Visitors look away from Indianapolis at risk. This is because the capital city of Hoosier State is well-located, filled with sports activities and a wonderful spot to enjoy a drink, eat and party, and awe-inspiringly it is blessed with some amazing family-friendly activities too. What’s not to like?
If you want the speed of your car, Indianapolis is the place for you. Take your earplugs with you and purchase tickets for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indianapolis Motor Speedway to see the fabled Indianapolis 500, see the hall of fame, or test your skills be tested in the Lucas Oil Raceway.
Reasons to Visit Indianapolis
Racing Capital of the World
Every city that hosts events like the Indy 500 has a good claim to be referred to as the race capital of the world. But Indianapolis also plays host to another spectacular motorsports events, such as The Brickyard 400. The fans of racing will also enjoy this event, which is held in the Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and exhibits that showcase former winners of the event.
Great Neighbourhoods for Dining, Drinking and Relaxing
Indianapolis is home to some fantastic places to relax at night, after a day of racing or sightseeing. No matter if you visit Broad Ripple, Irvington or Fountain Square, you’ll find an inviting atmosphere, delicious local food, local beverages and DJs who play all night. It’s an ideal spot for music lovers.
Atmospheric Historic Neighbourhoods
Indianapolis is a city steeped in the past, and has a stunning array of structures dating from in the early and 19th century. Take a tour of the house of the president Benjamin Harrison, the Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, or Crown Hill Cemetery (the final burial site for John Dillinger) to get an idea about the richness of Indianapolis’s and varied past.
Food and Drink to Satisfy Everyone
Indianapolis is situated in the middle of some of the finest agricultural land in the world and the high-quality of its products is demonstrated by the food culture of the city. Eat at fine bistros such as those at the Corner Wine Bar or Palomino’s or simply indulge in traditional home-cooked meals in Le Peep, a local favourite.
What to do in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Museum of Art: A Superb Cultural Complex
The museum is situated next to the White River in the northern suburb of Woodstock located in the northern suburb of Woodstock, the Museum of Art is Indianapolis the city’s cultural gem. It is more than a gallery. The museum also has an outdoor theatre and the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and the stunning Lilly House as well as the Toby, possibly the best movie in the city. But the art is also exceptional and includes artworks that come from Africa and the antiquated Mediterranean as well as the Americas and Asia and European and American contemporary works. This is a feast for anyone who is a lover of culture.
Eagle Creek Park: Nature at its Most Appealing
Covering 3,900 acres situated in Pike Township, northwestern Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Park is the fourth-largest of its type in the USA and a fantastic spot to unwind. However, it’s not just a green area. It also has The Earth Discovery Center which includes a variety of animals and nature exhibits as well with all the maps for trails that you’ll need to discover nature and the natural marvels. It’s possible to even take part in an exciting kayak race on the lake, or even art exhibitions are frequently held within the park’s grounds as well.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Heaven for Motor Sports Fans
The 2.5-mile-long oval track with a rectangular shape which put Indianapolis onto the radar. The Motor Speedway hosts the Indy 500 each year in May. It draws around 400,000 spectators to watch the most powerful drivers in the world compete for gold, making it the world’s largest sports venue. However, even if there’s no 500 happening it’s not a problem because the Speedway is a hub for motorsports featuring motorcycling competitions and classic automobile races such as The Backyard Invitational, which takes place in June. NASCAR races regularly come into the town, and the arena is also used for pro golf events.
Monument Circle
At the very heart of Indianapolis the Monument Circle’s central area is home to a solemn Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. It’s more than a symbol of the sacrifice of soldiers. It’s also a lively location for food and drink markets and dance performances, music and more. Take a climb up the 284-foot top of the memorial to take in breathtaking panoramas from its observation deck.
Take a seat on the steps and indulge in gourmet pizzas or chocolates that are made locally, go to shows in Hilbert Theater Hilbert Theater (home to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra), or visit Christ Church Cathedral, which is situated right in the Circle.
