10 Best Things to Do in Indianapolis

Looking for what to do in Indianapolis? Indiana’s capital, often affectionately called “Indy,” is a city that artfully balances its global reputation for speed and competition with a deeply rooted sense of community, culture, and green urban living. Known worldwide as the “Racing Capital of the World,” Indianapolis offers far more than the roar of engines; it is a city of scenic waterways, world-class museums, vibrant arts districts, sprawling parks, and a burgeoning culinary scene that rivals larger coastal hubs. With its highly walkable downtown centered around the iconic Monument Circle and an interconnected network of cultural trails, Indianapolis provides a welcoming, well-rounded, and surprisingly accessible urban experience that invites exploration beyond the racetrack.

Whether you’re immersing yourself in the legacy of motorsports, strolling along the serene Central Canal, exploring one of the nation’s top children’s museums, or savoring the flavors of a thriving craft beer scene, Indianapolis offers a dynamic mix of attractions. Here are the 10 best things to do in Indianapolis to help you plan the perfect trip to this energetic and hospitable Midwestern capital.

1. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway & Museum

No visit to Indianapolis is complete without a pilgrimage to the hallowed ground of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world’s largest sporting venue and the sacred home of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indianapolis 500. This legendary 2.5-mile oval is more than a racetrack; it’s a cathedral of speed, engineering, and American sporting tradition. The on-site Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a treasure trove for enthusiasts and novices alike, housing the world’s largest collection of Indy cars, including every winning vehicle from the 500 since 1911.

Beyond the static displays, the museum offers a profound sense of context and history. You’ll see iconic trophies, historic racing uniforms, and immersive exhibits that detail the evolution of automotive technology and the human drama of the sport. For the full experience, take a guided bus tour around the famed oval, where you can feel the steep banking of the turns, stand on the historic “Yard of Bricks” at the start/finish line, and even visit the Victory Podium. For an adrenaline rush, book a “Fast Track Ride” experience for a high-speed passenger lap around the track. A visit here is not just an attraction; it’s an essential understanding of the identity and passion that fuels the city.

2. Explore White River State Park

Stretching across 250 acres in the very heart of downtown, White River State Park is a masterclass in urban planning and a green oasis that seamlessly connects culture, recreation, and nature. It stands as one of the nation’s only urban state parks and serves as Indianapolis’s premier cultural campus. The park’s beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring the winding White River and Central Canal, offer scenic walking and biking trails, peaceful gardens, and striking public art installations.

What makes White River truly special is its concentration of major attractions. A leisurely stroll through the park can lead you to the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, and the minor-league baseball gem, Victory Field. The park’s open lawns are perfect for picnics, and its scenic vistas provide some of the best photo opportunities of the downtown skyline. It’s the ideal starting point for a day of diverse exploration, proving that Indianapolis prioritizes green space and accessible culture.

3. Stroll the Indianapolis Canal Walk

Inspired by the canals of Venice, the Indianapolis Central Canal and its accompanying three-mile Canal Walk is one of the city’s most picturesque and pleasant features. This meticulously maintained urban waterway, lined with limestone walkways, colorful murals, dancing fountains, and beautifully landscaped gardens, offers a serene escape from the urban bustle just steps away. It’s a favorite route for joggers, cyclists, and couples enjoying a romantic evening stroll.

To fully experience the canal, rent a pedal boat, kayak, or surrey bike from the local outfitters and take to the water. The path winds past significant cultural institutions like the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum, as well as under charming bridges and past vibrant public art. As dusk falls, the pathway and bridges are illuminated with thousands of LED lights, casting a magical glow on the water and creating one of the most enchanting evening atmospheres in the Midwest. The Canal Walk is a testament to Indianapolis’s commitment to creating beautiful, people-friendly public spaces.

4. Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields

Perched on a lush 152-acre campus just north of downtown, Newfields is far more than an art museum; it is a holistic destination for art and nature. The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) at its core is one of the oldest and largest general art museums in the United States, boasting a encyclopedic collection of over 54,000 works spanning 5,000 years. Galleries showcase everything from Renaissance paintings and Neoclassical sculpture to contemporary installations, Asian ceramics, and a renowned collection of Turner paintings.

The experience extends beyond the museum walls into the stunning Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, one of the largest of its kind in the country, featuring site-specific sculptures along trails and lakes. The historic Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, a 26-acre American Country Place estate, offers a glimpse into Gilded Age elegance. Newfields also hosts wildly popular seasonal events, most notably “Winterlights,” a breathtaking holiday light display, and “Summer Nights” film series. A visit here is a full-day cultural immersion that engages all the senses.

5. Explore the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Recognized as the largest children’s museum in the world, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a destination of such scale and quality that it dazzles visitors of all ages. This is not a mere playground but an institution dedicated to powerful, hands-on learning through immersive storytelling. Its five floors of exhibits are meticulously crafted to spark curiosity and wonder.

