Location: Indianapolis
Top Things to do in Indianapolis
The 10 Best Things to Do in Indianapolis, United States
High-speed, history and good old Hoosier hospitality are a few reasons to put Indianapolis on your list of great getaways. Sports is another. From the legendary Indianapolis 500 to the Pacers and the Colts, the city offers ample opportunities to view professional and amateur sporting events, take part in athletic events and visit sports museums. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall Of Fame Museum you can tour the famous track (try to reserve tickets if there is a race in town) or visit the museum dedicated to automobiles and auto racing. Other sporty museums include the NCAA Hall of Champions. To get in on some of the action, head to SportZone which features six acres of indoor athletic facilities the whole family will enjoy. Those less interested in sports, or with kids in tow, can still find tons to do in and around the city. History, art and other cultural attractions abound. Visit the Children's Museum or checkout the zoo. Stroll along cobblestone streets past 19th-century buildings in the Lockerbie Square District or visit any number of historic landmarks. Known as the "Crossroads of America," more interstate highways bisect Indianapolis than any other city in the country, making it an exciting and easily accessible destination.
Restaurants in Indianapolis
1. Victory Field
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Jujulynne - Branson, Missouri
We had a 'date night' from a marriage conference- only the second game of the season unfortunately it was freezing! lol Who knew in April it would be 30 degrees and spitting snow! Regular tickets aren't too expensive but we were stopped by The Cove staff and encouraged to upgrade. We thought why not it's a special date night. We were under the impression that we would get all you want to eat and drink and waited on. That is not accurate- you do get waited on (and our wait staff were very friendly) but you only get a $10 voucher for food and drink. One hot dog is $8.50 so needless to say we gave up our behind home plate tickets to have special treatment and well....all we got was a $40 hot dog. We even had to go to another vendor to get hot cocoa. Also, there is no heat in the bathrooms and no hot water to wash your hands. That's discerning-where to food staff wash their hands? Otherwise, the field is beautiful and very well kept. The staff were friendly. They play fun games during time outs, sound is good and it's a fun date. Due to the weather we had to buy a blanket-whoa it was $45! Too bad normal things can't be normal prices and your penalized
2. Indiana Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By SLCDC
Every production I've seen here has been top-notch. I truly enjoy plays by their playwright-in-residence James Still. Such a wonderful cultural experience at affordable prices. If you go on a special night, they might have a post-performance discussion with the cast or a backstage tour or a happy hour.
3. Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The largest children's museum in the world urges children to dig in and touch everything as they explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts through exciting interactive exhibits on five floors. There's also a theater with children's plays and live entertainment.
Reviewed By everyoneinthevan - Indiana
Always improving.Wonderful new sports area. Very helpful staff. Spring break visit so very crowded. Staff is very kind, answering questions,and offering suggestions and interesting facts. Displays are always working and clean. Great FREE parking garage. Another great visit!!!
4. Lucas Oil Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Donald D
Great tour. Definitely worth the cost of admission. As a big packer fan it was interesting seeing an indoor stadium with a retractable roof.
5. Indianapolis Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
With a collection of more than 54,000 works of art, an early-20th-century estate, 152 acres of gardens and grounds, including an outdoor art and nature park, the IMA campus offers experiences that feed both the heart and mind.
Reviewed By RobertJR53 - Clinton, Indiana
Wonderful selection of fine art with many of the masters on display. Spent over two hours just on the second floor. Enjoyed the cafe and the wonderful gift shop as well as the visit to the Lilly house. A very respectable showing for a city the size of Indianapolis. Well done!
6. Indiana War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 564 reviews
A tribute to Indiana war veterans, from World War I to the Vietnam War.
Reviewed By Nate080411 - Nashua, New Hampshire
We didn't have the chance to go inside this memorial, but we did take the time to walk to it and walk around it. The memorial is very impressive from the outside and has some cool unique elements to it. When you walk up the stairs you get a nice view from either side of the memorial. If you get the chance to go inside I would say you should, but if you can't it is worth the visit to walk around the outside.
