Indianapolis Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Indianapolis Travel & Tourism, Free Indianapolis Travel Guide Online
Indianapolis Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Indianapolis Travel & Tourism, Free Indianapolis Travel Guide Online
While Indianapolis has long been known to racing fans who flock to this capital city every May for the Indianapolis 500, the city now boasts of several new attractions of more interest to families. Downtown Indianapolis surrounds the majestic Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, a 284-ft. Spire crowned by the 30-ft. Bronze statue Victory, popularly known as Miss Indiana. Situated around Monument Circle are entertainment centers, museums, and several new sports stadiums and hotels, to keep up with such events as the Pan-American games and Olympic trials.
The new Circle Centre shopping and entertainment complex opened in 1995 and draws visitors from around the region. Connected to the Circle Centre and several downtown hotels is the Indianapolis Arts garden. The eight-story glass rotunda, lit by tiny lights and suspended in mid-air over the busy Washington and Illinois intersection, is a performance and exhibition space for all of Indiana. Indianapolis has undergone an amazing renaissance. In recent years, the downtown landmarks have all been transformed into new shopping and entertainment centers that have maintained their architectural integrity.
Waiting for you in Indianapolis are a number of excellent museums, including one of the best children's museums in the country. The Indianapolis Children's Museum is 5 stories of educational, hands-on learning and fun for the whole family! After you take a ride on the old-fashioned merry-go-round, stop by "Passport to the World" to learn about different cultures from people in their native dress.
When you are ready to "climb the walls", head for the towering rock climbing wall, complete with all the repelling gear you'll need to make it to the top! There's even a planetarium and the famous IMAX theater for added educational enjoyment.
Surrounded by sculpture, botanical gardens, and a lake, the Indianapolis Museum of Art has art treasures from all time periods. In contrast, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is dedicated entirely to native arts and buildings. The new Indianapolis Zoo features hundreds of plants and animals in a lovely natural setting just outside town.
Come to Indianapolis and experience the newly developed cultural and entertainment center of the Old Northwest! Whether it's the Indy 500, museums to tour, or places to shop, you'll find something to interest you in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Attractions: Indianapolis Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Indianapolis Travel & Tourism, Free Indianapolis Travel Guide Online
MonumentCircle The centerpiece of Indianapolis,the Circle has avenues extending from it across the regular grid of streets.At the center is the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, a 284-ft spire crownedby the 30-ft bronze statue Victory, better known as Miss Indiana.
Hilbert Circle Theatre 317-262-1100, ext. 235 This vintage-1916 moviepalace overlooks Monument Circle. It is currently the main venuefor the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.
Indiana State Museum 202 N. Alabama St. 317-232-1637 Located in the Old CityHall, this museum has numerous exhibits dedicated to the state's historyand culture.
Indiana World War Memorial 431 N. Meridian 317-232-7615 This beautiful monumentpays tribute to Indiana's veterans of World War I, World War II, the KoreanWar and the Vietnam War.
Scottish Rite Cathedral 650 N. Meridian St. 317-262-3100 This Masonic structure wasbuilt around 1929 and houses a 54-bell carillon and a 7,000-pipe organ.
Eiteljorg Museum of AmericanIndians and Western Art 500 W. Washington St. 317-636-9378; Located in a modern adobebuilding, the museum displays works by Frederic Remington and Georgia O'Keeffe,among others.
Union Station 39 W. Jackson Pl. 317-267-0701 A magnificent structure,the station was built in 1888 in Romanesque style. It was recentlyrestored, and its stained glass ceiling is a marvel to behold.
President Benjamin HarrisonHome 1230 N. Delaware St. 317-631-1898 Complete with wonderfulVictorian furnishings, the home has retained much of its original characterfrom its 1875 construction. Political mementos and clothes are alsopart of the home of America's 23rd president.
James Whitcomb Riley MuseumHome 528 Lockerbie St. 317-631-5885 This house has won praiseand attention as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture andstyle in the country.
Indianapolis Museum ofArt 1200 W. 38th St. 317-923-1331 This large five-pavilioncomplex and botanical gardens is situated on 152 acres of manicured lawns.It includes paintings and sculptures by old masters, neoimpressionists,and major Asian and African artists.
