Visitor's Information for Indianapolis

Indianapolis is in Central Indiana. It is the state capital and largest city of Indiana, United States, and is located in Marion County. The population within city limits is approximately 785,000 people, making it the 12th largest city in the US. The metropolitan area has about 2 million (23rd in the US). Indianapolis is also known as the "Racing Capital of the World" due to the proximity of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400.

The name Indianapolis is simply Indiana joined with polis, the Greek word for city. Indianapolis is called the "Crossroads of America". The city is warm in the summer, with average highs in the mid-80s in June, July, and August. Indianapolis has a typical mid-western winter. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 34 degrees. Indianapolis is known as the "Crossroads of America" for a good reason. Interstates 65, 69, 70, and 74 intersect here. The city's outer belt is I-465. Travel directly through the city on I-70 or I-65. Direct travel using I-74 or I-69 is not possible.

Children's Museum of Indianapolis

This museum is the largest children's museum in the world. In March 2006, it unveiled artist Dale Chihuly's largest blown glass exhibit, Fireworks of Glass. It is a glass sculpture that rises 43 feet tall. Children (and adults alike) can dig for "dinosaur fossils", catch a planetarium show, view the miniature trains, ride the carousel and so much more. There are also temporary exhibits to check out as well. $13.50 adults, $8.50 ages 2-17, $12.50 seniors 60+. Free on Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, El Dia de Los Ninos, and Christmas Eve and from 4-8pm on the first Thursday of every month. Free parking.

Indiana State Museum
The state museum's new home is one of the most beautiful in the country. Learn about the beginnings of Indy - from dinosaurs and fossil finds to the Civil War, World War II and so forth. Explore a hall dedicated to famous Hoosiers, enjoy the IMAX theater, special events, and walk the grounds of White River State Park exploring the sculpture garden dedicated to the counties of Indiana. A must see. Standard admission: $7 adult, $4 ages 3-12, $6.50 seniors 60+. IMAX admission extra, discount combo passes are available. First Tuesday of the month, admission half off. Parking with validation $3

National Art Museum of Sports
One of the largest collections of sports themed arts in the world. Check out over 800 pieces of art about over 40 different sports. Artists featured include Winslow Homer, LeRoy Neiman, Odgen Pleissner and more. Free admission.

Holidays & Business Hours
On federal and state holidays, many offices and businesses close or have truncated hours. Naturally, policies vary, but in general, the following holidays are broadly observed:

 January 1   New Year's Day 
 Third Monday in January   Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday 
 Third Monday in February   Presidents Day 
 Date changes   Good Friday, Easter Sunday 
 Last Monday in May   Memorial Day 
 July 4   Independence Day 
 First Monday in September   Labor Day 
 Second Monday in October   Columbus Day 
 November 11   Veterans Day 
 Fourth Thursday in November   Thanksgiving 
 December 25   Christmas 

Indianapolis is made up of various areas that feature unique and typical shopping alike. From Broad Ripple Village and Fountain Square - two unique areas, to typical suburban shopping malls and chains like Castleton. Every area has different options and chances to experience all levels of shopping. Below are some local, regional and national shops and districts that are frequented by avid shoppers.


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