Populated by serious sports fans, Indianapolis attracts visitors with events such as the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400, in May and August. Touted as the Amateur Sports Capital of the World, the city offers top rate sports facilities. There are also a few notable art museums. Also of interest, Lockerbie Square district downtown features renovated Victorian homes on cobbled streets; while Broad Ripple Village is a canal-side neighborhood with boutiques and restaurants.
Getting there
Indianapolis International Airport is served by most of the major domestic carriers, including the discount flyer Southwest Airlines; while most international flights are routed through Chicago. Amtrak offers rail service between Indianapolis Union Station and Chicago, Washington, DC and Cincinnati. Greyhound buses run to destinations throughout the state and cities in the region. Car rental is the best way to get around, with national travel deals giving you the best prices.
By road, I-65 enters Indiana from Chicago, passes through Indianapolis, and then exits the state into Kentucky. Alternatively, I-70 comes west from St Louis (Missouri), passes through Indianapolis and goes on to Columbus (Ohio). From Cincinnati (Ohio), I-75 runs here as well. Farther north in Indiana, I-90 and I-94 enter the state from Chicago and pass through Gary; I-94 continues up to Detroit, while I-90 goes all the way to Boston. If youеre planning to arrange your car rental in advance, donеt forget to check national travel deals and save money.
Key attractions
The major attraction of Indianapolis is the Indianapolis 500, the famous auto race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway each May. This is the largest single-day sporting event in the world. The venue then plays host in August to the NASCAR Brickyard 400. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum is open year round.
For those seeking a bit of culture, there is the Museum of Art which boasts works by such greats as El Greco and Rubens, and also features an exceptional collection of American Impressionists, along with African and Japanese art. Alternatively, the Eiteljorg Museum has an impressive collection of Native American artwork and artefacts from many North American tribes.
Out and about
North of Indianapolis is the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, stretching 60kms along southern Lake Michigan. Here, youеll find long beaches, sand dunes, bogs and forest land а perfect for lounging, hiking, camping and picnicking. Also enjoyable, Falls of Ohio State Park, west of Indianapolis, boasts the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. The historic village of Zionsville, 20 minutes north of Indianapolis, is charming, filled with Victorian homes, antiques shops and brick-paved streets. Self-drive via a rental car gives you the freedom to wander at will.
Leisure options
Indianapolis’s nightlife is primarily located in the downtown area and in Broad Ripple Village, which features trendy boutiques, bistros, and bungalows. If youеre in town on a Saturday, head to the cosy Chatterbox Tavern, where big-name jazz acts often play. World Mardi Gras, on the top level of the Circle Centre Mall, features four connected clubs.
Safety
Travellers in an unfamiliar environment can be at higher risk of accidents or problems with travel arrangements. Additionally, driving on snowy or icy roads in winter can be tricky, with car accidents being a leading cause of death in the US. It is advisable to take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Indianapolis. If youеve decided on a rental car for your winter vacation, make sure it comes with winter tyres.