Best tourist information centers in Indianapolis: find options near you

This is a huge park in the Indy downtown area, sits along the White river bank. Several tourist attractions are in and near the park such as Amphitheater, Indiana State Museum and history museum. There's a parking lot right inside the park. The walkway along the water is very nice. The park is mostly clean. There are several signs around the park with different historical facts about the park and the state. It is a a lot walk to explore the park fully, so be prepared accordingly depending on weather and temperature outside.

I'm a photographer and White River State Park has always been one of my favorite spots to shoot! There are so many different backdrops, from greenery to the water from the canal, that you can't find a better place to capture memories! My clients love it and so do I😊📷❤️

This was such an amazing spot to stretch our legs during our road trip! The area is so clean and you could walk around the canal for hours. It’s such a beautiful area !

Best place for a peaceful walk/run at Sunrise or Sunset! Very beautiful and with lots of spots for clicking pictures. I recommend going there to watch the Sunset. It’s really beautiful!

Wow, I happened upon this park at the recommendation of the front desk at the hotel I was staying at. Walked around 3 miles or so of the surrounding canal walkway and park area. The area is absolutely gorgeous and extremely well maintained. Being from Cleveland, it was fantastic to see how this park was set up and how the canal path ran through the heart of downtown. Loved being able to sight see while exploring. All the museums and art areas were easily accessible as a result of how the walkway was laid out.

Absolutely loved White River State Park! It's the perfect spot for an outdoor concert – the venue is beautiful, with stunning views and plenty of space to enjoy live music. Can't wait for the next show!"

White River State Park is extraordinary! It truly stands out among Indianapolis's many green spaces, and we had a beautiful Sunday afternoon exploring it. The park boasts stunning lawns, serene water features, the river, a lovely pedestrian bridge, public art, and picturesque views. We especially enjoyed walking our dogs along the promenade near the zoo. Plus, its location is incredibly convenient, offering easy access to numerous other attractions like the ballpark, museums, and the canal. You could spend hours here and still not cover it all. In terms of parking, there is an underground parking garage immediately next to the park.

This is a really nice museum! We live about 2 hours away and it is was worth the drive. We spent most of our time in the maze exhibit, which will be there until early April. Well kept museum, nice staff. Appreciate that parking garage is below the museum and that the museum validates your ticket so you only have to pay $4 for parking. Will be back! They have ASTC reciprocity

If you live in Indiana, this is a must-visit place to brush up on the history of the land you live on. The museum is huge, well design, and exceptionally clean. The displays are visually stunning and informative. The history goes all the way back to when this state was underwater, and through the ice age and the native inhabitants. They have a rich recent history of the last couple hundred years, and a large «special» place up on the 3rd floor for special displays. It’s pretty kid friendly, especially the animal bits. But I don’t think there’s much here for impatient or very young kids. Plan for about 2-3 hours and don’t forget to get your parking ticket approved for a discount.

Indianapolis State Museum & IMAX — Surprisingly Incredible Being from Colorado, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from a state museum in Indiana… but wow, they knocked it out of the park. The timeline-style exhibits were fun, engaging, and way more entertaining than I expected. You actually move through history in a way that feels interactive, not static. We also caught a film at the IMAX and oh my—that screen is no joke. The sound, the size, the whole experience was on another level. Totally worth it. If you’re visiting Indy, this place is absolutely worth the stop.

This was my first experience with the ISM. We went to the IMAX show «Mesmerica». While waiting for entrance to the theater, we sat on comfortable soft benches. We arrived very early so, places to sit became an issue for others who arrived after us. The theater was standard. The advertising of this show seemed a little misleading. Honestly, we both felt rather disappointed. Dont get me wrong. The show was fun and all, but, what we thought would be ~other worldly~ actually seemed more like watching a 3D Screensaver play for an hour+. Some of the images even repeated. I used the restroom afterwards and overheard people saying the same sort things as we were saying. I also heard some people talking about how they purchased VIP tickets, and felt there was little to nothing different from regular tickets. They also upsell the higher priced concession items that offer free refills, only to be told there would be no re-entry if we left the theater (to refill them). By the time we exited the theater, employees were refusing refills with a sour attitude. They were fully aware no one would be able to take advantage of the refills they upsold. While in line, we were given parking validation passes. So, that was a plus! I would like to visit the museum some other time for a different exhibit. This one was a little disappointing.

