Rising 285 over the circular 19th century brick streets in the center of downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana Soldier's and Sailor's Monument is a neclassical monument that pays tribute not to Presidents or generals, but to the rank and file soldiers and sailors that brought victory to the United States during the American Civil War. Each side of the obelisk is covered with intricately scenes carved from Indiana oolitic limestone.

Modeled after the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the 7 Wonder of the Ancient World, the Indiana World War Memorial houses the Colonol Eli Lily Civil War Museum. The Shrine Room is a sanctuary of quiet reflection and an architectural marvel. The Indiana World War Memorial is part of the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, which also includes the American Legion Headquarters, Vietnam and Korean War Memorials, Cenotaph (empty tonmb) Square, Obelisk Square, and DePew Memorial Fountain.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the home of the world's most iconic automobile race, The Indianapolis 500! With an annual in-person attendance of 300,000-350,000 people, the Indy 500 is the largest single day sporting event in the world and Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 257,325 permanent seats make it the highest capacity sports venue on the planet! Visit the Speedway Museum and you can take a lap around the historic track and even kiss the yard of bricks that give Indianapolis Motor Speedway its nickname, the "Brickyard!"

Housed in the former pathology building of what was once the sprawling 160 acre Central State Hospital (originally known as the Indiana Hopital for Insane) complex, this carefully preserved Victorian facility features exibits that chronicle the earliest attempts at understanding the physiological causes of mental illness. The original autopsy theatre is a standout portion of the facility whether you are a science history enthusiast or lover of creepy places. Be sure to book a tour in advance. You have to have a tour scheduled to visit the museum.

Once the largest Coca-Cola bottling facility in the world, the Bottleworks district has been revitalized and repurposed. Featuring a boutique hotel, The Garage food hall, multiple bars, duck pin bowling, the Living Room Movie Theatre, and a virtual reality gaming facility, there is literally something for everyone here.

With 472,900 square feet of fun spread over 5 floors, it is no wonder that the world's largest Children's Museum attracts over a million visitors per year! The outdoor sports experience, treehouse, and ferris wheel offer even more fun activities. Of all the activities in the city, this museum is the one that we recommend the most highly.

Home of the Indianapolis Colts, Lucas Oil Stadium borrows architectural cues from the historic Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum and Butler University's Hinkle Fieldhouse and adds its own twist, including a retractable roof and windows. Make sure to snap a selfie with the Peyton Manning statue located at the Northeast corner of the stadium. Stadium tours are offered Fridays at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm (excluding Event days and Holidays).

The NCAA Hall of Champions is an interactive museum and part of a three-building complex that houses a conference center and the corporate headquarters of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The Eiteljorg houses an extensive collection of visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas as well as Western American paintings and sculptures collected by businessman and philanthropist Harrison Eiteljorg (1903–1997). The museum houses one of the finest collections of Native contemporary art in the world.

Enjoy a stroll along the canal and maybe rent a swan boat or take a gondola ride!

Located at the northernmost end of the Canal Walk, this memorial pays tribute to the sailors of the ship that bore the city's name. The USS Indianapolis was a heavy cruiser that delivered components for the atomic bombs to Tinian Island in 1945, but was then sunk by a Japanese submarine on July 30, 1945, after which only 316 of its 1,196 crew members survived.

Newfields is a 152 acre campus that houses The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), Lilly House, Viriginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, and the Garden at Newfields.

The indianapolis Museum of art is the ninth oldest and eighth largest encyclopedic art museum in the United States and houses over 54,000 works of art.

The Lilly House (also known as Oldfields) is a 26 acre historical estate with a histroric 22 rooom mansion house museum as its centerpiece.

The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Center is a 100 acre interactive art park

One of the most, if not the most important writer of the 20th century, Indianapolis's Kurt Vonnegut was known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels. Even if you can't make it to the Vonnegut Museum during your visit, we highly recommend reading his work, particularly "Cat's Cradle" and "Slaughterhouse-Five."

Located along the Canal Walk downtown, the Indiana State Museum features over 40,000 square feet of exibit space. The museum's galleries cover the history of the natural world, Native Americans, cultural history, and the future of Indiana.

The 1875, 16-room Italianate home was the home of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States. 10 of the 16 rooms are open for visitors and are decorated in the Victorian style typical of Harrison's time living in the residence.

Take a tour of Indy in one of the most fun ways in town! The Chicken Limo!

Whether you stop in for a slice or a whole pie, Goodfellas has a pizza deal you can't refuse! If you are 21 or older, check out the hidden speakeasy, The Wiseguy Lounge. It is a great place to relax and enjoy your favorite libations in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.

Serving the workers of Indianapolis since 1918, Workingman's Friend is a local institution. 21+ and bring cash (they do not accept credit or debit cards) for the best smash burger and biggest goblet of beer in town!

The Slippery Noodle was originally founded in 1850 as the Tremont House. It is Indiana's oldest continuously operated bar in the original building. Come by and have some delicious nachos and a cold beer while listening to live blues in this 175 year old landmark!

The Mass Ave Cultural Arts district features numerous dining and entertainment options. Be sure to stop by and see "Ann Dancing," the perpetually-moving electronic artwork display that features the illuminated outline of a female figure dancing to an unheard song. It is one of Becky's favorite things!

The Anthaneum building, originally named Das Deutsche Haus (The German House) was opened in 1894 as a German American social club, The Anthaneum is home to the Rathskeller Restaurant (which opened when the building did), the stunning Skeller Bar, and the original 500 seat Biergarten, complete with a band shell with live music most weekend nights.

If you love reuben, pastrami, or corned beef deli-style sandwiches, you should probably stay away from Shapiro's. Why? Becuase every one you eat after having a sandwich at this Indy southside institution will pale in comparison. Don't say we didn't warn you!

Founded in 1902, St. Elmo's is Indy’s oldest and best steakhouse. Try the shrimp cocktail. I hear they are trying to compete with Grandma Fran's shrimp cocktail!

Want to take a unique tour? Hop on the peddler and get your drink on while seeing the city!