Indianapolis, Indiana 4 Day Itinerary
Title: 4-Day Indy Explorer: A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling in Indianapolis, Indiana
Day 1 - Explore Downtown & Iconic Monument Circle
Morning:
- Start your day with breakfast at Milktooth or Bluebeard, two popular brunch spots in the city.
- Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) and explore its 152 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens and galleries showcasing over 54,000 works of art. Admission is free!
Afternoon:
- Head to Monument Circle, the city’s most famous landmark. You can visit the Soldiers & Sailors Monument or enjoy lunch at one of the nearby eateries like The Rathskeller or Tony Sander’s Deli.
- Take a stroll along the Indiana War Memorial and appreciate its stunning architecture.
Evening:
- Enjoy dinner at St. Elmo Steak House, an iconic spot famous for its shrimp cocktail and steaks.
- Catch a performance at the Clowes Memorial Hall or Old National Centre. Check their schedules for shows during your visit.
Day 2 - Experience Sports & Nature
Morning:
- Grab breakfast at Amelia’s Bakery before heading to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Take a tour and learn about the Indy 500 history.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis if you’re traveling with kids, or explore the nearby White River State Park and its attractions like the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.
Evening:
- Dine at Bluebeard’s older sibling, Patachou, known for its farm-to-table cuisine.
- Check out the vibrant nightlife scene in the Fountain Square neighborhood, with bars like The Fountain on Meridian and Radio Radio.
Day 3 - Art & Culture
Morning:
- Visit the Indiana Avenue Historic District, home to several African American cultural sites, like the Madame Walker Theatre Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Statue.
- Grab lunch at Gather Coffee Co. or Molly’s Pint Pub.
Afternoon:
- Explore the Newfields campus, which includes the Lilly House, The Toby at Newfields (for contemporary art), and the Victorian Gardens.
- Take a stroll along the Indiana Central Canal in White River State Park.
Evening:
- Dine at [Recess by Milktooth](https://recessby milktooth.com/) or Forty Five Degrees North Wine Bar.
- End your day with a performance at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra or the Butler University’s Jordan College of Fine Arts.
Day 4 - Relax & Explore Nearby Attractions
Morning:
- Spend your last morning relaxing at Newfields’ The Sachet Room or The Spa at the Alexander Hotel.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park to learn about Indiana’s early history and enjoy its various interactive exhibits.
- Alternatively, explore the Indiana Dunes National Park, approximately an hour away, for a day filled with hiking and beach activities.
Evening:
- Have dinner at Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza Company or Fishers Farmers Market & Fishers Kitchen.
- Depending on your flight schedule, you might want to revisit your favorite spots for one last hurrah before heading home!
Things to Know:
- Indianapolis has a walkable downtown area with numerous bike lanes and rentals available through organizations like Blue Indy.
- The city offers a free Cultural Trail bus that connects many of the attractions mentioned above.
- Always check the websites for your chosen attractions to confirm opening hours, ticket prices, and any temporary closures before visiting.
Transportation:
- Renting a car is convenient for exploring beyond downtown Indianapolis. However, Uber and Lyft are widely available in the city.
Enjoy your Indy adventure! 🚀🎓🎉