The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a statewide museum network with 12 locations across Indiana. Here, we use our incredible collection of artifacts (everything from mastodon bones to T.C. Steele paintings) and our state’s most culturally significant sites to tell larger stories around bigger themes. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history or science, we’ve got you covered. Come out and enjoy wide open spaces at our historic sites, explore three floors of fun at our downtown Indianapolis museum, and discover engaging online activities.

Exterior photo of the Indiana State Museum and canal

Indiana State Museum 

Aerial photo of the Indiana State Museum 

Exterior photo of main entrance and sign at Indiana State Museum.

Exterior photo of entrance signage in the foreground of Indiana State Museum main entrance.

Exterior photo of main entrance sign at Indiana State Museum.

Exterior photo of Indiana State Museum entrance and grounds in front.

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Arts & Culture

Family Fun

Parks & Playgrounds

Sports & Activities

Music & Entertainment

Central Indy

Indianapolis is one of the most vibrant, friendly, and affordable cities in the Midwest. There’s never a dull moment in Indy: from opening day to the Super Bowl, professional sports teams keep hometown fans cheering year-round. A healthy culinary scene, a wealth of parks, and a diverse nightlife scene make Indianapolis a place to call home for a lifetime.

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Monument Circle is an iconic landmark and the focal point of Downtown Indianapolis. At the center of the Circle stands the towering Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a majestic neoclassical monument dedicated to Indiana's veterans of the American Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, and Spanish-American War. The monument rises 284 feet above street level, adorned with intricate sculptures and bas-reliefs that depict scenes from Indiana's military history. Surrounding the monument is a bustling hub of activity, with shops, restaurants, and businesses lining the streets radiating out from the circle. Monument Circle serves as a gathering place for events, celebrations, and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Circle of Lights holiday display, which attracts thousands of visitors. 

Exterior photo of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and The Circle

The Circle

Exterior photo of Monument Circle, showing Spark Park recreational activities

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Exterior photo of Monument Circle, showing colorful sports murals on buildings surrounding The Circle

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Exterior photo of Monument Circle, showing murals and benches along brick sidewalk

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Once a Civil War encampment and training field, Military Park at White River State Park was the site of the first Indiana State Fair. The 16-acre green space is in the shape of a military badge. It’s the site of many picnics, reunions, charity-sponsored walks, runs, concerts, festivals, and other special events.

Aerial photo of Military Park and Indianapolis skyline

Military Park

Aerial photo of Military Park, Central Canal, and Indianapolis skyline


Photo of Military Park historical marker and scenery

Exterior photo of Military Park open space and shelter

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The new Zoo includes five areas: Oceans, showcasing more than 90 species of aquatic life from the world’s oceans, seas and rivers; Deserts, highlighting life in desert habitats around the globe; Plains, including animals of the African plains; Forests, featuring animals of temperate and tropical forests; and Flights of Fancy, featuring birds from warmer climates around the world including Africa, South America, Asia and Australia. Other major exhibits include the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, the award-winning exhibit that is home to the Zoo’s twelve orangutans.

In the more than five decades since the first Zoo opened its doors, many things have changed about the Indianapolis Zoo. Yet one thing remains unchanged — the vision of Lowell Nussbaum to provide the people of Indianapolis and surrounding areas with a place to learn from and be inspired by animals. That vision is reflected even today in the mission of the Indianapolis Zoo: to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

Indianapolis Zoo

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Aerial photo of Indianapolis Zoo

Aerial photo of the Indianapolis Zoo

Aerial photo of Zoo and downtown Indianapolis

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White River State Park, located in downtown Indianapolis, boasts world-class attractions and destinations that offer distinctive experiences for every visitor. Greenspaces, trails, trees, and waterways co-mingle alongside cultural, educational, and recreational attractions across 250 beautiful acres. Attractions at White River State Park include TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, IMAX Theater, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Central Canal, and Indians Baseball at Victory Field.

Aerial photo of White River State Park and skyline of downtown Indianapolis

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Photo of entrance to White River State Park

White River State Park Entrance

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Aerial photo of White River State Park showing skyline of downtown Indianapolis

Aerial White River State Park 

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Photo of walking path long the White River in White River State Park

The JW Marriott Indianapolis is a luxurious and iconic hotel situated in the heart of downtown. Rising 33 stories above the city skyline, it is one of the tallest buildings in Indianapolis and serves as a landmark for both locals and visitors. The hotel boasts modern and elegant architecture, with sleek lines and expansive glass windows offering stunning views of the cityscape. With over 1,000 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, the JW Marriott provides upscale accommodations that blend comfort and sophistication. The hotel features a range of amenities, including multiple dining options, a fitness center, an indoor pool, and a full-service spa, ensuring a memorable stay for guests. Additionally, the JW Marriott Indianapolis is connected to the Indiana Convention Center via a skywalk, making it a convenient choice for business travelers attending events or conferences. 

JW Marriott

Aerial photo of Victory Field and the Indianapolis skyline

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Lucas Oil Stadium stands as an iconic symbol of modern sports architecture and a centerpiece of the city's skyline. Completed in 2008, the stadium serves as the home field for the Indianapolis Colts NFL football team and hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, conventions, and exhibitions throughout the year. Designed with a retractable roof and innovative engineering, Lucas Oil Stadium offers a versatile and immersive experience for fans and attendees. Its striking exterior features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped roof, paying homage to the Colts' iconic logo, while inside, visitors are greeted with spacious concourses, comfortable seating, and state-of-the-art facilities. The stadium's prime downtown location, adjacent to hotels, restaurants, and attractions, further enhances its appeal as a premier venue for entertainment and events in Indianapolis. 

Photo of the front entrance of Lucas Oil Stadium

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, formerly known as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, is a premier multi-purpose arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. As the home of the Indiana Pacers NBA basketball team and the Indiana Fever WNBA basketball team, Gainbridge Fieldhouse serves as a hub for sports entertainment in the region. The arena also hosts a variety of concerts, family shows, and other events throughout the year, making it a vibrant cultural destination for residents and visitors alike. Renowned for its modern design and state-of-the-art facilities, Gainbridge Fieldhouse offers an immersive fan experience with comfortable seating, excellent sightlines, and top-notch amenities. 

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Connected to the Monon Greenway traveling south from Carmel, the Monon Trail begins south of 96th Street through Broad Ripple, and passes by the Indiana State Fairgrounds before intersecting with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail on the east end of Massachusetts Avenue (Mass Ave).

Aerial view of Monon Trail through Midtown Carmel looking South

Midtown Carmel

Aerial photo of the Broad Ripple section of the Monon Trail

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Exterior photo of Monon Trail, showing shelter and landscaping

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Exterior photo of the Monon Trail in Midtown Carmel

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Exterior photo of Monon Station at 54th St and the Monon Trail

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Aerial view of Monon Trail in Midtown Carmel showing greenspace and playground areas

Indiana State Museum

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