View of the central canal of Indianapolis, Indiana

Things to do in  Indiana

The Midwest’s understated gem

Indiana—the Hoosier State—has one central hub: Indianapolis, its capital and largest city. Indy is a treasure trove of culture, natural attractions, and sporting icons, from its Museum of Childhood to White River State Park and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (home to the iconic Indy 500). But the best things to do in Indiana don’t stop with its biggest city. From Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan to Notre Dame’s football games and charming Amish Country, this Midwestern state is as eclectic as they come.

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Top 3 attractions in Indiana

#1

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

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A top children’s museum, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis contains five floors of whimsical, interactive exhibits ranging from a dinosaur habitat to a journey through contemporary China. Learning experiences abound, whether your child is playing an astronaut in Beyond Spaceship Earth or digging up the Treasures of the Earth.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Lucas Oil Raceway

Lucas Oil Raceway

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Indianapolis is home to the Indy 500 race, and there is admittedly no shortage of great racing tracks in the city. The Lucas Oil Raceway, situated just outside the downtown area, is considered one of the top special event auto racing facilities in the world. It has three separate tracks, including a paved oval track, a quarter mile drag strip, and a 2.5 mile long course. The speedway hosts more than 100 auto racing events each year, including major NRHA events.Each season brings a little something different, both testing new race types and continuing established traditions. The high quality and maintenance of the track ensures that the desired high speeds can be reached as safely as possible. The grandstands and drag strip tower allow for maximum visibility of the races by spectators. Many of the world’s top race car drivers have participated in races here.More
#3
Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis

Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis

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Serving up classic American fare alongside some of rock and roll’s top music memorabilia, the Hard Rock Cafe Indianapolis sits at the heart of downtown in the historic Morrison Opera House building. It’s in a central and fun area of the city, always drawing in a lively crowd. Their menu includes appetizers such as nachos, wings, and potato skins and tasty entrees that range from burgers and sandwiches to barbecue. Vegetarian options are also available.The cafe also has two large event rooms, a dozen large screen televisions, a full bar with premium cocktails, a fun atmosphere, store, and of course, great music playing. Memorabilia on display rotates but includes musical instruments and stage costumes played and worn by the greatest musicians in rock and roll. With music, sights, and flavors, the Hard Rock Cafe is always a feast for all the senses.More

Explore Indiana by interest

Top activities in Indiana

Skip the Line: Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Admission Ticket

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28
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$13.85
Private Arrival Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

Private Arrival Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

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4
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$72.00
per group
Private Departure Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

Private Departure Transfer from Indianapolis Airport IND

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$72.00
per group
Fountain Square Food Tour

Fountain Square Food Tour

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12
From
$73.00
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Admission Ticket

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum Admission Ticket

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56
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$19.24
Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour

Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour

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15
From
$73.00
Top Shelf 14-Passenger Party Bus Rental

Top Shelf 14-Passenger Party Bus Rental

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40
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$599.00
per group
Indianapolis City to Indianapolis Airport (IND) - Departure Private Transfer

Indianapolis City to Indianapolis Airport (IND) - Departure Private Transfer

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$68.01
Japanese Street Food Class in Beech Grove

Japanese Street Food Class in Beech Grove

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6
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$104.50
Indianapolis Airport (IND) to Indianapolis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Indianapolis Airport (IND) to Indianapolis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer

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$136.01
1-Week UNLIMITED YOGA CLASSES for Out-of-Towner

1-Week UNLIMITED YOGA CLASSES for Out-of-Towner

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$50.26
Drop In for 1 Class

Drop In for 1 Class

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1
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$28.00
Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour

Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour

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3
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$599.00
per group
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Fort Wayne by Zombie Scavengers

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Fort Wayne by Zombie Scavengers

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$20.00
per group
Ride To/From Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

Ride To/From Indianapolis International Airport (IND)

From
$64.00
per group
Indianapolis Prowl Scavenger Hunt
Special Offer

Indianapolis Prowl Scavenger Hunt

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$21.60
$27.00  $5.40 savings
Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Holly Jolly Hunt

Holiday Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Holly Jolly Hunt

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$20.00
per group
Axe Throwing in Indianapolis

Axe Throwing in Indianapolis

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$26.98
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in South Bend by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in South Bend by Zombie Scavengers

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$20.00
per group
Indy Walking Tours

Indy Walking Tours

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$50.00
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All about Indiana

When to visit

Spring is an excellent time to explore the Hoosier State—not just because it's when the Indy 500 comes to town. The arrival of good weather means the perfect time to explore Indiana's outdoor attractions, from Brown County State Park to Turkey Run State Park. But autumn is an excellent alternative; the state is ripe for leaf-peeping and harvest fairs and for fans of Notre Dame or the Indianapolis Colts, football season is kicking off.

Getting around

Indiana's biggest city, Indianapolis, is a well-connected transit hub, served by Indianapolis International Airport, Indianapolis Station (a hub for both Amtrak trains and intercity buses like Greyhound), and IndyGo bus routes. Greyhound buses also link the capital with smaller cities like Fort Wayne, Evansville, and Chicago. Otherwise, much of rural Indiana is best explored by car.

Traveler tips

Indiana might seem like an unusual place for a museum of the American West (as well as Native American art and culture), but that's just what Indianapolis' Eiteljorg Museum is. Open since 1989, the landmark—housed in a distinctive, adobe-like building in White River State Park—is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest. Its collection highlights include works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, and more.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
3
Tours
40
Reviews
243
EN
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People Also Ask

Is there anything worth seeing in Indiana?

Yes, there's plenty in Indiana that's worth discovering. Its capital of Indianapolis features eclectic neighborhoods, top-rated restaurants, world-class museums, and scenic public parks—not to mention the Indy 500. From Indiana Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan to Notre Dame (and its thrilling football games), the state boasts diverse thrills.

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What are 3 things Indiana is famous for?

Indiana is famous for hosting the Indy 500: one of motorsports' most popular annual events, held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s renowned for football teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Notre Dame. And it’s known for its vast, scenic farmlands and a traditional Amish country region.

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What is the most visited city in Indiana?

The busiest and most visited city in Indiana is Indianapolis: its capital and largest hub. Home to nearly a million residents, Indy welcomes as many as 29 million visitors a year. And little wonder, with its cultural hotspots, state parks, restaurants, craft breweries, and buzzy neighborhoods.

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What food is Indiana famous for?

Indiana's most famous foods are down-home, comfort fare—like breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches, sugar cream pie, and barbecue pork. One of the state's most distinctive specialties is located at St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis: it's been serving spicy shrimp cocktail for over a century.

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What are the best times to visit Indiana?

Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of year in Indiana: it's when the Indy 500 is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is more multi-day festival than a standalone sporting event. Summer, in general, is a good time to discover Indiana's state parks and the Lake Michigan coastline.

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What is the nicest city in Indiana?

That depends. If you like culture, urban dynamism, and vibrant neighborhoods, it's hard to beat Indianapolis, the state's capital and largest city. If it's an exciting food scene you're after, consider Fort Wayne. And if you like smaller cities with big charm, aim for Carmel or Terre Haute.

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