Overview
There's a genuine fervour for sports in this city which is reflected in the priorities of its residents. Although Indianapolis boasts of being the 'Amateur Sports Capital of the World', it's the big time events which have put this town on the map. The Indy 500 is the oldest car race in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to engulf themselves in the power and thrills of auto racing. The infamous speedway also hosts the Brickyard 400 and America's only Formula One Championship race. But car racing isn't the only thing on people's minds. For decades, basketball has been serious business within the state. From the deep legacy of the Hoosiers college basketball team to the glamour of the NBA Pacers, Indianapolis has an unmatched passion for the game. Indy natives also love to cheer on the NFL Colts and the Indians pro baseball team, whose downtown ballpark is really impressive.
In its love for sports, however, the city has not forgotten about the arts. Over the past couple of decades, Indianapolis has been engaged in a determined effort to revitalise its tattered downtown area. In addition to a few noteworthy museums, the city has a charming historic neighbourhood scene. Lockerbie Square is a wonderful district to explore, with its restored Victorian homes and cobblestone streets. Massachusetts Avenue has been reborn with art galleries, shops and chic restaurants and the amazing Broad Ripple Village project has renovated the old canal-side neighborhood with boutique shops, cafes and a vibrant nightlife scene. The depth of cultural attractions may be a bit lacking in Indianapolis, but the city makes up for it with a wealth of green spaces and public parks. Helping to keep the city green are such wonders as White River State Park. This urban area offers cool waterways straddling grassy areas, while the Canal Walk offers a broad pathway that runs along the historic canal in the heart of the city.
Tourism has become a major industry in Indianapolis, and the city is doing everything it can to protect, promote and expand the things which make it a pleasant destination. With plenty of great sporting events, recreational areas and a respectable historic environment, there's more to this city than meets the eye if you're willing to take the time and explore it.
Distance Airport
The airport is located just 7miles (11 km) from downtown Indianapolis.
Transport Airport
Public transport in Indianapolis is efficient and quite affordable, but it is limited to the IndyGo bus system. City buses run on heavily travelled routes, but won't take you everywhere you want to go, which is why you'll want to rent a car. The city itself is easy to navigate since it's based on a grid system. Long distance bus service is provided by Greyhound, which connects Indianapolis with hundreds of destinations across the country. There is no train service within the city. Getting to Indianapolis by car is easy and straightforward.
You won't really need a taxi to get around the downtown area, as it is easily explored on foot. But to get between distant neighbourhoods, a taxi is very convenient. Unlike most other cities, you cannot hail a taxi in the street. You must call a taxi company and arrange to be picked up at your location. However, cabs often line up at downtown hotels, and you can hire them on the spot. Yellow Cab is one of the most reputable companies in town.
Flying Time from UK
Approx travel time from:
London 08Hrs 01Min
Manchester 07Hrs 45Min
Edinburgh 07Hrs 32Min
Glasgow 07Hrs 28Min
Birmingham 07Hrs 50Min
Attractions
Basketball in Indianapolis
Perhaps even surpassing Indy racing for the sheer number of fans, Indiana is crazy for basketball. Starting at the high school level, local teams are supported with a zeal usually reserved for the professional ranks. The pride of the state is the Indiana Hoosiers college team, who have a long and storied history in the sport, with such enigmatic figures as coach Bobby Knight. The Pacers are the city's professional basketball team, and they play their home games at Conseco Fieldhouse from November to April. Even women play professional ball in Indiana. They also play their home games at Conseco Fieldhouse from May to August. It';s likely that there will be some level of basketball happening during your visit and this is one of the world's premier sites to experience it. So get out there and see what all the fuss is about.
Central Canal
The city’s original purpose was as a transportation hub for the central Midwest and this heritage can still be seen in the canals which crisscross the urban landscape. The Canal Walk, which is part of the city’s historic Central Canal, stretches through White River State Park northwards to 11th Street. This charming 19th century canal has paths along its banks which are ideal for walking, biking, or jogging. Dotted along the way are old buildings, monuments and bridges which offer a glimpse at the early days of this waterway. And of course, you should consider renting a boat for a truly unique perspective of this underrated city.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
This is the city’s most impressive museum dedicated to the original inhabitants of North America. It is home to one of the country’s most famous collections of Western and Native American art. A collection named ‘Art of the American West’ offers an excellent insight to the artistic minds of the early white settlers in the western part of the country. Works by Frederic Remington and Georgia O’Keefe are outstanding visions into a land which has long since disappeared. But it’s the Native American collection that really stands out. This important collection contains artefacts such as clothing, beadwork and pottery from all over North America, providing an excellent insight into their heritage of craft and culture.
Indianapolis Eagle Creek Park
Although not known for having large and impressive animals in its territory, Indiana does have an extensive community of birds, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Indianapolis Eagle Creek Park is the best place to see this wildlife, with over 3,900 acres of dry parkland bordered by 1,400 acres of water. Natural wetlands abound here, with marshes, lakes and rivers contributing to the diversity of the environment. Some of the best bird watching in the state is in the park’s marshlands, which are a protected wildlife sanctuary.
