Things to Do in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis Museum of Art

The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) is a vast encyclopedic art museum located in downtown Indianapolis. The museum features a permanent collection of more than 54,000 works from Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia ranging across a broad spectrum of genres. Visitors can admire works by famous artists such as Paul Gauguin and JMW Turner and see Chinese ceramics, textiles, and modern design.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of the best things to do in Indy. Aiming to promote an interest in the arts through the presentation and interpretation of artistic assets, the museum hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including films, performances, classes, lectures, and community outreach programs.

4000 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-923-1331

The Canal and White River State Park

The Canal and White River State Park is a beautiful green oasis located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis where the public can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and find tranquil places to relax. White River State Park boasts 250 acres of green space with a network of walking and jogging trails, shady picnic spots, and places to unwind.

If you are wondering what to do in Indianapolis with the whole family, this is a great place to visit. Dotted about the canal and park are some of the city's most popular and fascinating museums, architecture, attractions, and other entertainment, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Lawn at White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the NCAA Hall of Champions. The Canal Walk is a 3-mile loop on the downtown waterfront that bustles with joggers, walkers, cyclists, pedal boats, and gondolas enjoying traffic-free exercise.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame Museum

Located on the grounds of the world-renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Indianapolis Hall of Fame Museum is one of the top Indianapolis attractions and is devoted to the world of automobiles and auto racing. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the museum features an outstanding collection of race vehicles and automobile memorabilia associated with the Indianapolis 500 race, including motorcycles, dragsters, and cars that have set world land speed records.

Visitors can take informative guided tours of the Speedway, which include stops at the victory platform, garage area, and Gasoline Alley hospitality suite. Narrated track tours, which cover one lap around the 2.5-mile oval track in a special bus, are also available.

4790 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-492-8500

Indianapolis Art Center

One of the largest community art centers in the country and one of the best things to do in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Art Center provides art classes, educational programs, community-based events, and workshops for the public with the aim of encouraging interactive art education. Based out of the Marilyn K. Glick School of Art, the Center is home to three public art galleries that exhibit local art, 11 state-of-the-art studios in which classes and workshops are held, a 224-seat auditorium for special performances and shows, and a library for research and educational purposes.

The center also features ArtsPark, a nine-acre outdoor creativity and sculpture garden located in one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods that showcases a variety of public art.

820 East 67th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-255-2464

Lockerbie Square Historic District

Noted for its beautifully preserved Italianate and Queen Anne style architecture, the Lockerbie Square Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of Indianapolis’ most famous historic regions. The Lockerbie Square People’s Club manages the district, and they promote and inspire interest in the revitalization of the area.

Visitors can enjoy walking tours of the area, which include exploring twenty-five historic residences constructed between 1855 and 1930, as well as a few newer ones like the North Vermont Street Home. One of the famous buildings in the district is the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, which was home to the famous poet for over 23 years and features a collection of elegant Victorian furnishings and architecture.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Founded by Harrison Eiteljorg, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art includes a contemporary collection of Western and Native American art and cultural objects, which has been named one of the best in the world. It includes works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Charles Russell, and Frederic Remington.

The institution also features a variety of world-class exhibitions across a range of diverse subject matter, such as “The History of Pistols and Motorcycles” and “Jewish Life in the West.” The museum offers several dynamic educational programs and workshops for the public and surrounding communities.

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, 500 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-636-9378

Indiana State Museum

Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum features an annual calendar of exhibits that explore Indiana art, science, and culture and is home to the state’s largest IMAX theater. Constructed of steel, brick, and glass, the building is a work of art in itself and the galleries, which house over 452,000 artifacts in collections, span three floors.

The museum offers several educational programs and engages in community-based projects throughout the year, as well as special events. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and light meals at the Farmers Market Café at the Museum.

650 W Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-232-1637

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is on a mission to become one of the best children’s museums on the planet. Their aim is to introduce children to a variety of learning experiences covering the arts, sciences and humanities in order to enrich their lives. To this end the museum has accumulated a massive collection of over 130,000 artifacts which bring history to life. To make things as easy as possible for your visit the museum offers free parking, advance ticket sales, stroller and locker rentals, free Wi-Fi and loads and loads of interactive fun. You can round off your visit at the Museum Store which is full of educational books, games and more to help you continue the fun at home.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 North Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208, 317-334-4000

GRT Glass Design

GRT Glass Design is a unique glass design and manufacturing studio that designs, produces, ships, and installs art glass products around the world. Founded in 1987, the award-winning studio produces both traditional and modern glass works, as well as the highest quality of architectural art glass for various buildings and structures in all parts of the world. The GRT offers “Glass Play Days,” when visitors get the opportunity to make their own unique art glass at the GRT Glass Design Studio. Classes are held two Saturdays per month, with the goal of teaching students how to create an exclusive piece of artwork from glass while having fun at the same time!

6400 Brookville Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-353-6369

Indiana Repertory Theatre

Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is a professional regional theater that performs a variety of shows each season on two stages. Based out of the Indiana Theater, which was once the Paramount Pictures Publix Theatre and was converted to house the IRT, the theater company produces nine to ten plays per season, with its participants performing in multiple shows.

By producing high-quality shows, the company aims to provide the public with engaging, inspiring, and exciting performances and help build a strong and vibrant community. Modern productions have included “The Great Gatsby,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and “A Christmas Carol.”

140 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, Phone: 317-635-5252