Historic places in Indianapolis

Historic places in Indianapolis

1. See

   Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

   The only Indianan to become U.S. president to date, holding office for one term (1889–1893). See this hero of the Civil War's stunning 1875 home, constructed in the Italianate Victorian style. It has three stories and is crammed with personal items, artwork, political mementos, and antiques. There is a First Ladies display in the carriage house at the back. They host entertaining events all year long, many of which feature outstanding reenactments of historical individuals from Indiana. A naturalization ceremony, tours of Victorian murder mysteries, and the always entertaining croquet competition are all held there.

   Mon-Fri 10AM-2PM, Sat 10AM-3PM, Sun noon-3PM·Adult $16, veteran $15, senior $15, college student $11, child $11, pre-school free

2. Do

   Check out a basketball game at Hinkle Fieldhouse

   Butler University. Butler's Bulldogs are one of the top teams in the NCAA, and this arena is full of history. The facility is heavily connected with the 1986 movie Hoosiers—the real-life high school team whose story provided the basis for the movie won the 1954 Indiana state championship at this very site, and major parts of the movie were filmed here. Even without the Hoosiers connection, Hinkle is one of college sports' most legendary venues.

   $5–20

3. Do

   Circle City Sound

   Performances held every Monday evening at 7PM at Scottish Rite Cathedral (650 N Meridian St) and throughout the city. Indy's only barbershop performance group.

4. Buy

   City Market

   Halfway between Mass Ave. and the Wholesale District this is a historical landmark in downtown Indy full of shops and restaurants. From chocolates to crafts, fresh meats to veggies, they also feature an awesome farmer market in the warm months.

5. See

   Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

   Conner Prairie Living History Museum

   Settled in the 1880s, Conner Prairie is an Indiana tradition for those interested in learning about Indiana living "back in the day." With volunteers dressed in period-costume year round you are able to experience every aspect of the way of life—from blacksmithing to cooking, games and schooling, farming and church. Start at the modern museum learning about the science and anthropological history, then head to the living history museum featuring authentic buildings from the 1880s. Take a flight on 1859 Balloon Voyage, visit Dupont, IN circa 1863 and experience Morgan's Raid, or visit the brand new (for 2017) Treetop Outpost. Special exhibits come and go, such as Native American regional language sponsored by History Channel. In the summer the grounds feature Symphony on the Prairie where one can picnic in the evening and enjoy live classical and pops performances. Halloween features haunted hay rides featuring the Headless Horseman and the holiday season includes dinners, candlelight tours and other celebrations. Restaurants on hand and a gift shop too.

   Nov-Mar: Tue–Sun 10AM–3PM, Mar–Oct: Tue–Sun 10AM–5PM·Adult $25, senior (65+) $23, youth (2–12) $19, member or child under age 2 free; balloon prices: member $14, non-member $18; free parking

6. See

   Crispus Attucks Museum

   Located inside of Crispus Attucks school, this museum celebrates Indy's African American heritage with art galleries, school history, and student achievement. Although not as famous as the communities in Chicago or Detroit, Indianapolis has a rich black heritage from the Great Migration of the late 19th century with a quarter of the population African American.

   Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, weekends by appointment·$8, $5 students under the age of 17 and seniors, $3 group rate

7. See

   Eiteljorg Museum

   The museum is the only one of its kind in the Midwest. Featuring western art by T. C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, and Kay Walkingstick. The museum also focuses on Native American history featuring artifacts, art, and history about this nation's first people. Enjoy lunch at the restaurant, too. The museum also hosts occasional lectures, plays, and music. Located within White River State Park, check into a park pass for admission to all seven of the park's attractions.

   Mon-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun noon-5 PM·Adult $20, senior $16, youth $12

8. See

   Indiana Historical Society

   An amazing place to visit for those interested in the people and places that make up every bit of the state. Featuring a state-of-the-art research library, music room, film viewing room, souvenir shop and cafe. The Indiana Experience collection rotates every eight to twelve months, so you will always find something new and interesting about Hoosier heritage, such as "A Century of Black Film", "Hoosiers in Hollywood", and "The Faces of Lincoln". Located snugly on the White River Canal.

   Tue–Sat 10AM–5PM·$15 adult, $14 60+, $5 youth ages 5-17, 4 and under free

9. See

   Indiana Medical History Museum

   Situated on the grounds of the now-closed Central State Hospital, a former mental health facility that provided care to Hoosiers for many years, in the former histology building. Included in the National Register of Historic Places, it is the nation's oldest pathological building. The museum provides a tour that features preserved medical specimens, antique medical equipment, and other exhibits.

