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Indianapolis Travel Guide

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Indianapolis [1] is in Central Indiana and is the state capital of Indiana, United States, and is located in Marion County. The population is just under 800,000 people, and the larger urban agglomoration has over 1.4 million, making it the 13th largest city in the US.

Indianapolis viewed from Memorial Park
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Indianapolis viewed from Memorial Park
Monument Circle
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Monument Circle
Memorial Park
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Memorial Park
Sculpture on Monument Circle
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Sculpture on Monument Circle

Contents

Understand

  • As of 2006 Indianapolis and the majority of the state of Indiana are now on Eastern Time and DO observe daylight savings time in the summer.

Get in

By plane

  • Indianapolis International Airport, on the west side of town, is a relatively short drive from downtown. Eighteen airlines provide service to the airport. There are non-stop and direct flights to over 100 destinations. Major car rental companies can assist you with your local needs. Bus, Taxi and Limo services are also available. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to and from the airport.

By train and bus

  • Cardinal and Hoosier State trains (Amtrak) runs daily between Chicago and Indianapolis with reserved coach service. Three days a week the Cardinal provides service between Indianapolis, Washington, and New York City.
  • Greyhound Lines Nine daily round-trips (more in summer) between Indianapolis and Chicago, of which two daily round trips also serve Chicago's Union Station and provide same-day connections to Amtrak's multiple departures from Chicago. There are also six daily departures to St. Louis, seven (more in summer) to Atlanta, three to Cincinnati, six to New York City, and one to Detroit.
  • Burlington Trailways Two daily round-trips between Indianapolis and Iowa. One bus goes to Burlington and Cedar Rapids, with connections in Burlington to/from Chicago, Denver, and intermediate points. The other bus goes to Davenport.
  • Megabus New budget (cheaper the farther in advance you buy) round-trip bus service connecting Indianapolis directly to Chicago and Cincinnati. In Chicago you can catch connecting buses to St Louis, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Detroit, Toledo, and Cleveland.

By car

Indianapolis is known as the "Crossroads of America" for good reason. Four major interstate highways intersect in the city, keeping it within one day's drive of more than half of the US population. Many federal and state highways also allow connections within the state and surrounding states. Cities within a few hours drive are Cincinnati, Ohio (2 hours to the southeast) Columbus, Ohio (3 hours to the east), Chicago, Illinois (4 hours to the northwest), St. Louis, Missouri (4 hours to the west), and Louisville, Kentucky (2 hours to the south). Interstates serving Indianapolis are I-70, I-65, I-69, and I-74. Of those interstates, I-69 ends on the Northeast side of the city. I-65 and I-70 pass through downtown, and I-74 uses part of the outer loop, I-465, as its major route around the Southside.

Get around

Travel by car (truck/minivan/SUV) is the obvious choice, but it is possible to get around by bus, supplemented by walking. For car travel, I-465 loops around the city to provide easy access to surrounding counties as well as circumventing city streets when crossing the city. Most major streets are accessible by one of the interstates running through or around the city. Indianapolis is laid out on a grid system - all addresses in the city correspond to the distance the location is from the center of the city at Meridian and Washington.

Indianapolis is fairly flat (not surprising for the Midwest), so bicycling is possible, though not common. (Weather extremes, including rain, and dealing with gasoline-powered vehicles, are not conducive to bike use, at least for commuting and tourism.)

See

Outdoors

  • The Indianapolis Zoo 1200 W. Washington St. 317-630-2001. ($ parking) The zoo is part of the White River State Park, near downtown. The Indianapolis Zoo is home to the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and Dome. The underwater dolphin viewing dome is the first of it's kind. A brand new Meerkat exhibit will open in May 2006. "The Oceans" in the Waters Building will open in Spring 2007. It will house a shark touch tank. A seahorse exhibit is currently the highlight of the Waters Building. Zoo grounds are a non-smoking environment. Admission is charged for the Indianapolis Zoo, however if you wish to visit the White River Gardens in the same day, a discounted combo ticket is available. Community Tuesdays, throughout the year, also offer an even further discounted combo admission.
  • The White River Gardens 1200 W. Washington St. 317-630-2001. ($ parking) The gardens are a part of the White River State Park. Over 3 acres of gardens and pathways along the White River. There is also the Hilbert Conservatory, which is the showplace for different flowers, plants, and special attractions (such as butterflies) throughout the year. The grounds to the gardens are non-smoking. Admission is charged for White River Gardens, however, if you wish to visit the Indy Zoo in the same day, a discounted combo ticket is available. Community Tuesdays, throughout the year, also offer an even further discounted combo admission.

