14 Best Things To Do in Indianapolis You Shouldn’t Miss

Looking for the best things to do in Indianapolis? Indiana’s capital has a lot more going on than many first-time visitors expect.

You can explore world-class museums, walk or cycle through downtown on the Cultural Trail, discover the city’s famous racing heritage, spend time in huge urban parks, and explore neighbourhoods filled with restaurants, public art and independent businesses.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or adding Indianapolis to a longer Midwest road trip, these are 14 of what I think are the best places to start.

If you are planning a longer trip, take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Indiana too.

14 Best Things To Do in Indianapolis at a Glance

Short on time? Here’s a quick guide to what each Indianapolis attraction is best for and where you’ll find it.

Attraction	Best For	Area
Monument Circle	First-time visitors, city views	Downtown
White River State Park	Walking, museums, canal	Downtown
Indianapolis Motor Speedway	Racing, iconic Indianapolis	Speedway
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum	Motorsport history	Speedway
Eiteljorg Museum	Native American and Western art	White River State Park
Indiana State Museum	Indiana history	White River State Park
Indianapolis Cultural Trail	Walking, cycling, exploring	Downtown
Eagle Creek Park	Nature, outdoor activities	Northwest Indianapolis
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis	Families, interactive exhibits	North Indianapolis
Crown Hill Cemetery	History, architecture, unusual sights	North Indianapolis
Fountain Square	Food, street art, local atmosphere	Fountain Square
Bottleworks District	Food, entertainment, modern Indy	Mass Ave
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site	History, historic homes	Old Northside
Mass Ave	Restaurants, shopping, nightlife	Downtown / Mass Ave

14 Best Things To Do in Indianapolis You Shouldn’t Miss

Monument Circle

Monument Circle is found on a giant roundabout surrounded by skyscrapers. The 285-foot Soldiers and Sailors Monument is dedicated to those who have served the country.

Construction began on this monument in 1888, and it took thirteen years to complete. It is now an iconic symbol of the city and one of the best things to do in Indianapolis.

Head up to the observation level for panoramic views across downtown Indianapolis. You can reach it by climbing the 330 steps or taking the elevator, although there are still additional steps at the top. Admission now covers either option.

There is also a gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir.

Visiting Monument Circle is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis.

Midwest Explored Tip: Check current observation deck opening times before you go, as access can be more limited than the monument itself.

White River State Park

White River State Park is a 250-acre urban park in downtown Indianapolis and a good place to combine outdoor time with some of the city’s major attractions.

You can walk or cycle along the Canal Walk, explore public art, follow the trails, or simply stop for a picnic with views of the downtown skyline.

The park is also home to several cultural attractions, including the Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg Museum, so it works well as a base for spending several hours in this part of the city.

It is especially lovely around sunset, when the canal and skyline make a great combination for photos.

Midwest Explored Tip: Use the park as a base for a cluster of downtown attractions rather than treating it as a standalone stop. It is one of the easiest areas in Indianapolis to combine walking, museums and the canal in one visit.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Whether you are into racecars or not, watching an Indy 500 race is one of the top things to do in Indianapolis and one of the things the city is most famous for.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the third oldest automobile race track in the world, having been built in 1909. It is also the largest sports venue in the world and can seat over a quarter-million people.

This National Historic Landmark hosts NASCAR and Formula 1 races. If you are able to attend a race, you will feel the rush of energy and adrenaline that fills the stadium. You can also take a guided tour around the track and the garage.

Midwest Explored Tip: If you are not visiting during a race weekend, book a track or behind-the-scenes tour. It is the best way to get a sense of the scale of the Speedway when the grandstands are quiet.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopened in 2025 after a major renovation, making it a much more modern and immersive experience than before.

You can still see historic race cars, trophies and memorabilia connected to the Indy 500, but the museum now has updated galleries, interactive exhibits and more ways to explore the history of racing and the Speedway itself.

Even if you are not a huge motorsport fan, it is a good way to understand why racing is such a big part of Indianapolis.

Midwest Explored Tip: Pair this with a Speedway tour if you can. Seeing the museum and the track together makes the experience much stronger.

Eiteljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in downtown is one of the best things to do in Indianapolis for discovering art and culture. This museum holds diverse collections dedicated to North America’s indigenous peoples.

From historical pieces to art by contemporary Native American artists, you will be able to walk through the galleries as if walking through time. The art teaches viewers about the history and culture of these creators.

Make sure to check if there are any special exhibits or events happening here when you are in town. If your trip is in June, make sure to attend the Indian Market and Festival when you can buy art and watch dance and music performances.

Along with Native American art, there is also art by Western painters such as Georgia O’Keefe and Andy Warhol.

Do not miss visiting this downtown Indianapolis attraction.

Midwest Explored Tip: Check the museum’s current exhibition calendar before you go. Temporary exhibitions and events can make a big difference to what you see.

Indiana State Museum

While visiting the White River State Park, make sure to stop by the Indiana State Museum. Found along one of the scenic canals, this building holds almost a half-million historic artifacts.

You will learn all about Indiana from the prehistoric era through to the present day. Many of the exhibits are interactive, so even kids can have fun learning.

Wandering through exhibits dedicated to the ancient sea, the ice age, the First Nations, the pioneers, and more will keep you entertained for hours. This museum is also where you will find the largest IMAX theater in the state.

The Farmers Market Café found at the museum is also a great place to eat lunch. You can sit inside or outside as you enjoy local produce.

Midwest Explored Tip: This is a good one to combine with the Eiteljorg Museum and Canal Walk, since they are all in the same White River State Park area.

Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Rent a bike or set out on foot to explore the 10-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail. This urban trail connects several of the city’s cultural districts and passes shops, restaurants, public art and neighbourhoods along the way.