Standout experiences include walking among massive dinosaur skeletons in the Dinosphere, which recreates a Cretaceous Period dig site; exploring the mysteries of space in the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, an expansive outdoor sports complex; and embarking on a global cultural journey in the National Geographic: Treasures of the Earth exhibit, which features real archaeological replicas. The museum’s commitment to interactivity and education is unparalleled, making it a must-visit for families and arguably one of the top attractions in the entire state of Indiana.

6. Discover Monument Circle

The physical and symbolic heart of Indianapolis is the majestic Soldiers and Sailors Monument, rising 284 feet from the center of downtown’s Monument Circle. This neoclassical limestone obelisk, dedicated to Hoosiers who served in the wars preceding World War I, is more than a memorial—it’s the city’s defining landmark. Visitors can take an elevator (or climb 331 steps) to an outdoor observation deck near the top, offering unparalleled 360-degree views of the downtown street grid radiating outward.

The Circle itself is a dynamic public plaza surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops. It’s a gathering place for civic events, concerts, and protests, constantly pulsing with energy. During the holiday season, the monument is transformed into the “Circle of Lights,” featuring over 4,700 strands of lights in what is considered one of the world’s largest Christmas displays. Whether you’re admiring its architecture by day or its dazzling illumination by night, experiencing Monument Circle is essential to understanding Indianapolis’s civic pride and historic core.

7. Wander the Fountain Square District

For a dose of Indy’s eclectic, creative, and slightly offbeat character, head to the Fountain Square district, just southeast of downtown. As one of the city’s oldest and most culturally vibrant neighborhoods, it has evolved into a hipster haven without losing its historic grit. The district is instantly recognizable by the iconic, neon-lit Fountain Square Theatre Building, which houses duckpin bowling, a vintage arcade, and a rooftop bar with stunning city views.

The streets are a canvas for vibrant murals by local artists, and the area is packed with independent boutiques, record stores, art galleries, and some of the city’s best music venues like The Hi-Fi. The culinary and drinking scene is top-notch, featuring innovative restaurants, craft cocktail bars, and beloved breweries like Fountain Square Brewery. Fountain Square embodies Indianapolis’s growing artistic confidence and offers a lively, authentic contrast to the more polished downtown experience.

8. Visit the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Located within White River State Park, the Eiteljorg Museum stands as a unique and important cultural institution in the Midwest. It is one of only two museums east of the Mississippi River dedicated to both Native American and Western American art, fostering dialogue between these interconnected narratives. The museum’s collection is profound, ranging from historic Plains Indian beadwork and Pueblo pottery to iconic paintings and sculptures by masters like Frederic Remington and Georgia O’Keeffe.

What sets the Eiteljorg apart is its commitment to presenting contemporary Indigenous voices alongside historical artifacts. Rotating exhibitions often feature works by modern Native artists, challenging stereotypes and exploring themes of identity, resilience, and cultural continuity. The museum’s architecture, designed to reflect Western landscapes, and its serene canal-side setting make for a contemplative and educational visit that provides a crucial perspective on the American story.

9. Enjoy Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden

Escape to a tropical paradise year-round at the Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, located in the city’s oldest park. The Conservatory, built in the 1950s, is a stunning glass palace housing thousands of exotic plants across three distinct climates: the Desert House, the Tropical House, and the Show House, which features rotating floral displays. The humid air, lush greenery, and tranquil koi ponds offer a warm respite, especially during Indiana’s chilly winters.

Outside, the meticulously designed Sunken Garden is a masterpiece of formal gardening. Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, it features symmetrical beds bursting with over 5,000 annuals, bubbling fountains, and manicured hedges, creating a picture-perfect setting that is a favorite for weddings and photography. The broader 128-acre Garfield Park offers additional amenities like an arts center, swimming pool, and miles of trails. This peaceful haven showcases Indianapolis’s dedication to horticultural beauty and public green spaces.

10. Experience Indianapolis’s Food and Brewery Scene

Indianapolis has confidently emerged as a formidable culinary and craft beverage destination. The city’s food scene celebrates its Midwestern roots while embracing global innovation. You must try the iconic, plate-sized breaded pork tenderloin sandwich, a Hoosier staple. Explore the revitalized Bottleworks District on Mass Ave, home to the dazzling Garage Food Hall, a culinary marketplace in a restored 1920s auto service building.

Indianapolis is also a powerhouse in the craft beer world, with a dense concentration of exceptional breweries. Areas like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, and Mass Ave are perfect for a self-guided brewery crawl, featuring standout names like Sun King Brewery, Metazoa Brewing Co. (which supports animal charities), and Taxman Brewing Company. Complementing the beer scene is a growing network of urban wineries, craft distilleries, and craft cocktail bars. Exploring Indy’s food and drink offerings provides a delicious and social way to connect with the city’s contemporary culture and community spirit.