Top Attractions in Indianapolis
Indianapolis is well known for being the capital city of Indiana, but it also has many attractions that are worth visiting.
There is a lot to see and do in Indianapolis, so it should be no surprise that Indy receives around 30 million visitors annually.
Whether you’re living in Indiana or just passing through, here are some of the top tourist attractions and places to visit when you’re in town:
What you need to know about Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the largest city in Indiana. An estimated 900,000 people live here.
The city is home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts multiple IndyCar Series races every year.
Since 1970, Indianapolis has hosted the 500 Festival Parade every year on the Saturday before the race.
Indiana is also known as “The Crossroads of America”. The state was nicknamed because it’s located in the center of many major U.S. highways.
When visiting Indianapolis, you will see many monuments and memorials. There are several throughout the city. Perhaps one of the most important ones is the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza.
The climate in Indianapolis is humid continental. Winter temperatures are sometimes below freezing, while the summers can be quite hot.
Indianapolis is also home to many sports teams, including the NFL’s Colts and Indy Eleven.
Best Places to See in Indianapolis
When visiting Indianapolis, there are many tourist attractions and places to see.
Here are just a few of the best tourist attractions in Indianapolis:
Indiana World War Memorial
The Indiana World War Memorial is an important tourist attraction in Indianapolis.
It was built in the 1930s and dedicated to the veterans of the two World Wars in the early 1940s.
However, it wasn’t fully completed until 1965.
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
Another must-see when in Indianapolis is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, located right across the “Indy” War Memorial.
This monument is one of the most iconic symbols of the city, and has been a tourist attraction for almost 120 years.
At nearly 290 feet, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is only 21 feet shorter than the New York Statue of Liberty.
Inside the monument, you will find a museum with exhibits dedicated to Civil War history.
On the top of the monument is an observation deck that offers incredible views of Indiana’s skyline.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
One of the most exciting tourist attractions in Indianapolis is the Motor Speedway.
The speedway hosts 2 major races every year: the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400.
These races are attended by hundreds of thousands of fans annually.
Indianapolis has hosted races since 1911, with over 100 years of history behind them!
In addition to two major car races, there are also many other events that take place here throughout the year.
Holliday Park, Indianapolis
Holliday Park is a tourist attraction in Indianapolis, located near the White River.
The park includes many fun activities for families, including modern playgrounds, train rides, sports courts and athletic fields.
There are also hiking trails that wind through the forested areas of Holliday Park.
Visitors can even feed some of the animals at the on-site nature center.
A must-see at Holliday Park are the ruins of the New York St. Paul Building, which had been torn down in the 1950s.
The ruins were moved to Indianapolis, where they soon began to attract many visitors.
Newfields
Another exciting tourist attraction in Indianapolis is Newfields.
This museum focuses on the arts, history and culture of the Midwest region.
Newfields also offers educational programs and excursions for families, school field trips and other groups.
Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum is another tourist attraction in Indianapolis, located right next to the Indianapolis Zoo.
Although it has only been open since 2005, this museum was actually built on what used to be an old railroad yard.
Today, visitors can learn about the state’s history and culture through interactive exhibits.
This museum has almost 40 exhibition spaces, all dedicated to different Indiana topics.
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, except on special holidays.
It is free for children under 3 years old, while admission prices are $12 to $17 for older children and adults.
Garfield Park
Garfield Park is a popular tourist attraction in Indianapolis, located on the near west side of town.
The park is home to a lake and a recreation center, which includes an indoor pool and different fitness facilities.
There are also horseshoe pits, tennis courts and even a dog park on-site.
A must-see at Garfield Park is the Conservatory & Sunken Garden, which opened in 1915.
This garden features a wide collection of plants from around the world, including acres of roses and even a room filled with orchids.
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is a living history museum located just up the road from the Indianapolis Zoo.
This outdoor attraction features exhibits that educate visitors on life in Indiana in the 19th century.
The main focus is on Indiana pioneer life, but there are also many events and activities that give kids a hands-on look at what it was like to live in the 1800s.
During certain times of year, Conner Prairie also offers events like concerts and festivals that celebrate Indiana history.
Indianapolis with Kids
Indianapolis is a tourist hot-spot for people of all ages.
There are, however, many tourist attractions in Indianapolis that kids will especially love, including the Indianapolis Zoo and the Children’s Museum.
Indianapolis Zoo
If you are looking for an attraction that is perfect for families, the Indianapolis Zoo definitely is for you.
This zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals on site.
Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of exotic creatures from all over the world, including zebras, giraffes, lions, tigers and even orangutans!
The zoo also includes a petting zoo with animals like goats and cows, as well as a train ride that takes visitors around the premises.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
This family museum offers several hands-on exhibits for children to touch and play with.
Some popular activities include climbing up small hills or crawling through tunnels within an interactive city made just for kids.
The Children’s Museum is a great place to visit in Indianapolis, especially for those with younger children.
Indianapolis Like a Local
Indianapolis is home to many tourist attractions, but some places aren’t as well-known.
Are you looking for tourist attractions in Indianapolis that feel like “hidden gems”?
Then the Capital City Market should definitely be on your list of top tourist spots!
Capital City Market is a fresh food market located in the historic Indianapolis City Market.
It is perfect for those who want to experience local Indiana culture, as it features stores and restaurants owned by people from all over the state.
One of the best times to visit this market is during the Saturday Morning Market.
This Market features about 100 local vendors who sell locally-grown produce, wine, cheese and even artisan furniture.
We hope you enjoyed this article on the top attractions in Indianapolis.
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