Top Attractions in Indianapolis
Indianapolis consistently ranks among the most underrated cities in the country, yet its attractions rival those of cities twice its size. Sports, history, and culture all thrive here.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum
Home of the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on West 16th Street is the largest sporting venue in the world, seating over 250,000 spectators. Even when races are not running, the IMS Museum is open with an incredible collection of historic race cars, trophies, and memorabilia. For a thrill, book a ride-along experience that takes you around the legendary 2.5-mile oval at speed.
Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The largest children's museum in the world, this five-story facility on North Meridian Street features a massive dinosaur exhibit with real fossils, a Dale Chihuly glass ceiling installation, and interactive galleries spanning science, culture, and the arts. Despite its name, adults without children regularly visit for the quality of the exhibits and the sheer scale of the place.
Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
Set on a 152-acre campus on West 38th Street that includes gardens, a historic estate, a nature park, and a beer garden, Newfields is far more than a traditional museum. The art collection spans 5,000 years and includes a strong Design Arts gallery and an outdoor sculpture park. The Winterlights holiday display draws enormous crowds each December.
Indiana State Museum and Monument Circle
The Indiana State Museum in White River State Park tells the story of Indiana from prehistoric times through the present, while nearby Monument Circle in the heart of downtown is anchored by the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a 284-foot limestone tower with an observation deck offering 360-degree city views. The circle is the geographic and symbolic heart of Indianapolis.
Food and Dining Scene
Indianapolis has emerged as a serious food destination, with neighborhoods across the city cultivating distinct culinary identities. Mass Ave (Massachusetts Avenue), the city's premier arts and dining corridor, is home to Mesh on North Massachusetts Avenue, serving refined American cuisine, and Bakersfield, which dishes out creative tacos and an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
The Fountain Square neighborhood on Virginia Avenue is Indy's most eclectic dining district. Bluebeard, housed in a historic warehouse on Virginia Avenue, is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in the state, featuring seasonal menus built around Indiana farm ingredients. Nearby, Siam Square serves outstanding Thai food and Kuma's Corner delivers heavy metal-themed gourmet burgers.
For a taste of Indy tradition, St. Elmo Steak House on South Illinois Street has been serving legendarily spicy shrimp cocktail and prime steaks since 1902. It is a rite of passage for anyone visiting the city, particularly during race month in May. The City Market downtown on South Alabama Street is another local institution, housing vendors selling everything from Greek gyros to Indiana-raised bison burgers under one historic roof.
Outdoor Activities
Indianapolis offers an impressive amount of green space and trail connectivity for a major Midwestern metro, anchored by the signature Cultural Trail.
Indianapolis Cultural Trail
This award-winning eight-mile urban trail connects six downtown cultural districts with dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, public art installations, and beautifully landscaped stretches. It links Mass Ave, Fountain Square, the Canal Walk, and White River State Park in a seamless loop that has transformed how locals experience the city.
Eagle Creek Park
One of the largest municipal parks in the country, Eagle Creek on West 56th Street spans over 3,900 acres on the northwest side of the city. The reservoir is popular for sailing, kayaking, and fishing, while the surrounding forest offers miles of hiking trails and some of the best birding in central Indiana.
White River State Park
This urban state park along the canal downtown packs an incredible density of attractions into its 250 acres, including the zoo, the state museum, the IMAX theater, and the NCAA Hall of Champions. The canal walk itself is one of the most pleasant strolls in the city, with pedal boats available for rent in warmer months.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Indianapolis's nightlife centers around a few walkable corridors. Mass Ave is the most vibrant, with cocktail bars like Libertine Liquor Bar and The Speakeasy offering creative drinks in stylish settings. Fountain Square on Virginia Avenue is the city's funky alternative, anchored by the Fountain Square Theatre Building, which houses a vintage duckpin bowling alley, a rooftop bar, and a live music venue.
For live music, the Vogue on Broad Ripple Avenue in the Broad Ripple neighborhood hosts national touring acts in an intimate former movie theater, while HI-FI on East Prospect Street in Fountain Square has become the city's premier indie venue. On weekends, Broad Ripple Village comes alive with college-age crowds hopping between bars and restaurants along the main strip.
Hidden Gems
Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
Located on Indiana Avenue downtown, this small museum dedicated to the famous Indianapolis-born author features first editions, personal letters, artwork, and a recreation of his writing space. It is a pilgrimage site for literature fans and a celebration of one of America's most distinctive voices.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Tucked away on South Shelby Street on the south side, this sunken garden and conservatory is one of the oldest in the country. The Art Deco glasshouse shelters tropical plants, a waterfall, and seasonal flower shows, and the surrounding Garfield Park offers wooded trails and one of the city's best playgrounds.
Traders Point Creamery
Out on West 79th Street in nearby Zionsville, this organic dairy farm features a restaurant, farmers market, and creamery store all set on a working farm. The farm-to-fork Sunday brunch, with views of grazing cattle, is one of the most unique dining experiences in the Indianapolis area.