Museums

  • Children's Museum of Indianapolis 3000 N. Meridian St. 317-334-3322. (Free garage parking.) This museum is the largest children's museum in the world. In March 2006, it unveiled the Dale Chihuly's largest blown glass exhibit, Fireworks of Glass. It is a glass sculpture that rises 43 feet tall. Among the many ways to spend time in the museum, dig for "dinosaur fossils", catch a planetarium show, explore a log cabin from the 1800s, or ride the carousel. There are also temporary exhibits to check out as well. Admission to the museum is charged, but they do have a few days on the calendar for which admission is free. Also, Target sponsors free family nights on the first Thursday of every month, 4-8pm. Carousel rides extra.
  • Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art 500 W. Washington St. 317-636-WEST. (Free parking in the White River State Park underground garage.) The museum is the only one of it's kind in the Midwest. It features artists such as T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay Walkingstick. Located within White River State Park, check into a park pass for admission to all 7 of the park's attractions. Admission charged.
  • Indianapolis Museum of Art 4000 Michigan Rd. 317-920-2660. (Free parking in IMA designated lots and garage.) The museum has over 50,000 works of art from around the world. Near Butler University, northwest of downtown, the museum grounds also include the Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens, a 22 room mansion and estate with gardens on 26 acres. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park is also on the grounds of the IMA. The IMA offers 2 choices for dining while at the museum. The IMA cafe is great for getting a sandwich or salad. Puck's, by Wolfgang Puck, offers contemporary American cuisine with international flavors in a fine dining atmosphere. Reservations for Puck's is recommended and you may dine without entrance to the museum. There is no charge to enter the grounds or gardens of the IMA. Admission is charged for both the museum and Lilly house. Combo tickets offer a discount if you plan on visting both. Thursdays are free admission.

Sports

  • Indianapolis Raceway Park hosts a full schedule of races
  • RCA Dome home to the Indianapolis Colts
  • Conseco Fieldhouse home to the Indianapolis Pacers and Indianapolis Fever
  • Victory Field home to minor league Triple-A team Indianapolis Indians
  • NCAA Hall of Champions 700 W. Washington St. Located within White River State Park. Check into a White River State Park pass for admission into all White River State Park attractions. Admission charged.

Do

Outdoors

  • White River State Park 801 W. Washington St. 317-233-2434 Home to the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Victory Field, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Indiana State Museum, IMAX Theater, and NCAA Hall of Champions. It also has the Governor's Lawn near the river, which is host to concerts during each summer. Central Canal is also located within the park. Park passes are available for purchase, entrance to all 7 of the main attractions is included in the pass.
  • Eagle Creek Park 7840 W. 56th St. 317-327-7110 On the west side of Indy, this park boasts many amenities, including a nature center, fitness course, fishing areas, and bird sanctuary. Fill your day with sailing, bird watching, fishing, rowing, hiking, swimming and much more. Only 10 minutes from downtown. Admission charged.
  • Some nice walks and bikes are available along the old canals, including the downtown Canalwalk and the Central Canal Walk to the north. Current information is available here. Cyclists can rent bikes and helmets through Wheel Fun. For rental info, call (317) 767-5072.
  • Boat down the Canal downtown with a boat rental from Ben & Company. They offer manual and electrically powered pedal boats in various sizes. 429 W. Ohio St. Contact them at (317)632-1824 for more information. Also, Wheel Fun offers rentals of kayaks and pedal boats. If you want a romantic ride, check out Old World Gondoliers, they offer public and private rides. They are located on the canal walk.

Golf

Music

Other Fun

  • Historic Indiana Ghost Walks & Tours 317-840-6456 Offers professional year round ghost tours. Various walking tours and bus tours are available in different parts of the metro area. Focusing on real haunted stories from real believes with a good dose of history.

Learn

Shop

  • Circle Centre Mall 49 W. Maryland St., Located in the heart of downtown, Circle Center contains more than 100 shopping, dining, and entertainment choices. Nordstrom and Parisian are the major department stores. Smaller stores are typical stores found in malls.
  • Broad Ripple Village Broad Ripple Ave, College Ave. and area surrounding. The village has numerous places to shops and boutiques. You'll find gifts, vintage clothing, art, and more here. Located on the north side of Indy.
  • Mass Ave Arts District Massachusetts Ave. These 6 blocks in downtown Indy have unique shops and galleries, as well as theaters and restaurants.
  • Fountain Square Virginia Ave. and surrounding streets. Home to many antique stores and more, located on the southeast side of downtown Indy.

