First time visitor, what are the must-sees? (Indianapolis, Speedway: rental car, rental)

[sdurbanite]

Hi everyone,

I'll be in Indy next week and was looking for some suggestions from natives about what to see and do while I'm there. Mostly interested in driving through some interesting neighborhoods, as well as finding some good places to eat.

Would the Speedway Museum interest someone who is not into auto racing? Broad Ripple worth checking out?

I'll be coming from San Diego and my hotel is next to Monument Circle.

Any advice will be appreciated.

[gtrman]

Depends upon what you're into as far as what to see. The Art Museum is fantastic, especially if the weather is nice (they have a beautiful outdoor area for walking). Good eats everywhere, although, yes, you could get some in Broad Ripple if you're out that way. If you're into history, the Benjamin Harrison house is actually extremely interesting. Bank on about 60-90 minutes for the tour. I haven't been to the Speedway Museum, but I'd imagine it's great if you're into racing. Enjoy the city!

[BU191433]

If you want to see some really nice older homes drive through or walk through the Meridian Kessler area. This is too long of a walk from your hotel though - will need to drive, take bus or cab.

I am not a racing fan and thought the Speedway Museum was pretty good. Not really for the racing cars so much but it was interssting to me to see the older cars.

[Risikio]

I don't live in Indianapolis any more, but I spent the first thirty years of my life there. Broad Ripple is an interesting area for art. They have a wonderful outdoor art festival every year around Mother's Day. The Union Jack Pub, if it is still open, in Broad Ripple has excellent pizza.

The places the others have mentioned are all good. In addition to the Meridian-Kessler neighborhoods (Old Northside) you can find a lot of older Victorian homes in Woodruff Place. The neighborhood is not as nice - its poorer than the Meridian-Kessler area.

Depending on what time of the week you are there, you might see if anything is going on at the fairgrounds, or the convention center. They both host large public events. I belive the NCAA has a museum in their corporate headquarters in White River Park. The Zoo and a Native American museum are also in that area. If you like baseball, the Indianapolis Indians (minor league) may be playing.

For restaurants, Shapiro's Deli is an Indianapolis favorite. I haven't been there for a long time, but I think it is near the new Lucas Oil Stadium.

[sdurbanite]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I'll have a rental car and Meridian-Kessler sounds like a great area. I'll also try to hit Shapiro's Deli on my way out of town

[Ravekid]

Originally Posted by sdurbanite

Hi everyone,

I'll be in Indy next week and was looking for some suggestions from natives about what to see and do while I'm there. Mostly interested in driving through some interesting neighborhoods, as well as finding some good places to eat.

Would the Speedway Museum interest someone who is not into auto racing? Broad Ripple worth checking out?

I'll be coming from San Diego and my hotel is next to Monument Circle.

Any advice will be appreciated.

The Speedway museum can be fun, but it is more geared towards race fans. If you have a general knowledge in buildings and history, they did have a lot of that stuff last time I went (many years ago). Talked about how the track was built, what they did in the early years, etc..

If your on Monument Circle, try to check out the Soldier's and Sailor's Monument. You can go up to the top (if it is open). In the basement, there is a nice little Civil War museum. Just north of this location is the war memorial. It is also a pretty decent museum, though I haven't been in years. Also downtown is White River State Park. They have the NCAA museum, state museum, and an IMAX theater. Also, the park has a very nice visitors center where you can pick up a bunch of those travel brochures.