   Feb–Nov: Thu–Sat 10AM–3PM with tours on the hour; Dec–Jan: Sat only·College $7, senior $9, adult $10

10. See

    Indiana State Museum

    One of the most exquisite residences in the nation is the new state museum. Discover Indiana's history, from dinosaurs and fossil discoveries to the American Civil War, World War II, and the present. Discover a hall honoring well-known Hoosiers, take advantage of the IMAX theater and special events, and stroll about White River State Park's grounds to see the sculpture garden honoring Indiana's counties. A must-watch. The little gift shop offers plush toys, gourmet beverages, unusual candies, and trinkets with Indiana themes. With its seasonal menus and freshly made soups, salads, and sandwiches, the Farmers Market Café offers a menu that pays homage to Indiana's past as a supplier of local, fresh produce. The famed chicken velvet soup is served at the historic L.S. Ayres Tea Room.

    Sun-Wed 10AM-5PM·Adult $19, senior (60+) $17, youth $13, child under 3 free

11. Eat

    Indianapolis City Market

    A historical landmark. Open only for breakfast and lunch stop by here for a great cheap meal. From Cajun to Greek, gourmet potatoes and roast beef sandwiches. Tons of restaurants and merchants make this a multi-level historical edible experience. Dine outside to enjoy the historical area and watch the locals buzz around on their lunch breaks.

12. 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

13. See

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

    The IMA is the home of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500. On the IMS grounds you will find the Museum which houses the world's largest collection of racing, classic, and antique cars. Check out 30 of the Indy 500 winner's cars, a 20-minute film about the history of the race, a souvenir shop and cafe. If you would like to see more of the track facilities, you also can pay a few bucks to ride in a bus around the actual race track (at about 40 miles or 65 km an hour). Or, for the more adventurous souls, you can try the Indy Racing Experience Driving Program where you can ride in a 2-seater Indy Car and experience speeds around the track up to 180 miles or 300 km an hour.

    Mar–Oct: 9AM–5PM daily; Nov–Feb: 10AM–4PM daily·$10 adult, $5 child, 5 and under free

14. Drink

    Kellerbar at the Rathskeller

    Located inside the Rathskeller German restaurant, this is a place to drink beers from around the world and sop it all up with German food. During the warm months, this is one of the busiest bars in town. Get there early to enjoy a quieter beer or two; the bar opens up in the afternoon and you can enjoy their in-house brew (the Dunkel is particularly good) outside in the Biergarten or inside in the cozy oak bar that emulates a German castle. Later in the evening on the weekends, cover bands rock out in the garden and drunk college students go wild.

15. See

    Madame Walker Legacy Center

    Visit the headquarters for the first self-made female millionaire, Madam C. J. Walker (she spelled her 'Madam' without the "e"), built in the early 1900s, Walker came from cotton field beginnings to start her own line of beauty products for African American women. Visit the original salon where people still get their hair done, see a concert or play at the theatre, and take a tour of the grounds. Learn more about the African-American heritage of Indianapolis south of the historic Ransom Place District.

    Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM·Tours are $8, $5 for students and seniors, children under 5 free. Events vary based on ticket price

16. See

    NCAA Hall of Champions

    This is the headquarters of the NCAA, located in White River State Park. Explore the history of college athletics—from hockey to basketball, cross-country skiing to football. Check out a film about NCAA sports, and be sure to check out the spirit section. Gift shop, too.

    Tue–Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun noon–5PM·$5, $3 youth and senior 60+, free for kids under 5

17. Do

    Noblesville Boom

    The G League affiliate of the Pacers, playing November–March, with tickets quite a bit cheaper than those for the Pacers (or even the Fever). The team was originally the Fort Wayne Mad Ants until moving into Gainbridge Fieldhouse after the 2022–23 season as the Indiana Mad Ants. The team starts play in its new digs in the northeast suburb of Noblesville in 2025–26.

18. 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

19. See

    The American Legion National Headquarters

    Situated in the heart of downtown Indy with a beautiful mall that reminds one of D.C. Check out the museum that features hundreds of World War I & II posters and artifacts, a diorama of Jessica Lynch's rescue, explore the grounds and learn about the Legion's history.

    Mon–Fri 8AM–4:30PM·Freeor paid parking

20. Do Not mapped

    Eiteljorg Indian Market

    The Midwest's largest festival celebrating Native American culture and history. Craft and art fair, performances, food and more.

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