Travel to Indianapolis

Travel to Indianapolis

Famous throughout the world for its motor racing events such as the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400, Indianapolis is the capital city of the state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County. Historically, the city is quite young, having only been founded in 1821. It has, however, come a long way since then and is now a well developed city offering typical 21st century amenities and services. After Chicago and Detroit, Indianapolis is the largest city in the US Midwest.

Transportation to Indianapolis

Indianapolis International Airport is the chief gateway into the city and the means by which most international visitors will arrive. With a large number of domestic cities served by the airport, many US citizens who come to the city for the big motor racing events also arrive via the airport. Ground options are comprised of road and rail; the former is provided by AMTRAK whose station on S Illinois Street maintains connections with a large number of major US destinations; road access meanwhile is available by private car or by Greyhound Bus from many large US cities.

What to see

The citys motor racing events are, for many, its biggest draw with the Indy 500 alone attracting upwards of 400,000 spectators. If racing isnt your thing, however, you'll find a number of other attractions on hand with highlights including the Indianapolis Zoo and the Greatimes Family Fun Park. Visitors seeking more of a cultural slant to their holiday will find popular museums such as the Indiana State Museum and the Indiana World War Memorial Museum as well as art galleries such as the Indianapolis Art Centre, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Stutz Art Gallery.

Day trips

For those visitors with rental vehicles there are various attractions outside of the city. The Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement for example, is a large, open-air living history museum created from a restored 19th-century village. The James Whitcomb Riley Old Home & Museum is the previous home of the famous Hoosier poet, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Museum takes a look at the city's close historical relationship with the sport while the visitor centre at the Seiberling Mansion offers an insight into the life of the famous Monroe Seiberling, the founder of the Diamond Plate Glass Company.

Activities and leisure

Parks and gardens offer no shortage of opportunities for engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, biking, playing football, Frisbee etc, or simply relaxing with a good book or a picnic with friends. Numerous public golf courses within the city are on hand to satisfy the needs of those wanting to practice their swing. Spectator sports include motor racing, baseball, basketball and American Football.

Safety issues

Indianapolis presents very little in the way of safety issues for visitors and those who are smart enough to steer clear of obviously dangerous situations or behaviour likely to attract the attentions of miscreants, will enjoy a holiday without incident.