Location: Downtown Indianapolis
Top Things to do in Downtown Indianapolis
What to do and see in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana (IN): The Best Things to do
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. Indiana Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By 780deborahh - Plainfield, United States
We have lived in many parts of the country and gone to many, many theaters but the IRT beats most of them! What a great piece of architecture. The theater was so impressive. We saw A Christmas Carol and even though we've seen many, many versions of the play, this was by far the BEST version. The staff volunteers were so nice and helpful. The seats were comfortable and the play was one of the BEST we've seen.
2. Saint John Evangelist Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By JandK444 - Lyons, United States
The four of us attended Sunday Mass here on October 1 at 10 a.m. A beautiful church and a wonderful worship experience. Organ and choir were inspirational as was the sermon by a guest priest. A surprise was a bptism in the Mass. Would love to worship here again sometime in the future when we visit Indy.
3. Indiana War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 648 reviews
A tribute to Indiana war veterans, from World War I to the Vietnam War.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Perhaps no city outside Washington DC does more to honor our nation's veterans than Indianapolis, Indiana. The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, originally built in 1924 to honor the veterans of World War I, is a plaza that covers five city blocks that includes the Indiana World War Memorial, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Cenotaph Square, Veterans Memorial Plaza, Depew Memorial Fountain, University Park, American Legion Mall and a don't-miss military museum. Located at 51 East Michigan Street, bounded by St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Meridian Streets, the centerpiece of the plaza is the Indiana World War Memorial, which is modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and contains "the Altar of the Flag" in the Shrine Room. The memorial was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994. The War Memorial, whose cornerstone was laid in 1927 by General John Pershing, is 210 feet tall or 75 feet taller than the original Mausoleum. Made of unrelieved ashlar Indiana limestone with six Ionic columns on each side, it is one of the most imposing neoclassical structures in the country. There are several sculptures. Most notable of all is Henry Hering's colossal male nude bronze Pro Patria, which is 24 feet high and weighs seven tons, the largest cast bronze sculpture in the United States. Also impressive is the 100-foot-tall black granite obelisk in the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Be sure to visit the Indiana World War Memorial Military Museum, which honors Hoosier soldiers in a timeline from the American Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. World War I and World War II are featured most prominently. Among the exhibits are a replica of the radio room of the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk after delivering the first atomic bomb to Tinian in WW II, a Cobra helicopter, the USS Indiana's commission plate, 300 Civil War flags, firearms of all types and a replica of Indiana's Liberty Bell. Lots of history, lots of memories, lots of time for sober reflection.
4. Indiana Historical Society
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
History should be more than read or viewed – it should be experienced. Immerse yourself by planning your visit to the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. Located along the Central Canal in downtown Indianapolis, the History Center invites you to experience Indiana’s past in new and exciting ways. We do history.
Reviewed By EagleTravel29 - Indianapolis, United States
We really enjoyed the Christmas trees decorated by various institutions throughout the museum. We also really enjoyed the Madam Walker exhibit. Definitely makes us want to read more about her life and career. Well done!
5. The Eiteljorg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 843 reviews
The museum houses Indian artifacts, as well as works by famous Western artists.
Reviewed By juliev593 - Auburn, United States
First of all, we were happy to park so close in the underground parking garage, and it was even better that they validated the parking ticket ay the museum entrance so we didn't have to pay. We expected to see Remingtons and Russels, which we did, but there was so much more. We loved the huge Grand Canyon murals and finding a hidden treasure around every corner. We spent about 3 hours there, which included a visit to the cafe (food was good and generously portioned). We happened to catch the Jingle Rails exhibit and it was outstanding. The galleries would be less interesting for younger children, but for anyone interested in the American West or history, there is a lot to see and explore.
6. Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
A monument built in 1902 as a tribute to the Indiana soldiers who served in the Civil War.
Reviewed By lemonshakeup1
Dedicated to war heroes. Beautiful piece of Indiana history. From the basement (which I am sure was part of the underground railroad), to the Victory at the top. Look for soldiers bricks, have lunch on the steps, climb the zillion stairs to the top. Learn why the circle city, cross roads of America are all names for Indianapolis. Even at Christmas when it becomes a beautiful giant winter wonderland. Great for all ages.
7. Scottish Rite Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Gothic cathedral.
Reviewed By StanMelton - Nashville, United States
Located right across for the national headquarters of the American Legion. Beautiful architecture. We took a guided tour which was most informative. This is a very historical building.and most important in the life of the Masons. If you don't know much about the Masons, this is a good place to learn.
8. Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 630 reviews
Reviewed By ledd816 - Indianapolis, United States
What a great venue to see a basketball game of any level, high school, college and pro, the food is good also many different types and collectables of sport teams.
9. Indiana Convention Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
The Indiana Convention Center is located in downtown Indianapolis. The venue has completed multiple expansions since its 1972 opening. The most recent major expansion occurred from 2008 to 2011. The venue now contains 71 meeting rooms, 11 exhibit halls and 3 ballrooms.
Reviewed By grandmaTo3 - Plattsmouth, United States
Love traveling to Indy for business. Easy access convention center, loads of restaurants within walking distance. Clean convention center with multi-use rooms available for events. Hotels on every corner, with shopping near by.
10. Indiana State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Take a journey through Indiana's history, from the age of mastodons and mammoths to 21st century science, art and culture. Families can enjoy hands-on science in our Naturalist's Lab, wind their way through cave replicas in "Frozen Reign," learn real stories about historic Hoosiers in our cultural galleries, and more. The museum features two floors of permanent experiences and one floor of changing galleries. The Indiana State Museum is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a statewide museum system with 12 locations.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
I'm a history buff so it follows that my wife and I always make it a point to visit the history and art museums in all of the major cities that we visit from coast to coast to accumulate knowledge about the people and the area. In Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum, which was founded in 1869, offers more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 500,000 artifacts that cover the history of the natural world, Native Americans, cultural history and the future of Indiana. There are exhibits on the science, art, culture and history of the state from prehistoric times to the present day. It also is the site of the state's largest IMAX screen. Located at 650 West Washington Street, on the Indiana Central Canal within the White River State Park, this magnificent, glass-enclosed $105 million structure opened in 2002. Start with the "Back Home Again" steam clock outside the front entrance. Learn that Indiana is more than basketball and the Indianapolis 500. The journey begins with mastodons and Native Americans and continues with early settlements, farming, schooling and manufacturing. Meet inventors, statesmen, businessmen and other famous Hoosiers, all profiled in the American Originals exhibit. Also view the exhibits that highlight Indiana, including the 19th State, The Hoosier Way, the Crossroads of America, Enterprise Indiana and Global Indiana.
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