A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
One of Indianapolis’s major attractions is the exciting array of sporting events it hosts, including the renowned Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event. Additionally, it serves as the headquarters for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Moreover, the city is notable for being the largest in Indiana and the second largest city in the American Midwest.
Chicago may receive significant attention as the informal capital of the Midwest, yet Indiana’s largest city, Indianapolis, offers a unique allure that deserves recognition. Renowned for its stature in the realm of sports, hosting events such as the NCAA Final Four and the Olympic Swim Trials, Indianapolis stands out in its own right.
Getting around in Indianapolis isn’t a challenge with many modes of transportation. Although Indianapolis is the 15th largest city in the United States, it isn’t as compact as other big cities, such as nearby Chicago.
As the host of the Indy 500 – the world’s largest single-day sporting event – Indianapolis has established itself as the racing capital of the world. If the engine revving from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway inspires you to go for a drive, the city has connections to all four major interstate highways, earning it the nickname “the Crossroads of America.”
From the late Victorian era to the middle of the 20th century, Indiana was a powerhouse of manufacturing and agriculture. However, civic-minded Hoosiers were determined to make their capital city of Indianapolis more than a crossroads in a cornfield. Consequently, the museums they founded were so substantial and innovative that they continue to stand out to this day.
If Indianapolis brings to mind costly tickets for the Indy 500 or a Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium, you’re not alone. However, this city also anchors Indiana, a state known for its affordable cost of living.
Set between Chicago and Cleveland, Detroit and Nashville, Indianapolis makes a perfect weekend getaway for anyone traveling through the Midwest. Indiana’s state capital is home to craft breweries, award-winning restaurants, and nearly a dozen sports teams. The best time to visit depends on what strikes your fancy: sports, food, or outdoor recreation.
While the Hoosier state capital is perhaps best known as the home of the Indy 500, Indianapolis is more than just a city for racing enthusiasts. It’s a place where public art, professional sports, bikeways, universities, museums, and parks meld together in one dynamic city.
There’s so much to do in Indianapolis that it’s hard to take it all in. The following (purely subjective) list of ten of Indianapolis’s top attractions may help you to find a starting point or discover a treasure you hadn’t previously considered.
You can find plenty of free things to do in Indianapolis, often referred to as “The Crossroads of America.” From visiting monuments to taking scenic walks and enjoying the vibrant arts scene, there is much to explore without spending much. This guide will help you make the most of your budget-friendly trip to Indianapolis.