Indianapolis Zoo and WhiteRiver State Park 1200 W. Washington St. 317-630-2001 The 250-acre park is adjacentto the Zoo, which holds more than 3,000 animals. One area of particularinterest at the Zoo is the whale and dolphin pavilion
Canal Walk This downtown landmark isa 10-block tribute to the historical 400-mile canal system linking theGreat Lakes and the Ohio River. It is a stroller's delight, withbenches, fountains and wide walkways lining both sides of the canal.
Indianapolis Events: Indianapolis Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Indianapolis Travel & Tourism, Free Indianapolis Travel Guide Online
Arts and Entertainment
Indianapolis offers a variety of performing arts, from mainstream musicals to thought-provoking dramas. Most are in the downtown area in historic venues, within easy walking distance of many hotels. A five-block area along Massachusetts Avenue, just northwest of downtown, has become known as the arts district. It's home to several theaters (the Murat, American Cabaret Theatre, Theatre on the Square and the Phoenix Theatre), as well as a variety of restaurants and bars and some shops.
Dance American Cabaret Theatre
401 E. Michigan St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-631-0334. Toll-free 800-375-8887. Mainstream original musical revues often featuring foot-stepping tunes from particular eras or from particular composers. Inside the historic Antheneum,
Ballet Internationale Indianapolis
September-April. 502 N. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. Phone 317-637-8979. The state's premier ballet company performs at the Murat Theatre (a stunning structure modeled after an Islamic mosque).
This 10-member professional dance troupe is Indiana's best in contemporary dance, trained in modern and classical ballet arts.
Music
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
32 East Washington St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-262-1100. One of the country's premier orchestras, the Indianapolis Symphony performs in the splendid historic Hilbert Circle Theatre on Monument Circle.
Verizon Wireless Music Center
May-September. Ticket prices vary by performance. 12880 E. 146th St., Noblesville (about 30 minutes north of downtown), Indianapolis. Phone 317-249-2710. During the summer months, this 220-acre/89-hectare amphitheater offers outdoor concerts ranging from famous classical performers to contemporary pop stars
Opera Indianapolis Opera
250 E. 38th St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-283-3531. The state's largest opera company performs four operas each season at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University and also tours statewide.
Theater Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre
9301 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis. Phone 317-876-0504. Enjoy a meat-and-potatoes-style buffet while you watch Broadway productions. Popular with tourist groups.
Indiana Repertory Theatre
140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-635-5277.
Drama, comedy, classic and contemporary professional regional theater featuring actors from across the country.
Indianapolis Civic Theatre
1200 W. 38th St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-924-6770. Founded in 1914, this is the largest professionally managed community theater in the city.
The Phoenix Theatre
749 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis. Phone 317-635-7529. Housed in a charming, 100-year-old former church, this is the city's only professional theater dedicated to contemporary, issue-oriented works.
Theatre on the Square
627 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis. Phone 317-637-8085. A professionally managed community theater that performs original, contemporary pieces. Nestled among art galleries and restaurants.
Other Options The Murat Center
502 N. New Jersey St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-231-0000.
This breathtaking multipurpose facility features a 2,500-seat performing arts theater and brings in major concerts and Broadway shows.
Sports
In recent years, Indianapolis has become something of a sports capital by offering more than top auto races. Downtown venues have hosted such events as the NCAA Final Four games and the Olympic Trials. The city also supports professional teams in football, minor-league baseball and the state's first love, basketball.
Auto Racing Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 W. 16th St. (west of downtown), Indianapolis.
Phone 317-484-6700. About 400,000 people head to the speedway on Memorial Day weekend for the Indianapolis 500. About the same number fill the stands each August for the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race, which debuted in 1994. The U.S. Grand Prix, held each September, drew the largest crowd in modern Formula One history when it premiered in 2000. Tickets for the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400 traditionally sell out well in advance, although they can usually be obtained through scalpers (legal in Indiana).
Baseball Indianapolis Indians
Corner of West and Maryland streets, downtown, Indianapolis.
Phone 317-269-3542 for tickets. Named by Sports Illustrated as the "best minor league park in the nation," Victory Field is home to the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. The 13,500-seat stadium also has a lawn and picnicking area that holds 2,000 more fans. April-August
Basketball Indiana Fever
125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-917-2500. For tickets, phone 317-917-2727. Indiana's WNBA franchise began play in 2000. Games are in Conseco Fieldhouse; season runs May-August. Very child- and family-friendly..
