Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Downtown Indianapolis

Downtown Indianapolis, also referred to as Downtown Indy or the Mile Square, represents a continuously developing urban area. Since it earned the designation of Mile Square in the early 1800s, this foundational district has expanded to cover six and a half square miles, evolving into a thriving hub of nine neighborhoods, with further growth ongoing.

Delve into Downtown Indianapolis to uncover serene canals accompanied by Italian-style gondoliers, a cathedral reminiscent of a Scottish castle, and a glass-roofed garden abundant with art. Venture underground into eerie catacombs, meander along intriguing cultural pathways, or find inspiration at a museum dedicated to collegiate athletics.

This downtown area offers a variety of enriching activities, both cultural and social, making it essential to explore these fifteen premier experiences during your visit to Downtown Indianapolis.

1. Gondola Canal Ride

If you assumed that the only location to hear a gondolier perform O Sole Mio while navigating canal waters was in Venice, reconsider. Visit West Michigan Street in Downtown Indianapolis, where you will find the moorings for Old World Gondoliers, adjacent to the waterside Fresco Cafe.

Enjoy a thirty- or sixty-minute ride along the Central Canal in Downtown, enhanced by the serenade of a gondolier dressed in authentic Venetian attire. Each gondola accommodates between two to eight individuals or may be reserved privately.

It is customary to show appreciation by tipping the gondolier for the musical experience.

2. Scottish Rite Cathedral

The Scottish Rite Cathedral stands as a prominent landmark in Downtown Indianapolis, evoking the charm of the heather-covered highlands of Scotland.

Constructed in the late 1920s, this cathedral ranks among the largest Masonic buildings globally. Managed by an organization affiliated with Freemasonry, it features numerous Masonic symbols, a sixty-six-square-foot dance floor in a colonnaded, wood-paneled ballroom, and a theater with a capacity of one thousand seats.

Guided tours led by knowledgeable historians are offered several days each week, and visitors can also utilize an on-site cafeteria for refreshments.

3. Pacers Bike Share

Explore Downtown Indianapolis on a vibrant yellow bike provided by the Pacers Bike Share Scheme.

Numerous bike stations are conveniently positioned across Downtown Indy, adjacent to many of the district’s primary attractions. A day pass grants users unlimited thirty-minute rides throughout a twenty-four-hour period.

Bicycles can be returned to any station; however, it is important to note that exceeding the thirty-minute time limit results in a small additional fee. The Pacers Bike Share serves as an ideal means of transportation to discover the Indy Cultural Trail.

4. Indy Cultural Trail

The Indy Cultural Trail comprises an extensive eight-mile-long paved pathway connecting the neighborhoods within Downtown Indianapolis.

Access the trail on West Walnut Street or from any point along the route to immerse yourself in a scenic walk or bike ride through the district. You may choose to complete the entire trail or explore it in segments, taking the time to enjoy landscaped gardens, various public artworks, and the stunning Downtown skyline.

Trail maps can be downloaded from the indyculturaltrail.org website, and guided bicycle tours with rental options are available from April to October.

5. Eiteljorg Museum

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, located on West Washington Street in Downtown Indianapolis, is dedicated to illustrating the narrative of America’s Indigenous populations and the history of the American West through visual artistry.

This museum houses a diverse array of collections in thematically organized galleries across multiple floors. Included are traditional pieces of Native art, such as totem poles and pottery, alongside contemporary sculptures and paintings, as well as significant exhibitions showcasing Western artworks that reflect the lives and times from early pioneer days to contemporary influences, including Western cinema.

6. St. Elmo Steak House

For an authentic taste of classic Indianapolis cuisine, consider dining at St. Elmo Steak House located on South Illinois Street in Downtown Indy.

Established in 1902, St. Elmo Steak House has earned a reputation for exceptional food quality. Although it has undergone regular renovations, the restaurant still retains the warm ambiance and decor reminiscent of its inception and has garnered numerous national honors for both service and dining experience.

A highlight of any visit to Downtown Indianapolis is the renowned St. Elmo’s shrimp cocktail—a dish that has delighted countless patrons.

7. Old National Centre

For an evening of entertainment featuring live music, theatrical performances, or dance, the Old National Centre, located on North New Jersey Street, is the ideal venue in Downtown Indy.

The ONC boasts three distinct spaces: a two-thousand six hundred seat theater, a concert hall with a capacity of one thousand eight hundred, and a multifunctional event room that accommodates over six hundred attendees.

