Tag: Indianapolis

Discover Indianapolis in the Spring

Black History Travel, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Museums & Attractions

  • The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (the world’s largest!) is celebrating 100 years with an exciting lineup of events, including:
    • Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (Feb. 22 – Aug. 1): Kicking off its national tour in Indy before traveling across the Midwest.
    • Centennial 110-ft Ferris Wheel launching March 15, coinciding with the Sports Legends Experience expansion.
    • Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design (March 22 – Sept. 7): Featuring 60+ original costumes, including some from Black Panther.
    • Take Me There: Peru exhibit opening this summer—fun timing with the Paddington in Peru movie release this Friday.
  • Conner Prairie (Smithsonian-affiliated Museum)
  • Promise Land as Proving Ground—a new exhibit opening March 25 focused on African American history in Indiana. This exhibit has been three years in the making.
  • Indiana’s first and only Forest Therapy Trail—guided tours begin in May, blending history and nature for a unique outdoor experience.
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum reopens April 2 after an $89 million renovation, featuring cutting-edge tech and immersive sensory experiences. Offering visitors a way to experience the Indy 500 any day of the week.
  • Giant tortoises are coming to the Indianapolis Zoo in May, following the successful launch of the International Chimpanzee Complex last year—home to one of the largest groups of chimpanzees in human care.

Hotel development:

  • Indy’s newest hotel, the InterContinental Hotel, will be perfectly positioned right off Monument Circle, the epicenter of Indy. While once on a list of Indiana’s 10 most endangered landmark buildings, the hotel will offer a rooftop bar with an unobstructed view of Lady Victory, sitting above the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Opening later this month.

Sports

  • NFL Combine is back at the end of this month with a chance for families to step into Lucas Oil Stadium for free and see 300 – 350 prospects trying to make it in the National Football League. Plus, there is a free fan festival outside the stadium as well.
  • March Madness takes over Indy next month with 43 games across 29 days, including: Big Ten Men’s & Women’s Tournaments and Men’s Sweet 16 & Elite 8.
  • WNBA All-Star Game (July): With Caitlin Clark expected as the draft pick for our hometown team, this will be huge!

Black Heritage & Legacy Trail

  • Launching this June, Indy’s Black Heritage & Legacy Trail is a self-guided tour highlighting iconic landmarks pivotal to Black history in Indianapolis. One of the neighborhoods on the trail includes Belmont Beach, the beach where Black families were granted access to swim in the city in the 1920s. At that time, and up until a couple years ago, the water was polluted. Now, Belmont Beach is transitioning from a story about segregation to celebration, as it is now a place for gathering for people of all ages, races, etc.
  • The Black Heritage and Legacy Trail is part of $150 million in trail expansions and improvements currently underway, making Indy one of the most connected cities in the country—fitting for the “Crossroads of America.”

  • Indianapolis Cultural Trail Expansion: In fall 2024, Indy celebrated a two-mile expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, bringing it to 10 miles total. This wheelchair- and scooter-accessible trail has been recognized by the Project for Public Spaces as one of the “biggest and boldest steps by any American city.”
  • The recent expansion now links Indiana Avenue—Indy’s historically Black cultural district—by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, as well as the South Street corridor, leading to Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Colts).

  • Indy’s riverways & trailways project reaches a major milestone this fall, further solidifying Indy as one of the most connected communities in the country. A new resource highlighting Central Indiana’s Trailways network will launch alongside America’s 250th celebration.

All photos courtesy of Visit Indy.

Join Me Saturday, December 7 at the Indiana History Center in Indy for a book signing

Book signings, Books, Indiana Historical Society, Indianapolis

I will be one of more than 60 authors will join us in the William H. Smith Memorial Library
at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center for a fun-filled day of
mixing, mingling, and book signing. A sampling of the 16 books I’ve written which I will be signing include such true historic crime as A Jazz Age Murder in Northwest Indiana, How to Murder Your Wealthy Lovers & Get Away with It, America’s Femme Fatale: The Story of Serial Killer Belle Gunness, and Murders That Made Headlines. Some of my other books include: Hauntings of the Underground Railroad and Lincoln Road Trip: The Back Roads Guide to America’s Favorite President.


This year’s book topics range from sports and biographies to fiction and youth
titles—and, of course, a lot of Indiana history.


Featured authors include:


Presented by
Visit indianahistory.org for a full list of books.


