their own recording label, Slippery Noodle Sound, which has put out over ten different albums, some that feature one artist and some that are compilations of live sets performed at the Inn. More »

T.C. Steele State Historic Site

The 211-acre T.C. Steele State Historic Site contains the final home and studio of Theodore Clement Steele, a famed Indiana Impressionist painter. Steele loved the site's wooded hills and ravines, which inspired some of his most famous works. He bought a parcel of land on what is now the historic site in the early 1900s, and loved the beauty of the area so much that he constructed his home here and called it the "House of the Singing Woods". Steele was also Indiana's main portraitist in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when he painted many of Indiana's top public figures. The site includes the 92-acre Selma N. Steele State Nature Preserve (Selma was Steele's second wife), which contains rare and endangered plant species.
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Traders Point Creamery

Traders Point is a family-owned, organic artisan dairy offering farm tours, a farmer's market, and specialty events, such as "Wine, Cheese, & Jazz in The Loft." Sign up to take a tour of the farm, and you'll really be in for a treat. On the tours, visitors get to go behind the scenes of the dairy farm and see how its operations really work; there's also the option of adding a dairy tasting and/or ice cream addition to your tour, which make the experience extra delicious! Stop by the on-site restaurant, called The Loft, where you'll be treated to tasty lunches and weekend breakfasts, and you'll also find dairy products galore (such as cheese, handmade ice cream, and yogurt) in the Dairy Bar. More »

Waterman's Farm Market

Waterman's Farm Market, in business since 1978, sells fresh produce from late May (strawberry season) until Thanksgiving, usually every day of the week. You'll find everything from potatoes to cantaloupes to corn at the market, as well as the ever-popular fresh strawberries (when in season, of course). The variety of fruits and veggies available here depends on the season, making it one of the best places in the area to get fresh local produce--some that you can even pick yourself, right off of the vine! The Market also offers picnics and parties during their Fall Harvest Festival, when they also provide additional entertainment options such as pony rides, corn mazes, and more. More »

White River State Park

Not many cities can boast a 250-acre state park in the heart of their downtown, but Indy can. The sprawling greenspace features seven major attractions, such as the Indianapolis Zoo and Indiana State Museum, festival space, and sports facilities. The popular "Lawn" outdoor concert venue is also located within White River State Park; it has been consistently ranked as a top outdoor venue in the world, and has hosted such performers as Sheryl Crow, Jason Mraz, Gavin McGraw, and others. Visitors can also access the water through the park, as it connects with the popular Central Canal, an offshoot of the White River, where you can go for a boat ride or hop onto the adjacent path for a scenic walk, bike, or jog. More »

Wholesale District

One of Indy's most happenin' spots, the Wholesale District is lively both day and night. Great shopping can be found here, plus concerts, shows, professional sports, and more. This area includes many of the city's most popular venues, including Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, and the Hilbert Circle Theatre, home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. The district also has a fair amount of Indianapolis history attached to it, as it began as a central transportation district (Union Station was located here) and mecca for agricultural and industrial wholesalers in the early 1900s. Many of the buildings found here boast their original architecture, some even dating back to pre-World War I times. More »