Getty Images

Indianapolis

Clean-cut Indy is the state capital and a perfectly pleasant place to ogle race cars and take a spin around the renowned speedway. The art museum and White River State Park have their merits, as do the Mass Ave and Broad Ripple hoods for eating and drinking. And fans of author Kurt Vonnegut are in for a treat. A swell walking and biking trail connects it all.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis
It's the world's largest kids' museum, sprawled over five floors holding incredible exhibitions on dinosaurs, space stations and so much more. The museum…
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis
The Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500 motor race, is Indy's super-sight. The Speedway Museum features some 75 racing cars (including former winners)…
Newfields
Indianapolis
The 152-acre Newfields campus houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art, home to a terrific collection of European art (especially Turner and post…
Indiana War Memorial
Indianapolis
Only Washington, DC has more city monuments and memorials than Indianapolis (in fact, Scottish surveyor Alexander Ralston helped design both cities). This…
Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library
Indianapolis
Author Kurt Vonnegut was born and raised in Indy, and this humble museum pays homage with displays including his Pall Mall cigarettes, droll drawings and…
The Idle
Indianapolis
This questionably ambitious hidden green space lying off the Cultural Trail between Fletcher Place and Fountain Square might seem a tad strange, but you…
White River State Park
Indianapolis
The expansive park, located at downtown's edge, contains several worthwhile sights. The adobe Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art features…
Indiana Medical History Museum
Indianapolis
When you think 'horror movie asylum,' this century-old state psychiatric hospital is exactly what you envision. Included guided tours roam the former…

View more attractions

Attractions

Top picks from our travel experts

Bike, scoot, boat or race your way to these top 11 things to do in Indianapolis

Curated by

Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Indianapolis
It's the world's largest kids' museum, sprawled over five floors holding incredible exhibitions on dinosaurs, space stations and so much more. The museum…
Rathskeller
Indianapolis
Quaff German and local brews at the outdoor beer garden's picnic tables in summer, or inside the deer-head-lined beer hall once winter strikes…
Monon Trail
Indianapolis
This cycling and walking trail (no motorized vehicles allowed) plies through some of Indy's coolest districts along a 26-mile former rail path that…
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis
Where the NFL's Colts play football under a huge retractable roof.
Eiteljorg Museum
Indianapolis
This adobe museum features Native American basketry, pots and masks, as well as a realistic/romantic Western painting collection with works by Frederic…
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis
The Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500 motor race, is Indy's super-sight. The Speedway Museum features some 75 racing cars (including former winners)…
White River State Park
Indianapolis
The expansive park, located at downtown's edge, contains several worthwhile sights. The adobe Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art features…
Cultural Trail
Indianapolis
This $63 million, 8-mile urban bike trail, which connects to the 26-mile Monon Trail, weaves through six downtown cultural districts, including Mass Ave,…

17 free things to do in Indianapolis: art, parks, monuments and military history

Curated by Leandra Beabout

Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library
Indianapolis
Author Kurt Vonnegut was born and raised in Indy, and this humble museum pays homage with displays including his Pall Mall cigarettes, droll drawings and…
City Market
Indianapolis
A smattering of food stalls fill the city's old marketplace, which dates from 1886. The 2nd-floor bar (open 2pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday and noon to 9pm…
Indiana War Memorial
Indianapolis
Only Washington, DC has more city monuments and memorials than Indianapolis (in fact, Scottish surveyor Alexander Ralston helped design both cities). This…
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis
Where the NFL's Colts play football under a huge retractable roof.
White River State Park
Indianapolis
The expansive park, located at downtown's edge, contains several worthwhile sights. The adobe Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art features…
Newfields
Indianapolis
The 152-acre Newfields campus houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art, home to a terrific collection of European art (especially Turner and post…
Cultural Trail
Indianapolis
This $63 million, 8-mile urban bike trail, which connects to the 26-mile Monon Trail, weaves through six downtown cultural districts, including Mass Ave,…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Things to Know

There’s lots to love about vibrant Indianapolis. As you plan your trip, here’s all you need to know.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking for culture, sports or good eats, here are the best neighborhoods to visit on your trip to Indianapolis.

Read article

Day Trips

Have a free day in your Indianapolis itinerary? Check out these day trips from the capital of Indiana to take your visit farther.

Read article

Money and Costs

Here are some top tips to get the most out of your budget on a trip to Indianapolis.

Read article

Transportation

Trying to figure out how to get around downtown Indianapolis and beyond? Check out these top transportation tips for getting around the Hoosier capital.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Even though the Indy 500 and foodie hotspots aren't cheap, you can find free things to do in Indianapolis, from art and parks to museums and libraries.

Read article