The List Indianapolis
10 must-dos in Indianapolis
Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
1 Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Possibly the best children's museum in the world, and definitely the biggest, with over 472,900-square feet, 11 cavernous galleries and more than 110,000 artifacts. Families explore and dissect everything from toy train collections and the famous Dinosphere to a working, century-old merry-go-round. You can't miss the building — there's a life-sized Brachiosaurus statue out front peering into the main lobby on tippy toes. www.childrensmuseum.org
2 Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
This idiosyncratic museum presents Native American and Western art, culture and history, along with other Western-themed pieces collected by Harrison Eiteljorg. This month's Steel Ponies explores the history, art and culture of the motorcycle. Vroooom! www.eiteljorg.org
3 The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Calling this new bike-and pedestrian-friendly boulevard a path is like calling Route 66 a road. Stretching more than seven miles through downtown Indy, it meanders past pretty much every artistic, sports and entertainment hotspot in the city. The $50 million project is decked out with extensive landscaping and eye-candy art. www.indyculturaltrail.org
4 The Indy 500
It's big, it's loud and it's the only place to be on May 27. The 96th running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" always has tickets available since the century-old Indianapolis Motor Speedway seats more than 250,000, with space for tens of thousands more in the two-and-a-half mile oval's infield. www.indianapolismotor-speedway.com
5 Indianapolis Museum of Art
Though the country's fifth-largest art museum holds plenty of interesting pieces in its galleries, a walk through its grounds is equally captivating. In the woods, on the banks of White River, you'll find specially commissioned sculptures and constantly changing installations. www.imamuseum.org
6 Broad Ripple Art Fair
Broad Ripple, Indy's artsy neighborhood, hosts a two-day outdoor festival (May 19-20) sponsored by the Indianapolis Art Center. The street fair is bursting with works from over 225 artists and draws roughly 22,000 visitors with its food, music and artistic demonstrations. www.indplsartcenter.org
7 Slippery Noodle Inn
Indiana's oldest bar opened in 1850 as a less-than-reputable establishment called Tremont House. These days, it offers live music acts seven nights a week. Visit the ancient brick building's back music room, where bank robber John Dillinger used to hang out and, occasionally, take target practice — explaining the bullet holes. www.slipperynoodle.com
8 Zionsville
This little hamlet just outside of Indy is almost too picturesque for words, with brick-lined streets and an old-timey business district that looks like something from a Thomas Kinkade painting. You'll find no chains here — just quirky galleries and indie boutiques offering everything from toys and chocolates to locally-made clothing. www.zionsvillechamber.org
9 Gray Brothers Cafeteria
Cafeterias aren't just for lunch ladies. This family-owned establishment, in business since 1944, is different. One taste of the classic entrees on its immense serving line and you'll understand why national reviewers rave. The fried chicken is to die for, and the strawberry pie is legendary. www.gray-brotherscatering.com
10 Eagle Creek Park & Marina
The nation's sixth largest city park, Eagle Creek (with actual eagles), encompasses almost 4,000 acres, plus a 1,400-acre lake. There's a newly installed treetop zip line, and water lovers can rent pretty much anything that floats — from canoes and Hobie Cats to pedal boats. www.eaglecreekpark.org
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