You will pass many cool art pieces, including sculptures and wall murals. Going through the historic districts will make you fall in love with the city. This

is a great way to start your trip since you will be introduced to the city. It is certainly one of the best things to do in Indianapolis.

You can take on the trail by yourself or do a tour. There are both walking and biking tours where you can learn about the culture and history of the city.

A food tour is another option that introduces you to the yummy food in the city.

Midwest Explored Tip: You do not need to complete the whole trail. Pick a section that links places you already want to visit and use it as part of your sightseeing route

Eagle Creek Park

The largest park in Indianapolis is Eagle Creek Park. In the fall, this is a great place to find beautiful Midwest fall foliage. In summer, cool off by swimming in the Eagle Creek Reservoir.

This is the best place in Indianapolis for an outdoor adventure. You can go ziplining, skiing, and hiking. If you want to enjoy a more relaxing hobby, fishing and golfing are options.

If you want to learn about nature and animals, then you need to check out the Ornithology Center, the Earth Discovery Center, and the Eagles Crest Nature Preserve. Kids will have fun seeing all the animals.

Midwest Explored Tip: This is one to choose when you want a proper outdoor break from downtown rather than trying to squeeze it into a packed sightseeing day.

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Kids will also have a blast at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This is one of the top things to do in Indianapolis IN for families since the museum is so unique and kid-oriented.

The interactive, indoor and outdoor exhibits will help kids learn in a fun way. Dinosaurs, Egyptian tombs, steam trains, and space ships! This museum has it all! Catch a show at the Lilly Theater and ride the carousel.

Outside, you will have fun playing a ton of different sports and walking through the Avenue of Champions where you will find states of sports legends. You can also go to the National Art Museum of Sports.

Midwest Explored Tip: This is not a quick stop. If you are visiting with children, allow several hours because there is a lot to see indoors and outside.

Get a Indianapolis: 3-Day Indy Attraction Pass to save money.

Bottleworks District

Bottleworks District gives the article a much more modern Indianapolis feel. The district occupies the restored former Coca-Cola bottling plant and has been redeveloped with restaurants, shops, entertainment and the Bottleworks Hotel.

One of the main draws is The Garage Food Hall, which brings together a wide mix of independent food vendors under one roof. There is also a cinema, games and plenty of places to eat or drink, so it works well as an evening stop as well as somewhere to explore during the day.

Midwest Explored Tip: Come hungry and give yourself time to wander. Bottleworks works best when you treat it as a neighbourhood-style stop rather than rushing in for one attraction.

If you are planning where to eat, take a look at our guide to the best restaurants in Indianapolis.

Crown Hill Cemetery

Crown Hill Cemetery is pretty during the day but spooky at night. It is allegedly one of the most haunted places in the Midwest. Take a walking tour to hear all the ghost stories.

This cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the largest cemeteries in the country. In fall, the trees turn orange, adding to the atmosphere of the place. Come in the golden hour to see the leaves glow.

Many notable people have been buried here. U.S. presidents, vice presidents, state governors, Pulitzer Prize-winning writers, painters, musicians, and many more have been laid to rest here. Even the infamous bank robber John Dillinger was buried here.

Midwest Explored Tip: If you enjoy history, go in daylight and focus on the notable graves and architecture. If you want the folklore side, look for an organised evening or seasonal tour

Fountain Square

Fountain Square is one of Indianapolis’s most characterful neighbourhoods, known for its independent restaurants, vintage shops, street art, live music and old-school entertainment.

It is a good place to spend a few hours wandering rather than rushing between formal attractions, and it works especially well later in the day when the bars, restaurants and music venues start to come alive.

One of the area’s most distinctive experiences is duckpin bowling, which gives the neighbourhood a slightly retro feel alongside its more modern food and arts scene.

Midwest Explored Tip: Come here when you want atmosphere rather than another museum. It is one of the best places on this list for simply wandering, eating and seeing a more local side of Indianapolis.

Visiting Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Indianapolis

Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States. Though he was born in Ohio in 1833, he later moved to Indianapolis where he began practicing law before he entered politics.

Today you can walk through the gorgeous, Victorian house he had called home as you learn about his life and the American government. The building is furnished, so you will feel as if you have stepped back in time.

History buffs will love taking the guided tour and learning about the over 10,000 artifacts. There are many rooms to explore, even a beautiful ballroom. Another cool thing to see in the house is the vintage home gymnasium.

Midwest Explored Tip: Book a guided tour in advance if this is high on your list. It is the only way to see inside the historic home.

Mass Ave

Massachusetts Avenue, usually shortened to Mass Ave, is one of the liveliest areas of Indianapolis, with independent shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and public art all packed into a walkable stretch.

It is a good place to come when you want to explore rather than visit one specific attraction, and it works especially well in the late afternoon or evening.

The northern end of Mass Ave leads into the Bottleworks District, so the two are easy to combine in one visit.

Midwest Explored Tip: Start around Mass Ave and work your way towards Bottleworks for food or drinks later on.

If you are visiting as a couple, Mass Ave also fits nicely into a romantic Midwest getaway.

Indianapolis is a city that mixes big-name attractions with neighbourhoods, culture, outdoor spaces and a strong sense of local character.

You can explore its racing history, walk or cycle through downtown, visit major museums, spend time in places like Fountain Square and Mass Ave, or head to newer areas such as Bottleworks District.

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or including Indianapolis in a longer Midwest trip, these 14 attractions give you a good mix of classic sights and more current places to explore.

Indianapolis also makes a great weekend getaway in Indiana with enough to fill a couple of days without feeling rushed.

Packing List Of Useful Things

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.  This collapsible silicone foldable water bottle works well if you need to save space.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips. My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday and it perfect if you are a solo traveller.