Free things to do in Indianapolis

Free things to do in Indianapolis

1. See

   Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial

   Monument that is part of White River State Park that pays tribute to over 3,000 Medal of Honor recipients. Ranges from Civil War through modern day clashes. It is made up of 27 curved glass walls, each 7–10 ft high, and etched with the names. It's quite breathtaking—especially at night.

   Open from dawn to dusk·Free

2. See

   Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis

   CAMi

   This is the city's first contemporary art museum in several years, since the 2020 closure of iMOCA. This is more than a single museum, with an experimental artist space, a garden, an amphitheater, and housing for visiting artists.

   Mon Tue closed, Wed–Fri 11AM to 7PM, Sat Sun 11AM to 5PM, First Fri of the Month 11AM–10PM·Free (some special events may have ticket prices)

3. See

   Crown Hill Cemetery

   It's the third largest cemetery in the United States and is considered the "Best Walking Tour" in Indy by Indianapolis Monthly—the gruesome is mediated by the quiet and contemplative nature of the grounds. Tours explore the Gothic Chapel and Waiting Station from the late 1800s and famous grave sites. You can also pick up a map at the office for free and explore the cemetery by foot, car or bike. Hundreds of soldiers are buried in a beautiful war burial ground. Famous graves include John Dillinger, Frederick Dusenberg, Booth Tarkington, James Whitcomb Riley (at the highest point in Indianapolis), Colonel Eli Lilly, President Benjamin Harrison, and others.

   Oct-Mar: 8AM-6PM, Apr-Sep: 8AM-8PM·Free

4. See

   Harrison Center for the Arts

   Gallery, art center, and conservatory. Check out four art galleries, 36 personal studios, VSA Arts, and the beautiful Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Punk and ska bands play in the basement on weekends and on First Fridays they open their doors to good sized crowds of local art lovers who wander the halls drinking, eating, and checking out art and music. Great place to check out local art and local people in a family-friendly environment.

   Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, open on first Fridays until 9PM·Free

5. See

   Herron School of Art & Design Galleries

   On the IU Indy campus, this is the home to Indy's biggest art school. Check out students' studios, three galleries with regional and national art, and an outdoor sculpture gallery. Student art adorns the walls and lawn. You may see an early piece by the voice of the next generation.

   Mon Tue Thu Fri 10AM–5PM, Wed 10AM–8PM·Free, parking at the garage is validated at some shows

6. See

   Indiana State Capitol

   Completed in 1888, this is the hub for Indiana's state government, housing the Governor's office, the state legislature (State Senate and Indiana General Assembly) and the State Supreme Court. The first state capital was in the Southern Indiana town of Corydon, and in 1825 it was moved to Indianapolis. Featuring Italian Renaissance, Greek, and Corinthian design, the building is made from primarily of Indiana limestone. Look up while in the Rotunda to see the amazing German stained glass window, take a guided or personal tour, or observe the government at work.

   Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 10AM-2PM (closed Sun)·Free. Vehicles can be parked in nearby garages or at metered spots. Automobiles that violate the metered time policy risk receiving a ticket and having their automobiles towed

7. See

   Indianapolis Art Center

   Formed in 1934, it continues to be one of the Midwest's premier community art centers. Check out one of the many local art exhibits, take an affordable art class, relax and read a book in the beautiful library, shop at the art gallery gift shop and don't pass up the amazing ARTSPARK located around the White River and the natural grounds. ARTSPARK has interactive sculptures laid out through the 12 acres (5 ha) designed by Michael Graves, a Hoosier native known throughout the world for his architecture and design work. Each summer you can check out the fun Broad Ripple Arts Fair, which features arts and crafts, food and booze, and live music galore on the grounds.

   Mon–Fri 9AM–10PM, Sat 9AM–6PM Sun noon–6PM·Free

8. See

   Indianapolis Fire Fighters Museum

   Discover the origins and background of Indianapolis' fire department, as well as view the historic hand pumper, horse-drawn fire cart, horse-drawn steam pumper, and other items. Don't forget to pay a visit to the Indianapolis Firefighters Memorial.

   Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat from Apr-Oct: 11AM-4 PM·Free

9. See

   Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens

   An amazing home located on the grounds of Newfields art museum. This is the former estate of the Lillys. Located on grounds with a 22-room mansion, gardens, and museum. Check out country estate living in the 1930s, and explore the beautiful home and antiques that the family acquired. The gardens are spectacular and feature many pathways and fountains. Be sure to also check out the garden shop where you can purchase plants grown on the grounds.

   Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM (closed Mon)·Free

10. See

    Scottish Rite Cathedral

    It is the largest Scottish Rite cathedral in the world and a masterpiece of architecture. Take a tour, investigate the enormous pipe organ, the floating dance floor, the hand-crafted art glass windows, discover the mystery surrounding Freemasonry, and stop by the cafe for a bite to eat.

    Mon–Thu 8:30AM–4:30PM, Fri 8:30AM–3:30PM·Free

11. See

    Soldiers & Sailor's Monument

    This is the well-known monument in the center of the city. It is only fifteen feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty, having been built in 1902. The monument's sculpted depictions of gory Civil War fights and emancipated slaves are powerful. With Miss Liberty facing south, she defends the north from the confederate. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War museum is located in the basement, and visitors can ride the tower to the top for a view of the city. The grounds on the Monument are a wonderful representation of the city itself; they combine the calm of quietly roaring water and verdant grass with the energy of Downtown. It's also a great place to people watch. Additionally, there's a tiny gift shop. William Henry Harrison, the first Governor of the Indiana Territory and the United States President for a single month, is depicted on a statue at the base. The south steps are closed for renovation until November 2025, costing $10 million.

    Thu-Sun 10:30AM-5:30PM·Fees for elevator: adults $3.00, elderly (65 and over): free, youngsters (12 and under): no charge. Free for US military personnel and veterans. There is no fee to walk the steps. During business hours, elevator tickets are available for purchase at the Monument Gift Shop

12. Do

    White River State Park

    Home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Victory Field, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, and NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has The Lawn near the river, which is host to concerts during each summer. Central Canal is also located within the park. Park passes are available for purchase, entrance to all 7 of the main attractions is included in the pass.

    Free and paid parking

13. See

    Indiana 9/11 Memorial

    421 W Ohio St

    Open from dawn to dusk·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Indianapolis (CC BY-SA 4.0).