When visiting Indianapolis, some spots stand out as obvious places you’ll want to visit. Everybody wants to see the home of the Indianapolis 500, and Monument Circle literally is the center of town, giving Indy its favored nickname, “Circle City.” Other spots, though helping to give the city its essential flavor, are a bit less obvious. A few are off the beaten path and favored by locals who perhaps resist letting a good secret out! Here’s a good mix: Our picks for a baker’s dozen of things to do in Indianapolis.
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument/Indiana War Memorial
Standing just 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty, the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at the intersection of Market and Meridian streets marks the center of Monument Circle and is considered the symbol of Indianapolis. The Circle’s pedestrian feel will be boosted in August, when city officials plan to close the brick-lined roundabout surrounding the monument to vehicles. Just a few minutes’ walk to the north is the Indiana War Memorial, with Greek-inspired architecture and its own museum.
Indiana Statehouse
Besides serving as epicenter for the entire state’s government, the Statehouse building itself is a testament to the local: when it was constructed in 1888, materials incorporated included the famed Indiana limestone, and the doors are made of Indiana oak. Make sure to stand underneath the beautiful rotunda dome; if you want to see more, public tours are available Monday through Saturday; call for schedule.
Broad Ripple
About 20 minutes north of downtown is the enclave of Broad Ripple, which is the hot spot for barhopping, with dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants packed into a walkable few square blocks (plus bakeries and boutiques for the daytime crowd). Go north on College Avenue to Broad Ripple Avenue (62nd Street) and you’re on the main strip.
St. Elmo Steak House
One of the city’s oldest restaurants and perhaps its most famous, St. Elmo is a favorite downtown destination for celebrities and sports figures when they’re in town. Doors don’t open till 4 pm, but sister restaurant Harry & Izzy’s, next door, is open for lunch and shares the same kitchen. Don’t miss the famed horseradish shrimp cocktail.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
This year’s Indianapolis 500 was May 30 … but even when there isn’t a race going on, the iconic track is worth a visit. Regular tours are available, and the adventurous can even schedule a ride around the raceway in an Indy car! For those who’d rather watch, the Hall of Fame Museum is a racing fan’s dream, with dozens of championship cars on display.
Conner Prarie
This interactive history park is located in the city’s northeast suburbs and makes a great day trip for kids. There are historical re-enactments, baby animals in need of petting, outdoor concerts and special events year-round.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Indianapolis has lots of museums and art galleries, and a unique one is the Eiteljorg. In the museum’s short history, it has acquired one of the finest collections of American Indian art in the country. Don’t miss the gift shop, which is filled with handmade jewelry and other unique items.
NCAA Hall of Champions
Just two blocks west of the Eiteljorg, the NCAA museum houses thousands of photographs and memorabilia from all variety of collegiate athletics.
Hinkle Fieldhouse
Speaking of basketball, Indy is proud of its Butler University Bulldogs for making it to the NCAA championship game held here in April. Hinkle is their home court, and a living shrine to Indiana hoops. This is where the film “Hoosiers” was shot, and the site of the actual game it was based on!
Madame Walker Theatre Center
One of the most architecturally and historically interesting buildings in the city, this Egyptian-themed theater on downtown’s northwest side was built by Madame C.J. Walker, our nation’s first self-made African-American millionaire. Weekday tours are available, and musical and stage performances go on year-round.
Slippery Noodle Inn
Indiana’s oldest bar (est. 1850) is a downtown hot spot and blues haven. Live bands play most nights. Employees will regale patrons with stories about the building’s history, such as being a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War and rumors about ghosts inhabiting its darker corners.
Downtown Canal
Part of the White River State Park, Canal Walk zigzags for three miles underneath downtown, offering all sorts of vendors, waterfront refreshments and even gondola rides. Mostly, though, it’s a place for those seeking exercise or just a little serenity.
Kennedy King Park
One of the lesser-known pieces of Indianapolis history is that Robert Kennedy gave a moving speech here on the night of Martin Luther King Jr.’s murder that kept the area calm while other cities erupted in violence. A silhouette statue depicts the civil rights icons reaching toward one another, for those seeking a moment of powerful contemplation.
