Top 10 Places to Visit in Indianapolis
Despite being frequently ignored for being "The Crossroads of America'', Indiana has a lot to offer. It is one of the hidden gems of America, so you can rest assured that you'll have a lot of tracks to tour and see wonderful sites. Simply put, there's no shortage of things to do and places to visit here. So whether you prefer country life or for city slicking, here are some top tourist destinations in Indianapolis to visit.
Best Places to Visit in Indianapolis
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
If you're with kids in Indianapolis then you must probably be looking for a day of entertainment. Isn't it? The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a great place to visit. From the interactive exhibits to participating in a fascinating education programme, it has everything to learn and experience.
A train, a 12,500 year old mastodon skeleton, a mummy, a pirate shipwreck and has many other attractive things too. The museum has five levels and also offers special events throughout the year. Even though it is expensive, you can surely get your money's worth here.
Indianapolis Zoo
Another great attraction in Indianapolis is the Indianapolis Zoo. It is one of the best places especially to spend a day with family. There are hundreds of different animal species, which makes it an amazing day for both kids and adults. No doubt, the zoo gives an unique experience to everyone.
It was opened in 1964, and still plays a major role in worldwide conservation and research. The botanical garden and aquarium are something you shouldn't miss. Also don't forget to visit the Animal Art Adventure and the Dolphin In-Water Adventure.
Holliday Park
Looking for a peaceful spot of nature in Indianapolis? Holliday Park is the best place to be at and spend time. Located along the White River it is a wheelchair accessible viewing platform beside the water and is among 3.5 km of trail. It also has a magnificent rock garden and an arboretum with more than 1,200 trees and is also home to lovely year-round gardens.
Besides if you love photography then the Paul skyscraper will be interesting to you. The park also offers a fountain, a children's water table, a nature center with hands-on exhibits and activities. The park also features an excellent playground, a covered pavilion and modern restrooms.
Rhythm! Discovery Center
Established in 2009, The Rhythm! Discovery Center is a museum of percussion instruments. From the science of sound waves to historical and cultural influence on music, every facet of percussion is covered in the exhibits. It is also home to a collection of relics from throughout the globe. Exhibits provide interactive as well as sound experiences where you can play hundreds of instruments. The museum also offers concerts and educational events.
Freedom Springs Aquatic Park
Seeking a day of watery fun with your family and friends? A spot at the Freedom Springs Aquatic Park is a must on your vacation to Indianapolis. Here you'll find different amenities to make sure you've an enjoyable, adventurous and exciting day. This modern park features slides, a lazy river, roller coasters, children's play areas and much more. Besides, you can also opt for swimming lessons, water fitness courses, cabana rentals and much more facilities.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Another place to see is the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which is seven miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis. This 2.5 mile oval track was intended to be an automotive test track, but after the inaugural 500-mile race took place it became a yearly event. The raceway can accommodate over 250,000 spectators in the stand and over 150,000 on the ground.
Each year the race takes place in late May, and the Speedway hosts a number of special activities for spectators and racing fans. So if you can't make it to the big race but want to learn more about racing, then this place is worth going to. You can also see on display of Memorabilia and other images from earlier races.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
North of the city's core in the vast Newfields park is located the Indianapolis Museum of Art which is another great destination to visit. The museum's main galleries have pieces of legendary artists like Cezanne, O'Keefe and Picasso. From the pre Columbian to the present Asian and American Art are the focus here.
You'll also find artwork from the Baroque through Neo-impressionism in The Hulman Pavilion display and other gallery sections. You can also go for a trip around the gardens, an outdoor area with a broad variety of flora such as the Formal Garden, the Ravine Garden and the Rain Garden.
8. Indiana State Police Museum
One of the most thrilling attractions to visit in Indianapolis is the tiny museum honoring the Indiana State Police officers- Indian State Police Museum. The museum contains a death mask and the wooden gun of the Hoosier criminal John Dillinger which he used to escape from an escape proof jail in a section entirely devoted to him. There are also exhibit covers of breathalyzers- The Drunkometer, a double headed police cruiser. The Museum is open for visitors daily except on Mondays.
9. Victory Field
Victory Field, the home of the Indianapolis Indians, a Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, offers some of the best views of the Indianapolis cityscape. It has seating for over 14,000 people along with offering kids programmes like the Knot Hole Kids Club.
Not only this, but there is also enough grassy space for kids to play and families may spread out blankets to enjoy the game. Both the crowd and staff are entertaining too. Doesn't it sound like a perfect evening? This place is also well appreciated by visitors for its maintenance and cleanliness.
10. Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie, an 800 acre property northeast of Indianapolis in the Fishers area is another tourist destination. It takes place through interactive displays and demonstrations of history. Visitors can tour both indoor and outdoor sections such as the 1836 Prairietown, where dressed-up interpreters carry out daily activities such as cooking, pottery making and blacksmithing like the early times.
Also The William Conner House is inside the property which is the house of a guy who formerly owned the region. Kids will also love to play around and with Conner Prairie's farm animals. No doubt, this place attracts many visitors every year.