Enjoyed the nice displays throughout the museum; parking in garage was only $4 after receiving coupon at front desk;

This place has amazing grounds. We came when they were closed so we walked around outside. They had at least 80 pieces of art on the outside of their building and around the property. You can easily spend a couple hours walking out the beautiful property. Overall if you want to kill some time with the family and see some beautiful art this is the place to check out.

A white washed history of Indiana, sadly. There’s a small note citing the why behind Manifest Destiny in a blink and you’ll miss it corner. While there is collections of civil rights, and a little native history here, it’s a museum. It is still weird to see things I used as a kid in a museum, but I’ve seen other museums display them better. The best thing there is the original IMAX. It’s still 7-stories tall with great audio. We saw a short documentary (a bit dated, as it showed Senator Kelly on the space station). The 3D glasses gave my kid a headache, but it was ok. Giving the museum 3 stars because they need more funding to do better things.

It’s a special place to run, with a great atmosphere. You might come across some duck droppings along the path, so just be mindful and run around them. The scenic views along the way make the run so enjoyable that you forget you’re even tired. For me, one loop is about 4–5 km, which is just the right daily distance.

Passing through Indianapolis and decided to check out the central canal before being on my way. Way more beautiful and clean that I expected. No trash, graffiti, or unsavory elements. Residents walking, or jogging and take it all in like me. I walked pretty far along the canal and enjoyed the relaxation.

These are a few photos of the beatiful architecture that you get to see while walking along the canal. I really, really enjoy my weekly walks that I take along the canal. I do it for my health and peace of mind.

I came across the Canal Walk while visiting Indianapolis and exploring the city on foot. It turned out to be one of the highlights of my stroll — a peaceful, well-designed path that winds along the water right through the heart of downtown. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the scenery, public art, and shaded areas. I saw people kayaking and even pedaling around in water bikes, which added a fun, active vibe to the otherwise calm surroundings. It’s a perfect route for a mindful walk, with plenty of spots to pause, take photos, or just enjoy the blend of nature and city life. If you’re ever in Indy, it’s absolutely worth checking out.

This river walk seemed cool ! We went on a weekday & it was less crowded. Didn’t feel unsafe. Well maintained, smelled good . Enjoy beautiful city landscape while walking. Wanted to have a boat ride across the canal but boat riding service was temporarily closed .

Beautiful place to have a great walk with amazing views!

A peaceful walk along a well kept canal replete with ducks and geese in the middle of the city is quite a treat. I was staying in an adjacent hotel and returned three times for exercise, fresh air and peace. There is an Italian restaurant complete with gondolas for hire and the boatmen give a running commentary on the area they are passing. It’s worth going down to the junction of the canal with White River where manicured lawns and views to the horizon without sight of manmade anything offer some of the glories of nature without the wild danger!

The Indiana Statehouse made for an interesting visit. I was lucky to get a tour from a knowledgeable and friendly guide, and the building is quite impressive. It was cool to be able to see the different chambers of government and appreciate the architecture of the place. The central atrium is also beautiful even though there’s construction going on that’s partially blocking the light. The building is definitely worth a visit for the styling alone.

Among the over 20 state and provincial capitol buildings we’ve toured, Indiana’s is a definite top-tier favorite. Our guided tour was exceptional, largely due to Pat’s excellent knowledge and engaging presentation of both history and government insights—a true credit to the state. The tour provided unique access to areas not open to the public. The grounds are immaculate, adorned with beautiful gardens, statues, and historical markers (though expect some construction on the north side). Inside, the building is monumental, featuring stunning architecture, sculptures, woodwork, stained glass, and skylights. If you’re in Indianapolis, this is a must-visit!

I did the self guided tour. I probably spent about 45 minutes walking around. I enjoyed the architecture and art work. The space is very open and grandiose. There was a display of school children artwork that I really liked.

I appreciate all the people behind the scenes doing the people’s work for real. Bipartisanship was real in this place for the last two months. Thank you for allowing a check and balance.

We had a good time walking around the downtown and exploring the capitol. We did a self guided tour and enjoyed the architecture and artwork throughout. The senate and house chambers were no open but looking through the windows they weren’t very impressive. More modern than most Capitols but lacking any character and impressive craftsmanship.

Getting married at the Indiana Statehouse on April 7, 2024, was an absolute dream come true! The venue is stunning with its grand spaces and elegant atmosphere. The service provided was exceptional, and the staff were incredibly helpful every step of the way. It truly exceeded all our expectations for a perfect wedding day. Highly recommend this venue for anyone looking to create magical memories in a beautiful setting!

