Indianapolis area
Around Indianapolis area
Photo: Chris Bowman · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Greater area · Indiana · 2.7M people
Indianapolis area
Locals say Indy · “Circle City”, “Crossroads of America”, “Naptown”
Where the checkered flag meets the hardwood.
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Welcome to Indy, where the racing spirit meets Midwestern warmth. Whether you're here for the 500 or just passing through, you'll find a city that loves its sports, its food, and its friendly neighborhoods. Enjoy the Circle, the trails, and the tenderloins!
Clubs for Indianapolis area
No clubs for Indianapolis area yet.
The room
Indianapolis area is big: its rooms are its areas'. This is Indianapolis's; the others are below.
One room for everyone around Indianapolis. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Indianapolis area. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Monument Circle Historic roundabout with the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at the heart of downtown.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Iconic racetrack hosting the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400.
- Children's Museum of Indianapolis The world's largest children's museum, with dinosaurs and a carousel.
- White River State Park Urban park along the canal, home to the zoo and museums.
- Lucas Oil Stadium Retractable-roof home of the Colts, host of major events.
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse Arena for the Pacers and Fever, known for its basketball heritage.
- Outdoors Ride or walk the Monon Trail
- Outdoors Explore Eagle Creek Park
- With kids Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- With kids Indianapolis Zoo
- Evenings Mass Ave bar hop
- Evenings Fountain Square live music
- Locals love Breweries
- Locals love Farmers markets
Through the year
- Indianapolis 500 May The world's greatest race at the Speedway every Memorial Day weekend.
- Brickyard 400 July NASCAR returns to the Speedway for a summer race.
- Indiana State Fair August Classic fair with livestock, food, and concerts at the fairgrounds.
- 500 Festival Mini-Marathon May A half marathon through downtown and the Speedway, part of the 500 festivities.
- Symphony on the Prairie Summer Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs outdoors at Conner Prairie.
Four distinct seasons; hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Best times are spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal for being outside, with mild temps and sunny skies.
Talk like a local
- “The Circle”
- Monument Circle, the heart of downtown.
- “The Brickyard”
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- “Naptown”
- Nickname for Indianapolis, sometimes used affectionately.
- “Hoosier”
- Someone from Indiana.
Getaways
- Bloomington College town with live music, Lake Monroe, and the Indiana University campus.
- Columbus Famous for modern architecture and the arts.
- Greencastle Home to DePauw University and nearby nature preserves.
- Frankfort Small-town charm with a historic courthouse square.
Local flavour
Teams
- Indianapolis Colts NFL
- Indiana Pacers NBA
- Indiana Fever WNBA
- Indianapolis Indians MiLB
- Indy Fuel ECHL
- Indy Eleven USL
- Butler Bulldogs NCAA
Eat and drink
- Breaded pork tenderloin sandwich A Hoosier classic, pounded thin, breaded, fried, and served on a bun
- Sugar cream pie Indiana's state pie, a simple custard-like pie
- Persimmon pudding A traditional Indiana dessert made from native persimmons
Where people go
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway The world's most famous racetrack, home of the Indy 500
- Monument Circle The heart of downtown, featuring the Soldiers and Sailors Monument
- Cultural districts Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple offer arts, dining, and nightlife
- Sports bars and racing-themed venues The city lives for basketball, football, and racing, with many places to watch the game
Heritage and traditions
Indianapolis is proud of its racing heritage, Hoosier hospitality, and being the 'Crossroads of America'.
This time of year in Indianapolis area
- Indianapolis International Film Festival October Screens independent films from around the world.
Say it like a local: “Pop” — A soft drink.
Festivals
- Indy Jazz Fest June Celebrates jazz with local and national acts.
- Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration July Showcases African American culture, music, and business.
- Indianapolis International Film Festival October Screens independent films from around the world.
- Greek Festival August Hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, featuring Greek food and dancing.
- Italian Street Festival June Hosted by Holy Rosary Church, with Italian food and entertainment.
- Polish Festival August Celebrates Polish heritage with food and music.
Landmarks with a story
- Indiana Statehouse Historic seat of state government.
- Crown Hill Cemetery Burial place of many notable Hoosiers.
- Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site Home of the 23rd president.
- Indiana War Memorial Largest war memorial in the US.
- Scottish Rite Cathedral Gothic Revival architecture.
- Christ Church Cathedral Historic Episcopal church.
Food traditions
- Fish fries during Lent Many Catholic parishes host Friday fish fries during the Lenten season.
- Pork and sauerkraut on New Year's Day A German tradition for good luck in the new year.
- Ethnic food festivals Greek, Italian, and Polish festivals offer authentic dishes that locals look forward to.
Music and arts
- Jazz heritage of Indiana Avenue Historically a hub for jazz musicians.
- Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra Professional orchestra performing classical and pops.
- Hoosier Group of painters Impressionist artists from Indiana.
- Indy jazz scene Vibrant jazz clubs and festivals.
A little history
- 1821 Indianapolis founded as the state capital.
- 1825 State government moved to Indianapolis.
- 1911 First Indianapolis 500 race held.
- 1830s-1860s Growth as a railroad hub.
- 1960s Civil rights movement and desegregation.
Rivalries
- Pacers vs. Pistons NBA Central Division rivalry with Detroit.
- Colts vs. Titans AFC South showdown with Tennessee.
- Butler vs. Indiana College basketball bragging rights in the state.
- Game day Hoosier Hysteria
- Game day Tailgating at Colts games
- Outdoors Visit Crown Hill Cemetery
- Outdoors Hike at Holliday Park
- With kids Indiana State Museum
- With kids Eiteljorg Museum
Hoosiers speak a Midland American dialect with a fairly neutral accent. They often say 'pop' for soda, 'you guys' for plural you, and use 'Hoosier' to describe themselves.
Only here
- The city was planned by Alexander Ralston, who helped design Washington D.C.
- The Indiana War Memorial is the largest in the US.
- The city is home to the world's largest single-day sporting event, the Indy 500.
New here? A few tips
- Prepare for hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
- Traffic on I-465 can be heavy during rush hour; plan accordingly.
- Pronounce 'Indy' as 'IN-dee'.
- Try a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich—it's a local must.
- Understand that racing culture is big; the 500 is a major event.
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Areas in Indianapolis area
IndianapolisIndianaWhere the checkered flag meets the hardwood.MuncieIndianaA classic American town with a big heart.ColumbusIndianaWhere design meets down-home.KokomoIndianaWhere the spirit of invention meets the heartland.New CastleIndianaSmall-town heart, Hoosier pride.SeymourIndianaWhere the railroad meets the riverCrawfordsvilleIndianaWhere covered bridges meet the cornfields.GreencastleIndianaA college town with country soulPeruIndianaWhere the big top meets the heartlandGreensburgIndianaWhere the tree grows on the courthouse
Nearby
Every areaWabashIndianaA bright spot in the heartland.BatesvilleIndianaWhere the hills meet the river, and everyone knows your name.LogansportIndianaWhere the rivers meet and the bridges tell storiesRushvilleIndianaWhere the heartland meets the horizon.ScottsburgIndianaWhere the river winds through Hoosier hillsRochesterIndianaWhere river towns and lake breezes meet.ConnersvilleIndianaWhere the Whitewater runs through historyFrankfortIndianaWhere the cornfields meet the sky
Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie, IN CSA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.