Indiana Pacers
November-April.. 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-917-2500. For tickets, phone 317-917-2727. Indiana's NBA franchise plays in Conseco Fieldhouse,
Football Indianapolis Colts
Season runs August-December.. 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis. Phone 317-297-7000. For tickets, phone 317-262-3389. The Colts play home games at the RCA Dome, adjacent to the Convention Center. Tickets are available at the box office as well as through Ticketmaster.
Shopping
Traditional shoppers will like the polished ambience and profusion of shops with familiar names at downtown Circle Centre Mall. Several malls north of downtown also offer good upscale shopping.
Look for the chic as well as the unusual among the little galleries, shops and sidewalk cafes in Broad Ripple Village. Antique lovers shouldn't miss the several dozen antique dealers pooling their treasures at Midland Arts and Antiques or the specialty shops in outlying Zionsville, northwest of the city.
Collectors are likely to enjoy Tim and Avi's Salvage Store, which sells old doors, hardware and other authentic architectural remnants. Collected by two men who restore older homes, pieces are also sold online and shipped around the world.
Shopping Hours:
Most shops at malls are open Monday-Saturday 9 or 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. Specialty shops tend to close daily at 6 pm, although there are exceptions downtown and in Broad Ripple Village, where some stay open late on Friday and Saturday nights.
Shopping Areas Broad Ripple Village
Hours vary. It's bordered by White River to the north, Kessler Boulevard to the south, Meridian Street to the west and Evanston Avenue to the east. An eclectic neighborhood north of downtown that has many distinctive shops, galleries and restaurants. Names such as Grateful Threads (Grateful Dead-inspired clothing) and Birkenstock Sole.
Circle Centre Mall
49 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis.
Phone 317-681-8000.
Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm A modern, urban shopping mall built behind the facades of several 19th-century buildings, the five-story structure is connected by walkways to nearby hotels, restaurants and sports arenas and has low-cost underground parking garages. A major downtown attraction, it has nightclubs, movie theaters, restaurants, department stores and more than 100 specialty shops
Events
January
Early January— Circle of Lights. The traditional unveiling of the Circle of Lights on Monument Circle ushers in Indianapolis' holiday season. More than 50 strands of colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to its base, 1 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-237-2202. Concludes early January
1 Jan— New Year's Day. Public holiday.
Jan— Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Public holiday.
Throughout January— Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722
Throughout January
— Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late June.
Throughout January— Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through mid March.
Throughout January— Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600 Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
Throughout January— Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets, call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April.
Throughout January— Musical. The American Cabaret Theatre mounts frequent musical productions in the Athenaeum Building, 400 E. Michigan St. For information and tickets, call 317-631-0334, or toll-free 800-375-8887. Continues through late December
Throughout January— NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-462-2849.Season continues through mid April
February
3rd Week in Feb— Presidents Day. Public holiday.
Throughout February— Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through mid March
Throughout February— Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600 Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
Throughout February— Musical. The American Cabaret Theatre mounts frequent musical productions in the Athenaeum Building, 400 E. Michigan St. For information and tickets, call 317-631-0334, or toll-free 800-375-8887. Continues through late December
Throughout February— Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets, call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.. Continues through late April
Throughout February— Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722. Continues through late May
Throughout February— Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late June
Throughout February— NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-462-2849. Season continues through mid April
March
Early-Mid March— Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Concludes mid March
17 Mar— St. Patrick's Day Parade. More than 100 entries join this parade from North and Pennsylvania streets down Ohio to Meridian. The 4-mi/6.4-km Shamrock Run and Walk precedes the parade. Organized by the Indianapolis Athletic Club. For information, call 317-236-6515.
Throughout March— Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722. Continues through late May
April
Early-Late April— Minor-League Baseball. The Indianapolis Indians, Triple-A affiliates of the Milwaukee Brewers, play home games at one of the best U.S. minor-league parks. Victory Field, West and Maryland streets. For information, call 317-269-3542. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239- 5151. Continues through early September
May
Mid-Late May
— Broad Ripple Art Fair. Nearly 250 national and regional artists display their original works in this juried show, featuring functional and decorative items such as paintings, photographs, sculptures, pottery and jewelry. Also five stages of various music styles (jazz, blues, Celtic, swing, pop and reggae), regional and international food, and children's activities. Indianapolis Art Center grounds, 820 E. 67th St. Phone 317-255-2464.
