Indianapolis, IN
9 Great Things to Do in Indianapolis in June 2024 – wyandottedaily.com
Indianapolis, the vibrant capital of Indiana, offers a plethora of attractions and activities that will keep visitors entertained throughout the year. However, June stands out as an exceptional month to explore this Midwestern gem, with its pleasant weather, lively festivals, and exciting events. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a sports fanatic, Indianapolis has something to captivate your senses and create lasting memories. Here are 9 Great Things to Do in Indianapolis in June 2024:
1. Immerse Yourself in Art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) is a renowned institution that houses an impressive collection of over 54,000 works of art from across the globe and throughout history. With a focus on American, African, Asian, and European art, the IMA offers a diverse range of exhibits that cater to various tastes. In June, the museum presents special exhibitions that highlight specific artists, themes, or art movements. Visitors can explore captivating masterpieces, engage with interactive displays, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of human creativity.
2. Embark on a Historical Adventure at the Indiana State Museum
Step into the annals of Indiana’s rich history at the Indiana State Museum. This state-of-the-art museum tells the captivating story of Indiana from its prehistoric origins to its modern-day advancements. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and immersive experiences, visitors can learn about the state’s diverse cultures, pivotal events, and the inspiring individuals who have shaped its legacy. The museum also features a planetarium, where you can embark on a celestial journey and explore the wonders of space.
3. Experience the Thrill of the Indianapolis 500
For motorsports enthusiasts, June in Indianapolis is synonymous with the legendary Indianapolis 500, one of the most iconic sporting events in the world. The race takes place on Memorial Day weekend and attracts a massive crowd of over 300,000 spectators. The electrifying atmosphere, the roar of engines, and the thrill of high-speed competition create an unforgettable experience. Whether you attend the race or simply immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, the Indianapolis 500 is a must-see event that embodies the city’s passion for speed and adrenaline.
4. Discover the Wonders of the Indianapolis Zoo
Escape into the enchanting realm of the Indianapolis Zoo, home to over 3,800 animals representing more than 320 species. Wander through lush habitats that mimic the natural environments of these fascinating creatures. Observe majestic lions prowling through the African savanna, playful penguins diving in the icy waters, and curious orangutans swinging through tropical rainforests. Engage with interactive exhibits, attend educational programs, and gain a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom’s incredible diversity and importance.
5. Explore the Eclectic Treasures of the Fountain Square
Stroll through the charming streets of Fountain Square, a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, art galleries, and unique eateries. This historic district has undergone a revitalization in recent years, transforming it into a hub of creativity and community. Browse vintage finds, admire local artwork, and savor delicious cuisine at trendy restaurants. Fountain Square also hosts regular events, such as art walks, live music performances, and community festivals, providing a lively and engaging atmosphere for visitors.
6. Dive into the World of Science at the Indiana State Museum
Unleash your inner scientist at the Indiana State Museum. This institution offers a wide range of interactive exhibits that explore the wonders of science, technology, and natural history. Engage with hands-on displays, marvel at life-size dinosaur skeletons, and participate in educational demonstrations. The museum also features a planetarium and an IMAX theater, allowing visitors to embark on cosmic journeys and immerse themselves in captivating films.
7. Attend a Performance at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Indulge in the harmonious melodies of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO). This renowned orchestra presents a diverse repertoire that ranges from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions. In June, the ISO offers a variety of performances, including outdoor concerts in the picturesque setting of the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Experience the symphony’s exceptional musicianship, the richness of orchestral sound, and the magic of live music.
8. Stroll Through the Gardens at Newfields
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Newfields, a 152-acre estate that combines art, nature, and history. Stroll through the meticulously manicured gardens, admire exquisite sculptures, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Newfields offers a sanctuary for relaxation, contemplation, and artistic inspiration. Explore the Lilly House, an architectural masterpiece that showcases American decorative arts, and visit the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, where art installations blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
9. Go Kayaking on the White River
Embrace the great outdoors and embark on a kayaking adventure on the White River, which flows through the heart of Indianapolis. Several rental companies offer kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, allowing visitors to explore the river’s serene waters. Paddle past scenic riverbanks, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of nature just minutes from the city center. Kayaking provides a refreshing and active way to experience Indianapolis’s natural beauty.
