Published Jul 7, 2017

The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Indiana That Everyone Should Visit

Explore 10 incredible natural attractions in Indiana for unforgettable summer adventures.

Published Jul 7, 2017

Written by

Courtney Johnston

Experiences|Attractions

Published Oct 31, 2024

The New Attraction in Indianapolis, Indiana We Can’t Wait to Experience

When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopens, it'll be the best new attraction in Indianapolis.

Published Oct 31, 2024

Written by

Jackie Sutherlin

The legendary Indianapolis 500 is a bucket list event for many. Held annually over Memorial Day Weekend, Indianapolis experiences a surge of tourism that few other cities ever experience. Even if you don’t score tickets to the race, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is worth your time. It’s currently under a massive renovation, and when it reopens, it’ll be one of the best new attractions in Indianapolis. Let’s check it out:

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the ultimate destination for motorsports fans. The museum opened in 1956 and showcases former Indianapolis 500 winning cars, pace cars, and general automotive history.

The museum has been closed since November 2023 and is currently undergoing a massive facelift.

The $89 million renovation and modernization project, which is scheduled to reopen in 2025, will be the museum's first massive renovation in 40 years.

There are many new attractions and exhibits planned, including a brand new, 6,000-square-foot mezzanine level. This new level will house plenty of interactive and educational exhibits as well as become a rentable space for future events.

If you’ve visited the museum before the renovation, you’ll want to make plans to visit it again. The museum is going to look completely different from the moment you step inside. There will be a new layout with new exhibits and a more intuitive design, which we can’t wait to check out.

The museum is staying within its same footprint, but the essential infrastructure is also getting a facelift. Better humidity control, better storage systems for artifacts, and controlled lighting ensures that the collections inside the museum continue to be preserved for many years to come.

alt — four open wheel cars racing around a turn at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana

Even though the museum is closed for now, track tours of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are open. These tours offer guests a chance to go behind the scenes of the world’s most famous racecourse. I’d recommend pairing a track tour with a hidden gems of Indianapolis tour for the perfect day.

If all goes according to plan, the museum is scheduled to reopen in April 2025. Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum website to stay up to date on the renovation process.

We can’t wait for this new attraction in Indianapolis to open. We’ll be racing to get our tickets! Share this article with someone you want to visit this museum with.

Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Indianapolis.

Experiences|Attractions

Published Oct 31, 2024

Few People Know Parts of the Iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel in Indiana Were Actually Built in Pennsylvania

The iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel in Indiana is a staple in the Indianapolis area. But did you know parts were crafted in Pennsylvania?

Published Oct 31, 2024

Written by

Katie Lawrence

I think it’s safe to say most of us have fond childhood memories of spinning around on a carousel. As a kid, nothing compared (for me, at least) to choosing my favorite animal and hopping on while I waited for the familiar tune to play that signaled the ride was about to begin. Hoosiers are even luckier because we have not just any carousel, but the famous Broad Ripple Park Carousel. This piece of living history has delighted Indiana children since the early 1900s, and the intricately carved animals that make it up date back even further. What makes the carousel even more special is that even though it's one of the most iconic landmarks in Indiana, it actually wasn't even built in our state - at least not the most important part (the animals). They were built in Pennsylvania sometime during the 19th century and brought to Indianapolis in the early 1900s.

Although now located in The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Broad Ripple Park Carousel was originally installed in 1917 at White City Amusement Park. The carousel’s animals were constructed by the Dentzel Carousel Company of Philadelphia before the turn of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the building that housed the carousel collapsed in 1956, destroying a significant chunk of its inner workings — but the animals were surprisingly unharmed and put into storage. Over the years, the animals played several different roles across the city, including being used in a Christmas display at University Park. The museum acquired two horses in 1965, along with most of the remaining animals a few years later.

While the museum originally intended to simply display the restored animals around the building, it ended up going the extra mile and restoring the entire carousel. The artifact was designated a designated a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987, and visitors can still ride it today.

Visit the website for the Children's Museum of Indianapolis for more information about the Broad Ripple Park Carousel. You can also check out the Children's Museum of Indianapolis Facebook page to see additional photos.

Have you ever taken a ride on this historic carousel? What are your favorite iconic landmarks in Indiana? Tell us in the comments! If you need a place to stay in town, the Conrad Indianapolis is a great choice. It's a classic Indy experience with great reviews, and you can book a room in seconds on Booking.com.

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Stays

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The Completely Free Nature Center Hiding in an Oklahoma State Park Is a Must-Visit

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The 10 Most Incredible Natural Attractions In Indiana That Everyone Should Visit

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The New Attraction in Indianapolis, Indiana We Can’t Wait to Experience

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Few People Know Parts of the Iconic Broad Ripple Park Carousel in Indiana Were Actually Built in Pennsylvania

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All Stories

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