Whenever the idea of a vacation to Indianapolis comes up, the fascinating images of racing car championships start hovering in our minds. Famous for its annual Indianapolis 500 car race, there’s more to meet the eyes than just racing cars. Indianapolis is in fact a pretty cool destination in the USA attracting art aficionados, food lovers, culture buffs and the famed Midwestern hospitality. Take United reservations and book cheap flights to Indianapolis to discover an incredible city offering plenty of things to see and experience.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is renowned world over for hosting the legendary Indianapolis 500 every year. It is the most celebrated car race in the United States. The speedway is located 7 miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, and is used exclusively for Indianapolis 500 as well as two other races – the Red Bull Indianapolis GP and the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Race. The first 500-mile race was held on the 2.5-mile oval circuit in 1911. This Memorial Day weekend race has been held since 1916 at the International Motor Speedway, which accommodates more than 150,000 people on the ground and more than 250,000 people in the stands.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
The Indianapolis Museum of Art is located in the spacious Newfields Park to the north of the city center. This magnificent museum is home to four pavilions – the Krannert Pavilion, the Hulman Pavilion, the Clowes Pavilion, and the Lilly Pavilion. Admire the American art ranging from pre-Columbian times to the present day, and Asian art at the Krannert Pavilion. You will be amazed to see the paintings from Baroque to Neo-Impressionism at the Hulman Pavilion, which is also home to the Eiteljorg Gallery of African and South Pacific Art. The Clowes Pavilion prominently features watercolors by Turner, 18th-century British painting, and medieval and Renaissance art. The Lilly Pavilion showcases German porcelain, along with British and American furniture and silver.
White River State Park
White River State Park is a wonderful vacation spot for all those looking for an urban escape. As you arrive at the 250-acre park, it is hard to believe that you are still in downtown Indianapolis. Relax and enjoy picnic in the expansive green spaces of the White River State Park, which is also home to some of the popular tourist attractions in Indianapolis such as the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial, NCAA Hall of Champions, an Imax theater, Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians, a baseball park, a canal with gondolas, the Indiana Cultural Trail, and Indianapolis Zoo. The park also has restaurants, shops, and trails for hiking, walking and biking. The park also hosts festivals, concerts and Shakespeare performances throughout the year.
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, also popularly called Indy Children’s Museum, is a great place for taking out family and kids for educational fun. The museum attracts kids with its innovative, interesting and interactive displays. You will find varied types of displays, especially related to topics such as archaeology, culture, science, and transportation. The dinosaurs, including the brontosaurus, are the major highlights at the Dinosphere exhibit here. It’s an incredible experience hearing the sights and sounds of 65 million years ago when dinosaurs lived, and you will even be amazed to touch a real Tyrannosaurus Rex bone. Among other interactive exhibits popular with young visitors at the museum include those related to space travel, pop culture, toys and music. You will surely enjoy visiting this one of the largest of its kind museums in the world.
Indianapolis Zoo
Your family and kids will love visiting yet another major attraction in Indianapolis. Take them for an exciting day out to the Indianapolis Zoo, founded in 1964, which has also been playing an important role in worldwide conservation efforts and research too. Situated in White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo is also home to a botanical garden and an aquarium. Some of the popular animals to be found at the zoo include zebras, rhinos, elephants, giraffes and red pandas residing in their original forest habitat. You will also find hundreds of bird species too. The Oceans aquarium in the zoo prominently features a coral reef ecosystem and multiple tanks with different types of marine life. The botanical garden here is spread in an area of 3 acres, and has permanent and changing gardens representing flora from different parts of the world.
Indiana State Museum
Explore the cultural and natural history of the State of Indiana with a visit to the Indiana State Museum, located at White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the state’s natural history, including its earliest inhabitants and geology. Walking through an “ice” tunnel here is an exciting experience providing a feel as though you are inside a glacier. The ancient mastodon is also a top attraction on the museum’s first floor. Visit the second floor to explore Indiana’s cultural past. The traditions and lifestyle of the native populations are showcased here through an extensive exhibit. You will also find displays related to the Civil War and Hoosier history. Also, do remember to give yourself a treat with the puppet shows regularly held at the state’s premier museum.
Indianapolis with its diverse offerings is appealing to all. Whether you are a sports fan, culture hound, history buff, art lover, or simply adventurous at heart, Indianapolis is ready to welcome all, and entertain you with its unlimited fun and adventure activities. If you are seeking Midwestern hospitality with tons of actions then Indianapolis is surely the place for you to visit on next vacation.
