Indianapolis, the capital of the Hoosier state, is a dynamic city full of enjoyable surprises and one of the Midwest's most underappreciated travel destinations. With its stunning artwork, mouthwatering cuisine (don't miss the Indianapolis City Market), extensive history, and varied entertainment choices, the "Circle City" offers something exciting for every kind of traveler.
Discover the city's pulse through our curated guide to the best things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems.
What To Do In Indianapolis?
Whether you’re on a vacation or you just want to explore this beautiful city even more, here are activities, places, and many more you can add to your bucket list in Indianapolis.
1. Visit Monument Circle To See The Buzz
The limestone memorial is the city's focal point, hosting local food trucks and sunset light performances from its observation deck overlooking a traffic circle.
2. Families Should Visit The Indianapolis Children's Museum
Visit the Dinosaur Park, experience water, Dale Chihuly's Fireworks of Glass, and Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience. Don’t forget to see the Treasures of the Earth to learn about geology or watch a live, hilarious, informative theatrical presentation.
3. Ride The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
You may rent or ride a bike on Indy's Cultural Trail, an eight-mile paved path that passes some of the city's most famous sites. This tourist itinerary through six unique areas will highlight your trip whether you prefer art galleries, parks, monuments, museums, or gardens.
4. Discover Indiana's Rich History At The Indiana State Museum
Because of its popularity, the Indiana State Museum moved from Indianapolis City Hall to White River State Park. Its three floors exhibit ancient, contemporary, and natural science displays.
5. Visit The Indianapolis Zoo And Meet Some Wonderful Animals
Over 3,800 beautiful animals draw over a million visitors to White River State Park in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Zoo transports you to childhood with its water lily pond, tranquil walks, and trainer shows.
6. Check Out The Museum At Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Fast-and-furious fans must visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the racing capital. The 2.5-mile oval track museum displays hundreds of late 1800s cars, motorcycles, engines, and artifacts on two floors.
7. Embrace The Fast Lane With An Indianapolis Motor Speedway Experience
After studying racing history, it's time to experience driving an open-wheel chassis Indycar. Race around the Oval or other city circuits at 180 mph on race day weekends and hold on.
8. Go To A Candlelight Concert For An Unforgettable Musical Experience
Book tickets to a fantastic Candlelit Concert to enter one of Indianapolis' top music venues and be dazzled by thousands of candles as the music engages the audience. Enjoy this date even if you're not traveling with your partner.
9. Visit The Lilly House And Gardens To Go Back In Time
Antique furnishings, classic artworks, and Victorian decor complement the majestic exterior of this French chateau-style early 20th-century country residence. To learn about living 100 years ago, join a guided tour of the meticulously restored Lilly House, a National Historic Landmark.
10. Visit The Kurt Vonnegut Museum And Library To Learn About A Fantastic Writer
Near the Canal Walk, this overlooked site examines the life, work, and times of one of America's best satirical novelists. Even if you're not a fan, an expert-led tour of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is the most excellent way to see its fascinating souvenirs and personal artifacts.
© my-indiana-home.com/indiana/discover-indianapolis-kurt-vonnegut-museum-and-library/
11. Visit The Indiana War Memorial To Pay Your Respects
The 1924 Indiana War Memorial Museum and Shrine honors World War I veterans and is another Downtown Indianapolis must-see. The Monument's 30,000-square-foot museum displays Revolutionary War military artifacts.
12. Discover The Thrill Of Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Hop around in the Freestyle Jump section as an adult to unwind. There are activities for everyone in your party, whether you'll be spending time with friends or family.
13. Explore The Arts At The Indianapolis Art Center
For over 100 years, this neighborhood gallery has collected the best modern and contemporary art and hosted seminars, workshops, and events. Check out the sculpture garden or a quiet cafe for lunch while seeing these pieces.
14. Challenge Yourself With Ax-Throwing
Like darts or bowling, Bad Axe Throwing Indy teaches hatchet throwing at wooden targets in a safe and fun environment. Safety-focused instructors can teach and organize competitive activities for a fun day with friends or a quirky date night. After reaching the bullseye, you can enjoy wines and refreshments.