7. Indy 500
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Memorial Day Weekend brings the internationally acclaimed Indy 500 to the Brickyard in Indianapolis, and it's the most exciting speed race event in the calendar. This 200 lap race celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011, and the participants battle to win the $1 million Borg-Warner Trophy, along with a huge cash prize. Go along, soak up the speed, and eat one of millions of hot dogs and bratwurst, which if laid end to end would circle the track more than three times!
Reviewed By JHTexan - San Antonio, Texas
Race was great, along with all the opening ceremonies, thus be sure to get there early. Atmosphere was awesome. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, which will save yourself quite a lot of money. If you do drink a lot just plan your restroom breaks accordingly or get a seat close to aisle. Bring a hat if it is sunny, and cushion with a back to sit on. You can rent cushions as well but are pricey. I brought my small radio with ear buds to help keep up with the race action.
We sat at turn 2, but I had to do it again would pick high on turn 1 to see the action down the straight away, pit row, as well as the cars going through turn 1 through turn 2.
We went in a small RV and ended up parking at the Speedway Junior High, which is about a mile away from the south entrance. $20 and proceeds go to their fine arts program.
We stayed at Raceview Family Campground, which was spacious, but nothing extraordinary, and also required to figure out transportation to the race either driving or taxi/uber. There are sites to park in people's yards that can be found online and if you are going to be there for an extended weekend, the sites at the Indy500 may be worth it.
I had gone to the time trials before and that is a lot of fun and less crowded if you can't make it to the race itself.
8. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum presents the stories of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the history of the automotive industry in Indiana, and has vehicles and race trophies and memorabilia from race events around the world. It houses one of the most important collections of racing vehicles and memorabilia in the world.
Reviewed By juliekenben - Kalamazoo, Michigan
We were pleasantly surprised. The museum was nice. Cars and engines to sse. We did the VIP tour, it was very worthwhile. 90 minutes to tour and about an hour in the museum. Learned a lot and got an insider's view of the Speedway.
9. Central Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 936 reviews
Reviewed By birdatman - CO
We were there after a 8" snow in late March and ended up at the Museum near by to get warm and play a while in the huge lobby. We did walk a little ways and the canal was very nice , at least what we saw of it. We would like to see it on a warm day. It looked clean and well maintained.
10. Crown Hill Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Crown Hill is the nation's 3rd largest non-government cemetery with 555 acres of beautiful rolling hills. Located across the street from the Indianapolis Museum of Art, thousands visit this urban oasis to enjoy its peaceful beauty; study the architecture, sculptures and trees; exercise; picnic; view the wildlife (including a herd of white-tailed deer), and to study the history and heritage of the 200,000+ people buried there. A "must see" highlight is a visit to the top of "The Crown," the highest hill in the county, which affords a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Indianapolis skyline. Note: the white line painted on the roads connects both gates via the "scenic route," including Pres. Harrison's memorial, the "Crown," National Cemetery, Gothic Chapel (1875), Waiting Station and 34th Street Gothic gate (both 1885). Crown Hill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Notables include President Benjamin Harrison, poet James Whitcomb Riley, Col. Eli Lilly, three U.S. Vice Presidents, and numerous others, including the infamous bank robber John Dillinger. Crown Hill's popular guided tours were twice named "The Best Walking Tour" by Indianapolis Monthly magazine, featured as one of Midwest Living Magazine's "Terrific Tours," and listed as one of "5 Things to Do in Indy Before You Die" by the Indianapolis Star. Visitors can attend one of many guided Public Tours (most scheduled to see the sunset), or schedule their own Private Group Tour. Pick-up a new Visitor's Guide Map at the Waiting Station building inside the 34th St. gate (3400 Boulevard Place). For more info on their national award-winning coffee table book titled "Crown Hill: History, Spirit, Sanctuary," guided tours, historical info, tree maps, etc., please visit the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation online.
Reviewed By GoHere - Michigan
We spent time in here Geocaching but there is art and President Harrison's burial site as well. I wasn't expecting such an amazing entrance and a great church on the grounds. Perfect place for history buffs and those who enjoy a look around.
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