Expect a diverse lineup at the ONC, featuring performances ranging from the Hip Hop Nutcracker to live adaptations of Dancing with the Stars, as well as solo acts from celebrated artists such as Scott McCreery, John Legend, and the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin.

8. Downtown Comics

For enthusiasts of the Big Bang Theory who have always dreamed of visiting a comic shop akin to what is depicted in the show, Downtown Comics located on East Market Street in Downtown Indianapolis provides that experience.

This comic store offers a delightful environment for hours of browsing through both classic and recent comic editions featuring leading titles.

Furthermore, it caters to a broad audience, not just comic aficionados or Comic-Con fans, as the shop also stocks collectible vinyl comic figurines and vinyl records. It is truly a gem in Downtown Indy.

9. NCAA Hall of Champions

Merge a museum visit with an opportunity for physical activity at the NCAA Hall of Champions located on West Washington Street in Downtown Indianapolis.

The lower level of the museum celebrates the accomplishments of athletes across twenty-four collegiate sports, featuring exhibitions relevant to each sport and its legends.

Meanwhile, the upper level invites guests to engage with interactive game simulators for skiing and basketball, alongside a vintage gym reminiscent of the 1930s.

10. Tomlinson Tap Room

The Tomlinson Tap Room is a nostalgic, pub-style bar situated in the Downtown Indianapolis City Market.

The establishment exclusively serves locally crafted Indiana beers and wines, which are updated regularly. Enjoy a refreshing pint after perusing the market stalls or simply unwind while observing the dynamic market scene from the Tap Room’s indoor patio.

The Tap Room also offers a modest food menu, featuring a selection of sandwiches and light snacks, such as Beer Chicken Nachos, which complement the draft beer offerings perfectly.

11. Market Catacombs

Dedicate half an hour to exploring Downtown Indianapolis’ Market Catacombs to experience an alternative aspect of the district.

Engage with a captivating narrative detailing Downtown’s historical context before venturing underground into the dungeon-like expanse of the former Tomlinson Hall, where you may traverse twenty thousand square feet of brick-arched corridors.

While the atmosphere evokes a dark and dusty aura, numerous paranormal investigations indicate that the labyrinth is devoid of hauntings.

12. Indianapolis Artsgarden

The remarkable Indianapolis Artsgarden is an essential destination when navigating Downtown Indy. This innovative glass-domed structure spans the intersection of Washington and Illinois Streets, reaching a height of seven stories, serving not only as a pedestrian skywalk but also as a gallery and venue for events.

The Artsgarden hosts approximately two hundred and fifty free-entry musical performances every year, in addition to daily lunchtime Garden Jams and monthly exhibitions featuring local artists.

13. Downtown Indy Canal Walk

Take a leisurely walk along the Downtown Indy Canal Walk, where you will encounter intriguing public art pieces and waterfront dining options featuring excellent terraces for viewing the Downtown skyline.

The Canal Walk extends for three miles, commencing at White River State Park and reaching 11th Street while being accessible from various points within Downtown Indy, including West Ohio Street and West New York Street.

Be sure to spot the Tent sculpture, a tower made of colorful tiles that ripple in the wind, or stop by the Stardust Terrace Cafe for a refreshing coffee.

If walking is not preferred, consider participating in a Segway tour of the Canal Walk, or alternatively, rent a kayak or pedal boat to experience the sights of Downtown Indianapolis from the water.

14. Circle Centre Mall

The Circle Centre Mall, located on West Maryland Street in Downtown Indy, is a favored destination in the district for shopping, dining, or enjoying the latest film releases.

This four-story mall spans over seven acres and features two levels dedicated entirely to retail, showcasing both leading brand stores and unique smaller boutiques.

The third floor of Circle Centre Mall consists of a food hall that houses numerous restaurants with eclectic menus ranging from Chinese and Asian fusions to Italian cuisine and classic burgers.

On the top level, visitors will find a gaming arcade and a nine-screen cinema.

15. Slippery Noodle Inn

Despite the name Slippery Noodle Inn conjuring images of a Chinese restaurant, this establishment on South Meridian Street in Downtown Indianapolis offers a vastly different experience.

Opening its doors in 1850, the Slippery Noodle Inn has provided beverages to both residents and visitors of Indianapolis continuously, even during the Prohibition era. This bar features several historical attributes, including a century-old bar, and has served as a notable location on the Underground Railroad over its more than 160 years of operation.

In addition to its captivating history, the Slippery Noodle Inn is recognized as Indianapolis’ premier blues venue, featuring live music across two separate stages every evening. A visit to this establishment is a must; it promises to make your stay in Downtown Indianapolis absolutely legendary.