Indianapolis, IN
A travel guide to Indiana full of family fun, historic landmarks and unique experiences
While in Indiana, there are plenty of tourist attractions that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
The town of Santa Claus is an adored spot for a touch of holiday cheer any time of year.
If the timing is right, you can catch the infamous Indianapolis 500 while in the state. If not, there are plenty of other races that take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout the year and tons of history to be learned at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.
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If you need inspiration about what to do while you’re in the Hoosier State, below are a few ideas to add to your itinerary.
- Visit the town of Santa Claus
- Stop at the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln
- Catch a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum
- Explore Marengo Cave
- Go to Indiana Dunes National Park
Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Dunes National Park are two of many favored tourist attractions in Indiana. (Sean Gardner/Getty Images I DIANE DESOBEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
1. Visit the town of Santa Claus
There are so many attractions that fill the town of Santa Claus, Indiana.
There is plenty to see and do in Santa Claus, including Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.
This theme park is full of exciting roller coasters and tons of attractions for the little ones in your family. Water rides are available to enjoy during the warmer months.
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While at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, there are lots of shows, including ones full of magic and comedy, to see while you’re visiting.
If you are in need of holiday spirit before the season officially comes around, you can shop at the Santa Claus Christmas Store in the town and also visit the Santa Claus Museum & Village.
Santa Claus, Indiana, is home to a family-friendly theme park and plenty of festive stops throughout the town. (Kevin Pang/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
2. Stop at the boyhood home of Abraham Lincoln
A short five miles away from Santa Claus is Lincoln City, where you can find the home where former President Abraham Lincoln spent much of his childhood.
Lincoln was born in Kentucky, but his family later moved to Indiana, where he lived from 1816 until 1830, according to the National Park Service’s website.
While there, you can visit the park museum to learn more about the life of Lincoln, visit the Lincoln Living Historical Farm and walk the Boyhood Trail, just as Lincoln did while he was growing up.
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3. Catch a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the famous Indy 500, which has taken place since 1911, according to Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s website.
The Indy 500 is usually held in May, but the attraction is still worth a visit whatever time of year you find yourself in Indiana.
Check the website to see what events are happening during your visit.
While in Indiana, catch a thrilling race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
If you’re visiting at a time when no events are taking place, you can always take a tour of the track for a behind-the-scenes look at the space.
There’s also a museum on site, but it is closed for renovation until April 2025.
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4. Explore Marengo Cave
Many visitors head to Marengo Cave on their trip to Indiana.
The cave’s formation dates back around a million years, according to Marengo Cave’s website, but it was not discovered until 1883.
In 1984, Marengo Cave was named a National Natural Landmark.
If you love to camp, you can pitch a tent in the campground at Marengo Cave and bring your furry friends with you. (iStock)
Tours of the cave take place year around, with two different walking tours offered to visitors.
One is the “Crystal Palace” tour, which takes about 40 minutes, and the “Dripstone Trail,” which is a 60-minute tour.
There are many other activities that are available at the cave beyond the walking tours, like a waterfall crawl and an underground adventure.
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If you want to stay close to Marengo Cave, there is a campground where you can pitch a tent or rent a cabin for a more luxurious camping experience.
5. Go to Indiana Dunes National Park
If you like to camp, fish and hike, Indiana Dunes National Park is for you.
Dunewood Campground is open for overnight stays from April 1 through Oct. 31, according to the National Park Service’s website, though the park itself is open year round.
Make sure to take your camera with you, as you will be surrounded by stunning views worth snapping a photo of.
by:
Gregg Montgomery and Kelsie Gibbs
Posted: / Updated:
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indy Parks on Saturday will unveil the restoration of longstanding fountains, a project almost two years in the making.
The fountains were already shooting water among newly landscaped walking paths on Wednesday afternoon at the Garfield Park Sunken Garden.
City planner and landscape architect George Kessler designed the Sunken Garden and the adjacent Garfield Park Conservatory, which was built in 1916 at 2505 Conservatory Drive.
Funds for the $3 million restoration project were part of an $80 million Lilly Endowment grant issued to Indy Parks in late 2022 for projects at 42 Indianapolis parks.
The Friends of Garfield Park, a group devoted to the south-side park, oversaw the project to restore the concrete walls and plumbing, and add color-changing lights to enhance the look of the fountains.
The group hopes to raise an additional $1 million for the upkeep of the fountains.
A news release issued Wednesday said a recognition event and a ribbon-cutting, free and open to the public, were scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday. Due to storms in the forecast, the event could be delayed or canceled.
