The warm weather is winding down, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of time for exciting, outdoor excursions! Before the cold hits and the snow falls, get yourself and your friends to this riverboat cruise that's just a quick drive from Indianapolis:
Called the Madam Carroll, this riverboat cruise docks on the stunning Lake Freeman in Monticello, Indiana
Don’t hesitate to book a tour around beautiful Lake Freeman. Onboard, you’ll enjoy a fully stocked cocktail lounge, as well as canopy covered areas that are perfect for a romantic evening with your significant other.
There are plenty of special events throughout the cruise season, including dinner cruises.
Each week, you’ll find dinner cruises featuring acclaimed musical talent, as well as a delicious menu catered by the famous Sportsman Inn. You’ll also find cruises for special events like fireworks shows, live music acts, and family-friendly excursions for parents and kids.
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The riverboat season is coming to a close sooner than any of us Hoosiers would like, so make sure to get yourself to the Madam Carroll as soon as possible.
Let's be honest: no other city in America is quite like Indianapolis. Indy has an incredible history, a welcoming small town vibe, several truly underrated places, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In case you still need convincing, here are 11 reasons why Indianapolis is the most unique city in the country.
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1. We're home to the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
The Indy 500 is a huge all-day event, bringing in hundreds of thousands of spectators every year. Every city has football or baseball, but this sporting event is as unique as it gets.
2. You can navigate downtown without touching the ground.
Sure, Indy may have a smaller downtown area than most cities, but with skywalks connecting hotels, our mall, the movie theater, restaurants, and more, we don't mind the size (especially in winter!)
3. Our art museum has the most whimsical gardens in the country.
Where else can you find a concession stand and swing combination crafted from a 100 foot poplar tree? With other eclectic exhibits like the Funky Bones statue, floating aluminum rings, and the bright bench around the lake statue that seems to pop in and out of the ground throughout the park, there's no denying that we're a creative bunch.
4. We have the largest children's museum in the world.
This massive museum covers over 472,000 square feet and sits on 29 acres of land. With year round and rotating exhibits, special events, and shows, you'll fall in love with this legendary museum, not matter your age.
This incredible, huge sandwich is an Indiana staple, with thinly pounded pork that is hand-breaded, seasoned, and fried. You'll find hundreds of incredible places to try this beloved sandwich in Indy.
Holliday Park is home to these incredible ruins, which were originally torn down from an NYC skyscraper built in 1898. They enjoy their new home in the middle of this stunning park, surrounded by gorgeous nature.
Our famous Cultural Trail makes it easy to walk to shops, eateries, and downtown attractions. The trail's separate lanes also make it safer to bike or jog around the city.
Duckpin bowling was popularized on the east coast in the early 1900s. While you'll still find some duckpin bowling alleys on the coast, the duckpin bowling alley in the Fountain Square district of Indy is the closest one you'll find in the Midwest.
The Pyramids were designed by famous architect Kevin Roche and completed in 1972. These stunning abstract buildings sit along a 25-acre lake and are easily some of the most unique structures in the world.
Few are aware that beneath the city lie catacombs that were constructed in the 1880s. These interconnected tunnels are both spooky and intriguing, and are some of the best preserved catacombs in the world.
11. We clearly live in the most beautiful city in the world.
Our little city may not have the largest skyline or the biggest population, but with a gorgeous mix of nature and skyscrapers, you can't deny it's one of the most beautiful cities you've ever seen.
What other reasons do you think make Indianapolis the most unique city in the country? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
From natural wonders to eclectic restaurants, Indianapolis is bursting with incredible attractions that people come from across the country to experience. If you're looking for some of the best places to visit in the Circle City, these nine are some of the best in the entire U.S.
The gardens at the Indianapolis Museum of Art are an extraordinary outdoor attraction that's easily one of the most stunning places in the country. With whimsical art displays, intricate natural designs, and incredible statues and architecture, this outdoor wonderland offers an unforgettable experience.
You'll find these stunning gardens at 4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46208.
This popular natural attraction in northern Indianapolis spans 3,900 acres of land and 1,400 acres of water. It's one of the largest municipal parks in the country and easily the most beautiful. With incredible hikes and treks through the woodlands and amazing attractions on the water (like canoeing and kayaking). It's a lovely oasis in the middle of the the city.
You'll find this park at 7840 W 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254.
Going head-to-head with top competitors in countries like England, NYC, and France the world, this beloved eatery made the Forbes list of Top 10 Classic Restaurants in the World. This classic steakhouse is the oldest in Indianapolis and has an amazing cocktail lounge.
Try it at 127 South Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225.
The Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Gardens is a hidden gem on the southside of Indianapolis. This remarkable attraction features some of the best natural exhibits inside of their jungle-like conservatory and enchanting sunken gardens. You'll feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale when you visit this magical park.
You'll find this unbelievable attraction at 2345 Pagoda Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203.
The Monon Trail is an amazing railway trail that cuts through some of the most scenic parts of the city. Whether you're walking or riding your bike, you'll be amazed by the attractions you encounter on this one-of-a-kind trail.
This popular speedway is home to the largest full-day sporting event in the entire world. While the big race may only happen once a year, this speedway boasts an incredible IndyCar museum and opportunities to explore the raceway behind the wheel.
You'll find this unique raceway at 4790 W 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.
This energetic street in the heart of downtown Indianapolis is a mecca for dining, art, shopping, and local culture. Mass Ave is home to some of the most popular city restaurants, shops, bars, cafes, and unique attractions. There's always something fun happening on this bustling street, which is also one of Indy's main cultural districts.
You'll find this cultural district at Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN.
The world class zoo in Indy was the first in the country to be accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. This expansive park is split into different habitats that allow you to discover animals in natural scenes similar to their environments in the wild. The Oceans exhibit also houses underwater adventures, from petting baby sharks to experiencing dolphins. The gardens surrounding the zoo are also worthy of exploration, particularly the butterfly kaleidoscope exhibit.
You'll find this top-rated zoo at 1200 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.
You'll find the largest children's museum in the world right here in Indy, and it's a blast for both kids and adults. With interactive exhibits exploring dinosaurs, space, pop culture, and even a chocolate slide, everyone will get in touch with their inner child here.
Find this famous museum at 3000 N Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.
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Have you been to any of these incredible places in the Circle City? Which attraction was your favorite and why? Are there others you would add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more places to explore in Indy, check out these 10 underrated places even natives haven't heard of.
