Rachel Smith“What’s there to do in your city?”
It’s a question I get a lot from friends and family who live elsewhere or in another country.
“A lot!” is always my confident response because there are so many things to do in Indianapolis. From immersing yourself in the city’s culture to admiring local art, my hometown is a hub for attractions and tourist destinations.
In case you’re curious, I’ve compiled a list of must-do activities I’d happily share with you and anyone visiting my beloved city.
- 1. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- 2. Explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art
- 3. Tour the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
- 4. Experience the Indiana State Museum
- 5. Take a day trip to Eagle Creek Park
- 6. Walk the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
- 7. Check out the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens
- 8. Stroll along the Mass Ave Arts District
- 9. Enjoy a night out at 16-Bit Bar + Arcade
- 10. Shop and dine at Castleton Square
1. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
– Media from imsmuseum
Website: https://imsmuseum.org/
Location: 4750 W 16th St
Contact: +1 317-492-6784
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: $$
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is preserving its long, colorful history, which is probably why USA Today named it one of the top sports attractions in the US.
Opened in 1956, the museum now houses one of the world’s largest, most prestigious collections of racing-related memorabilia. I particularly love that it has over 150 race cars on display, including vintage ones that date back to the 1920s and 1930s.
I also love the variety of memorabilia guests can see here. Aside from the vintage cars in pristine condition, there are also trophies, old photographs, and more that perfectly chronicle the century-old history of the Indianapolis 500.
| Pro Tip: Take the Golf Cart Tour! This 90-minute experience takes you to the museum’s landmarks and offers access to exclusive areas, like the Gasoline Alley and the so-called Snake Pit. |
2. Explore the Indianapolis Museum of Art
– Media from newfieldstoday
Website: https://discovernewfields.org/
Location: Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, 4000 N Michigan Rd
Contact: +1 317-923-1331
Hours: Monday: Closed | Tuesday to Wednesday, Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM
Price: $
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is a renowned art museum. However, I view it more as a campus that blends art and nature to create memorable and artistic experiences. In fact, my friends and I once joined a painting session here.
Aside from viewing the usual art pieces, such as paintings and sculptures, this museum also offers a stunning outdoor space. This area is marked by majestic flowerbeds and art installations, including light displays and miniature houses that change with the seasons.
What I love most about this museum is how it makes art feel fun. It regularly hosts family-friendly activities, such as painting sessions, art lessons, and immersive experiences like film screenings.
| Pro Tip: Take a piece of Newfields’ art with you by buying souvenirs from The Museum & Garden Shop, which is located right inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It offers various gift items that feature reproductions of the museum’s artworks. |
3. Tour the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
– Media from eiteljorgmuseum
Website: https://eiteljorg.org/
Location: White River State Park, 500 W Washington St
Contact: +1 317-636-9378
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: $
Two things truly resonate with me at the Eiteljorg Museum—art and history. It showcases the art of North America’s indigenous people and offers glimpses of their rich past and colorful heritage.
I’m particularly fond of the museum’s vast collection of masterpieces as it’s diverse and dynamic. The Native American artworks are my favorite because they convey a mystical quality, being both odd and artistic.
I also love the onsite Eiteljorg Museum Cafe, where food and drinks are prepared on the spot. This guarantees a hot, freshly cooked meal every time. The avocado chicken Caesar and salmon salad are must-tries.
| Pro Tip: Whether you’re with your kids or on your own, check out the R.B. Annis Western Family Experience. It’s like a play space and learning zone where you discover the everyday life of the Old West. |
4. Experience the Indiana State Museum
– Media from indianamuseum
Location: White River State Park, 650 W Washington St
Hours: Monday to Tuesday: Closed | Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: $$
I always love going to the Indiana State Museum. I’m impressed by how it tells the beautiful story of the state of Indiana from the Ice Age up to today.
I’m such a big fan of this museum because of its vast collection of historical artifacts and real fossils—the most famous being the full skeleton of Fred the Mastodon. I also like how the museum has many artworks by Indianapolis’ finest artists, like William Forsyth and Otto Stark.
Another reason I keep going here is the museum’s colossal IMAX Theater with its six-story high-definition screen. It’s a fantastic way to catch a movie in 2D or 3D and just chill after appreciating history and culture.
| Pro Tip: Buy a ticket to the Indiana State Museum online, as doing so will save you $1 per ticket. |
5. Take a day trip to Eagle Creek Park
– Media from eaglecreekpark_indy
Website: https://www.indy.gov/activity/about-eagle-creek-park
Location: 7840 W 56th St
Contact: +1 317-327-7275
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 AM – 8:30 PM
Price: $
My dad took me to Eagle Creek Park when I was younger, usually for a picnic or a walk.
What’s great about this park is the many things you can do here. My favorites are fishing and boating in one of its pristine ponds, hiking the park’s sprawling forest, and just nature-watching.
On occasion, I’ve seen the full splendor of an American bald eagle!