Architecturally attractive historic building. Lots of advocacy groups in the State Capitol today ‼️

What an incredible place to visit! The architecture is just stunning and it s always a learning experience visiting. I have yet to be on an official tour, but visit each year to work as a hostess for the Veterans Legislative Day.

Beautiful building! A great place to learn more about the state government or simply admire the architecture and artwork. Lots of people were taking wedding photos here when we visited. The exterior grounds are nice as well. We did street parking which is fairly cheap.

My 1st Statehouse Day. Got to talk to my Representative and ran into some old friends. Also, made a few new business associates. I'm looking forward to the new collaborations.

Visited the Capitol in Indianapolis #Indiana, which is undergoing a renovation. This four-story is the home of the Indiana House of Representatives, Indiana State Senate, Indiana Supreme Court, and Indiana Courts of Appeals. The state government moved to Indianapolis from Corydon in 1825. The original statehouse, completed in 1835, was replaced by the current building, which is a Renaissance Revival-style structure. #Government #History 📸 Lee Roberts

I ❤️ Indiana. ⭐️Indiana State Capitol Building – Indianapolis⭐️ The Indiana State Capitol is a stunning and historic landmark, perfect for both guided and self-guided tours. Despite some ongoing renovations, the building’s architecture remains a standout—elegant, elaborate, and truly grand. We were impressed by how well-preserved and accessible it is, even with scaffolding around the dome. The interior offers an informative experience, and the grounds are peaceful for a stroll. One unexpected highlight was learning about the tunnels beneath the building that connect to parts of the city—a fun hidden gem! We visited on a weekday and experienced no wait time, which made for a relaxed, crowd-free experience. If you’re in downtown Indianapolis, this stop is a must for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone who enjoys a good walk with a touch of civic pride. Renovation note: The dome is under restoration, but it doesn’t significantly detract from the visit—in fact, it’s interesting to see history being preserved in real time! And now, a little political humor to cap it off: Why don’t politicians play hide and seek? Because good luck hiding when everyone’s always looking for accountability!

We had an amazing tour at 10:00 today. We joined the tour with a class room 4th graders, who were extremely well behaved and really showed an interest in learning about the Capitol. The tour guide was excellent. Very informative. The tour was over an hour. Highly recommend.

We went for homeschool day at the Capitol. It is an amazing building. The architecture is stunning and tour guides are super knowledgeable

I visited the museum after doing the Indie Indy Book Crawl. I can't believe I hadn't been here before! The house is beautiful, and I really didn't know anything about Riley before the tour, but I learned so much. Allison, the tour guide and intern, did an amazing job personalizing the tour and answering all of our questions!

We hosted our Rehearsal Dinner here in May and could not have been more in love! Amanda made the entire planning process so seamless, the rental fee goes to a great cause, and you have freedom on catering! Amanda hooked us up with tables, chairs, tents, AND a mic system for speeches. The weather held up, but there was a backup banquet room if not. We will be spreading the news about this angelic location nonstop. A truly beautiful "night at the museum" that our guests loved.

We rented the visitor center out for our daughter’s birthday. The space was amazing and the surrounding area is equally as amazing. Our event organizer, Amanda is probably one of the coolest humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. I absolutely recommend this spot!

We were just married at the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, and our day could not have been more perfect! The grounds are absolutely beautiful, full of history, charm, and such a peaceful atmosphere. It was the most romantic setting for our fall wedding. Amanda went above and beyond to make sure every detail was thought of. She was so kind, organized, and made the entire experience wonderful! Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how stunning the venue was, and we’ll cherish our memories and photos there forever. If you’re looking for a timeless, intimate, and beautiful place to get married, this venue is truly perfect!!

Home of James Whitcomb Riley, the Hoosier poet! Victorian home in mint condition with 90% plus original contents- including James Whitcomb Riley's hat, walking stick, chair, books, clothing, calling cards, his entire bedroom with his desk and chair, and all household furnishings with a few exceptions in the kitchen. The tour was excellent, with interesting film and even better info shared by our guide. Has a small gift shop in the kitchen. A selection, basically of books of his poetry, and a few of the usual things, bookmarks, mugs, shirts…. Restrooms are in the Visitors Center. Tour and parking is free but need to book in advance. A little off the usual path, need good GPS to get there. Exceptional place. I love his poetry.

