Classic Toyota’s Road Trip Guide: Exploring Exciting Destinations in Indianapolis, Indiana!

Aug 18, 2022

Today we’re exploring another great destination in nearby Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis is known for being a major rail center at the start of the American Civil War, as well as being a hotbed location for meatpacking and metalworking industries. And of course, it’s known for its rich automotive racing history! If you’re looking for a vacation filled with visits to iconic American historic sites, it should come as no surprise that this is the city to visit! But what if you’re looking for something more? We’ve searched high and low to bring you the best of the best in interesting, unique, and exciting places to see and experience in Indianapolis in addition to the traditional stop-offs. Check it out on today’s blog!

Memorable and Unique Places to Visit in Indianapolis

The Market Street Catacombs are a surprising and unique location in Indianapolis! Indiana Landmarks, in partnership with Indianapolis City Market, offer an interesting guided tour of this underground destination. These historic remains are all that’s left of the former Tomlinson Hall, which burned down in January of 1958. It’s important to note that this site may not be accessible for all individuals, and due to the nature of the environment all tourists must wear face coverings over the mouth and nose during the 30 minute tour. Tickets should be purchased in advance.

The Indianapolis Moon Trees are commemorative trees grown from seeds of a sycamore tree that were taken to the moon and back on the Apollo 14 mission by Astronaut Stuart A. Roosa. There are just four of these special trees left in Indiana: Lincoln City, Cannelton, and Tell City.

The Indiana Medical History Museum is on the site of the former Central State Hospital; the main museum center is located in what was formerly the Old Pathology Building. The museum encourages visitors to explore the teaching amphitheater, former laboratories, photographical records, the historic library, records room, autopsy room, and so much more. There’s a plethora of unusual and interesting specimens on display for an up-close-and-personal look at the history of medicine, disease, and mental health treatment.

The Museum of Miniatures is a wholly unique experience in fine art and craftsmanship. The museum is filled to the brim with scale replicas of real life buildings, furniture, scenery, and historically accurate representations of architecture. The facilities are open to the public and created to preserve display scale models, vintage miniatures, and antique dollhouses.

Crown Hill Cemetery is a historic site and green-space, and the third largest non-government cemetery in the US. Whether you’re visiting a memorial or grave site of those buried here, participating in a historical tour or special event, or even enjoying an afternoon of quiet reflection on the grounds, it’s a memorable experience. The site is run by the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation and aims to preserve and celebrate architectural, cultural, and natural elements by restoring historic buildings, mausoleums, and preserving artwork and monuments. The groundskeepers also dedicate their time to preserving the landscaped areas and planting new trees.

Wolf Creek Habitat is located just outside of the city in Brookville Indiana. This gorgeous preserve is a wolf rescue and educational center that is supported by donations and volunteer efforts. You can help by purchasing tickets to visit the wolves and take a tour, booking a photography session, or even planning a trip and staying on the grounds. It’s incredibly important that you book your tickets in advance, as the facilities are privately managed and entry is by admission only. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with wildlife, learn about conservation efforts, and help the animals stay safe and healthy!

Indiana Caverns Family Adventure Park is in nearby Corydon, and your one-stop shopping for excitement, entertainment, and a lifetime of family memories! Enjoy an adventure zip-lining and free-falling via the “Bat Chaser” or explore underground in a cave tour by climbing, crawling, or even kayaking. They’ve even got escape rooms if your family loves a hands-on challenge of solving mysteries and puzzles.

Virginia B Fairbanks Art and Nature Park is a 100 acre public art park located on the grounds of Newfields Campus. This haven for contemporary art is free to explore, and gives families a chance to observe the intersection of art and nature up close and personal. Enjoy the incredible sculpture installations, a 35-acre lake, and the largest native pollinator meadow in Indianapolis.

The 500 Museum is located on the grounds of the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame. On non-even days, you can access the museum for free which makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for families! Enjoy a 2 hour guided tour of the museum and an opportunity to sit inside a real Indy car. It’s an incredible walk through the history of that auto industry and professional racing.

The Speedrome is a small car racing track that’s home to the World Figure 8 Race, and other specialty events in stock-car racing, competitive biking, and even go-kart competitions. The track hosts a wide array of events that are sure to please Gearheads of any age!

The Doctor Who Store and Mini-Museum in nearby Camby is a delightful stop for fans of the classic Science Fiction TV show. You’ll get to snap some picks with a full-size Tardis, play some Doctor Who pinball, and explore several cases of collectibles and memorabilia!

Naptown Roller Derby is a flat-track roller derby league and association in Indianapolis, founded in 2006. The facilities are open to anyone looking to learn the foundations of roller derby as a sport, as well as hosting multiple events and competitive bouts that are open to attend with admission!

Indianapolis is chock full of incredible destinations such as unique museums, shops, restaurants, and historic sites. It’s a perfect place to spend a weekend getaway with family and friends, but there’s certainly enough excitement to even fill a whole week!