15. The Natural Valley Ranch Is The Place To Saddle Up
Natural Valley Ranch in Hendricks County, a short drive from Indianapolis, includes different equestrian riding paths and a campground for city escapes. Summer offers guided woodland rides, first-timer teaching, White Lick Creek trots, and birthday celebrations.
16. Play And Fun Roller Skating
The Fun Factory is a beautiful destination for skating with friends, reliving nostalgia, and letting youngsters run off energy on one of their numerous themed nights. Arcade games, pizza nights, and skating lessons are available in addition to all-ages skating.
17. Explore Every Corner Of The Indianapolis Museum Of Art
Indianapolis Museum of Art has hosted unique exhibitions since 1883, delighting local art fans. Egyptian mummies, impressionist works, and the surrounding gardens can be explored for days by yourself or a guide.
18. Visit The Indiana Farmers Coliseum For Many Events And Sporting Contests
Sports, livestock, music, vehicle exhibits, and more are held at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Events await you whether you're traveling with friends or family.
19. Take A Stroll Beside The Central Canal
Central Canal runs through Downtown Indy and to the north, making it a popular workout and people-watching spot. The canal's view of downtown Indianapolis, the romantic sunset walk, and the many charming boutiques and restaurants off the main route make it a must-see for a late afternoon promenade.
20. Discover The Thrill Of Dragster Driving
Visit Lucas Oil Raceway to test your 2-seated Dragsters at over 140 mph. You'll have lifelong memories whether you choose the passenger or driver package or the 1/4 mile runs.
21. See Western Art And American Indian Art At The Eiteljorg Museum
This distinctive downtown Indianapolis museum showcases Native American paintings, sculptures, and jewelry on Washington Street near Military Park. The award-winning Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art has something for everyone, from small children who love vibrant fine art to history lovers who love American forefathers' exciting stories.
22. Go Around Curves At K1 Speed
All go-kart fans can enjoy K-Speed Indy's indoor racing. With racing memorabilia, comfortable couches, and lots of food and drink, this venue is the most accessible place to get behind the wheel and the perfect place to bring friends and family for a day of high-speed fun. Go-karts can reach speeds over 45 mph.
23. Experience A Thrilling Journey In A Hot Air Balloon
You'll experience Monument Circle and Eagle Creek Park in a new light as you soar over the city skyline, the perfect mix of thrills and leisure. It may be hard to wake up before sundown, but as you fly across the sky and the urban environment turns into rolling fields and forests, you'll be glad you did.
© indyschild.com/indiana-hot-air-balloon-festivals/
24. Enjoy A Game Of Bowling
Bowling is a fun indoor sport for rainy days or hanging out with friends. With hundreds of lanes across the city, arcade games, and retro soundtracks, this iconic American sport offers limitless fun. Action Duckpin Bowl at Fountain Square has eight old-school duckpin lanes and a large restaurant.
25. View Outdated Treatments At The Indiana Medical History Museum
The Indiana Medical History Museum has some of the most bizarre medical artifacts and a crazy history. Autopsy tables, iron lungs, and chemical laboratory equipment are among the 15,000 exhibits about psychiatric care in this exhibition, and if that’s not enough to convince you to visit this place, we don’t know what else will.
26. Greatimes Family Fun Park Is A Must-See
On sunny days in Indianapolis, take kids to Greatimes Family Fun Park 15 minutes down I-65 from Downtown Indianapolis. This amusement park has bumper cars, go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and a large restaurant.
27. Make A Raucous At Lucas Oil Stadium
Downtown Indy's Lucas Oil Stadium is home to the Indianapolis Colts and a popular performance venue. Some of the nation's top football venues are in Indiana. Guided tours of the sport and stadium year-round and sell-out audiences draw many fans every match day.