Lately, my friends and I have been drawn to Go Ape, a company that offers adventures in the park. We like its zipline, but we’re in love with Forest Escape. It’s a unique interactive experience where groups are tasked to solve challenges.
| Pro Tip: Not many people know that Eagle Creek Park has an ornithology center situated inside the park. Pay it a visit for peaceful bird watching and learn more about the Indianapolis wildlife. |
6. Walk the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
– Media from indyculturaltrail
Website: https://indyculturaltrail.org/
Location: 132 W Walnut St
Contact: +1 317-653-1948
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: $
I love going for walks because they relax me, and when I need to refresh my mind, I usually take the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
What I like about this eight-mile urban route is that it’s thoughtfully designed to pass through beautifully landscaped pathways and sidewalks.
Aside from showcasing the urban trail of Indianapolis, this cultural trail is also designed to take you past murals, sculptures, and all sorts of interactive art.
Another thing I like about this trail is that it passes by some great food establishments in case you go hungry while doing all that walking. My go-to venues for good food, in this case, are Bazbeaux Pizza in the Mass Ave District and Turchetti’s Salumeria in Fountain Square.
| Pro Tip: Not up for a long walk? Explore the trail with a bike instead! Download the Pacers Bike Share app to rent a bike conveniently and discover what the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is all about. |
7. Check out the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens
– Media from indianapoliszoo
Website: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/visit/white-river-gardens/
Location: 1200 W Washington St
Contact: +1 317-630-2001
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
Price: $
Zoos will always have a special place in my heart. In fact, I always frequent the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens with my family.
What I love about this Indianapolis attraction is the incredible variety of animals it cares for. It has the usual ones like tigers, alligators, and lions. There are also rare types, such as meerkats, tamarins, and warthogs.
Another thing I love about this venue is that it also has a botanical garden and aquarium. The White River Gardens boasts diverse and colorful flora and fauna that I can only describe as paradise.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you stroll through the Hilbert Conservatory (located within the White River Gardens) to see the seasonal Butterfly Kaleidoscope, rare endangered plants, and more. |
8. Stroll along the Mass Ave Arts District
– Media from shotfox_aerial
Website: https://massaveindy.org/
Location: Downtown, 339 Massachusetts Ave
Contact: 317-759-1587
Hours: Varies by establishment
Price: $$
Every local knows Mass Ave. It’s one of the city’s most well-known, most-visited destinations, and that’s because there’s so much to do here. It’s the quintessential Indianapolis spot for everything.
As a shopaholic, my favorite thing to do here is buy things I don’t need. My go-to shops are Francis + Fern (when I want new clothes and accessories) and Global Gifts (to buy souvenirs and little presents for family and friends).
Mass Ave is also my preferred spot when I’m craving good food. The best fried chicken in town is at The Eagle, while Leviathan Bakehouse bakes the most delectable pastries. Sometimes, I’d grab coffee at Coat Check.
| Pro Tip: There are so many shopping options at Mass Ave, but try shops like Silver in the City for affordable silver jewelry and Indy souvenirs. |
9. Enjoy a night out at 16-Bit Bar + Arcade
– Media from 16bitbar
Website: https://www.16-bitbar.com/indy
Location: 110 E New York St
Contact: +1 614-222-1616
Hours: Monday to Wednesday: 4 PM – 11:30 PM | Thursday: 4 PM – 12:30 AM | Friday: 4 PM – 2:30 AM | Saturday: 12 PM – 2:30 AM | Sunday: 12 PM – 12:30 AM
Price: $$
16-Bit Bar + Arcade offers both booze and gaming nostalgia. My friend likes its comprehensive selection of craft beers and original cocktails, like Tito’s Vodka and Fireball Whiskey. It also serves classics such as Atomic Blonde and The Daphne.
But as good as it is, the booze might not be the main attraction here. Instead, the stars are the 16-bit games you can play—notably Centipede, Mario Bros, Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man, and Galaga.
These games are the earliest ever made in gaming history, and my friend says they go perfectly with 16-Bit Bar + Arcade’s fine collection of drinks and delectable snacks. I agree on both counts!
| Pro Tip: Bring your ID! 16-Bit Bar + Arcade is strictly for 21+ customers, so it’s best to bring proof. |
10. Shop and dine at Castleton Square
– Media from castletonsqmall
Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/castleton-square
Location: 6020 E 82nd St
Contact: +1 317-849-9993
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM | Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: $$
When I want a more upscale, trendier shopping experience, Castleton is almost always my first choice. Indiana’s largest mall has everything a shopaholic with a vast appetite would want: brand-name boutiques, high-end restaurants, and many other things to do.
I particularly love the many family-themed activities Castleton holds and its family-oriented amenities. In fact, I’ve taken my nieces to Easter bunny photoshoots.
I also love watching movies at AMC Castleton Square 14, second to the IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum. The mall’s theaters are just as modern, with plush and comfy seats, a large high-definition screen, and a cozy ambiance overall.
| Pro Tip: Many stores in the mall offer Castleton-only promos and deals, like 50% off deals and gift reward specials. Just keep tabs on the mall’s website to be up-to-date. |
