The Indiana State Museum is located along the canal in White River State Park. The museum has three floors of galleries that tell the story of the great state of Indiana. Visitors are inspired to learn more about the state (and its glittering capital city) by exploring its art, science and culture. Some galleries on the top floor are often devoted to much sought-after traveling exhibitions as well. The building itself is a sight to behold, especially after noting that it is constructed exclusively of Hoosier materials: limestone, steel, brick, sandstone and glass. It is truly a work of art. On site is a two-story gift shop and some casual dining options.
The globe trotting and knowledge seeking tourist will not want to miss this splendid museum. One of the few museums that strives to preserve all of the arts of the American West, it houses a large collection of both Western and Native American art. This makes it a great place to learn about indigenous people in the context of American history. The museum arranges events and programs to encourage community in the city. Private parties like weddings and business conferences can also be held within its beautiful environs.
If you are a fan of auto racing, be sure to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. For a couple bucks, they will give you a bus ride around the most hallowed racetrack in the world; home of the Indy 500. The museum itself is stocked with generation after generation of retired Indy cars. Lots of other memorabilia is on display, and the gift shop is full of exciting checkered-flag-emblazoned gear for the whole family.
One of the famous landmarks of Indianapolis, the President Benjamin Harrison Home was built in the 1870s and is now a museum dedicated to President Harrison. In order to explore his life, the historic building houses artifacts and books belonging to the Harrison family. The chambers have period furniture, the president's personal items, and political memorabilia. The house is also a venue for city events and exhibitions. Tours of the house are held regularly.
The Rhythm! Discovery Center is one of the world's best percussion museums. A series of exhibits explore the history and evolution of the drum into the modern drum kit we know today. You can eve look at the drum kits played by famous drummers like John Bonham and Neil Peart. There are also interactive displays, where you can make music and rhythms with the drums available.
Located in the White River State Park, exhibiting a collection of around 50,000 plants and nearly 230 animal species, the Indianapolis Zoo makes for a fantastic day out. Renowned for having the largest aquarium in Indianapolis, it is a favorite of people of all ages. Hence, be prepared to look closely at snakes, iguanas, and other reptiles. Or go to the plains area to see lions and giraffes wandering about like it was the savanna. After the exciting trip, you can find something to eat in the on-site restaurant or just enjoy an ice cream from one of the snack bars.
Located in the Bona Thompson Memorial Building, the Eastside Fire Museum was founded in the year 1999. The purpose of establishing this museum was to educate children, youngsters and adults about fire prevention and safety, and also learn about the glorious history of the fire department. The museum is home to memorabilia collected over a period of more than 70 years, and on display are fire equipments, fire-fighter personal protective equipments and many more items. The major highlight of this museum is the fully restored 1947 International Harvester Fire Engine, which carries 500 gallons of water and has been part of various corporate and educational events. The museum success lies in the donations received over the years for its upkeep; visitors are requested to make humble contributions.
Set along Apple Street in Greenfield, Hancock County Historical Society’s main aim is to collect valuable information that allows to preserve the area’s rich historic past. Hancock County Historical Society has several of its exhibits that are showcased in the Old Log Jail and Chapel in the Park museums. Some of these include tools that were used by Native Americans, fossils that date back to the Ice Age, vintage clothing and a lot more. Each exhibit carefully curated by the Hancock County Historical Society offers a glimpse into the lives, cultures, and time gone by.
One of the first commercial breweries in Indianapolis as well as the largest, Sun King Brewery has garnered raves for its delicious house, seasonal and specialty craft beers. Established in 2009, craft beers by Sun King Brewery have quickly evolved to be one of the most loved beverages in town. The brewery now has a variety of more than 100 beers on offer and serves more than 1000 bars, liquor stores and restaurants. To get a taste of what the brewery has on offer, head to the brewery for one of the sampling tours and expect to be delighted by the great selection of drinks they have on offer. Guests also have the chance to buy souvenirs like cans and kegs among other items.
Navigating across the busy neighborhood of Wholesale District, Georgia Street is a kaleidoscope of some hip restaurants, lively bars and some of the famous tourist attractions of Indianapolis. Counted as one of the most vibrant outdoor spots of the city, it occupies a central location in the Downtown and plays host to a number of cultural events throughout the year. A well-laid out pedestrian sidewalk and a high-tech audio and light system ensure the street renders itself well for open-air meetings, concerts and conventions.
The Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens are located within the 136 acre (55 hectares) of Garfield Park. The conservatory is spread over an area, of 10,000 square feet (929 meters), and was originally designed and constructed in the year 1916, over the decades, it has been renovated and redesigned, and is home to hundreds of different plants from the world's tropics. The conservatory houses a wide variety of plant species, including palms, fruiting trees, orchids, ferns, bananas, cacao, vanilla, coffee and Koi ponds. The Sunken garden spread over an area of three acres (1.2 hectares) is home to European style classical gardens, and is graced with fountains, manicured flower beds, concrete urns and bowls. Tourists must not miss the blossoming of tulips during spring and annual displays of flowers in summer. The facility also provides environmental education programs for children, adults and families.