Indianapolis is a vibrant city that offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, historical attractions, and exciting events. With its central location in the Midwest, Indianapolis is easily accessible by car, train, or plane. The city boasts a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly motels to luxurious hotels. Indianapolis is also known for its culinary scene, with numerous restaurants serving a range of cuisines from around the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Indianapolis has something to offer everyone. So, mark your calendars for June 2024 and prepare to experience the many delights that this Midwestern gem has to offer.
INDIANAPOLIS — Philip Rivers wasn’t able to change the course of this Colts season.
A promising campaign that seemed lost when Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon in Jacksonville effectively ended when the team was eliminated from the playoffs before Rivers led the Colts onto the field against the Jaguars again.
The collapse, the kind that hasn’t been seen in the NFL in thirty years, prompts big questions about the future of the franchise, questions that can only be answered definitively by Carlie Irsay-Gordon in her first year as principal owner.
Those answers will come later.
For the moment, it is OK to appreciate what Rivers brought to Indianapolis, the NFL and the sport at large at the age of 44, even though he wasn’t able to make the Colts’ wildest dreams come true by leading the team to the playoffs.
“If this was the last one … shoot,” Rivers said. “I told you guys I wouldn’t have any regrets about coming back and I don’t. Other than us not winning, right – us not winning. It’s been an absolute blast for three weeks.”
Three starts in December at the age of 44 were not going to change Rivers’ Hall of Fame credentials. Not unless he somehow led the Colts to a Super Bowl, the sort of fairy-tale ending that would have been in production at Disney before the halftime show began in Santa Clara.
But the three starts Rivers made in December gave the NFL world a chance to fully appreciate what made Rivers great, on the field and off, as a representative of the game.
Rivers wasn’t the same player he’d been in 2020.
Far from it. The old shotput motion was still there, but he clearly had less velocity on his throws, leading to misses that Rivers could have made in his sleep the last time he took the field. After a surprising performance against San Francisco on Monday Night, Rivers fell back to Earth on Sunday.
“I thought this was probably the worst game I’ve had of the three,” Rivers said. “Just couldn’t get in really any sync or rhythm.”
The game-changing interception Rivers threw in the fourth quarter brought home his diminished physical ability. Rivers fluttered an out route to slot receiver Josh Downs, leaving plenty of time for Jacksonville cornerback Jarrian Jones to undercut it for a pick.
“I wasn’t fooled by any means,” Rivers said. “It was just a bad throw.”
The throws shouldn’t be the takeaway from these three starts.
Rivers wasn’t fooled. By just about anything. Five seasons after he last started in the NFL, Rivers flew back into Indianapolis on the whim of Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard, stepped back into a quarterback meeting room and immediately knew more than almost anybody else in the league.
In the history of the NFL, for that matter. Only a few quarterbacks have ever been able to process information at the line of scrimmage like Rivers, a 44-year-old who kept shocking the Colts with his ability to see what was coming.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce got a taste in Rivers’ first start. When Pierce looked at Seattle’s defense, he saw the Seahawks in a pressure look the Colts had seen on tape, and he told Rivers the blitz was coming.
Rivers shrugged it off, told Pierce the Seahawks were bluffing.
The 44-year-old was right, just like he was right on Monday night, when San Francisco showed a look that offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter was sure indicated a blitz from the right, leaving him shocked when Rivers shuffled the protection to the left.
Rivers was right again. He’s almost always right, looking across the line at defenses like Keanu Reeves looking into the lines of the matrix.
“It’s really just that he’s probably seen it before, so it’s probably not even a matrix,” Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said. “I’ve seen this a couple years ago, and he’ll probably tell you the exact game, the drive, the actual down it was. So, he’s seen a lot of ball, so it’s not much you can throw at him at all.”
Taylor’s right. Rivers never forgets anything.
