6 of the Craziest Sights in Indianapolis
Indiana has a wild side, as evidenced by the crazy offerings you can find in its capital, Indianapolis. Here are six thrilling experiences you'll find in this exciting city.
Indianapolis Children's Museum
Image via Flickr jennylynndesign
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest of its kind, with five floors and nearly 500,000 square feet of things to see, do, and learn. Guests can touch a real T. Rex bone in the Dinosphere, virtually explore the colorful art of glass blowing, make "Jiggle Jelly" in the science lab, and much more. Free parking, Wi-Fi, a carousel, and a food court with five restaurant choices help make this day-long excursion a winner for the whole family.
Lafayette Road Ethnic Food Corridor
A large collection of ethnic restaurants located within walking distance of Lafayette Square and many cheap Indianapolis hotels provide a literal buffet of dining choices for the cuisine lover. Some mouth-watering dinner possibilities at the Lafayette Road Ethnic Food Corridor include: Cairo Cafe & Mediterranean, Udupi Cafe, India Palace Restaurant, El Puerto De San Blas, Havana Cafe, and Saigon Restaurant.
The Slippery Noodle Inn
At almost 165 years old, the Slippery Noodle Inn is the oldest bar in the history of Indiana. The building began its career in 1850 as the Tremont House but is now affectionately called "The Noodle" by Hoosiers far and wide. In Civil War times, the locale served as part of the Underground Railroad. Nowadays, it serves mostly beer, burgers, and of course, noodles. Plenty of celebrities and famous musicians have made appearances at this historic bar.
Broad Ripple Village
Broad Ripple Village is a forward-thinking neighborhood in Indianapolis whose motto is, "We're open if you are." Art and architecture star as the area's main cultural themes, with the Indianapolis Arts Center at arm's length, pedestrian art scattered along the Monon Trail, and an annual historic home tour that showcases the eclectic nature of the region's architecture. The neighborhood has a reputation as a hip hangout for college kids and free thinkers of all ages.
Rhythm! Discovery Center
Less than a decade ago, the Rhythm! Discovery Center opened as an interactive percussion museum. Sponsored by the Percussive Arts Society, the center's goal is to offer hands-on rhythmic experiences that touch on the music education standards of the U.S. teaching curriculum. Visitors have access not only to common trap sets and drums, but also a bevy of rare percussive instruments from countries around the world. After learning about music at the museum, don’t pass up the opportunity to hear talented musicians at Victory Field which regularly hosts outdoor jazz performances and other concerts.
Indy Racing Experience
Image via Flickr jim.greenhill
Those who dream of experiencing the high-speed thrill of IndyCar racing can buy such an experience here. Customers can choose to be a passenger in an Indy 500 vehicle or to actually be the driver of the car. Guests select which track they wish to drive: choices include Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Iowa Speedway, and even the Streets of Toronto. This experience is not for the faint of heart; speeds get up to 180 miles per hour. Group experiences and "victory laps" are also for sale.
Culture. Food. Fun. Thrills. Indianapolis has it all. No matter what type of experience you're hungry for, you can find it in Indianapolis, and Hipmunk can help.
Indianapolis Children's Museum
Image via Flickr jennylynndesign
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest of its kind, with five floors and nearly 500,000 square feet of things to see, do, and learn. Guests can touch a real T. Rex bone in the Dinosphere, virtually explore the colorful art of glass blowing, make "Jiggle Jelly" in the science lab, and much more. Free parking, Wi-Fi, a carousel, and a food court with five restaurant choices help make this day-long excursion a winner for the whole family.
Lafayette Road Ethnic Food Corridor
A large collection of ethnic restaurants located within walking distance of Lafayette Square and many cheap Indianapolis hotels provide a literal buffet of dining choices for the cuisine lover. Some mouth-watering dinner possibilities at the Lafayette Road Ethnic Food Corridor include: Cairo Cafe & Mediterranean, Udupi Cafe, India Palace Restaurant, El Puerto De San Blas, Havana Cafe, and Saigon Restaurant.
The Slippery Noodle Inn
At almost 165 years old, the Slippery Noodle Inn is the oldest bar in the history of Indiana. The building began its career in 1850 as the Tremont House but is now affectionately called "The Noodle" by Hoosiers far and wide. In Civil War times, the locale served as part of the Underground Railroad. Nowadays, it serves mostly beer, burgers, and of course, noodles. Plenty of celebrities and famous musicians have made appearances at this historic bar.
Broad Ripple Village
Broad Ripple Village is a forward-thinking neighborhood in Indianapolis whose motto is, "We're open if you are." Art and architecture star as the area's main cultural themes, with the Indianapolis Arts Center at arm's length, pedestrian art scattered along the Monon Trail, and an annual historic home tour that showcases the eclectic nature of the region's architecture. The neighborhood has a reputation as a hip hangout for college kids and free thinkers of all ages.
Rhythm! Discovery Center
Less than a decade ago, the Rhythm! Discovery Center opened as an interactive percussion museum. Sponsored by the Percussive Arts Society, the center's goal is to offer hands-on rhythmic experiences that touch on the music education standards of the U.S. teaching curriculum. Visitors have access not only to common trap sets and drums, but also a bevy of rare percussive instruments from countries around the world. After learning about music at the museum, don’t pass up the opportunity to hear talented musicians at Victory Field which regularly hosts outdoor jazz performances and other concerts.
Indy Racing Experience
Image via Flickr jim.greenhill
Those who dream of experiencing the high-speed thrill of IndyCar racing can buy such an experience here. Customers can choose to be a passenger in an Indy 500 vehicle or to actually be the driver of the car. Guests select which track they wish to drive: choices include Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Iowa Speedway, and even the Streets of Toronto. This experience is not for the faint of heart; speeds get up to 180 miles per hour. Group experiences and "victory laps" are also for sale.
Culture. Food. Fun. Thrills. Indianapolis has it all. No matter what type of experience you're hungry for, you can find it in Indianapolis, and Hipmunk can help.
