The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is a statewide museum network with 12 locations across Indiana. Here, we use our incredible collection of artifacts (everything from mastodon bones to T.C. Steele paintings) and our state’s most culturally significant sites to tell larger stories around bigger themes. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, history or science, we’ve got you covered. Come out and enjoy wide open spaces at our historic sites, explore three floors of fun at our downtown Indianapolis museum, and discover engaging online activities.

Exterior photo of the Indiana State Museum and canal

Indiana State Museum 

Aerial photo of the Indiana State Museum 

Exterior photo of main entrance and sign at Indiana State Museum.

Exterior photo of entrance signage in the foreground of Indiana State Museum main entrance.

Exterior photo of main entrance sign at Indiana State Museum.

Exterior photo of Indiana State Museum entrance and grounds in front.

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Arts & Culture

Family Fun

Parks & Trails

Sports & Activities

Music & Entertainment

Central Indy

Indianapolis is one of the most vibrant, friendly, and affordable cities in the Midwest. There’s never a dull moment in Indy: from opening day to the Super Bowl, professional sports teams keep hometown fans cheering year-round. A healthy culinary scene, a wealth of parks, and a diverse nightlife scene make Indianapolis a place to call home for a lifetime.

The Circle 

Victory Field

Lucas Oil Stadium

The White River

Home to the 284-foot Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, the first memorial in the United States to be dedicated to the common soldier, the Circle is the centerpiece and focal point of Downtown Indianapolis. From the Strawberry Festival in June to the Circle of Lights celebration welcoming the winter holiday season, you can find exciting events at the Circle year-round.

Exterior photo of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and The Circle

The Circle

The circle

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Once a Civil War encampment and training field, Military Park at White River State Park was the site of the first Indiana State Fair. The 16-acre green space is in the shape of a military badge. It’s the site of many picnics, reunions, charity-sponsored walks, runs, concerts, festivals, and other special events.

Aerial photo of Military Park and Indianapolis skyline

Military Park

Aerial photo of Military Park, Central Canal, and Indianapolis skyline


Photo of Military Park historical marker and scenery

Exterior photo of Military Park open space and shelter

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The new Zoo includes five areas: Oceans, showcasing more than 90 species of aquatic life from the world’s oceans, seas and rivers; Deserts, highlighting life in desert habitats around the globe; Plains, including animals of the African plains; Forests, featuring animals of temperate and tropical forests; and Flights of Fancy, featuring birds from warmer climates around the world including Africa, South America, Asia and Australia. Other major exhibits include the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center, the award-winning exhibit that is home to the Zoo’s twelve orangutans.

In the more than five decades since the first Zoo opened its doors, many things have changed about the Indianapolis Zoo. Yet one thing remains unchanged — the vision of Lowell Nussbaum to provide the people of Indianapolis and surrounding areas with a place to learn from and be inspired by animals. That vision is reflected even today in the mission of the Indianapolis Zoo: to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world.

Indianapolis Zoo

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Exterior photo of the Indiana State Museum

White River State Park, located in downtown Indianapolis, boasts world-class attractions and destinations that offer distinctive experiences for every visitor. Greenspaces, trails, trees, and waterways co-mingle alongside cultural, educational, and recreational attractions across 250 beautiful acres. Attractions at White River State Park include TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park, IMAX Theater, Indianapolis Zoo, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Central Canal, and Indians Baseball at Victory Field.

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Photo of entrance to White River State Park

White River State Park Entrance

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Photo of walking path long the White River in White River State Park

As one of the largest JW Marriott's in the world and recognized by Conde Nast as a Top Midwest hotel, welcome to JW Marriott Indianapolis. Located in central downtown, close to White River State Park, this hotel is the perfect place to explore Indy.

JW Marriott

Aerial photo of Victory Field and the Indianapolis skyline

JW Marriott / Victory Field

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Lucas Oil Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Downtown Indianapolis.The stadium features a retractable roof and a large retractable window on one end, allowing the Colts and the Indy Eleven to play both indoors and outdoors.

Photo of the front entrance of Lucas Oil Stadium

Gainbridge Fieldhouse is an indoor arena located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. It opened in November 1999 to replace Market Square Arena. The arena is the home of the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association and the Indiana Fever of the Women's National Basketball Association.