edit Indianapolis Travel Guide

• Monument Circle
• Scottish Rite Cathedral - Considered one of the worlds architectural masterpieces, it is the worlds biggest Scottish Rite cathedral. Take a tour and explore the huge pipe organ, floating dancefloor, handcrafted art glass windows, learn about the mystery of Freemasonry and grab a bite to eat in the cafe.

By plane

• Indianapolis International Airport is about 10 minutes from downtown.
• Eagle Creek Aviation Services 4101 Dandy Trail. +1 800 4TP-E331.
• Greenwood Municipal Airport 749 E County Line Rd., Greenwood. +1 317 881-0887.
• Metropolitan Airport 10401 Willow View Rd., Fishers. +1 317 849-0840.
• Mt. Comfort Airport 3867 N. Aviation Way, Greenfield. +1 317 335-3371.

By train

Amtrak runs daily between Chicago and Indianapolis.350 S. Illinois St. +1 800 872-7245. Three days a week between Indy and Washington DC & New York City. Located right in the heart of the city.

By car

Indianapolis is known as the "Crossroads of America" for a good reason. Interstates 65, 69, 70, and 74 intersect here. The city's ring road is I465. Travel directly through the city on I70 or I65 can be hair-raising. Tourists should use I465 whenever possible.

By bus

• Greyhound located right in the heart of the city. 350 S. Illinois St. +1 317 636-6666.

• Burlington Trailways travels only throughout the Midwest. +1 800 992-4618.

Megabus is a well run budget busline that travels throughout the Midwest. Rates start at $1, and are more affordable the earlier you book your trip. Drops off/pick ups vary from two stops downtown and one at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. +1 877 GO2-MEGA

By boat

It is almost impossible to enjoy Indianapolis without a car. While the public bus system is both clean and efficient, routes are complex, and large parts of the metro area are not serviced. Attempting to get around on foot or by bicycle is not recommended.

By Car

The general speed limit on highways is 55-70. If there is no posted speed, assume 35. A car is necessary for almost all travel within the city.

Rental Car Companies

• Alamo +1 800 327-9633
• Avis +1 800 230-4898
• Budget +1 800 572-0700
• Dollar +1 800 800-3665
• Enterprise +1 800 736-8222
• Hertz +1 800 654-3131
• National +1 800 227-7368
• Thrifty +1 800 847-4389

By Mass Transit

Indy Go is the public bus system. It travels throughout the city and suburbs. They feature a Red and Blue line that is free and travels throughout downtown Indianapolis, it's a great way to see the area, visiting major landmarks. Day passes are available, and many buses feature bike-racks too.

By Foot

Indianapolis is called the "Crossroads of America". The city is extremely warm in the summer, with average highs in the mid-80s in June, July, and August. An inland city, Indianapolis winters are as cold as the summer is hot. January is the coldest month, with an average high of 34 degrees.

Police

Fire Department

Hospitals

Crime

• Indianapolis is a very safe city, and has the typical Midwest sense of hospitality.
• Be aware of some areas of the city which may be prone to crime. The downtown center of the city is very safe. The inner loop (inside I-465) suburbs can be dangerous in certain areas depending on what neighborhood/area you are in. Just use the usual common sense you would in any large city.
• Indianapolis has seen a rise in homicides this year, with over 130 reported during the first 11 months of 2006.

Smoking

Indianapolis is made up of various areas that feature unique and typical shopping alike. From Broad Ripple Village and Fountain Square - two unique areas, to typical suburban shopping malls and chains like Castleton. Every area has different options and chances to experience all levels of shopping. Below are some local, regional and national shops and districts that are frequented by avid shoppers.

Broad Ripple Village: About 20 minutes north of downtown. Broad Ripple is Indy's closest thing to "Greenwich." A big variety of vintage, hippie, trendy, and punk shops. Gift shops galore too. It's a great place for unique local fare.

Castleton: Indy's biggest shopping mall chock full of mall-chains, mall rats and mall food. Surrounded by mega-shops and a few local joints.

Fountain Square: a historical area about a mile from downtown Indy, to the Southeast. Mainly comprising of antique, thrift and art shops.

Keystone at the Crossing & West: easily findable as "86th and Keystone." West includes shopping West of Keystone - Nora, 86th & Ditch, etc. Indy's high scale shopping district with fancy chains and boutique shops and restaurants.

Mass Ave: A hop skip and a jump from the Circle, this area has went through an amazing rebirth to become one of the coolest shopping areas in town full of local shops.

Wholesale District: downtown Indy. The heart of the city. The main shopping attraction here is the mall.

• Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame - About 30 minutes east of Indy. This is where "Hoosier Hysteria" is celebrated. Explore exhibits celebrating Indy's basketball history, players, coaches, cheerleaders and so forth. Check out the Hall of Fame featuring amateur inductees from all over the state. $4 for adults, $2 for children.
• Brown County is an hour south of Indy. A quaint and cute artist commune with shops, galleries, food and drink, theaters, music halls and historical monuments. One of the most popular places for locals to check out the 'changing of the leaves' during the Fall. Make sure to get some pumpkin ice cream and take a hike through the beautiful Brown County State Park.
• Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Country Star Museum is a hidden secret in Southern Indiana. This is also the site of the legendary bluegrass festival that draws people from all over the world to perform, jam out, drink, eat and celebrate bluegrass music and culture. Check out the Walk of Fame, Bill Monroe's personal collection of memorabilia and other items from the likes of Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, George Jones and more. $4 for adults, $3 seniors, children are free.
• Edinburgh Premium Outlets - Indy's best Outlet, about 30 minutes south of downtown. Features shops like Borders, Banana Republic, the Gap, Calvin Klein, Clarks, Adidas, J.Crew, Guess, Polo and more. They also have an Estee Lauder Company Store which features make-up by companies like MAC, Estee Lauder, Clinque, Perscriptives and Bobbi Brown at outlet prices. AAA discount available.
• Hunter's Honey Farm - Locally owned and operated for over 90 years. Take a tour and learn how honey is made, watch it get extracted and bottled, learn about how candles are made and explore the grounds. They also have a gift shop. $3 per person, kids under 2 are free. About 20 minutes south of Indy.