What makes him special is that he can access all of that information in a split second. When a coach talks about a quarterback going through his progressions, he’s often talking about a decision the quarterback makes after the snap.
Rivers goes through his progressions before he’s even finished calling the cadence.
That’s how a 44-year-old quarterback with diminished arm strength can complete 63% of his passes over three games, throwing four touchdowns and three interceptions to post an 80.2 quarterback rating, numbers that aren’t impressive for a 30-year-old starting quarterback but take on new meaning for a man who’s been calling plays at the high school level for five years.
“For Philip to come off the couch with a couple days of practice, go into Seattle and take them down to the wire, then come in here, and the past two weeks, I’ve thought he played well,” wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. said. “That just says a lot about him, that he can still go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams at, what is he, 40-something? Phil’s up there.”
Rivers’ genius on the field is something only a handful of quarterbacks have ever been able to replicate.
The quarterback’s love of the game, and the way he approached these three starts in December, is something that can inspire anybody.
Rivers had plenty of reasons to rebuff the Colts, namely the tidal wave of public opinion that started flowing as soon as his decision to fly to Indianapolis became public.
But few people have ever loved anything as much as Rivers loves football, and as he’s said plenty of times since answering the Colts’ call, he wasn’t about to let the negative possibilities of what might happen affect his decision to play, even after Indianapolis was eliminated from the playoffs by Houston’s win on Saturday night.
“The message amongst all of us was like, ‘Hey, we get to play in an NFL football game. We signed up for all of them. They pay you for all of them, and you go out there and play,’” Rivers said. “The thought of meaningless games — which I know that gets thrown around, and it is in the sense of it doesn’t affect the postseason, there’s no impact on the postseason — but to say a game is meaningless is not in my DNA.”
That’s what draws people to sports, why so many keep playing pickup basketball or city-league softball long after their actual playing days or over, or why they start taking golf lessons to get that handicap down into single digits.
Win or lose, Rivers loves playing.
For the sake of playing itself, even though Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville might have been the last NFL game he starts.
“If I’d go back and say, ‘All right, now you know everything that is going to happen. What are you going to do?’ I’d do it all again,” Rivers said. “It’s been absolutely awesome. I mean, if it’s the last one, it’s the last one. … If it is, I got three bonus games that I never saw coming.”
Three games in December that should only make the NFL world appreciate Rivers more.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
Jarrian Jones, Antonio Johnson pulled down interceptions, Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen logged crucial late-game sacks
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The Jacksonville Jaguars defense rewrote a few narratives on Dec. 28 in their 23-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
The most important flip of the script happened in-game: After yielding 10 points and 112 yards on the Colts’ first two possessions, the Jaguars gave up only one more score (aided by a 55-yard kickoff return by Ashton Dulin in the third quarter) and 92 total yards the rest of the game, forcing four punts, two turnovers and a turnover on downs.
After gaining 48 yards on 11 carries on the Colts’ first two possessions, running back Jonathan Taylor had only 32 yards on 10 carries the rest of the game for 70 yards on 21 carries, the first time he’s failed to gain 100 or more yards against the Jaguars at home.
Phillip Rivers, the 44-year-old grandfather who returned to play this year after retiring in 2021, completed 7 of 11 passes for 52 yards on his first two turns with the ball, then went 10 of 19 for 95 yards.
Jarrian Jones and Antonio Johnson pulled down interceptions, with Jones’ second pick in two weeks leading to Cam Little’s tie-breaking field goal with 6:58 left. Johnson’s pick came in the end zone on a desperation heave by Riley Leonard, brought into the game for the final play from the Jaguars’48 because there are limits to a 44-year-old arm.
Jaguars finally got to Phillip Rivers
Because the Colts’ game plan was obvious ― get the ball out of Rivers’ hand as quickly as possible to keep him from being a sitting duck for the Jaguars pass rush ― it took some time for the Jaguars to get to him.
It finally happened in the second half. Travon Walker twisted out of a double team by two tight ends lined up on the same side, Tyler Warren and Mo Alie-Cox, and got to Rivers for a 6-yard loss in the third quarter on the final play of the third quarter, which led to a punt. Walker now has 3.5 sacks for the season.
