The 6 Reasons That You Need to Visit Indianapolis (Including the Indy 500 and More)

There’s no shortage of great reasons to visit Indianapolis. Discover the ones that will make you want to pack your bags right now.

Is Indianapolis a good place to visit?

Well, do you like lively and hospitable people, great local food and drinks, and entertainment opportunities?

If so, Indianapolis is an excellent choice. 

In fact, you might even see yourself living there. That’s because there’s something in Indianapolis for everyone – whether you’re a solo traveler or going with your friends or family.

So, let’s see some of the main reasons why you may want to visit.

1. Indy 500

Indy 500 is the largest single-day sporting event and it’s famous across the globe. Racing fans wouldn’t want to miss it.

For more than 100 years and counting, the event has been drawing hundreds of thousands of people every year. A run at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway is nothing short of spectacular. So if you’re visiting Indianapolis, especially near Memorial Day, make sure to check it out.

You’ll want to reserve your tickets in advance since the event is so massively popular. For the price of an average lunch at a restaurant, you can enjoy a truly unique experience.

2. The Children’s Museum

Traveling to Indianapolis with your little ones? The Children’s Museum is an absolute must-see.

Why?

For starters, it’s the biggest children’s museum in the world. So if you want your kids to learn lots of new things while having a blast, it’s a perfect place to visit. It spans over 500,000 square feet and features everything you need for a full day’s worth of quality family time.

Despite the name, the museum isn’t just for the little ones. That’s because it offers exhibits on space, American pop culture, and even dance. Plus, there’s a rich collection of dinosaur fossils that will catch anyone’s attention. 

All in all, it’s ideal for families who want to add an educational component to their trip.

3. The White River State Park

Want to enjoy some mesmerizing greenery and beautiful landscapes? The White River State Park is the natural crown jewel of Indianapolis.

Located in downtown Indianapolis, it spreads over 250 acres of green space. This park features many interesting sights like the NCAA Hall of Champions, various museums, and a zoo. 

Plus, it offers some of the best views in the whole city. It’s where you’ll find many eye-catching sculptures, scenic canals, and of course, the famous White River. So if you need a place to catch a lovely sunset, this should be your go-to spot.

4. The Indianapolis Museum of Art

If you’re into art, the IMA is a place that you don’t want to skip. The modern architecture of the building alone is enough to blow you away. And once inside, you’ll get a chance to explore more than 50,000 stunning pieces of art.

But don’t leave without exploring its grounds. IMA’s one hundred acres of greenery contain fun signs and sculptures that will delight you.

And that’s not even the end of it.

Remember the Super Bowl 46?

If so, you know that it took place in Indianapolis. And to commemorate the event, dozens of artists got the green light to create 46 murals across the city. This is all the more reason to visit Indianapolis if you’re a fan of art.

5. War Memorial Plaza

Whether you’re a patriot or simply want to learn more about American history, the War Memorial Plaza is an outstanding sight. Spanning over seven city blocks, it’s among the largest war memorial in the United States. Only Washington, DC is the city that has more war memorials than Indianapolis.

The Indiana World War Memorial is the central memorial that you should visit. At more than 200 feet tall, it’s also the largest one here. Another one that you’ll want to check out is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. What makes it so unique is the fact that it stands at the very center of Indianapolis. 

So if you want to know more about America’s fallen and war history, be sure to visit the Plaza.

6. The Cultural Trail

If you’re looking for things to do in Indianapolis, visiting the Cultural Trail should be on your bucket list. The first of its kind, this 8-mile bike and pedestrian trail also connects some of the city’s top hotspots, making it an interesting way to explore the city

There are plenty of Indy entertainment options on the Trail – from boutiques to chef-owned restaurants. The six Cultural Districts all offer many interesting places that are worth checking out.

The Indiana Pacers Bikeshare Program allows you to get a bike and explore everything that the Trail has to offer. Of course, you can also take a nice relaxing stroll through Indianapolis’ cultural center.

Get a Taste of the Indy Life

As you can see, there are more than enough great reasons to visit Indianapolis. Whether you’re a fan of sports, culture, art, or history, there’s something for you in the city.

Another thing that will undoubtedly leave an impression is the cuisine. From food stands to exclusive restaurants, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicacies and discover your new favorites.

And when you see how welcoming the people are, you’ll want to go from one restaurant to another. Midwesterners are stereotyped to be super-friendly, and people of Indianapolis sure fit that bill. 

No doubt you’ll return from Indianapolis with many long-lasting memories.