Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana. As an extension of the state, it shares the Crossroads of America moniker, also known as the Railroad City. With a history in transportation, it’s no surprise that the city also hosts the Indianapolis 500. Whether it be in transportation or the high speeds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indy excels in what it does.
Indianapolis also hosts two major league sports teams: The Indianapolis Colts of the NFL and the Pacers of the NBA. Depending on your sports preferences, you could end up at Lucas Oils Stadium or Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Either house can get packed and loud as Indy comes to support its professional teams.
Another aspect of Indianapolis worth mentioning is its collection of monuments to veterans. It has the largest collection of monuments outside of Washington DC. Consider visiting the Indiana War Memorial & Museum, the USS Indianapolis National Memorial, and the Indiana World War 2 Memorial. Indianapolis goes above and beyond when it comes to honoring our veterans.
You’ll also find many events that will appeal to almost everyone.
The city hosts the amazing Indianapolis 500, which hosts 33 drivers across 200 miles. It’s one of the world’s largest single-day sporting events. There’s also the Sonsio Grand Prix, the first race of the month in May. If you want to celebrate the Indy 500 further, there’s the 500 Festival, which involves walking around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Beyond racing, Indy also hosts the Midwest’s biggest college football event: The Big Ten Championship. Before this, the Indiana Convention Center hosts Ten Fan Fest, allowing fans to join in pep rallies and be part of the game with various exhibits. The Big Ten Conference is full of competitive teams, so you can bet the championship will be a competitive show.
If you’re not into Sports, you can seek out the Devour Indy Summerfest in August. This is a two-week, city-wide dining experience. During the same month, you can also eat your fill during a three-week celebration of Indy’s agricultural roots. The same month, it hosts a city-wide block party and the Indyfringe Theatre Festival. No matter the month, you’ll find something to do.
To support its native heritage, Indianapolis also hosts an Indian Market and Festival during June. During this festival, you can find over 140 native artists. These artists come from the US and Canada, bringing pottery, beadwork, jewelry, and paintings. Indy is brimming with culture; you don’t have to work hard to find it.