See

Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium

It's one of the largest public observatories in the world, and the Cassegrain telescope is the largest in Indiana. Weekend tours are available only, since students use the observatory during the week. Private tours are also available.

family

Address: 4600 Sunset Ave
Getting there: Butler University Campus, about 10 minutes north of Downtown
Hours: Check website or call for times
Price: $3, $2 children, cash only
Website: butler.edu (opens in a new tab)

Directions Suggest a nearby place

Listing from Wikivoyage: Indianapolis, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Close by

Do
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra
Performs at Clowes Hall Sunday and Mondays Sep-May. They are orchestra in residence at Clowes Hall which garnishes them plenty of experience and status. Four centuries of music are covered.
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
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-8PMFree
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