We hosted our daughter’s second birthday at the James Whitcomb Riley Home – in the visitor center. It was absolutely perfect! We had planned to have activities outside but the weather didn’t cooperate. It was stress free knowing there was basement space for a rain backup. Added bonus, Amanda Mirani is top notch! Amanda works with you from start to finish and ensures a wonderful experience. She’s friendly, informative, professional, and welcoming to you and all your guests. I’m seriously considering hosting all my daughter’s birthdays here. 10/10 recommend!

We got married at the James Whitcomb Riley home in a small ceremony that was absolutely beautiful. Amanda is wonderful to work with and makes sure every single detail is perfect. The grounds are beautiful and photos inside of the house are stunning!

I’ve been to downtown Indy twice while visiting Indianapolis. It’s such a lively place to be. It’s open till late night on weekends (not sure about weekdays) with a variety of shops all around. Very well lit too. There’s a Soldiers and Sailors monument in the center, a very tall tower of historic importance, which is surrounded by clean and beautiful waterfalls. There are lit up ball shaped horse carriages that move around the monument. Very picturesque and romantic. A must visit if you’re in town.

Indianapolis, Indiana, an amazing beautiful place looking forward visiting more

I love downtown Indy but parking can be difficult sometimes.

I felt relatively safe, and was able to travel by foot with ease. Not impressed with lack of public transport, but no worse than most US cities. Some lovely historical buildings and a variety of interesting local businesses, as well as familiar chains. If you need a restroom, you may be looking for a long while before finding one open to the public.

Loved it at night specially Was so chrismasy My kid loved meeting Mr and Mrs Santa and got a candycane from there

Walked a short distance, but it looks nice.

First off I want to start by saying I LOVE Downtown Indy. However the state of the city with its homless situation is absolutely CRAZY and past out of control. I work Downtown and had plans on moving here but now it feels very unsafe. Some of the experiences and things I've seen is jaw dropping, scary and sad at the same time. To watch the authorities completely ignore the blatant law breaking and harassment of people is unbelievable. If I was asked what rating I gave this city a year ago, I would've quickly said 5 stars without having to think about it. I pray that next year things get better for our beautiful city.

Great park. Wish the visitor center had more stuff to do for kids. During winter it sure would be nice to have somewhere to take them.

Loved the visitors center!! Bathrooms. Animals. Skulls. Taxidermy!! Lots of pictures from the army days.

Visitor's center has information about nature as well as war.

Great hiking! Doing the Explore pin program makes a fun day!

Lots of cool displays and few animals to look at live friendly people

Don't get out after having park maps, it has something to see

My family loves to explore local historical sites and this was a new one for us. The visitors center was really nice. The staff was excellent. Very clean and great exhibits. Thank you!

Had a great stay for FDIC 2018. Second time to the city. City was very clean and walkable in most cases. Worth a visit. Plan on going back with my family in the near future.

Excellent mini water park with something for all ages! 😎 Only real disappointment was that the concession stand charges $3.50 for a 24 oz soda (and no free or discounted refills)! 😩

we are visiting from Nashville, where the Visit Indy commercials are frequently seen. Why would they spend a lot of money hyping tourism and then have a Visitor Center that’s closed on weekends? they should come to Nashville and see how it’s done correctly.

Thank you to Ashley and Visit Indy for helping my Fiancé and I find a hotel for our wedding! I highly recommend Visit Indy to anyone!

$25 a night hotel tax! Are you KIDDING me? No way. I’ll visit somewhere else.

Vist Indy has been a great organization that has displayed many great things to do in the city of Indianapolis. Take a moment ans download the useful app

Excellent mini water park with something for all ages! 😎 Only real disappointment was that the concession for a 24 oz soda (and no free or discounted refills)! 😩

Went to GenCon 2025 here. Had a great time! Love that its all connected indoors. Including being connected to Lucas Oil Stadium. Also Indianapolis Convention Center is listed like 4 times on top of each other on google maps so hopefully someone at google fixa that eventually

Luv the comic con here, my new fun time

Good volleyball tournament venue MEQ weekend!

Such a great time at the 2024 Indiana Comic Convention with my fiancé! We had the best of times meeting John Rhys-Davies at our first comic con!

Clean , courteous, and well staffed. Whatever size your meeting they are ready to accommodate 🙂

People are having fun at the Convention Center.

Poor app based pickup arrangement. Poor signages. Only English