Indianapolis, Indiana
If you’ve never visited the Midwestern city of Indianapolis to experience all of the AMAZING things this city has to offer, then you are in for a real travel treat! From incredible attractions and historic museums & monuments to gorgeous canals, Indianapolis has so much to offer & it’s the reason we spend so much time in The Crossroads of America each year.
DYK:
- Indianapolis is known as The Crossroads of America with six interstate highways crossing their way through downtown Indianapolis making it the perfect road trip destination from the cities of Chicago, Nashville, & more.
- Sliced bread was invented in Indianapolis in the 1920’s with the launch of “Wonder Bread” who was the first seller of pre-sliced bread.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest sports facility in the world.
- The Slippery Noodle Bar was a stop on the Underground Railroad and frequented by gangsters during Prohibition. Tours are also offered of the Bar’s “secret areas.”
- Indianapolis has more monuments and acreage honoring veterans than any other state in the US.
- Elvis Presley’s very last live concert performance ever took place in Indianapolis in 1977.
- Condé Nast voted Indianapolis International Airport as the Best Airport in America 5-years in a row.
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children’s museum in the world at 472,900 sq. ft.
- Indianapolis is home to the headquarters of the American Legion.
On this visit, we’ve collaborated with our friends at Visit Indy to show you how to experience all of Indy’s biggest attractions in a budget & family friendly way with Visit Indy Attraction Passes.
- Explore 5 floors of fun & interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Walk, run or hike over 250+ acres of greenspace at White River State Park
- Watch as art comes to life with Monet & Friends Alive at Newfields, the Indianapolis Museum of Art
- Take in incredible artwork & Native American history at the Eiteljorg Museum
…and so much more!
Both 1-Day and 3-Day Attraction Passes are available as follows:
- 1-Day Passes range from $39.00 – $49.00 USD/per person
- 3-Day Passes range from $65.00 – $75.00 USD/per person
The electronic Visit Indy Attraction Passes are the ultimate way to experience Indianapolis, and they can be purchased right on your mobile device, making them the perfect option for a last minute stop on your midwestern road trip. The best part – they offer you the flexibility & freedom to visit as much or as little as you want while in town from 8 total attractions at a savings of 50% off regular admission prices.
We realize with so much to do in one place, you really can’t do it all so here are a few of our must-dos while in Indianapolis:
Indianapolis Zoo
Use your Visit Indy Attraction Pass to make new friends with over 3,000 animals & experience seasonal events at the Indianapolis Zoo.
From the International Orangutan Center where you’ll find the largest group of Orangutan’s in the United States (did you know their arm span is up to 8-feet?) to African Elephants where you’ll find Sophi – a 9,000+ African Elephant, the Indianapolis Zoo has so many remarkable exhibits to explore.
Read our full guide to The Indianapolis Zoo here
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Immerse yourself in the racing capital of the world with an entire museum dedicated to autos & racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum with your Visit Indy Attraction Pass.
In case you didn’t know, Indianapolis is the “Racing Capital of the World,” so make sure you plan time for a visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum with our Guide here
Free Things to Do in Indianapolis
Indiana War Memorial & Museum
Honor all who have fought for our freedoms by visiting the Indiana War Memorial & Museum, a 30,000 square foot museum & memorial space complete with military equipment & artifacts on display all completely free of charge. The complex also houses three parks, four fountains, and 25+ acres of monuments, statues and sculptures right in downtown Indianapolis. The museum itself guides visitors through the famous wars in chronological order, and this space is something you absolutely have to see in person. It is a great way for kiddos to learn about our heroes & adults to remember. It truly is a hidden gem of Indianapolis!
Get Outside
Walk, run, or bike the Indy Canal Walk, a 3-mile loop along the downtown waterfront that is perfect for fitness fanatics and anyone who loves being outdoors. Check Downtown Indy for upcoming events prior to your visit to learn more about Yoga on the Canal!
Visit White River State Park and walk, run or bike the White River Trail. This 8 mile scenic trail follows the White River is one of our favorite spots to start our day in downtown Indy. The trail is paved and mostly flat which is perfect for running, walking and biking morning or night. We love running along the riverfront path which also takes visitors by some of Indianapolis’ best attractions like the Indianapolis Zoo!
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis (it’s in the name, after all) the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown is centrally located with spacious accommodations & excellent customer service.
Sure there are lots of other places to stay in and around Indianapolis, but you really can’t beat the walkability of Indianapolis Marriott Downtown! This has consistently been a winner for each of our stays in Indy. We love having the ability to walk, bike, or scoot our way around town so easily & of course the luxury of returning back to Indianapolis Marriott Downtown’s uber comfy guestroom accommodations.
Thank you to our friends at Visit Indy for hosting our time in Circle City!
We hope our Guide to Indianapolis will help you discover everything this incredible Midwestern city has to offer. Let us know what attractions you’ll be visiting first & safe travels!