General admission on Dec. 7 includes access to the Holiday Author Fair,
all our exhibits and Festival of Trees

Taylor Takes Indy: Photos from the streets on the first night

Events, Indianapolis, Northwest Indiana, Taylor Swift

If you couldn’t make it, you can still feel the vibe with these great photos taken by Keith Griner and courtesy of visitindy.com

Two women in purple feather boas
Indy: Taylor street scenes on the night of her first concert. Keith Griner photo.
Young girls dancing
Photographer Keith Griner’s pics of the first night of the Taylor Swift Indy concert catch the mood.
Photo by Keith Griner shows Taylor taking over Indy.
Taylor fans are ready for the big night. Photo Keith Griner.
Some 200,000 people were expected to visit Indy over the weekend because of the concert. Photo by Keith Griner.
Keith Griner photo.

Taylor Swift in Indianapolis: The Eras Tour

Entertainment, Events, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, JW Marriott, Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is ending its U.S. run this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy.  Starting tomorrow night and running until Sunday, November 3, Swift will be playing three shows with an opening act by Gracie Abrams.

Taylor Swift

To say the city is abuzz would be a huge understatement. Indy has geared up in a big way with events not only for those who can afford the ticket price—a quick look at prices on vividseats.com shows a range from $29,221 to $240,424 with a purchase minimum of 2 to 4.

TICKET OR NOT EXPECT A DINO-MITE/MEGA TIME

But even if the price is too steep, you can still get the ultimate Taylor vibe by visiting Indy this weekend where it’s all things Taylor full time. After all, even the dinosaurs at the Indianpolis Children’s Museum are Swifties, catch them wearing friendship bracelets.

“It’s all about giving everyone a mega experience whether they’re going to a concert or not,” says Clare Clark, Senior Communications Manager for Visit Indy, who estimates that about 200,000 Swifties will travel to Indianapolis.

HERE’S THE LOW DOWN

“Get ready to shake it off and dive into a weekend that’s pure magic!’” reads the press release.  “Whether you’re on a quest for friendship bracelets or ready to dance to live music, this city is turning up the volume on all things Taylor. From museum events that will make you feel like you’re in a love story, to trivia games that’ll have you saying, “I remember it all too well,” there’s something for every Swiftie in Indy.”

And indeed there is.

SWIFT CITY SESSIONS, FOOD TRUCKS, SPARK ON MONUMENT CIRCLE, AND MORE

The music never stops in Indy. Throughout downtown, Indy Arts Council will host over 120 local pop-up performances featuring musicians and spoken word artists, at over 13 iconic locations in the city like Bicentennial Unity Plaza, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Lugar Plaza, Hudnut Commons, and Monument Circle. Plus make & take art stations in the Indianapolis Artsgarden, offering eras-themed crafts like your own eras-themed sunglasses, flower crowns, guitar pics, friendship bracelets, and more.

TAYLOR SWIFT CODED SPOTS

13 Taylor Swift-Coded Spots for you to enjoy.

CITYWIDE INSTALLATIONS:

• A 34-story Taylor Swift decal is installed on the side of the JW Marriott.

• 32 city street signs were renamed in honor of Taylor Swift.

• Welcome signage deployed throughout IND.

• Dino-sized friendship bracelets at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.

INDY IS SERVING SOME SWIFT-INSPIRED SIPS TO GET YOU INTO THE CONCERT SPIRIT

Enjoy Sun King Brewery’s Cherry Limeade Ale, dubbed “1,2,3 Let’s Go B*tch.” This refreshing ale blends cherry and lime flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and tart beverage. With its bright color and crisp taste, it’s ideal for summer sipping or as a fun addition to any gathering.

NO CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS HERE

Don’t miss the Eras Cider Box at Ash & Elm Cider Co. which is themed ciders and a lively atmosphere celebrating Taylor’s Eras Tour. This collection features a variety of ciders inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Each cider offers a distinct flavor profile, allowing you to explore different tastes while celebrating the Swiftie in all of us. 

FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE: SWIFTIES GOTTA EAT

Monument Circle at SPARK
Friday: 12–8 pm
Saturday: 12–8 pm
Sunday: 12–8 pm

Hudnut Commons on Maryland Street
Friday: 12–8 pm
Saturday: 12–8 pm
Sunday: 12–8 pm

Taylor Swift

MERCH SALES

Not all destinations let those not attending a Swift concert by merchandise, but really it’s like going on vacation and now coming home with a t-shirt. Were you really there? The same questions arises, according to Visit Indy, if you don’t take home merch, did you even go?

Commemorate your Eras Tour experience by loading up on merch in the Indiana Convention Center (Hall I) which is conveniently across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium. Please be patient and expect long lines.