28. Best Venues Serving The Best Live Music
If you want bands ranging from country to indie rock, check out the Emerson Theater's main stage performances. Visit Hi-Fi for a quiet musical evening, regardless of the style of music. If you want dance parties, burlesque performances, and live music, the Vogue Theatre is the place to go!
Other venues to check out include:
- Old National Centre for its stunning exterior architecture and exciting interior filled with music
- White River State Park's TCU Amphitheater for a nice summer concert to remember
29. Visit Royal Pin To Play Laser Tag
Royal Pin sports ten pin lanes and a multi-level, black-lit Pirate's Quest Laser Tag. Two hours of competitive fun is accessible wherever you stay, with arcades, birthday parties, bookable corporate events, and three sites in Woodville, Western, Castlewood, and Beech Grove.
30. Ride the Indiana State Fair Midway Ferris Wheel
Usually running from July to late August, thrill-seeking families and individuals can visit the Indiana State Fair Midway near The Track of Champions from late July to late August. This famous fairground has amused travelers with over 100 rides on 11 acres, including roller coasters and Ferris wheels, since the mid-1800s. It's renowned for deep-fried food, carnival games, candy apples, and more.
31. Explore All Newfields Attractions
Newfields is "a place for nature and the arts," and Winterlights is a great place to stroll. Indianapolis has a beer garden, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lily House, Fairbanks Park, and numerous well-kept gardens.
32. Visit Victory Field To See A Baseball Game
The Indianapolis Indians play at Victory Field, a local landmark. West of downtown, White River State Park is accessible, a short walk from the canal, and usually entertaining.
33. Treat Yourself To A Spa Day
At Europe Day Spa, music and fragrance instantly relax clients for a 60-minute oil massage, exfoliating facial, or Sweden massage. Transformations Salon and Spa have the greatest facials, hair treatments, and European manicures. Give yourself a makeover to appear your best.
34. Zip Line At Go Ape
Eagle Creek Park's Go Ape high-ropes course, zip lines, swings, and obstacles 40 feet up in the deep woodland canopy are excellent for testing your boundaries.
© www.goape.com/go-ape-coming-to-arlington/
35. Escape To Eagle Creek Park And Nature Preserve
You can do more than Escape at Eagle Creek Park and Nature Preserve. Its 3,900 acres of lush woodlands make it one of the nation's largest city parks for animal viewing. Enjoy Rick's Boatyard Café after visiting the pool, dog park, golf course, and sailing club.
36. Experience The Thrill Of An NBA Game At Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Indy's family-friendly sports arenas are undiscovered gems. Well-deservedly, the Fieldhouse in Indianapolis' most famous building is the Pacers' home court. The 20,000-seat venue roars with Pacers yells and A-list musicians.
37. Discover Local History At The Indiana Historical Society
Discover Holocaust survivors, notable figures, and Indiana's role in shaping the nation at the Indiana Historical Society in the afternoon. Explore social services, women in Indiana, and Indianapolis' history.
38. Set Out For A Game Of Golf
Golf courses are within driving distance of most Indianapolis locations, offering plenty of beautiful fairways. Get your clubs and head to one of the city's top-class courses, such as The Brickyard Crossing, which overlooks Indy's racetrack, Highland Park Golf Course, Greenwood Hills, Maplewood, or South Grove.
39. Drumming At Rhythm! Discovery Center
As the world's largest interactive drum and percussion exhibit, Rhythm! Discovery Center guarantees family fun. With a few friendly educational sessions to augment the hands-on exhibits and musical instrument displays Downtown, you'll be banging and tapping away in no time.
40. Drive To historic Conner Prairie
The beloved Living History Museum in Indianapolis, Conner Prairie, is only 40 minutes away by vehicle in picturesque Hamilton County. There's always something going on there. This 800-acre National Historic Landmark has the William Conner residence, Indian campgrounds, a corn maze, and a petting zoo.
41. Scavenger Hunt Around Town
A fun method to discover the city and many hidden gems that other tourists overlook is through scavenger hunts. They check off Indianapolis's attractions, raise your heart rate, and put your problem-solving abilities to the test. By deciphering hints and puzzles on your phone, you can find photo ops, interesting competitions, and local knowledge.