Where to Eat in Indianapolis
The decision of where to eat in Indianapolis is a challenge. With a myriad of options to choose from, it’s difficult to decide where to begin. If you’re in the city and require an eat, sandwich joints such as 96th Street Burgers and Broad Ripple’s Boogie Burger are the best option. Bazbeaux Pizza has three locations with gourmet pizza offered as well as more expensive options such as Corner Wine Bar where the fillet Mignon (and the wine menu) is outstanding. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 for a hamburger to $40 for a fine dinner, however mid-range meals generally run between $15-20.
Harry & Izzy’s – Northside
Harry & Izzy’s is an independent, high-end American Grill located on Indy’s Northside. The atmosphere exudes elegance and class in a relaxing location. While the bar is Harry and Izzy’s central point, we have distinct dining areas and a gorgeous mezzanine on the second floor that overlooks the restaurant. The sister restaurant of the renowned St. Elmo Steak House offers a selection of traditional meals (such like the St. Elmo Shrimp Cocktail and prime-aged steaks) and offers a wider choice on the menu. The restaurant is open both for dinner and lunch every day.
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Rick’s Cafe Boatyard
Rick’s Café Boatyard, a riverfront restaurant that offers guests a stunning perspective of Eagle Creek Reservoir in Indianapolis. Rick’s has plenty of intimate seating outside and inside, and an extensive menu of freshly prepared food items that are served every day. Rick’s Cafe Boatyard serves its guests a meal, lunch and a full banquet space. They serve their guests in an elegant, spacious and high-ceilinged dining room or out on the deck with a stunning view of the water.
Ember Urban Eatery
Owned and managed locally, this is a bar and restaurant. We serve dinner and lunch from Monday through Saturday, and Sunday Brunch! Ember is centrally located on the Cultural Trail on the Virginia Ave Corridor located between downtown as well as Fountain Square in the up and up and coming Fletcher Place neighbourhood. We would like you to feel right at home in Ember.
We want you to enter as a guest and leave us as friends. We offer American cuisine with an added twist. We believe in fresh food and that’s why we make our meals by hand. Parking is free in our front lot. the back parking garage for retail, or street parking. Drink and eat locally. 10 beers on tap, and an extensive bar. In warmer months, we offer a dog-friendly outdoor seating area with plenty of outside seating, and a stunning perspective of the city’s skyline. Eat and Drink Local.
When should you go to
How to Get There
Indianapolis can be at its most vibrant when there’s a lot to do and see. The winter months aren’t the best time to visit due to the typically cold winter weather, but from April onwards, the city is a must. Fans of racing should make their way to Indianapolis in the latter part of May to view the Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis 500, while August is the time for major events such as festivals like the State Fair, Oktoberfest, and the Rib America Fest, so it’s an ideal time to go.
Plane
The most convenient method of getting to Indianapolis is to take flights to Indianapolis International Airport, which is about 15 miles outside of town. The most affordable option to reach the city is to take the IndyGo bus 8 that costs $1.75. However, there are car rental shops and limo service, shuttle buses, and taxis at the airport, too.
Train
Indianapolis’ Amtrak station is located at 350 S. Illinois Street, close to the city’s central area. The train is an ideal method of getting to Indianapolis from Chicago because of it being part of the Hoosier State service and the city is also a stop along the Cardinal route that connects Washington D.C., New York and Chicago.
Car
Indianapolis is a great city with excellent road connections to every part of the USA. If you’re driving from Chicago then go to I-65. People coming through Eastern Seaboard cities should take I-70 and those coming from the south could use I-75 as well as I-65 straight to the city. The best way to get there from west to west is to take I-40 and then change to I-44 in Oklahoma City.
Bus
Greyhound operates intercity bus service from a variety of American cities which include Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Kansas City, and their terminal is situated at the Amtrak station. Burlington Trailways offer an alternative service that is accessible from major Midwestern cities such as St Louis or Minneapolis.