Late May— Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis 500, perhaps the world's most famous auto race, annually draws about 400,000 people to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Qualifying and practices take place from early May. Tickets traditionally sell out a year in advance, but general admission to the grounds is available. Crawfordsville and Georgetown roads. For ticket information, call 317-492-6700, or toll-free 800-822-4639.
Late May: Memorial Day. Public holiday.
Late May— Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade. Nearly 100 units include floats, marching bands and the 33 drivers of the Indy 500. More than 300,000 people line the parade route that follows various downtown streets, including Pennsylvania Street. For information, call 317-927-3378.
Early May— Orchard in Bloom. Ranked one of the top 75 garden shows in the U.S., this three-day show features award-winning floral, garden and table-top designs by top professionals, a gardeners market and children's activities. Holliday Park, 63rd and Spring Mill roads. For information, call 317-713-5765.
Early-Late May— 500 Festival. This month long festival celebrates the Indy 500 auto race with the nation's largest minimarathon (30,000 runners), the state's largest children's festival, the largest motor-racing parade in the U.S., art displays and more events. Various venues. For information and tickets, call 317-927-3378 or 317-614-6400.
June
Early-Mid June— Vintage Indiana. Samples of more than 100 brands from Indiana wineries and cuisine prepared by Indianapolis' finest restaurants. Also live music entertainment, artists booths and children's activities. Military Park, New York and West streets. For information, call toll-free 800-832-9463
Mid June— Indy Jazz Fest. Well-known and emerging jazz artists give concerts in styles from jazz and blues to gospel and soul. Miller Park, downtown. For information, call toll-free 800-344-4639.
Mid-Late June— U.S. Grand Prix. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the only U.S. race on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar. Expect tickets to sell out quickly. Crawfordsville and Georgetown roads. For information and tickets, call 317-492-6700, or toll-free 800-822-4639.
Late June— Indian Market. The Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market brings together more than 150 artisans representing 50 Native American tribes to sell and display their works at the largest event of this type in the Midwestern U.S. Eiteljorg Museum, 500 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-636-9378.
July
4 July— Independence Day. Public holiday.
Early-Mid July— Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration. More than 300,000 attend this festival's activities: business conferences, professional workshops, health and community fairs, film and music festivals, celebrity basketball games, a cultural pavillion and more. Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome. For information, call 317-925-2702.
Mid-Late July— Tennis. The RCA Championships is a hard-court tournament that showcases some of the top male professional tennis players in the world. Indianapolis Tennis Center, 150 University Blvd. (at New York Street). For information, call 317-632-8000. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-622-5683.
September
6 Sep— Labor Day. Public holiday.
21-30 Sep— Art Exhibit. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. Phone 317-923-1331 or 317-920-2660. Continues through 2 Jan
24-26 Sep— 4-Wheel & Off-Road Jamboree Nationals. One of the best truck shows in the U.S. features monster truck and NMRO racing, a Mothers Polish Car Show Series event and manufacturers exhibits. Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St. For information and tickets, call 317-236-6522.
Late September— Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets, call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April
Early-Late September— Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late June
Early-Late September— Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722.. Continues through late May
Early-Mid September— Penrod Art Fair. This annual art fair presents works by 300 artists and craftsmen, live musical performances on five stages, fare from 20 restaurants, and special children's activities and entertainment. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 400 Michigan Road. For information, call 317-252-9895.
Throughout September— Art Exhibit Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. Phone 317-923-1331 or 317-920-2660. Continues through mid- Oct
Early September— Oktoberfest. Bratwurst, beer, oompah bands and dance are part of the state's largest festival celebrating German culture. German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St. For information, call 317-888-6940.
Throughout September— Exhibit. Children's Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St. Phone 317-334-3322. Continues through 31 Dec
October
Early-Mid October— Circle City Classic. The second-largest college bowl game between two historically black colleges. It's grown from a football game into a festival, featuring a parade, princess pageant, golf tournament, cabaret shows and college fair. RCA Dome, 100 S. Capitol Ave. Phone 317-237-5222. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151.
Early-Late October— Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600 Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
2nd week in Oct
— Columbus Day. Public holiday.
