Home to the Indy 500 and Monument Circle, this Midwest capital city balances racing culture with arts and history. Explore museums along the Cultural Trail or enjoy Broad Ripple's nightlife.
Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, is a city where you can experience the thrill of the Indianapolis 500, explore a massive children's museum, and savor unique local dishes. An 8-mile Cultural Trail connects vibrant neighborhoods, while professional sports teams and a rich automotive legacy contribute to the city's energy.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 560-acre complex, has made the city a center for auto racing. Every May, the Indianapolis 500 draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. When it's not race season, you can visit the on-site museum to see vintage race cars and learn about motorsports history.
Family Activities
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest of its kind in the world. Its 433,000 square feet of exhibit space contains over 120,000 artifacts, where kids can learn about topics from dinosaurs to space travel. At the Indianapolis Zoo, you'll find more than 1,400 animals, while the adjacent White River Gardens has 50,000 plants.
Exploring the Cultural Trail
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile urban pathway connecting six distinct districts. As you walk or bike this trail, you'll pass through areas like Mass Ave, known for its theaters and restaurants, and Fountain Square, with its vintage shops and music venues. The trail also leads to White River State Park, home to museums, green spaces, and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Local Food Specialties
Indianapolis has developed its own unique flavors. Try a pork tenderloin sandwich, a regional favorite, or taste the sugar cream pie, Indiana's state dessert. At the Indianapolis City Market, which has been operating since 1821, you can sample local foods and browse artisanal products. For an unusual dining experience, visit St. Joseph Brewery & Public House, a restaurant set in a former Catholic church.
Art and History Museums
Indianapolis is home to several noteworthy museums. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is one of only two museums east of the Mississippi focusing on these subjects. At the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, you can view a collection that spans 5,000 years of art history. The Indiana State Museum presents exhibits on the state's natural and cultural past, giving you insights into local history.
