Travel Guide: Indianapolis, Indiana

Travel Guide: Indianapolis, Indiana

This city is known as the Crossroads of America. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be continuing our travel series with a look at Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Crossroads of America

Indianapolis, or Indy as it’s affectionately called, is the capital city of the Midwestern American state of Indiana. It gained its reputation as the Crossroads of America thanks to the network of freeways that runs through the city.

Geography and Climate

Its population of eight hundred and thirty thousand is spread out over an area of just over 370 square miles. Geographically, Indianapolis is relatively flat, and it enjoys four distinct seasons of weather throughout the year, as the hot and humid summer climate becomes cold and wet in winter.

Indianapolis 500

Of course, Indy’s biggest claim to fame is the Indianapolis 500. The city is a Mecca for motorsport enthusiasts thanks to this annual race at the Indy Motor Speedway.

Sports

And that’s not the only game in town: Indy has been called the Amateur Sports Capital of the World thanks to the wealth of teams in the region. Pro teams also call the Hoosier State home, so you can also take in an NBA or NFL game while you’re there.

Sightseeing

If sightseeing is more your thing, there are hundreds of unique ways to see the city sights: for example, rent a Segway and glide around, or hop in a paddleboat for an exciting waterfront trip. If you’re interested in a more relaxing boat ride, try floating down Indy’s canal in a gondola past the scenery of the downtown core. In recent years, pedestrian infrastructure has seen vast improvements, so take a relaxing stroll as another way to observe the town and its landmarks.

War Memorials

Some of the city’s most iconic attractions are its war memorials. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is a prominent example of these tributes, and it honors fallen soldiers from various battles.

Museums

For those traveling with families, Indianapolis is home to many child-friendly museums. The most obvious choice is the Children’s Museum, which features five floors full of exhibits the kids will love: from dinosaurs to carousels, they’ll be fascinated.

Family-Friendly Activities

Next up, the Conner Prairie living history museum is a great way to give kids a taste of nineteenth century prairie living. The Indianapolis Zoo lets families watch animals at play, while the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a chance for you to take in some culture.

Nightlife

And when the sun goes down, Indianapolis does not slow down. There are plenty of restaurants where you can get a casual bite or a more elaborate meal, bars where you can grab a drink with friends, and clubs where you can dance the night away.

Sports, culture and history are all at home in the Hoosier State, and Indy is the center of it all!