The city’s impressive architecture and landmarks, including the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the Indiana World War Memorial, make Indianapolis a great place to explore culture. Visitors can also enjoy the 250-acre White River State Park, which offers scenic trails and a variety of cultural attractions.
Many Indianapolis IN neighborhoods have their own festival showcasing local cultures with food, music and dance.
White River State Park
In 1979, Indianapolis civic leaders envisioned creating a new state park to celebrate Indiana’s culture and heritage. The plan would include a new zoo, world-class amateur athletic facilities, museums and theaters, botanical gardens, an amusement park, and more. The city’s central neighborhoods were becoming cultural districts, and the park would bring together these destinations and attractions into a cohesive whole.
Today, White River State Park is the only cultural urban state park in the United States. It includes the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Indiana Historical Center among other major attractions. The park’s scenic trails and canal make it a great place for a relaxing stroll or invigorating bike ride. It’s also where you can catch an outdoor concert with the family or spread a blanket and enjoy the summer sun.
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument
The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument—which was the first in the country dedicated to the common soldier—is a national historic landmark. The 284-foot neoclassical memorial is at the center of Monument Circle, a circular roadway that intersects Meridian and Market streets in downtown Indianapolis.
The centerpiece of the monument is a stone obelisk, topped with the statue of Lady Victory. Three bronze astragals, sculpted by Nikolaus Geiger and George Brewster, surround the obelisk.
Geiger’s astragal depicted a battlefield scene of the Union Army, while Brewster’s features naval themes and a portrait of Admiral David Farragut. When the monument was first unveiled, all the soldiers were bearded—but when the statues were inspected, this detail was deemed too German. So, Schwarz patiently chiseled the beards off the figures.
Indiana World War Memorial
The Indiana World War Memorial is a solemn structure built to immortalize Hoosiers who died fighting in World War I. It combines awe-inspiring architecture, stunning statues and significant history to become one of Indianapolis’ most visited attractions.
Located in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis, this monument features a neoclassical shrine that rises above street level by 210 feet. The awe-inspiring Shrine Room and Pershing Auditorium are located on the top level of the building.
The memorial also houses a museum that details Indiana’s contribution to the nation’s military and its brave servicemen and women’s personal narratives. It is surrounded by a beautiful plaza and boasts a 24-foot bronze casting of the sculpture Pro Patria. Its dedication was celebrated on July 4, 1927 when General John J. Pershing laid the memorial’s cornerstone.
Indianapolis Museum of Art
With world-class museums and landmarks, Indianapolis has a lot to offer. Start your museum adventure with the awe-inspiring Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, whose neoclassical structure rivals the Statue of Liberty in grandeur. Take a guided tour to discover the monument’s historical significance and admire its stunning city views.
Then, explore Indiana’s natural and cultural history at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The museum’s extensive collection is a testament to the boundless creativity and talent of Indiana’s artists. The IMA’s galleries showcase Indiana’s heritage, from its diverse landscapes to the life of pioneer George Rogers Clark. The museum also houses a number of fine art pieces, such as Richard Gruelle’s Canal – Morning Effect. Located at Newfields, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of the many attractions that contribute to the Indianapolis culture and heritage scene.
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
A trip to Indianapolis wouldn’t be complete without a meal of the city’s signature breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Pounded and fried, the meaty appetizer/sandwich resembles a schnitzel.
Diners across the state serve a variety of iterations on the pork tenderloin. For example, this brewpub’s version uses a blend of salt, pepper, garlic, onion and paprika for a crunchy crust. It’s topped with lettuce, tomato and pickles and served on a brioche bun.
The jumbo-sized tenderloin at this retro Plainfield diner is seasoned and lightly breaded before a quick fry. It’s served with just a touch of pickles and mustard on the side to avoid getting crumbs in your ear. Local snowbirds often order 30 of these sandwiches to take home for winter cravings.