42. Shiver During An Indiana Ghost Walk
If you like ghosts and scary stories, visit one of Indianapolis' ghost walks to explore the city's dark side. With many weekly tours available, visitors can explore the ghostly past at their leisure, from the Allison Mansion and Central State Hospital to the Indianapolis Athletic Club.
43. Annual Indiana State Fair Monster Truck Show
At the August Indiana State Fair, witness the best monster trucks. These gigantic animals dominate the dirt with roaring motors, shredding tires, and mud-flying. The adrenaline rush at a monster truck exhibition is tremendous, whether it's your first or fifth.
44. Visit Holliday Park
The trees, paths, and wildlife of Holliday Park make it a great place to wander on a warm afternoon. Visitors to this urban park on the White River enjoy its 95 acres of wooded walks, child-friendly playgrounds, and 13,000-square-foot Nature Center year-round. The 19th-century ruins draw history buffs and photographers year-round, but the fall hues are stunning.
© polis.indianapolis.iu.edu/holliday-park/
45. Go To The Catacombs
An exclusive underground tour of this historic high-trafficked path, now a maze of tunnels and chambers accessible from Market and Delaware streets' northeast corner, reveals the city's hidden mysteries. In the late 1880s, catacombs were used to convey and store items from the above market before being abandoned.
46. Enjoy One Of The Area's Many Waterparks
Freedom Springs Water Park in Greenwood offers a lazy river, three water slides, and a kiddie play zone. Slides, an obstacle course, an adults-only hot tub, and a water playground are at Big Splash Adventure Water Park & Hotel. Splashin' Safari Water Park at Holiday World offers roller coasters and a wave pool, while Kokomo Beach Family Aquatic Center is a local favorite.
47. Discover College Spirit At The NCAA Hall Of Champions
America loves college sports, and White River State Park is the most fantastic place to learn about All 24. You may witness the tremendous tales and artifacts that made these universities and colleges renowned. Famous collegiate sports teams, players, mascots, and more are displayed in the Hall.
48. Visit Indianapolis City Market For Food And Souvenirs
In Indianapolis City Market, you can grab a beer and enjoy live music, shop for fresh meats and soaps from local artisans, buy flowers, or try international cuisine from food stands. Friendly locals lead group tours of this historic monument, teaching visitors about the Market's rich history and revealing hidden jewels.
49. Get A New Craft With GRT Glass Design
GRT Glass Design makes functional and beautiful hand-blown glass art. They offer workshops for all ages and experience levels to participate in the process, not just a gallery and workshop. You may always examine their unique finished creations at the on-site shop.
50. Booking A Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Table
At Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, you may enjoy comedy, drama, and more. Try Broadway classics like Kinky Boots, Phantom of the Opera, or holiday shows like It's A Beef & Boards Christmas.
51. Attend Ruoff Music Center Concerts
Ruoff Music Center, a 6,000-seat theater, attracts residents and celebrities in country, rock, pop, and R&B music. Locals prefer lawn seating for theater shows for many reasons, including the significant price drop and more room to dance and leap to your favorite songs.
52. Eat At Harry And Izzy's Steakhouse
Harry and Izzy's Steakhouse has three locations and a rotating menu. Its 1930s speakeasy vibe makes every visit a delicious new experience. The restaurant serves fresh food in every dish, including fried ravioli, sliders, creme brûlée, and a delightful steak menu.
53. Wine-Taste To Get Buzzed
Visitors may not know that Indiana has over 30 wineries, but residents are glad to tell them. Vet-owned B Legendary Wine Boutique and Peace Water Winery are popular. Try Urban Vines Winery & Brewery for tastings of their best, organic, and award-winning wines. Easley Winery offers white, sparkling, and rose wines. Buck Creek Winery is an award-winning winery.
These are just some of the weirdest, craziest, yet most exciting things you can do at the beautiful Indianapolis. Feel free to share with us if you’ve done any of these or if you have other recommended places we can add to this list.