A few months back, I posted a travel guide to help people find the best places to stay while they are in the area, as well as give some tips on how to make the most out of your trip to Indianapolis.
Since then, I have gotten a lot of questions about the best places to stay and eat in the area. So, I decided to make a list of the top destinations within a couple of hours of the Indianapolis city limits. It turned out to be pretty hard to come up with a short list of places, so here it is – the top 10 spots you should consider visiting.
10. Rose Gardens Amusement Park – Although it might not seem like it at first, the amusement park is the best place to start your adventure in Speedway. After all, what could be more attractive than an old-school amusement park? Not much, actually. Plus, if you love dinosaurs, you could wander around and find most of the species that were made famous in movies like Jurassic Park and the Jurassic World franchise.
9. Indianapolis Museum of Art – Located in the heart of the city, the museum is a great way to complete a cultural experience. Not only will you get to see world-class artworks from famous artists, but you will also get to learn a lot about the artistic culture in general. Plus, if you are a fan of the TV show Family Guy, you will get a kick out of the live action figures on display throughout the museum.
8. Old National Historic Park – A must for history buff, the park is located on the site where the first Republican National Convention was held in 1856. Today, the park is a living history museum that recreates the atmosphere of that time period. You and your family can get a taste of American history by paying a small admission fee and walking around the sites where some of the greatest speeches ever made took place.
7. Indiana State Museum – One of the largest museums in the country, it houses over 300,000 historical items that span across four continents. The sheer volume alone is enough to make anyone’s head spin. If you are an adventurous family or group of friends, you can spend a day or more exploring the amazing exhibits and learning about the history of the area.
6. Monon Trail – A 40-mile rail trail that circles around the city, it is one of the most popular trails in Indiana. Not only is there a wide array of scenery to look at – from the lush green hills that you pass by as you follow the trail, to the bustling downtown areas where you can have a craft beer and some grills ready to be fired up for those who want to go for a hike – but it is also a fantastic way to get around the city. Just check the weather before you set out so you don’t get stuck in the mud (or in the air, for that matter).
5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Home to the IndyCar Grand Prix and other motorsport events, the speedway is an incredible sight to see. Whether you go for a walk around the famous track or take a ride in one of the grandstands, you will get to enjoy a unique perspective of the racing world. Plus, for kids, there is the Go-Kart Zone and mini-golf.
4. The Circle – This is the spot in the middle of town where you can find the Indianapolis Historic Center, the White River State Park, and the Fountain Square. It is undoubtedly the most photographed city square in America, with its iconic statue of Andrew Carnegie and its bandstand. The Circle is close to a thousand years old, and it has been home to many great moments in American history, from a concert by Bob Dylan in 1962 to an outdoor ice cream social in 2009.
3. Downtown – Located in the northwest part of the city, this is where you will find most of the important hotels, as well as the Convention Center, the Cultural Center, and numerous restaurants and bars. Not only is it close to the airport, but it is also easily accessible from the SouthSide via the Keystone Bridge or from the EastSide via the White River Trail. Naturally, if you are driving, the best way to get there is via I-65 South or I-70 East.
2. White River State Park – A 20,000-acre retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, the park is the perfect place for a quiet weekend with friends and family. Not only is it home to hiking trails, lakes, and picnicking spots, but it also features a swimming beach, nine driving ranges, and rustic cabins where you and your clan can get away from the bustle of the outside world. Plus, there is an abundance of birds you can spot along the way, as well as deer, elk, and boar. Bring your camera!
1. The Fort Indianapolis Hotel and Convention Center – The crown jewel of downtown Indianapolis, the hotel boasts an incredible view of the city and the white horse that greets visitors at the entrance. Inside, you will find a spa, a pool, a modern fitness center with the city’s best equipment, and a high-end restaurant and bar. The Fort is easily accessible from the North, East, and South sides of the city via the Cultural Trail, the White River Trail, and I-65. From the west side, you can get there via I-70 and I-74.
What City Is It Near?
You might be wondering which city is closest to Indianapolis. After all, you could be traveling there for an event or want to stay in the area for a while.
For those who want to explore the area, here is a complete list of cities and their distances from Indianapolis:
- Bartlesville – 22.8 miles
- Camden – 25.8 miles
- Evansville – 29.5 miles
- Fort Wayne – 33.2 miles
- Gary – 39.2 miles
- Indianapolis – 40.6 miles
- Kokomo – 43.1 miles
- Louisville – 44.8 miles
- Marion – 46.9 miles
- Mishawaka – 48.1 miles
- Monroe – 50.1 miles
- North Vernon – 51.8 miles
- Parish – 55.5 miles
- Pikeville – 57.7 miles
- Richmond – 59.2 miles
- South Bend – 60.5 miles
- Tipton – 61.9 miles
So, as you can see, there are many options for places to stay in the area. You could check out some of the hotels near the airport or in the Central business district, or you could find a cozy B&B or Airbnb in a neighboring town. The world is your oyster! Enjoy your trip to the Mile High City!