Cultural & Historical Destinations in Indianapolis, United States
1. Indianapolis Museum of Art
Explore over 54,000 works from ancient times to the present, including American modernist works.
- Art Diversity: Offers a wide range of art styles and eras.
- Outdoor Art: 100 acres of beautiful outdoor spaces featuring sculptures.
- Educational Programs: Provides a variety of educational programs and events for all ages.
2. Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Largest children's museum in the world with 17 exhibit areas and over 400,000 artifacts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Exhibits are designed for hands-on exploration and learning.
- Special Events: Hosts themed events throughout the year, like Star Wars Days and Dinosphere Roars.
- Accessibility: Offers programs for children with special needs and accommodations for all visitors.
3. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Explores Native American cultures and history, with a focus on the American West.
- Cultural Understanding: Provides insight into Native American history and contemporary art.
- Artistic Expression: Showcases a variety of traditional and modern Western artwork.
- Community Engagement: Offers programs for families, schools, and communities to engage with Native cultures.
4. Indiana World War Memorial
Tribute to Hoosiers who served in WWI, featuring a museum, memorial plaza, and gardens.
- Military History: Exhibits detail the history of World War I and its impact on Indiana.
- Memorial Gardens: Beautiful gardens honoring Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and events throughout the year.
5. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Historic home of the 23rd U.S. President, offering guided tours and exhibits.
- Presidential History: Provides a glimpse into President Benjamin Harrison's life and presidency.
- Historic Architecture: Beautifully restored Victorian mansion showcasing late 19th-century design.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and events, including lectures and workshops.
6. Lilly Library
Rare book library housing one of the world's largest collections of first editions.
- Historical Documents: Houses important historical documents, including the Gutenberg Bible.
- Research Opportunities: Offers research opportunities for scholars and students.
- Exhibitions: Hosts rotating exhibitions showcasing rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts.
7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Legendary race track hosting the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400.
- Auto Racing History: A historical site for auto racing, featuring the iconic Brickyard.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours of the race track, museum, and Hall of Fame.
- Race Events: Hosts several racing events throughout the year, including the Indy 500.
8. Conner Prairie
Living history museum showcasing life in Indiana during the 19th century.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits and demonstrations of daily life in the past.
- Historic Buildings: Features historic buildings, including a working 19th-century farm.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for all ages, including workshops and camps.
9. White River State Park
Urban park located in downtown Indianapolis, home to several cultural attractions.
- Natural Beauty: Features beautiful riverfront views and green spaces.
- Cultural Attractions: Home to several cultural attractions, including museums and theaters.
- Events and Activities: Hosts events and activities throughout the year, such as concerts and festivals.
10. Victory Field
Home of the Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball team, with a rich history dating back to 1931.
- Baseball History: A historical site for Minor League Baseball, featuring a beautiful stadium.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours of the stadium and team history.
- Baseball Games: Hosts Indianapolis Indians games from April to September.
11. National African American Museum of Indianapolis
Museum dedicated to the achievements and contributions of African Americans.
- Cultural Understanding: Provides insight into the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans.
- Exhibitions: Features rotating exhibitions showcasing African American art, history, and artifacts.
- Community Engagement: Offers programs for families, schools, and communities to engage with African American culture.
12. Indiana State Museum
Explores Indiana's natural and cultural history, from prehistory to the present.
- State History: Provides a comprehensive overview of Indiana's history and culture.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to engage with.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and events, including workshops and lectures.
13. Newfields
Formerly known as the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, offering art, nature, and cultural experiences.
- Art and Nature: Combines an art museum, botanical garden, and historic sites in one location.
- Historic Architecture: Includes the L.S. Ayres & Co. Store, a beautifully restored department store from the 1940s.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and events for all ages, including workshops and lectures.
14. Indiana War Memorial Plaza
Tribute to Hoosiers who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, featuring a museum, memorials, and gardens.
- Military History: Exhibits detail the history of multiple wars and their impact on Indiana.
- Memorial Gardens: Beautiful gardens honoring Hoosiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and events throughout the year.
15. Museum of Miniature Houses
Unique museum featuring a collection of miniature houses, furniture, and dolls.
- Historical Artifacts: Features historical artifacts in miniature form.
- Artistic Talent: Showcases the talent and creativity of miniaturists.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits for visitors to explore these small-scale worlds.