Late October— NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-462-2849. Season continues through mid April
Mid-Late October— Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through mid March
Mid-Late October— Heartland Film Festival. Established in 1991, the festival recognizes filmmakers whose work artistically represents hope and respect for positive values of life. Screens features, shorts, dramas, documentaries, animations and works by students. Various cinemas. For information, call 317-464-9405. For tickets, call toll-free 866-433-1010.
Throughout October— Art Exhibit.. Indianapolis Museum of Art, 4000 Michigan Road. Phone 317-923-1331 or 317-920-2660. Continues through 2 Jan
Throughout October— Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets, call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April
Throughout October— Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late June
Throughout October— Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722. Continues through late May
November
Early Nov— Indy's International Festival. Cultural demonstrations, customs and food presented by the more than 50 ethnic groups represented by the Nationalities Council of Indiana. Exposition Hall, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1200 E. 38th St. For information, call 317-236-6515 or 317-638-9510
11 Nov— Veterans Day. Public holiday.
4th Thursday in Nov— Thanksgiving Day. Public holiday.
Late November— Circle of Lights. The traditional unveiling of the Circle of Lights on Monument Circle ushers in Indianapolis' holiday season. More than 50 strands of colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to its base, 1 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-237-2202. Continues through early January
Throughout November— Central Hockey League. The Indianapolis Ice play home games at Pepsi Coliseum, Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th St., and Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-925-4423. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through mid March
Throughout November— Opera. The Indianapolis Opera presents four productions each season at Clowes Memorial Hall, Butler University campus, 4600 Sunset Ave. For information, call 317-283-3531. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through early May
Throughout November— Concert. The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra presents classical music concerts and features frequent guest soloists. Hilbert Circle Theatre, 45 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-262-1100. For tickets, call 317-639-4300, or toll-free 800-366-8457. Continues through late June
Throughout November— NBA Basketball. The Indiana Pacers play home games at Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St. For information, call 317-917-2500. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151, or toll-free 800-462-2849. Season continues through mid April
Throughout November— Dance. Ballet Internationale performs at Murat Centre, 510 N. New Jersey St. For information, call 317-637-8979. For tickets, call 317-231-0000, or Ticketmaster at 317-239-5151. Continues through late April
Throughout November— Theater. The Indiana Repertory Theatre presents a broad range of contemporary theater productions. 140 W. Washington St. For information, call 317-635-5277. For tickets, call 317-635-5252. TDD 317-236-0722. Continues through late May
December
25 Dec— Christmas. Public holiday.
Throughout December— Circle of Lights. The traditional unveiling of the Circle of Lights on Monument Circle ushers in Indianapolis' holiday season. More than 50 strands of colored lights are strung from the top of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument to its base, 1 Monument Circle. For information, call 317-237-2202. Continues through early January
Indianapolis Facts: Indianapolis Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Indianapolis Travel & Tourism, Free Indianapolis Travel Guide Online
City Center Population:
783,612.
Metropolitan Area Population:
1,632,453.
Time Zone:
Eastern Standard Time. Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements:
110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 317, area code.
Average Temperatures:
Month
High
Low
January
36F
22F
February
39F
23F
March
49F
32F
April
61F
43F
May
72F
54F
June
82F
63F
July
86F
67F
August
84F
65F
September
77F
58F
October
65F
47F
November
50F
35F
December
39F
26F
Local Seasons: Summer can be a little hot and sticky in Indianapolis. It can get up into the 90s with humidity in the 55%-80% range, but the average summer temperatures run 60-85 F. Optimal times to visit are May-June and September-October, when the climate is at its mildest, although the weather can be unpredictable. Expect daytime highs of 73-83 F in spring and 66-77 F in the fall. A sweater or light jacket will protect against cool evenings—mid 40s to mid 50s. There's no distinct rainy season, so there should be lots of sunshine mixed with rain. There is some snow from November-March, with yearly totals running from 6 in. - 44 in.
National Holidays:
New Year's Day Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.
President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.
Memorial Day last Mon. in May
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.
Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25
New Year's Eve Dec. 31
Internet Access
Free computer usage is available at most branches of the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library. Check locally. Most copy shops, such as Kinko's, offer Internet access for an hourly fee.
Mail and Package Services
Post Office The main U.S. Post Office is downtown. There are branches in nearly every neighborhood. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. 125 W. South St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-464-6000.