MERCHANDISE OPEN HOURS:

Wednesday: 10 am–8 pm
Thursday:  10 am–8 pm
Friday: 12–8 pm
Saturday: 12–8 pm
Sunday: No Merch Sales at Center

GETTING THERE

PARKING NEAR LUCAS OIL STADIUM

Although downtown Indianapolis has over 73,000 parking spots, demand is expected to exceed supply during Taylor Swift’s three-night stop at Lucas Oil Stadium. Luckily, several options are available to reserve parking in advance, ensuring you can enjoy the event without worry.

  • iPark Solutions: Spots range from $100-$175
  • ParkWhiz: Spots range from $40 to $200.
  • ParkMobile: 200 N. Illinois St. spots available for $67.20. Parking is between 5 pm and midnight on show days. Download the ParkMobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also use the app to find day-of parking around downtown Indianapolis.
  • SpotHero: Spots near Lucas Oil Stadium range from $75 to $100.
  • Denison Parking: Prices range from $31 (furthest) to $86 (closest).

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION

Transportation options like Rideshare, Pacers Bikeshare, and IndyGo are encouraged.

RIDESHARE (TWO ZONES)

  • South St. between Missouri & West St.
    Between 10 pm–1 am
  • Lilly Lot at Delaware & South St.
    Between 10 pm–1 am
  • NOTE: Demand for Rideshare is expected to exceed capacity. Expect surge charges and long waits.

PARENT PICKUP ZONE

  • Lilly Lot at Delaware & South St.
    Between 10 pm–1 am

DROP OFF ZONE

  • McCarty Street south of LOS

INDYGO

IndyGo, with the rapid transit Red Line and new Purple Line, makes a convenient option to and from the stadium. Check out IndyGo’s guide to Taylor Swift Weekend here.

For more information on all the Swiftie events, click here.

Indy Zoo: Big Winners on Super Bowl Sunday

Adventure, Animals, Family Excursions, Indianapolis, Indianapolis Zoo, White rhino, White River State Park

Forget the Kansas City Chiefs. Indianapolis has its own big winner to celebrate today with the arrival of a white rhinoceros calf born at 9:13 a.m. to 19-year-old mother Zenzele. This is the first live-birth rhinoceros calf for the Indianapolis Zoo and Zenzele’s seventh calf.

Rhinoceros care staff began overnight watches early this month when Zenzele started producing milk and showed physical signs of impending labor. “Zenzele is an experienced and confident mom and everything is going very well,” said senior rhinoceros keeper Amber Berndt. Both Zenzele and her calf are doing well, and keepers say Zenzele is relaxed and the calf is content.

“Our Life Sciences team has done a tremendous job. It is a privilege for our Zoo to care for these magnificent animals and advocate for their conservation,” said Dr. Robert Shumaker, Indianapolis Zoo President & CEO.

Zenzele’s calf brings the Zoo’s herd of rhinoceroses to five, including male Spike and females Mambo and Gloria, who is also Zenzele’s grandmother. Both mom and baby will spend time together indoors and will begin introductions with other members of the herd later this spring.

In the wild, rhinoceros populations are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Four of the five remaining species of rhinoceroses are at risk of extinction, according to the International Rhino Foundation. White rhinos are categorized as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The Red List status represents the likelihood of a species becoming extinct in the near future.

By visiting zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), guests are helping to save wild rhinos. AZA institutions support field conservation, research, habitat restoration, reduction in human-rhino conflicts and community-based initiatives to protect wild populations. To learn more, go to www.indianapoliszoo.com/exhibits/plains/white-rhinoceros/.  

About the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo protects nature and inspires people to care for our world. Located in White River State Park downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Alliance of Museums as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. Visit IndianapolisZoo.com to plan your visit.

Rhino Mom Zenzele

Trip Stack Trend: Charming small Midwest towns make great summer destinations

Golf, Wisconsin
Bloomington, Indiana. Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington.

With many eager to use those unused vacation days and ready to travel again, travelers are turning towards trip stacking: booking several trips and experiences over a set of vacation days. And one of the best ways to do this? With a classic American road trip, of course.

Photo courtesy of Visit Indiana.

With major cities such as Indianapolis and Chicago topping the lists of places to visit in the Midwest, there are several other stop-worthy, under-the-radar cities and destinations that pack a full punch of culture, arts, outdoor experiences, and culinary offerings. Among them, Bloomington, Indiana (3.5 hours from Chicago & 1 hour from Indianapolis) and and Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI (1.5 hours from Chicago & 45 minutes from Milwaukee).

