Indianapolis, Indiana, is most commonly known as the Crossroads of America and famous for its Motor Speedway. However, taking a look around, there’s a lot more than just the Indy 500 in Naptown.
If you like a city atmosphere, downtown Indy is a great place to visit. Directly in the center of the city is Monument Circle, home to Indianapolis’s famous Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. History advocates can check out the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, located inside the monument. This museum is filled with artifacts and information about the war. The Circle Centre Mall is home to over 80 stores and restaurants, so everyone can find something they like. Also in the mall are a golf course that uses blacklight for a glow-in-the-dark experience (called GloGolf), the Rhythm! Discovery Center with a large quantity of percussion instruments, and a movie theatre.
Another hot spot in the downtown area is Massachusetts Avenue, home to many unique shops and restaurants. Children (and young-at-heart adults) will love the selection of unique playthings at Mass Ave Toys. Book enthusiasts can head down to Indy Reads Books to explore their massive library of new and gently used books. For some of the best burgers in town, head to Mass Ave’s newest addition, Bru Burger Bar. Their homemade burgers are a family recipe that will bring you back for more. Also, visitors with a sweet tooth should head to The Flying Cupcake for some delicious gourmet cupcakes.
Indianapolis has a large zoo just outside of the downtown area. One of the highlights of the zoo is the elaborate Oceans building. Not only can you see creatures living in all parts of the ocean, but there is a special tank where you can pet small, friendly, live sharks. Also, visitors must check out the one-of-a-kind dolphin viewing dome, the only viewing dome in the world where you are literally underneath the pool. You can also view the dolphin show just above, where you can see dolphins do incredible tricks. Many other animals live in the zoo as well, from huge elephants in the Plains area to the little meerkats in the Desert area, and many in between. Throughout the year, you can find different limited-time exhibits, so you can have a different experience every time you visit.
If you have children of any age, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a must. It is the largest children’s museum in the nation, with 5 floors of exhibits. Take a ride on the classic carousel, go back to the prehistoric age in Dinosphere, and view the large Fireworks of Glass sculpture, made by glass-blowing artist Dale Chihuly. New exhibits are always coming and going, so you can learn all kinds of new things.
While it isn’t the only place to go in Indianapolis, the Motor Speedway is a great place to visit. You can tour the museum on the grounds any time of the year. If you’re here in May, there are tons of events happening around the speedway. There’s a certain day where you can even drive your own car around the track!
These are only a few of the many different places you can explore in Indianapolis. It is the Crossroads of America, so it’s accessible from almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a fun place to take your family for a nice getaway, Indianapolis is the place for you.
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