Shopping
The cornerstone of Indy's downtown shopping scene is Circle Centre, with anchor stores Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott, 100 specialty shops, restaurants, nightclubs, a cinema, and the Artsgarden (a performance space suspended over a busy intersection and covered by a glass dome). The Fashion Mall at Keystone, is the city's other leading mall, with anchor stores Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, a number of national chain stores, and numerous specialty and designer boutiques. The mall also features the Keystone Art Cinema and Indie Lounge, with a full-service bar (and live music on weekends) where you can stop before or after taking in the latest indie flick.
The Castleton Square Mall, 82nd Street just east of Allisonville Road, is larger than Keystone and has more choices for shoppers on a budget (such as JCPenney and Sears). Other department stores include Von Maur, plus plenty of national chain stores, as well as a new multiplex movie theater. For something different, head to Broad Ripple, a charming neighborhood 15 minutes north of downtown filled with unique shops such as Girly Chic Boutique, 841 E. Westfield Blvd., and local independent chain LUNA music, 5202 N. College Ave., which sells CDs, vinyl, and posters, and hosts in-store live performances.
Fun & Family
Museum of Art
The Indianapolis Museum of Art houses a wide array of artwork by both American and international artists. The spacious and well-designed galleries display the works of El Greco and Rubens, as well as a number of notable American Impressionists and European neo-Impressionists. Among the other interesting pieces of artwork are items from Africa and Japan. American furniture, costumes and textiles round out the collection.
Children's Museum
As one of the largest children’s museums in the world, the numerous interactive exhibits will be sure to fascinate kids and adults alike. The well-conceived displays cover everything from world cultures to biotechnology. There is an extensive exhibit of toys and dolls, and the recently opened Dinosphere is guaranteed to be a hit. The multisensory dinosaur exhibit makes an excellent attempt to combine serious science with kid-friendly interactive displays. The working laboratory, coupled with the largest display of juvenile and family dinosaur fossils in America creates an absorbing atmosphere.
Indianapolis Zoo
Indianapolis’ Zoo sits on an expansive 64 acre site in the heart of the city. More than 2,000 animals roam freely in their naturally recreated habitats. The zoo encourages an environment of getting up close and personal with many of the animals, allowing giraffes to be fed and armadillos to be played with. The immense Dolphin Pavilion is one of the zoo’s highlights, as is the newly opened seahorse exhibit. Also on the grounds is the White River Botanical Garden, which presents a range of exotic and local plants in an educational setting.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Most auto racing fans place the Indy Speedway at the top of their list of magical raceways. Built in 1909, Indy is one of the most famous auto racetracks on the planet, attracting over 40,000 spectators each May to watch the Indianapolis 500, which is the largest single-day sporting event in the world. This legendary oval course also hosts the United States Grand Prix in June and the NASCAR Brickyard 400 in August. It’s hallowed ground for every auto racing fan and well worth a visit if you’re interested in the sport. Also on the grounds is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, where you can learn about the history of the track, and those who won here. There’s even a PGA golf course within the oval, if you feel like swinging the clubs.
Caribbean Cove Indoor Water Park
#This 50,000 square foot indoor facility offers all kinds of water attractions and activities. There are a number of pools, slides and spas, as well as a leisure river for floating along, a kid’s island and video arcade. The only catch is that the park is only open to guests staying at the Holiday Inn Select Indianapolis North Hotel. But if you’re looking for a place to stay, this could make a perfect combination.
Night Life
The Indianapolis nightlife has something for every kind of traveler, from the family traveler with youngsters to the solo traveler to the couple on a romantic trip. If you're looking for a memorable evening experience in Indianapolis, you should consider trying one of the following:
Fujiyama Steakhouse of Japan
A "steakhouse" isn't always the first thing you think of when you think of the nightlife, but Fujiyama Steakhouse of Japan, located at 5149 Victory Drive, is an inclusive dinner/entertainment experience. You'll get to choose from high-quality Japanese and Asian dishes and watch them prepared in a spectacular show right at your table, as you'll be surrounding a large grill. Adults and kids alike enjoy this show of skill, which can sometimes be (purposefully) comedic. Fujiyama Steakhouse also is known for its extensive sushi menu. If you're looking to enjoy some liquor, there's a wide array of cocktails and Japanese beer and sake. Fujiyama Steakhouse has a casual dining atmosphere, but it is a little pricier than many family restaurants.
Nicky Blaine's Cocktail Lounge
The ideal location for a date, a group of adults or singles, Nicky Blaine's Cocktail Lounge at 20 North Meridian Street is a low-key, relaxing place to get a drink and have a conversation. Quiet, soothing music plays as you sit in plush chairs or high-backed stools in a burgundy and brown color scheme. The full-service bar, with a particular emphasis on martinis, scotch and wine, offers drinks a little on the high end of the pricing scale, and there is often a cover charge. Dress is slightly formal, although you don't have to go overboard. The lounge is also a full-service cigar shop with a humidor on-site.
Slippery Noodle Inn
The oldest bar in Indianapolis is also one of its most popular. With live blues music daily, the Slippery Noodle Inn at 372 South Meridian Street is a great place to dance to music as you have your nightcap. The building is also one of the oldest buildings in the state and has quite a bit of history. If you go, be sure to check out the bullet holes in the walls from when the building was used as target practice for a livery stable or the Dillinger and Brady gangs!
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