Newspapers and Magazines
Indianapolis' daily newspaper is The Indianapolis Star. Check the paper's Friday or Sunday edition to find out about local happenings. Weekly publications include The Indianapolis Business Journal and The Indianapolis Recorder, founded in 1895 to serve the city's African-American community. Nuvo is the city's free alternative weekly and is published every Thursday. It features extensive calendar listings.
Transportation
Indianapolis has a walkable downtown, but if you want to go anywhere beyond the heart of the city, it's best to rent a car: Bus service is limited, and taxis are available on call, but do not cruise the streets. Broad Ripple Village is also best explored on foot. Metered parking on the street is free on weekends, but during major events, it may be difficult to find a spot.
Air
Regional, domestic and international airlines serve Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which is 7 mi/11 km southwest of downtown.
Connecting Transportation
Best way
:
Some hotels provide shuttle service from the airport, but if yours does not, you can catch Carey Indiana, a shuttle serving all downtown hotels. Phone 317-241-7100 to arrange for pickup.
Other options
:
City buses also run hourly from the airport, and limousine and taxi services are available. Major rental car agencies maintain offices at the airport.
Bus
Greyhound Offers bus service to towns in Indiana and points outside the state. The main bus terminal is within walking distance of several downtown hotels. 350 S. Illinois St., Union Station, Indianapolis. Phone 317-267-3074.
Car
Several major interstate highways fan out from Indianapolis: I-65 runs northwest toward Chicago and south to Louisville, I-74 runs west toward Illinois and southeast toward Ohio, I-70 runs west toward Terre Haute and east to Ohio, and I-69 begins in Indianapolis and heads northeast to Michigan. All of these highways connect to I-465, which circles the city. I-70 and I-65 converge in downtown, creating the city's infamous "Spaghetti Bowl." Despite ubiquitous construction, Indianapolis doesn't experience bumper-to-bumper traffic, except during rush hour and in the Castleton and Carmel suburban areas.
Note that a portion of I-70 just west of I-465 and adjacent to the airport is in the process of being relocated to allow for construction of a new terminal. Until the roadwork is finished, watch out for lane shifts and short road closures during the night.
Public Transportation
Bus (IndyGo) Indianapolis' only public transportation is the bus. Bus stops are identified by a bus symbol on a kelly-green street sign. A dollar bill or correct change is needed. Phone 317-635-3344.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful at the airport and major hotels, but you have to reserve a cab by phone if you want to take a ride from anywhere else. If you're taking a taxi anywhere other than downtown, make sure either you or your driver knows how to get there.
Train
Amtrak Provides train service to the city on its Chicago-Washington, D.C., line. Trains arrive and depart from Union Station. 350 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis. Phone 317-263-0550.
Indianapolis Kids Activities: Indianapolis Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Indianapolis Travel & Tourism, Free Indianapolis Travel Guide Online
IndianaState Museum 202 N. Alabama St. 317-232-1637 Located in the Old CityHall, this museum has numerous exhibits dedicated to the state's historyand culture.
President Benjamin HarrisonHome 1230 N. Delaware St. 317-631-1898 Complete with wonderfulVictorian furnishings, the home has retained much of its original characterfrom its 1875 construction. Political mementos and clothes are alsopart of the home of America's 23rd president.
James Whitcomb Riley MuseumHome 528 Lockerbie St. 317-631-5885 This house has won praiseand attention as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture andstyle in the country.
The Children's Museumof Indianapolis 3000 N. Meridian St. 317-924-5431 This outstanding children'smuseum features the world's largest water clock, a planetarium, IWERKSCineDome Theater, a science center and nine other major galleries.Visitors will especially enjoy the carousel and the limestone cave.
Indianapolis Museum ofArt 1200 W. 38th St. 317-923-1331 This large five-pavilioncomplex and botanical gardens is situated on 152 acres of manicured lawns.It includes paintings and sculptures by old masters, neoimpressionists,and major Asian and African artists.
Indianapolis Zoo and WhiteRiver State Park 1200 W. Washington St. 317-630-2001 The 250-acre park is adjacentto the Zoo, which holds more than 3,000 animals. One area of particularinterest at the Zoo is the whale and dolphin pavilion
Canal Walk This downtown landmark isa 10-block tribute to the historical 400-mile canal system linking theGreat Lakes and the Ohio River. It is a stroller's delight, withbenches, fountains and wide walkways lining both sides of the canal.
