When the checkered flag flew for race winner Alex Palou at the Indianapolis 500 last month, the year’s second-most important event in the Circle City came to an end.
Of course, we all know that the most important event in Indy this year is the COS Race to Freedom Leadership Summit in September, and we cannot wait to see you!
If you haven’t registered for this momentous gathering, click here to do so now!
Indianapolis is a truly dynamic capital city that has much to offer and see. If you are planning to arrive early for the summit or extend your stay, you might want to check out some of the following attractions. Most of these spots are in or near downtown, so will require a rideshare service or carpooling with summit attendees who have access to vehicles.
Yet you don’t have to go far or even have a car to peruse the stylish Fashion Mall at Keystone; it is attached to our hotel and features great shopping options and restaurants that range from familiar chains to local favorites.
White River State Park, 801 W. Washington Street: This is one of the most beautiful and uniquely-designed urban parks in the United States.
It features several miles of paved walking and biking trails within its 250 downtown acres, and a number of interesting diversions along the way (tickets/admission fees apply for some of the locations). These include:
The NCAA Hall of Champions is an interactive attraction that allows visitors to experience all of the 24 National Collegiate Athletic Association sports with simulators, a gymnasium, and displays.
The beautifully-designed Indianapolis Zoo, a leader in animal conservation and research that provides a home for almost 1,400 animals and over 30,000 plants. Ticket information is available by clicking here.
The Indiana State Museum chronicles the rich narrative of Hoosier history in unforgettable fashion.
The Eiteljorg Museum houses some of the most impressive collections of Native American and Western art anywhere in the world and is a must for any connoisseur.
While hours and ticket prices vary for the venues inside, White River State Park itself is free of charge and open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
No travel guide for Indy would be complete without the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th Street: During our weekend in town, the Speedway will be hosting the IMSA “Battle on the Bricks” pre-race activities and a full race on Sunday the 21st. For a fascinating look at the history of the world’s most famous racetrack, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (same location) is highly recommended.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art includes the gorgeous Garden at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road: Encyclopedic art museum; tickets in advance are recommended.
Indiana’s capital city prominently honors the armed services, perhaps most notably with the beautiful Soldiers & Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis (Monument Circle). The monument features an observation deck from where visitors can look out at Indianapolis from 275 feet up.
Indiana War Memorial & Museum, 55 E. Michigan Street. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the museum features 30,000 square feet of military equipment and artifacts. It is part of the Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District.
After all this exploring, you are probably hungry and may want to visit St. Elmo Steakhouse, 127 S. Illinois Street. This is the place to go in Indy If you want to really splurge ($$$) and have one of the best meals you will ever eat. Reservations are required and it’s best to dress business casual. Be forewarned: have multiple cold drinks at the ready if you try their famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) shrimp cocktail! To say the sauce is hot is putting it mildly.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 N. Delaware Street. Visit the elegant house that was home to the 23rd president -- the man who served between Grover Cleveland's non-consecutive terms.
Although a native of Ohio, Harrison built a successful law and political career in Indianapolis that began in 1854. Aside from his military service and subsequent stints in Washington, D.C., as a U.S. senator and president, Harrison lived in this house, located in the Old Northside Historic District.
The above is just a taste of what Indianapolis has to offer. Again, click here to register for the Race to Freedom Leadership Summit.
Enjoy the Circle City and the Race to Freedom!
