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White River State Park
Spanning across 250 acres of downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park is a little piece of tranquility in a bustling capital city. The park hosts plenty of fairs and festivals all year long and has lots of green space for locals and tourists to enjoy on a sunny day. Inside the park, you’ll find numerous other attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Victory Field and the Eiteljorg Museum.
Indiana War Memorial Plaza
The Indiana War Memorial Plaza contains so many tributes that it single-handedly makes Indianapolis the U.S. city with the second-most monuments dedicated to veterans (based on number per acre). The plaza contains two museums, three parks and 24 acres of memorials in total.
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Hinkle Fieldhouse is home to the Butler University basketball team, the Bulldogs, as well as a sports landmark in its own right, thanks to its role in the 1986 feature film "Hoosiers." The venue was the stage for the dramatic state championship game and final scene, in which small-town Hickory High School defeats a much larger school from South Bend. The movie was loosely based on the run made by Milan High School in the 1954 Indiana state basketball championship.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
Art lovers should definitely check out the Indianapolis Museum of Art while visiting the city. The museum has a collection of more than 500,000 works of art. It also features national and international traveling exhibitions throughout the year. Take a stroll through the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, located adjacent to the museum. Or visit the Oldfields-Lily House & Gardens to get a glimpse into the lives of Indianapolis’ most interesting and prominent families.
Lucas Oil Stadium
Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and the site for Super Bowl XLVI. The multipurpose facility, which has a retractable roof, seats more than 67,000 fans. Ranked as the NFL’s best artificial surface in both 2009 and 2010, the field has hosted the Big Ten football championship and the NCAA Men’s Final Four basketball championship.
Circle Centre Mall
Go shopping at the Circle Centre Mall, which features more than 100 places to shop and dine. The indoor mall also has a movie theater located on the fourth level. City Market, Shadeland Antique Mall, Castleton Square, Fashion at Keystone and Broad Ripple Village are other options where you can get your shopping fix.
The Canal Walk
Jog along the Central Canal or take a stroll through the 250-acre White River State Park. The Canal Walk, a three-mile loop, is a popular urban respite for fitness enthusiasts and serenity seekers. This downtown waterfront is dotted with paddleboats, gondolas, bicycles and Segways. The one and only urban state park in the city hosts popular festivals. In the summer, the Lawn has a waterfront stage and seats 8,000. It’s the perfect spot to see first-rate concerts.
NCAA Hall of Champions
Indianapolis is big on college sports because it’s home to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Sports fans will enjoy a trip to the NCAA Hall of Champions. On the first level, all 23 NCAA sports are represented. Current team rankings, video highlights and artifacts donated from schools nationwide are on display. The second level, a fully interactive area, includes a media room to watch current games and a 1930s-style basketball gymnasium. Admission is $5 or less.
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
The 284-foot-tall State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, located in the center of Indianapolis, was erected in honor of Hoosiers who served in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, the US Civil War and the Spanish-American War. Get a spectacular view of the city from the monument’s observation deck for $2. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is located in its basement.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
This racing facility has a capacity of up to 400,000 people and hosts both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. It was also the site of the US Grand Prix for Formula One from 2000 to 2008. Make sure you stop by the Hall of Fame Museum and the Brickyard Crossing Golf Resort, both of which are located on the grounds of the speedway.
Indianapolis Zoo
Looking for a fun trip for the family? Visit the Indianapolis Zoo, which is located in White River State Park. Open since 1964, the zoo has grown into a world-class attraction that sees a million visitors each year. It plays a major role in worldwide conservation and research, too. While you’re there, stop by the stunningly beautiful, 3.3-acre White River Botanical Gardens.
Conrad Indianapolis
Looking for a luxury hotel when visiting Indianapolis? Try the Conrad Indianapolis, which was chosen as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s picks for top U.S. hotels. It offers travelers fine dining, the luxurious Evan Todd Spa & Salon, and a fantastic location in the heart of the city. The Westin Indianapolis, the Omni Severin Hotel and the Canterbury are a few other hotel choices.
Victory Field
Opened in 1996, the home of the Indianapolis Indians (a minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) sits smack-dab in the middle of downtown. It has been recognized as the best minor league ballpark in America by Baseball America and Sports Illustrated and is a must-see for baseball lovers.
MacNiven’s Restaurant and Bar
Grab a beer and food at MacNiven’s, a Scottish-American restaurant located in the heart of the Massachusetts Avenue Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Indianapolis. The pub offers hearty fare with an impressive craft beer selection. Try the Slippery Noodle Inn, too. It’s Indiana’s oldest bar and the home of the blues in the Hoosier State.
Cafe Patachou
Cafe Patachou is just one of several amazing restaurants in Indianapolis. This popular spot prides itself on using locally grown and often organic ingredients to make all of its delicious dishes. Other popular restaurants in Indy include R Bistro, Naked Tchopstix and Iozzo’s Garden of Italy.
Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Completed in 1999, Bankers Life Fieldhouse (formerly called Conseco Fieldhouse) is the home court for Indianapolis’ pro basketball team, the Indiana Pacers. It was voted the No. 1 venue in the NBA in 2005, 2006 and 2007, according to Sports Business Journal surveys.
St. Elmo Steak House
St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since 1902, serving delicious steak, seafood and chops. If you’re looking for lighter, fast-food fare, we suggest you head to Bazbeaux Pizza, Boogie Burger or King David Dogs.
The Vogue
Located in Indy’s Broad Ripple neighborhood, Vogue is one of the most popular nightclubs in the city, featuring DJs who spin '80s, dance and Top 40 music. The former porn theater packs in the crowds for big dance parties. It also hosts national touring singers, rappers and bands. Club Tropicana, Blu Martini, Pepper 2, Tiki Bob’s Cantina, Subterra Lounge, Greg’s and Mineshaft Saloon are just a few other hot spots.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis is home to the largest children’s museum in the world. Built in 1925, the 472,900-square-foot facility has tons of exhibits for kids young and old.
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Founded in 1989 by local philanthropist Harrison Eiteljorg, the museum that bears his name houses numerous collections of art and cultural objects. It is situated in downtown Indianapolis and prides itself on offering different exhibits that not only entertain, but also engage visitors.
