Indianapolis is the largest and most populous city in the state of Indiana with 886,220 people living there. Its name is derived from the phrase “Land of the Indians.” It is known as the “Crossroads of America”, “Racing Capital of the World” or simply “Indy.” With a rich history and home to cool restaurants and entertainment options, it is a great place to visit or live. Read on to learn about the best things to do in Indianapolis and Indianapolis tourism.
Best things to do in Indianapolis: Outdoor activities
1. Indianapolis Zoo:
With a vast zoo, an aquarium, and a botanic garden, visiting the Indianapolis zoo is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis. With 1300 animals and 47,000 plants in a huge 64-acre compound, it is conveniently located near downtown Indianapolis. There is also a small amusement area with rides, such as a small roller coaster.
Hours of Operation:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM (Monday-Thursday)
9:00 AM-7:00 PM (Friday-Sunday & Holidays)
Costs:
Adult (13+) Timed Ticket @ $26.75
Child (2-12) Timed Ticket @ $22.75
Senior(62+)/Military Vet Timed Ticket @ $24.75
2. Indiana War Memorial
This neo-classical building is inspired by Greek architecture of the fifth century. It displays a square shrine structure, pyramidal dome, and columns. Dedicated to war veterans, this memorial has a 30,000 square foot museum with military equipment and artifacts. There are also three parks, four fountains, and 25 acres of monuments, statues, and sculptures to explore.
Hours of Operation:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM (Wednesday-Sunday)
Closed on Monday and Tuesday and public holidays
Costs:
Admission is free!
3. Crown Hill Cemetery
This cemetery is the third-largest cemetery in the United States and a hub for Indianapolis tourism. You can find informative and entertaining walking tours or pick up a map at the office for free and explore the cemetery by foot, car, or bike. It holds the graves of hundreds of soldiers, as well as famous people such as President Benjamin Harrison. With a vast and beautiful compound, exploring it is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis.
Hours of Operation:
8:00 AM-8:00 PM (April-September) 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (October-March)
Costs:
Admission is free!
4. White River Gardens
The White River Gardens are a part of White River State Park. Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, these gardens offer 250 acres of green space, waterways, trails, and attractions. Exploring the gardens is one of the many cool things to do in Indianapolis. It is also home to the Hilbert Conservatory, which has many flowers, plants, and attractions of its own.
Hours of Operation:
Open daily from 5:00 AM-11:00 PM
Costs:
Admission is free!
5. Monument Circle
Monument Circle is the literal and figurative center of the city. It’s one of the best places to visit in Indianapolis. Designed by a German architect named Bruno Schmitz of Germany in an international competition, it’s renown for its distinctive design. The outer perimeter has a ringed series of large buildings that make up the Circle. Also known as the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, it is one of the most iconic places to visit in the city.
Hours of Operation:
10:30 AM-5:30 PM (Friday-Sunday)
Costs:
The area is open to the public and free to visit.
Cool things to do in Indianapolis: Sports activities
6. Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway
This racetrack is one of the most iconic in the world and is the pride of the city. Several world-famous races take place here, including the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and Red Bull MotoGP. It is also home to a museum that is a must-visit whether you are a racing enthusiast or not. Its popularity and importance in racing make it one of the best things to do in Indianapolis.
Hours of Operation:
For the museum:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM (March-October)
10:00 AM-4:00 PM (November-February)
Closed Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day
Event Costs:
Prices for event tickets vary for each event.
Museum Costs:
Members/Children 5 & under: FREE
Adults: $15
Seniors (62+): $14
Youth (6-15): $8
7. Victory Field
This stadium is home to the Indianapolis Indians and is a great place to catch a game of baseball or hang out. If you are a fan of baseball, this can be one of the cool things to do in Indianapolis with friends. It is also centrally located close to downtown and has green spaces if you want to relax or have a picnic.
Hours of Operation and Costs:
Varies by event. Refer to website. The surrounding area is free to visit and open to the public.
8. Bankers Life Fieldhouse
This venue is home to the local basketball teams, the Indiana Pacers of the NBA, and the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. If you are a basketball fan, this is one of the best places to visit in Indianapolis. This venue also hosts a variety of non-sporting events as well. You can often find many bands, artists, and comedians performing here. Make sure to keep it on your list of things to do in Indianapolis.
Hours of Operation and Costs:
Varies by event. Refer to website.
Best things to do in Indianapolis: Museums
9. Indiana State Museum
This museum is conveniently located within White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. With exhibits for art, architecture, history, and science, the three-floor museum has something for everyone. There are also open outdoor spaces to hang out, making it one of the best places to visit in Indianapolis. They also host a series of free events throughout the year.
Hours of Operation:
10:00 AM-5:00PM (Wednesday – Sunday)
The Indiana State Museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Costs:
Children: $11.00
Seniors: $15.00
Adults: $16.00
10. Indianapolis Museum of Art
This museum has masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt, Turner, Cezanne, Picasso, O’Keeffe, Hopper, and more. Located in Newfields, it is part of a 152-acre campus that also houses many other attractions. There are also a wide variety of pop-up events that you can check out. Nearby is the Lilly House, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, and many gardens. If you are wondering where to visit in Indianapolis, this should be on your list.
Hours of Operation:
Varies by day and event. Refer to website.
Costs:
Adults: $18
Youth (6-17): $10
Children (0-5): Free
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