Location: Downtown Indianapolis
Top Things to do in Downtown Indianapolis
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Things to do in Indianapolis, Indiana (IN): The Best Monuments & Statues
High-speed, history and good old Hoosier hospitality are a few reasons to put Indianapolis on your list of great getaways. Sports is another. From the legendary Indianapolis 500 to the Pacers and the Colts, the city offers ample opportunities to view professional and amateur sporting events, take part in athletic events and visit sports museums. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Hall Of Fame Museum you can tour the famous track (try to reserve tickets if there is a race in town) or visit the museum dedicated to automobiles and auto racing. Other sporty museums include the NCAA Hall of Champions. To get in on some of the action, head to SportZone which features six acres of indoor athletic facilities the whole family will enjoy. Those less interested in sports, or with kids in tow, can still find tons to do in and around the city. History, art and other cultural attractions abound. Visit the Children's Museum or checkout the zoo. Stroll along cobblestone streets past 19th-century buildings in the Lockerbie Square District or visit any number of historic landmarks. Known as the "Crossroads of America," more interstate highways bisect Indianapolis than any other city in the country, making it an exciting and easily accessible destination.
Restaurants in Indianapolis
1. Indiana War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 648 reviews
A tribute to Indiana war veterans, from World War I to the Vietnam War.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Perhaps no city outside Washington DC does more to honor our nation's veterans than Indianapolis, Indiana. The Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, originally built in 1924 to honor the veterans of World War I, is a plaza that covers five city blocks that includes the Indiana World War Memorial, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Cenotaph Square, Veterans Memorial Plaza, Depew Memorial Fountain, University Park, American Legion Mall and a don't-miss military museum. Located at 51 East Michigan Street, bounded by St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Meridian Streets, the centerpiece of the plaza is the Indiana World War Memorial, which is modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and contains "the Altar of the Flag" in the Shrine Room. The memorial was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994. The War Memorial, whose cornerstone was laid in 1927 by General John Pershing, is 210 feet tall or 75 feet taller than the original Mausoleum. Made of unrelieved ashlar Indiana limestone with six Ionic columns on each side, it is one of the most imposing neoclassical structures in the country. There are several sculptures. Most notable of all is Henry Hering's colossal male nude bronze Pro Patria, which is 24 feet high and weighs seven tons, the largest cast bronze sculpture in the United States. Also impressive is the 100-foot-tall black granite obelisk in the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Be sure to visit the Indiana World War Memorial Military Museum, which honors Hoosier soldiers in a timeline from the American Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. World War I and World War II are featured most prominently. Among the exhibits are a replica of the radio room of the USS Indianapolis, which was sunk after delivering the first atomic bomb to Tinian in WW II, a Cobra helicopter, the USS Indiana's commission plate, 300 Civil War flags, firearms of all types and a replica of Indiana's Liberty Bell. Lots of history, lots of memories, lots of time for sober reflection.
2. Medal of Honor Memorial
3. Soldiers & Sailors Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
A monument built in 1902 as a tribute to the Indiana soldiers who served in the Civil War.
Reviewed By lemonshakeup1
Dedicated to war heroes. Beautiful piece of Indiana history. From the basement (which I am sure was part of the underground railroad), to the Victory at the top. Look for soldiers bricks, have lunch on the steps, climb the zillion stairs to the top. Learn why the circle city, cross roads of America are all names for Indianapolis. Even at Christmas when it becomes a beautiful giant winter wonderland. Great for all ages.
4. Monument Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 889 reviews
Reviewed By JackieAaaa - Ocala, United States
Every time we come to Indianapolis we have a great time!! Love the walkability and things to do around monument circle and the rest of the downtown Indy area. Great places to eat, parties at night.
