|
During your Indianapolis vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Indianapolis Museum of Art
This world-class museum has notable paintings by El Greco, Rubens, American Impressionists, and European neo-Impressionists -- and there's no admission charge to the permanent collection. Other strengths include African art, Japanese Edo-period paintings, American furniture, textiles, costumes, and a superb collection of Turner works on paper. The sculpture garden includes Robert Indiana's famed LOVE. In summer, the museum hosts the Summer Nights concert and film series. Bring a picnic, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy open-air performances or classic films. Also on the grounds is the Oldfields-Lilly House, a historic 22-room mansion open to the public (admission $5 adults, $4 students and seniors). At press time the museum was undergoing an extensive, multimillion-dollar expansion that may affect opening times, and some galleries and facilities may be closed during construction. Call ahead for more information.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Built in 1909, this is one of the most celebrated auto raceways in the world. Each May, more than 400,000 spectators throng to the 2.5-mile oval course to watch the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world, boasting the largest purse in motor racing. The Speedway also hosts the United States Grand Prix in June and the NASCAR Brickyard 400 in August.The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum (open daily 9am-5pm; $3 adults, $1 children 6-15) is within the track's oval. The 433-acre speedway also features a PGA course (4 holes inside the track and 14 outside).
Indianapolis Zoo
This $64-million, 64-acre facility celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2004 and features 2,000 animals roaming through simulated environments. Get up close with an armadillo or try your hand at feeding a giraffe. The zoo's immense Dolphin Pavilion was being renovated at press time and is scheduled to reopen in summer 2005; for an aquatic fix, check out the new seahorse exhibit. The zoo is in the 250-acre White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St. (tel. 317/634-4567; www.inwhiteriver.com).The White River Botanical Gardens are also located on the zoo grounds. Admission to the gardens is $7 adults, $6 seniors and children in summer; reduced admission in winter. The gardens are open from 9am to 4pm (longer hours in summer).
Hampton Inn Indianapolis-South
The Hampton Inn Indianapolis-South is located on the Southside of Indianapolis, just 3 miles north of Greenwood and 8 miles south of Downtown off Interstate 65 at exit ...
|
|