Eat

Splurge

  • Buca Di Beppo Two locations: 35 N. Illinois St.,317-632-2822 and 6045 E. 86th St., 317-842-8666. Lovers of Italian will delight with very large portions in an interesting atmosphere.
  • St. Elmo Steak House 127 S. Illinois St. 317-635-0636 A downtown Indy landmark. Try the shrimp, but note the sauce is VERY hot.
  • Ruth's Chris Steak House Two locations: 45 S. Illinois St., Circle Center Mall, 317-633-1313 and 9445 Threel Rd. (96th & Keystone), 317-844-1155.

Moderate

Cheap Eats

  • Shapiro's Deli & Cafeteria, 808 S. Meridian St. (just south of downtown), (317) 631 4041 (fax: (317) 631 3958), [2]. Open daily from 6:45 AM to 8 PM. Kosher-style deli and cafeteria offerin huge sandwiches, potato pancakes, a variety of desserts.

Drink

Coffee

  • Monon Coffee Company, 920 E. Westfield Blvd. (in Broad Ripple), tel. (317) 255-0510 [3]. Independent coffee shop, free wireless access.

Bars and Taverns

  • The Rathskeller's Kellerbar, 401 E. Michigan Street (in the Athenaeum Building at the intersection of E. Michigan Street with N. New Jersey Street and E. Massachussetts Avenue), +1 317-636-0396 (fax: +1 317-630-4652, e-mail: rathskel@flash.net). M-Su, 3 PM to close. German beerhall-style bar connected to the city's oldest restaurant (the Rathskeller) in the basement of the historic (1894) Athenaeum Building. Crowded on weekends. Beer garden open in summer. http://www.rathskeller.com/
  • Broad Ripple is the neighborhood for bars, nightclubs and nightlife.
  • Easley Winery 205 N. College Ave. 317-636-4516. (Free parking.) Indy's only downtown winery. Free tastings 7 days a week, and free tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Group tours by appointment. Gift shop.
  • Liquor laws in Indiana do not allow the sale of beer or alcohol on Sundays. The only exception is in restaurants. They also make it impossible for smaller music venues to serve any type of alcohol if people under 21 are admitted.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

  • AmeriSuites Indianapolis/Airport-Speedway, 5500 Bradbury Avenue, +1 317 227-0950, [4].
  • AmeriSuites Indianapolis/Keystone, 9104 Keystone Crossing, +1 317843-0064,[5].
  • Best Western Airport Suites, 55 S High School Road, +1 317 246-1505, Fax: +1 317 246-1506, [6].
  • Best Western Castleton Inn, 8300 Craig Street, +1 317 842-9190, Toll-free: +1 800 232-5757, Fax: +1 317 577-1599, [7].
  • Best Western City Centre Hotel & Suites, 410 S Missouri Street, +1 317 822-6400, Fax: +1 317 822-4100, [8].
  • Best Western Country Suites, 3871 W 92nd Street, +1 317 879-1700, Fax: +1 317 879-1959, [9].
  • Best Western Indianapolis South, 4450 Southport Crossing Drive, +1 317 888-5588, Fax: +1 317 888-2553, [10].
  • Candlewood Suites, 8111 Bash St, +1 317 595-9292, [11].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis Airport, 2602 Fortune Circle East, +1 317 248-0300, Fax: +1 317 248-1834, [12].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis Carmel, 10290 N Meridian Street, +1 317 571-1110, Fax: +1 317 571-0416, [13].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis Castleton, 8670 Allisonville Road, +1 317 576-9559, Fax: +1 317 576-0695, [14].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown, 501 West Washington Street, +1 317 635-4443, Fax: +1 317 687-0029, [15].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis Northwest, 7226 Woodland Drive at 71st Street, +1 317 297-7700, Fax: +1 317 387-1628, [16].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis South, 4650 Southport Crossing Dr., +1 317 885-9799, Fax: +1 317 885-3982, [17].
  • Courtyard Indianapolis at the Capitol, 320 North Senate Avenue, +1 317 684-7733, Fax: +1 317 684-7734, [18].
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Airport, 5220 West Southern Avenue, +1 317 244-1600, Fax: +1 317 241-2136, [19].
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis East, 7110 E. 21st Street, +1 317 322-0101, Fax: +1 317 322-0202, [20].
  • Fairfield Inn Indianapolis Northwest, 5905 W 86th Street, +1 317 228-9300, Toll-free: +1 800 228-2800, Fax: +1 317 228-9337, [21].
  • Fairfield Inn Indianapolis South, 4504 Southport Crossing Drive, +1 317 888-5535, Fax: +1 317 888-5535, [22].
  • Hawthorne Suites, 7035 Western Select Drive, +1 317 322-0011, Fax: +1 317 322-0033, [23].
  • Holiday Inn, 5120 Victory Dr, +1 317 783-7751, [24].
  • Holiday Inn, 6990 East 21st Street, +1 317 359-5341, [25].
  • Holiday Inn Express, 5151 South East Street, +1 317 783-5151, [26].
  • Holiday Inn Express, 3514 South Keystone Ave, +1 317 788-3100, [27].
  • Holiday Inn Select, 3850 Depauw Blvd, +1 317 872-9790, [28].
  • Holiday Inn Select, 2501 South High School Road, +1 317 244-6861, [29].
  • Indianapolis (92nd Street) Microtel Inn & Suites, 9140 North Michigan Road, +1 317 870-7765, Fax: +1 317 870-7785, [30].
  • Motel 6 Indianapolis - Airport, 5241 West Bradbury Avenue, +1 317 248-1231, Fax: +1 317 481-1728, [31].
  • Motel 6 Indianapolis East, 2851 North Shadeland Avenue, +1 317 546-5864, Fax: +1 317 568-0985, [32].
  • Motel 6 Indianapolis South, 5151 Elmwood Avenue, +1 317 783-5555, Fax: +1 317 783-5475, [33].
  • Residence Inn Indianapolis Airport, 5224 West Southern Avenue, +1 317 244-1500, Fax: +1 317 244-4486, [34].
  • Residence Inn Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal, 350 W New York Street, +1 317 822-0840, Fax: +1 317 822-0848, [35].
  • Residence Inn Indianapolis Fishers, 9765 Crosspoint Boulevard, +1 317 842-1111, Fax: +1 317 842-0462, [36].
  • Residence Inn Indianapolis North, 3553 Founders Road, +1 317 872-0462, Fax: +1 317 876-8829, [37].
  • Residence Inn Indianapolis Northwest, 6220 Digital Way, +1 317 275-6000, Fax: +1 317 275-6060, [38].
  • Staybridge Suites, 9780 Crosspoint Blvd, +1 317 577-9500, [39].
  • TownePlace Suites Indianapolis Keystone, 8468 Union Chapel Road, +1 317 255-3700, Fax: +1 317 255-3798, [40].
  • TownePlace Suites Indianapolis Park 100, 5802 West 71st Street, +1 317 290-8900, Fax: +1 317 290-8989, [41].