Walker also figured in the second sack. Battling through another double-team against right guard Matt Goncalves and right tackle Jalen Travis, Walker forced Rivers to his left. Rivers ran into his own left tackle, Bernhard Raimann, who was in the process of being thrown backwards by Josh Hines-Allen.
Raimann knocked Rivers down, and Hines-Allen got credited for his team-high eighth sack of the season.
Walker had another tackle for a loss against Taylor, with the Jaguars getting four in the game. The secondary (without Jourdan Lewis for the rest of the season), was led by cornerback Montaric Brown with five tackles and two pass deflections. Six other Jaguar players had at least one pass defensed.
Safety Eric Murray had four tackles and deflected the ball that Jones intercepted.
Jaguars shackled Colts Big Three
The other narratives the Jaguars changed were long-term frustrations with three Colts players in particular, Rivers, Taylor and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Rivers entered the game 8-2 versus the Jaguars as a starter, but two of the three losses have come when he was in a Colts’ uniform.
Taylor has been a monster against the Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. In three previous starts at home, he ran for 546 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. His lowest production against the Jaguars was 116 yards in a 2021 game.
Pierce had 17 receptions for 350 yards and four touchdowns (20.6 per catch) in eight career games against the Jaguars and had 10 for 271 yards and two scores in his last three games against the Jags. But Pierce was blanked this time: no receptions on five targets.
The Jaguars also played stout on third down after the first two possessions, when the Colts converted two third downs and scored on Taylor’s third-and-goal run from the 2.
From then on, the Colts converted only two of 11 on third down and failed on a fourth-down attempt.
2025 in Motion: Relive Hoosiers’ top moments of 2025 seconds at a time
From welcoming a new governor to cheering the Pacers’ near title run, 2025 delivered unforgettable moments and IndyStar was there.
What a year.
Who could have imagined at this time last year the Pacers going to the NBA finals or Indiana Republicans defying President Donald Trump?
Roundups of the year’s top stories are a longstanding tradition in newspapers — one created, no doubt, to fill print editions during a stretch when news tends to slow down.
But IndyStar’s review of the top stories of the year, written by city reporter Jordan Smith, tells you more than what you already know. Looking back at 12 months of news teases out patterns and themes that may not have been obvious in the moment.
The role of injuries in both the Pacers’ and Fever’s seasons.
The issues IndyStar and Mirror Indy have unearthed in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
The sweeping impact of Trump’s policies across communities: immigrants, poor people, federal employees, farmers, small businesses, educators.
The stories behind IndyStar’s 2025 coverage
When I read Jordan’s story, I also see the story behind the stories: IndyStar journalists’ hustle to bring you, our audience, the news you want and need to know.
The Statehouse team, anticipating a quiet fall without statewide elections, planned a weekly listening tour across Indiana before redistricting became both a national and state issue. Whoops. The on-again, off-again — but not special! — fall legislative session kept our politics team pirouetting more than a ballet troupe. They more than met Hoosiers’ moment in the national spotlight, though, with unprecedented live and near-live coverage via both written words and video.
The sports team makes it look easy to cover high school, college and professional sports year-round, but the Indy 500 and a Pacers playoff game at home on the same day? C’mon!
And the aggressive pivot on immigration by both Trump’s and Gov. Mike Braun’s administrations prompted the creation of a cross-newsroom team that covered the issue from Seymour to the “Speedway Slammer,” from farm fields to federal courts.
As Jordan mentions, IndyStar hired a reporter this year specifically to cover First Amendment issues, thanks to a grant from the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Freedom of speech and the press have a special place in journalists’ hearts, and it has been a joy to find that so many readers are also interested in reporter Cate Charron’s coverage.
What stories most resonated with you in 2025? Email me.
Hopefully, we’ll all have a few moments to catch our collective breath and reflect before we dive into 2026.
Cindi Andrews is senior news director at IndyStar. She can be reached at cindi.andrews@indystar.com.
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