Indiana · the United States

Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

The capital of Indiana, home to the 500 Mile Speedway and its museum, the Children's Museum, Monument Circle, and the canal and museums of White River State Park.

Great Lakes and Midwest (Chicago)

In the photo: Downtown Indianapolis seen from above.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana, was planned in 1821 around a central circle, Monument Circle, where the Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands at about 87 meters tall. It is a flat city with wide streets, an urban canal, and White River State Park adjacent to downtown.

The city is synonymous with auto racing. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, opened in 1909 in the neighboring town of Speedway, has hosted the Indianapolis 500 since 1911, held on the Memorial Day weekend in May. The speedway's museum, located inside the oval, preserves winning cars and the Borg-Warner Trophy, and guided tours take visitors to the brick strip at the finish line.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is one of the largest children’s museums in the world, with dinosaurs, an antique carousel, and science exhibits. Newfields brings together the art museum and gardens, and in White River State Park are the Eiteljorg Museum, focused on Native American and Western art, and the Indiana State Museum.

This destination brings together 1 city: Indianapolis.

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Where Indianapolis (Indianapolis) is

Boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau / geoBoundaries (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

✈ Indianapolis International Airport (IND) · 25 km to Indianapolis

Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is about 25 km from downtown. Long-distance trains and buses stop at Union Station in the city center. By car, Chicago is about three hours away and Cincinnati about two hours.

Indiana · Indianapolis (Indianapolis) Capital

Indianapolis

Capital of Indiana, organized around Monument Circle. It has the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the 500 Miles, with the speedway museum; the Children's Museum, one of the largest children’s museums in the world; White River State Park, with the canal, the Eiteljorg Museum and the Indiana State Museum; and Newfields, with the art museum and gardens.

The local experience

Things to do in Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

Indianapolis · Indiana · Museum

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Museum of the 500 Mile Speedway, inside the oval, with winning cars, the Borg-Warner Trophy, and guided track tours.

Indianapolis · Indiana · Children's museum

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

One of the largest children’s museums in the world, with dinosaurs, a 1917 carousel, science, history and areas for little ones.

Indianapolis · Indiana · Square and monument

Monument Circle

Circular square in downtown Indianapolis, with the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument of about 87 meters and an observation deck at the top.

Indianapolis · Indiana · Urban park

White River State Park

Park on the banks of the White River, connected to the downtown canal, home to the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum and the zoo.

See 1 more place in Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

Indianapolis · Indiana · Art museum and gardens

Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art)

Complex with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, gardens, a historic house and a riverside sculpture park.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From April to October. May is the month of the 500 Miles, when the city is crowded and accommodations are in high demand over the race weekend. From June to August the weather is often humid; winters are cold with occasional snow.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days: one for the speedway and museum and another for the Children's Museum, Monument Circle, and White River State Park.

Which city to stay in

Downtown concentrates accommodations near Monument Circle, the canal, and the stadiums, and most things are walkable. Massachusetts Avenue, to the northeast, has restaurants and theaters. During race month there are also lodgings in Speedway, near the speedway, which sell out early.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

How many days should you allocate for Indianapolis?

Two days: one for the speedway and its museum and another for the museums and downtown.

When are the Indianapolis 500?

On Memorial Day weekend, at the end of May, with practice and qualifying taking place throughout the month.

Can you visit the Indianapolis speedway outside race days?

Yes, the museum is open for most of the year, and guided track tours run on days without circuit activity.

Do you need a car in Indianapolis?

Downtown is walkable. For the speedway, about 10 km away, and for the Children's Museum, use a car, rideshare app, or bus. In the United States, you drive on the right.

Do I need a visa to visit the United States?

Entry requirements for the United States depend on your nationality and travel document: some countries participate in the visa waiver program, with prior electronic authorization, and others require a visa. Requirements can change: confirm before you travel.

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Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

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