Everything you need to know about Indianapolis, IN

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Indianapolis, IN

The city has something for everyone. The sports teams; Indiana Pacers NBA, Indiana Fever WNBA, and Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball. Green spaces to walk around; White River State Park, Garfield Conservatory, and Eagle Creek Park. It also offers plenty of history and art museums; Indianapolis Museum of Art, Eiteljorg Museum, and Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.

Many people might not think Indianapolis is worth the visit but it is a welcoming city that has something for everyone.

Stay

Courtyard Indianapolis West-Speedway

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If you are looking to be close to the Motor Speedway I would suggest this hotel.

6315 Crawfordsville Rd

Hotel | Motor Speedway | $$$

Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown, an IHG Hotel

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Are you looking for a place close to the football stadium and baseball field? This is the place for you

515 S West St

Hotel | Sporting Events | $$$

Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown

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I would suggest this hotel if you are planning to be walking around downtown.

10 E Market St

Hotel | Downtown | $$$

Courtyard Indianapolis Airport

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If you are looking to be out of downtown and close to the airport. I would recommend this hotel.

2602 Fortune Cir E

Hotel | Airport | $$$

Vrbo/Airbnb Rental

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If you are a big group and want to spend time together, then a house is probably a better call then a hotel.

Address varies

House Rental | $$$

Looking for something else?

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Trying to find something else, then click the link above for a map of all the places to stay

Address Varies

Hotel |

Food and Drink

Tappers Arcade Bar

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Looking for a fun night out full of games? Then this is your spot. Grab a drink and play one of the many pinball and arcade games. They don’t serve food but you can deliver or bring food. It is 21+.

501 Virginia Ave #102

Bar | $$

St. Elmo’s Steakhouse

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St. Elmo’s offers a fine dining experience for all occasions. Known for their world famous shrimp cocktail, it’s not just for steak lovers.

127 S Illinois St

Steakhouse | Fine Dining | $$$$

Cafe Patachou

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The perfect place to grab some breakfast or lunch after walking around downtown.

225 W Washington St

American | Cafe | $$

Mama Carolla’s

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Located in the northeast suburbs of Indy, is the spot to go if you are looking to try some old style Italian cuisine.

1031 E 54th St

Italian | $$

Conner’s Kitchen + Bar

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This restaurant offers an upscale comfort food along with drinks and a great atmosphere.

350 W Maryland St

American | $$

Looking for something else?

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Indianapolis has a variety of different restaurants. Click the link above to find more places to eat.

Address Varies

Food |

Activities

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One of the most iconic racetracks in the world, it is famous for hosting the Indianapolis 500. It also hosts Nascar events like the Brickyard 400.

4790 W 16th St

Sports |

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Home to the NFL pro team Indianapolis Colts, it also hosts different concerts and events.

500 S Capitol Ave

Sports | Entertainment |

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Located on the other side of the White River in downtown, this zoo has plenty of animals to see. There is a dolphin show, a gondola style ride, a train, a roller coaster, and a carousel.

1200 W Washington St

Family Friendly |

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Take the kids out to learn through exhibits of space, science, and dinosaurs. Adults can also join in on the fun.

3000 N Meridian St

Science | Family Friendly |

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A large urban park in downtown that has a blend of different activities within the park. Including, The Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Fame, Canal walk, and Everwise Amphitheater. The amphitheater hosts concerts and different events.

801 W Washington St

Nature | Entertainment |

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A 10 mi long trail that connects all the different districts of the downtown area. For a fee, you can take one of the Pacer bikeshare, a public bike sharing system, bikes and ride around the downtown area.

132 W Walnut St

Nature |

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Located north west of downtown, this is the perfect spot to get a break away from the city. The park has a golf course, walking paths, kayaking and a zip line adventure park.

7840 W 56th St

Nature |

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Get into the theme of the Indianapolis Speedway and do some racing of your own. There are different go karting places but the closest to the motor speedway is Speedway Indoor Karting.

1067 N Main St

Sports | Entertainment |

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The museum offers a variety of different tours around the motor speedway. You can get a behind the scenes tour of the track and also get a chance to kiss the bricks.

4750 W 16th St

Museum | Sports |

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This is an art and culture area which encompasses The Indianapolis Art Museum, beautiful gardens, greenhouses and the Lilly House.

4000 N Michigan Rd

Art |

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This museum is dedicated to the history of American Indians and western art. There is two floors full of exhibits and also an area for hands-on exhibits.

500 W Washington St

Museum |

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Home to the Indianapolis Indians baseball team, the Triple affiliate team for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This field has great views of the downtown area and has firework shows after the games.

501 W Maryland St

Sports | Family Friendly

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This monument is located in the center of the downtown, it was built to honor the soldiers from the Civil War. At the top of the monument, there is a small observation deck to view the city.

1 Monument Cir

Monument |

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Located in Newfields, this house and gardens is a historic estate that offers beautiful gardens.

4000 N Michigan Rd

Nature |

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You may have been to a Indy car race but have you ever been in the car? This experience takes you around the track at speeds up to 180 mph.

2A Gasoline Alley

Sports | Adventure |

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Located in downtown Indy, it’s a great place to learn about the states heritage. It focuses on the states history, fossils, wildlife, and artifacts.

650 W Washington St

History |

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This arena is home to the Indiana Pacer NBA team and Indiana Fever WNBA team. It also hosts different concerts and events.

125 S Pennsylvania St

Sports | Entertainment |

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This sports museum has exhibits for college sports full of trivia and video highlights. On the second floor, there is an area with simulators and virtual reality.

 700 W Washington St

Sports | Museum |

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If you are a foodie, I would suggest stopping at the market. There are lots of food vendors and some more local produce.

222 E Market St

Food |

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This area is a historic museum that offers helium ballon rides, Prairie town, a playground and animals. There are also hiking trails and a splash pad.

13400 Allisonville Rd

Entertainment |

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Located south of the city, the conservatory offers a variety of different plants and trees.

2505 Conservatory Dr

Nature |

Travel Tips

01

Weather

Indianapolis has all the seasons of the Midwest. In the winter the temp is around 22 degrees F and in the summer around 80 degrees F.

02

Events and Festivals

Indianapolis 500, Indy 500 Festival and Mini Marathon, Indiana State Fair, Indy Strawberry Fest

03

What to pack

This will depend on when you plan on visiting. Make sure to check the weather before you go.

04

Best Time to Visit

Personally I would rather not walk around in the cold. So I would say to go in the summer.

07

Culture/Atmosphere

Indianapolis is the capital and biggest city in Indiana. It’s vibe is that of a Midwest city.

05

Trip Length

A day or two is good enough to see the city. You could stay longer if you are attending an event.

08

Accessibility

There are accessible spaces located in front of buildings along with ADA paths. Click above to learn more.

06

Transportation

You will need a car if you plan on visiting the Motor Speedway. If you are downtown it is possible to walk.

09

Traveling with Dogs?

There is a variety of different restaurants and breweries that you can enjoy with your dog