Photo courtesy Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

While the city of Bloomington and a stop at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, WI are perfect side trips on any Midwest trip, they also warrant their own getaway. But for those trip stacking and making stops, here are a few of the many reasons to add these destinations to your Midwest road trip itinerary:

WHY BLOOMINGTON?

That Lake Life. 

Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington.

For those looking for a lake vacation, Bloomington is home to the 10,750-acre Monroe Lake, Indiana’s largest land-bound body of water. Monroe Lake offers visitors everything from boating, beaching, biking, fishing, hiking, campgrounds, and more. It’s one of the Midwest’s best kept secrets for lake getaways.

Bloomington is a foodie-destination worth getting in the car for. This small Midwest city has a global dining scene and is home to over 350+ restaurants. Check out Bloomington’s most iconic restaurants here.

r

And during the summer, one of the best ways to experience Bloomington’s eclectic atmosphere is dining al fresco on the patio of a local restaurant. With over 100 eateries offering outdoor dining during the warmer months, there are an abundance of choices.

Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington.

Some of the Midwest’s best art & cultural attractions can be found in Bloomington. From renowned museums, A-list comedy clubs, to historic artwork and artifacts, Bloomington is rich in culture. Check out some of the top attractions here.

For fireworks: Bloomington is one of the best Midwest spots for fireworks and Fourth of July festivities. The city offers several free, public firework displays.

Photo courtesy of Visit Bloomington

Bloomington has a nightlife scene. The bars and restaurants stay open later in Bloomington than most Midwest cities! Check out underground vibes such as The Root Cellar Lounge, one of Bloomington’s best hidden gems, located in the basement of FARMbloomington. 

FARMbloomington

Under the radar wine destination

In addition to being a cool foodie town it’s great for winos as well. It’s home to the award-winning Oliver Winery, Indiana’s largest and oldest winery, which is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 

Bloomington is also home to five breweries, all of which are located in the downtown area. Grab a beer at Function Brewing, The Tap, Switchyard Brewing, Upland Brewpub, or Bloomington Brewing Company (BBC) — for your own beer tasting experience, The Tap, Function, and BBC are all located within a five-block stretch of one-another.

WHY GRAND GENEVA?

Get Outside

Situated on 1,300 acres in the woodlands of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Grand Geneva is an award-winning AAA Four-Diamond resort located 90 minutes from Chicago and 50 minutes from Milwaukee. The hotel has been welcoming guests for more than 25 years, offering some of the finest facilities, accommodations, and dining experiences in the Midwest. The iconic resort has always offered dynamic recreation for guests looking for an escape (or the perfect pit stop), including outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scooter excursions — in addition to the resort’s two championship 18-hole golf courses, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor pools. Guests also enjoy the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, award-winning Well Spa + Salon, and expansive fitness center.

For fireworks.

 Every Sunday through Labor Day weekend, resort guests enjoy a dazzling Sunday fireworks display. But for those looking to celebrate July 4, Grand Geneva also offers one of the grandest fireworks shows. Guests who stay in a Lake View room can enjoy the fireworks show from their private balcony or patio, while all resort guests can view the show from the resort’s hillside.

Get golfing

This Lake Geneva golf destination is especially known for its two championship golf courses. At over 7,000 yards featuring massive sand traps and prominent water features, the magnificent Brute course is one of the most challenging layouts in the Midwest is considered one of Wisconsin’s best golf courses. 

The Highlands is a Scottish-inspired, links-style course, complete with a beautiful landscape of scenic hills, wide open fairways, trickling creeks and lush foliage. This Lake Geneva golf course was originally designed by Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus and transformed in 1996 by Bob Cupp. Need to brush up on skills? The resort launched new weekly clinics this year.

Privacy with the perks of a hotel.

For guests seeking a more private getaway, The Villas at Grand Geneva offer luxury vacation rentals with spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, and kitchens. Guests have access to additional resort amenities, including a pool and an outdoor fire pit area reserved for the exclusive use of Villa guests.

A culinary hotspot

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is home to several award-winning restaurants and cafes. Guests enjoy several different dining experiences including Wisconsin steak dinners, seafood boils, over the top brunches, and more. 

And there’s a waterpark

Nestled within the sprawling resort campus, is Grand Geneva’s sister-property, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark – an all-suite family resort featuring one of the Midwest’s top waterparks. 

While in Lake Geneva

Grand Geneva’s concierge can help arrange some of the city’s best experiences such as Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Lake Geneva Balloon Company, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures and more. The resort also offers discounts for guests on select local attractions.

Visit Lake Geneva