14 Things to See, Do and Eat in Indianapolis Right Now
It's easy to fill a weekend in the Hoosier City.
By Patricia Harrison
As the host of the Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indy is undoubtedly a motorsports destination. But the Midwest metropolis has far more to offer beyond events and attractions on the racetrack (though if you love speed, those are worth checking out, too). From world-renowned museums to a thriving culinary scene, Indiana’s capital has no shortage of things to do, see, and eat, making it an ideal place to spend a long weekend. Read on for 14 ways to fill your itinerary in the Hoosier City.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway | jetcityimage - stock.adobe.com
What to See and Do
Want to immerse yourself in motorsports? Check Indianapolis Motor Speedway's year-round schedule to plan your trip around a racing event (the largest—the Indianapolis 500—takes place every Memorial Day weekend). Or check out the Motor Speedway Museum, a cultural institution inside the famed oval track that houses winning race cars, memorabilia and even racing-inspired fine art.
Those interested in other varieties of sports can catch a football game at Lucas Oil Stadium, the headquarters for NFL's Indianapolis Colts (September through January). Or watch the NBA's Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (October through April).
Lucas Oil Stadium | C5Media - stock.adobe.com
If you’re in town with the kiddos, spend the day exploring two of Indianapolis’ top family-friendly attractions: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Zoo. The museum—which has a vast number of indoor and outdoor exhibits, including a full-size carousel and a pedal-car track—is the largest in the United States. Meanwhile, hundreds of animals, from dolphins and sharks to macaws and tigers, reside in a variety of impressive biomes at the zoo.
Stretch your legs at White River State Park, with its 250 acres of green space on the west side of Indianapolis. The park has five popular paved walking and biking trails and several attractions are located on-site, including Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The latter, one of the only two museums east of the Mississippi that focuses on the art of Native America and the American West, is a must-visit.
White River State Park
What to Eat and Drink
The St. Elmo Steak House has been a downtown Indianapolis landmark since 1902. Start with the shrimp cocktail, which has been on the menu since the restaurant opened, then turn your attention to the lineup of steaks. We recommend the well-marbled flat iron or slow-roasted bone-in prime rib—both of which play well with shareable sides such as king crab mac 'n cheese or house-made onion rings.
Indiana is lauded as the birthplace of the pork tenderloin sandwich, so visitors can't leave the capital city without devouring one (or two). Try the comforting stacker—which is served breaded or grilled on a toasted knot bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayo, at The Roost, a breakfast and lunch joint in the Nora neighborhood.
Snag a table at Bluebeard, a petite, farm-to-table eatery serving the cuisine of James Beard–nominated chef Abbi Merriss. The menu features a rotating selection of bites such as ginger-vinaigrette-dressed golden beet tartare and scallops with grilled ramps and pomegranate chile crisp.
The Cannon Ball Lounge, Indy's only indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, serves locally inspired cocktails and crafted brews alongside a selection of light bites. Sip on an Indiana Old Fashioned infused with bourbon and red wine while you nibble on a warm soft pretzel and admire lovely panoramas of the city.
Where to Stay
Conrad Indianapolis
The art-forward Conrad is home to Long-Sharp Gallery, where you can view works by greats such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. As for amenities, guests love the spa, indoor infinity edge pool and pet-friendly rooms. Book one of the suites, which sport masterpieces from cultural movements such as modernism and surrealism.
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
This contemporary property, connected to the Indianapolis Convention Center via a heated, glass-encased skywalk, and just steps from Lucas Oil Stadium, is a stellar home base for business and leisure travelers who want to experience everything downtown Indy has to offer. Reserve a table at the Eagle's Nest, a revolving rooftop restaurant with 360-degree views of the cityscape or check out the bounty of eateries within walking distance of the hotel.
Omni Severin Hotel
The Omni Severin in downtown Indianapolis is favored by travelers for its central location within walking distance from several key attractions. It’s also connected to both Circle Centre Mall and the Indianapolis Convention Center via skywalks. At the hotel, guests can catch the game while sipping a brew at Severin Bar, relax at the indoor pool or borrow a fitness kit for an in-room yoga session.
Book these hotels, and more, using the TSA rate code in the GDS. Non-GDS users can book these hotels using tripXpress.
Banner photo: Indianapolis skyline and the White River
