In the center of Indiana, Indianapolis was destined to be the capital of the Hoosier State. The city is packed with energizing historic activities, matched exclusively by its beautiful locale with ample parks and recreational opportunities.
Indianapolis may be home to some arresting museums and art galleries, however, the scenic White River flows through the town, offering lush recreational areas and some excellent paddleboarding through downtown.
Perhaps the best things to do in Indianapolis and certainly the biggest drawcard for visitors, in any case, can be found among the city’s immense sporting calendar. Indianapolis is home to the world’s biggest motorsport event, while football and baseball provide plenty of live entertainment.
1. Indiana State Museum
Investigating Indiana’s art, history, culture, and science, the Indiana State Museum is a complete investigation of the Hoosier State. There are north of 450,000 artifacts on display covering three floors within the striking building.
The major exhibits include an exploration of Indiana’s ancient history when dinosaurs roamed the state. The mastodon, an elephant-like mammal, is a major feature and can be seen after first walking through an ice burrow.
2. Indiana War Memorial
Outside of Washington D.C., no city has a bigger number of landmarks dedicated to veterans than Indianapolis. The Indiana War Memorial covers a large downtown area featuring two museums, along with numerous monuments and statues.
The grounds are a poignant sight, especially in the fall when the surrounding trees become red alongside the statues dedicated to historic figures. One of the two museums is the Shrine Room. A captivating experience, the room is dedicated to WWI soldiers that didn’t make it home.
3. Eiteljorg Museum
Inside quite possibly of Indianapolis’ most stunning building, the Eiteljorg Museum tells the story of Native Americans and life in the Old West. Its efforts to investigate the way of life, history, and individual perspective within these communities, help the museum to be significantly more than another art gallery.
The Eiteljorg Museum is the only one of its sort in the Midwest. Its focus on Native American life along with the Old West creates complex and necessary conversations that will assist with changing the way you check American history out.
4. Benjamin Harrison Home
The 23rd President of the US, Benjamin Harris, moved to Indianapolis in 1854, where he would proceed to turn into a significant figure in American life. His home for quite a bit of his life in the city is currently a National Historic Landmark and features a lot of Benjamin’s personal effects.
While the beautiful home has turned into a significant attraction in Indianapolis throughout the long term, it first played a major role in Harrison’s presidential campaign. The Victorian-era home has 16 rooms, which currently display the life and times of the previous President.
5. Indianapolis Museum of Art
Within the downtown area, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a must-visit for aficionados and casual fans of artistic work. The museum’s impressive collection features more than 50,000 pieces from around the globe. Covering multiple genres and eras, visitors can appreciate exquisite portraits, sculptures, and textiles, among others.
Such is the sheer magnitude of the art on display that the Indianapolis Museum of Art is among the largest encyclopedic art museums in the U.S. The museum is broken into several sections, containing works from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. With notable artists like Rembrandt and Picasso featured.
6. Central Canal
Since those busy days in the early 1800s, Central Canal has transformed into a gorgeous attraction in the downtown area. When a pivotal waterway that transported goods all through Indianapolis, the Central Canal has taken on another life in recent decades.
Today, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards to make your way down the picturesque canal with the city skyline rising in each direction. The canal cuts through the White River State Park, a central oasis far-eliminated from the bustle of local traffic.
7. Monument Circle
Appropriately placed in the center of Indianapolis, the Monument Circle honors those who have served in the US military. The striking monument has an incredible presence and beauty thanks to its neoclassical design and 284-foot tower.
At the top of the gray limestone structure is a woman holding a torch of victory, providing an equally somber and inspiring sight. You can walk up the tower (and 330 stairs) to an observation platform for city views along with the opportunity for a guided tour.