Splurge

  • Conrad Hilton50 W. Washington St. 317-713-5000. Opened in March 2006. It offers 241 guest rooms, dining in the hotel's restaurant and lounge, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, business center, spa, and fitness facilities. It also includes 15 private residences. It is only the fourth Conrad to be built in the U.S. from the ground up. The Conrad Hilton is considered the city's first true luxury hotel.
  • Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 West Maryland Street, +1 317 822-3500, Fax: +1 317 822-1002, [42].
  • Indianapolis Marriott East, 7202 East 21st Street, +1 317 352-1231, Fax: +1 317 352-9775, [43].
  • Indianapolis Marriott North, 3645 River Crossing Parkway, +1 317 705-0000, Fax: +1 317 819-1099, [44].
  • Crowne Plaza Hotel, 123 West Louisiana St., +1 317 631-2221, [45].
  • Canterbury, the infamous Mike Tyson hotel
  • Hyatt Regency
  • Marriott
  • Omni Severin
  • Westin

Contact

Stay safe

  • Indianapolis is a very safe city, and has the typical Midwest sense of hospitality.
  • Be aware of some areas of the city which may be prone to crime. The downtown center of the city is very safe. The inner loop (inside I-465) suburbs can be dangerous in certain areas depending on what neighborhood/area you are in. Just use the usual common sense you would in any large city.

Cope

  • Indianapolis is warm in the summer, with average highs in the mid-80s in June, July, and August, and can be unpleasantly humid as well. January is the coldest month, with an average high during the day of 34 degrees.

Get out

  • Wolf Park 4012 East 800 North,Battle Ground (near Lafayette). 765-567-2265. Open May 1- November 30, afternoon hours. See gray wolves, foxes, and bison during a guided walking tour. Saturday Howl nights offer a chance to howl at the wolves, and hope they will howl back. No dogs allowed. Admission charged.
  • Brown County is a beautiful state park an hour south of the city limits.
  • Columbus
  • Marengo Cave Marengo, 125 miles south of Indianapolis. 812-365-2705. A U.S. National landmark, with two cave tours, camping, canoeing. Other caves also in the area, Wyandotte Caves. Admission charged.


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