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A very popular event featuring jazz, blues, bluegrass, roots, r&b, zydeco, and fusion bands. Vendors also sell food and drinks. Past performers include Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, Wynton Marsalis, BB King, Chris Isaak, Blind Boys of Alabama, Ray Charles, and James Brown.
Completed in 1888, this is the hub for Indiana's state government, housing the Governor's office, the state legislature (State Senate and Indiana General Assembly) and the State Supreme Court. The first state capital was in the Southern Indiana town of Corydon, and in 1825 it was moved to Indianapolis. Featuring Italian Renaissance, Greek, and Corinthian design, the building is made from primarily of Indiana limestone. Look up while in the Rotunda to see the amazing German stained glass window, take a guided or personal tour, or observe the government at work.
This is the well-known monument in the center of the city. It is only fifteen feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty, having been built in 1902. The monument's sculpted depictions of gory Civil War fights and emancipated slaves are powerful. With Miss Liberty facing south, she defends the north from the confederate. The Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War museum is located in the basement, and visitors can ride the tower to the top for a view of the city. The grounds on the Monument are a wonderful representation of the city itself; they combine the calm of quietly roaring water and verdant grass with the energy of Downtown. It's also a great place to people watch. Additionally, there's a tiny gift shop. William Henry Harrison, the first Governor of the Indiana Territory and the United States President for a single month, is depicted on a statue at the base. The south steps are closed for renovation until November 2025, costing $10 million.
This pillared structure has a war museum, an elaborate auditorium, and a shrine honoring World War I troops who lost their lives.
It is the largest Scottish Rite cathedral in the world and a masterpiece of architecture. Take a tour, investigate the enormous pipe organ, the floating dance floor, the hand-crafted art glass windows, discover the mystery surrounding Freemasonry, and stop by the cafe for a bite to eat.
Home to the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and Dome. The underwater dolphin viewing dome is the first of its kind (and free with admission). The "Oceans" exhibit features a shark touch tank. Other areas include the Plains, the Forest, the Desert, botanical insects, and a petting zoo. Check out different animal talks throughout the day. There are opportunities to feed and ride some animals for an extra charge. Amusement rides such as the small roller coaster, carousel and train are extra, too. Zoo grounds are a non-smoking environment. Hours vary depending on the time of the year, please visit the website for details. The Zoo also incorporates White River State Park, with over 3 acres of gardens and pathways along the White River and the Hilbert Conservatory, which is the showplace for different flowers, plants, and special attractions (such as butterflies) throughout the year.
It's the third largest cemetery in the United States and is considered the "Best Walking Tour" in Indy by Indianapolis Monthly—the gruesome is mediated by the quiet and contemplative nature of the grounds. Tours explore the Gothic Chapel and Waiting Station from the late 1800s and famous grave sites. You can also pick up a map at the office for free and explore the cemetery by foot, car or bike. Hundreds of soldiers are buried in a beautiful war burial ground. Famous graves include John Dillinger, Frederick Dusenberg, Booth Tarkington, James Whitcomb Riley (at the highest point in Indianapolis), Colonel Eli Lilly, President Benjamin Harrison, and others.