Indianapolis, IN
That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated $3 billion for Indianapolis, study finds
See the 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting ceremon
Highlights: Indiana Ave. and 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting on Indiana Ave. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Since its creation, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in the heart of Circle City has drawn millions of residents and visitors to its distinctive paved path. But according to a new report, the trail isn’t just beneficial for those looking to get out on an urban stroll or bike ride — it’s a driver for the city’s economy and quality of life.
The report, “Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick at 20: Connecting People, Places, and Possibility,” was based on analysis by James Lima Planning + Development, a group of real estate, planning and economic development advisors. Here’s what to know about the report.
How has the Cultural Trail affected the city’s growth, development?
According to the report from 2026, the 10-mile trail has generated $3 billion in assessed property value around its path — money that supports the city and its governmental services.
The population along the trail has grown five times the city average and retail space near the trail has increased 39%, the report shows. Nearby food and beverage sales are almost twice the average per square foot in Indianapolis.
Additionally, the report shows, undeveloped land along the trail has the potential to add $1.4 billion of value in the near future. Since an initial study in 2015, the trail’s economic impact has grown from $1 billion to $3 billion.
“For nearly 20 years, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has helped transform Downtown Indianapolis into a more vibrant, connected and economically competitive city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a June 3 news release. “It is more than a trail. It is a nationally recognized public asset that drives investment, supports local businesses, connects neighborhoods and improves quality of life for the people who live, work, play and stay in our city.”
According to the report, over 1 million people use the trail each year, and almost half of downtown Indianapolis residents live within a three-minute walk of the path.
What other features does the Cultural Trail offer?
Users of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail aren’t limited to walking — the Pacers Bikeshare program, operated by the trail, has 57 bike stations throughout the city that are accessible 24/7.
The trail also features nearly six acres of plants and greenspace, offering locals and visitors an urban getaway. City planners from across the world have visited the trail to study its design, according to the report.
What is the future of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?
Focus on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has shifted from construction and maintenance to long-term operations and expanded resources for the public.
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. — the trail’s nonprofit — said it has grown into the “crown jewel” of the city with the growth and development it has created over two decades.
“The Cultural Trail is driving billions in investment and making surrounding neighborhoods thriving destinations,” she said in a June 3 news release. “As we enter the next phase for the Trail, we look forward to building upon our initial 20 years of impact.”
Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.
ICYMI: Top 5 IndyStar business stories in May 2026
A busy month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reignited debates about hotels and the downtown heliport. Plus, Eli Lilly celebrated 150 years.
May came and went, and with it, we saw the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history, the 150th anniversary of Eli Lilly and a contested primary election day.
There’s also been some movement in retail news ahead of the summer shopping season. On the north side, a new women’s clothing store opened while a piercing studio set up shop in Speedway. Meanwhile, an indoor children’s play place opened on the near north side.
Read on for four spots that recently opened and one in Broad Ripple that said farewell.
Openings
Monkee’s
8659 River Crossing Blvd., monkeesofindianapolis.com, opened in March
Monkee’s of Indianapolis, a high-end women’s clothing store, opened recently on the north side in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall. The brand Monkee’s started in the South three decades ago and has since grown to nearly 70 locations. In Indianapolis, Missy Llewellyn and Whitney Schmitt started the franchise to bring the clothing brand to the Circle City.
The Nest Play Cafe
515 E 22nd St Suite 101, indynestplaycafe.com, opened early May
The Nest Play Cafe opened at the corner of Central Avenue and 22nd Street, offering an indoor space for parents and caregivers to bring their children to play. Caregivers can book 90-minute play sessions for $15 per child over the age of one. Tickets for additional siblings run $10. The cafe sells coffee and snacks, too.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Tuesdays.
Forget Me Not Piercing Studio
5324 W. 16th St., jessflowerspiercings.square.site, opened May 27
A new piercing studio opened in Speedway at the end of May just days after the Indianapolis 500. Forget Me Not Piercing offers traditional lobe, helix and conch piercings along with nostril and septum piercings. Artist Jess Flowers opened the one-woman shop on 16th Street.
Open Sunday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black Orchid Barbers Fountain Square
1201 Prospect St. Suite 100, blackorchidbarbers.com, opened in May
Black Orchid, a local barbershop known for its sharp haircuts with a side of humor, opened its Fountain Square spot, marking the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location. Walk-ins are welcome but Black Orchid recommends grabbing a time slot online for your preferred service.
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closures
Vitality IV Bar
6302 Guilford Ave., vitalityivbar.com
An IV-wellness spot in Broad Ripple shut its doors last month. Vitality IV Bar was located next to the Thieves cocktail lounge, formerly the Broad Ripple Starbucks location, before it went out of business.
Vitality IV still operates an Indianapolis-area location on Mass Ave downtown at 749 Massachusetts Ave where customers can book a variety of infusions with vitamins.
See a store opening or closing near you? Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at alysa.guffey@indystar.com.
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