Central Indiana

Travel Guide

Indianapolis showing a city and a pond
Indianapolis Museum of Art which includes interior views and art
Indianapolis Museum of Art showing a park
Indiana State Museum featuring signage and interior views
Indiana State Museum showing interior views

Experience little-known backcountry gems, intriguing Hoosier-themed museums, a vivid arts scene and the state’s enchanting capital in the Crossroads of America.

When it comes to Hoosier charm, Central Indiana has plenty. The state’s heartland is perfect for learning about local history, discovering unique landscapes and appreciating regional delights. Central Indiana has fascinating museums, family-friendly attractions and restaurants serving Midwestern classics with an Indiana twist.

Begin your discovery of Central Indiana in the state’s capital, Indianapolis. The city’s rich history is visible along the streets with eye-catching monuments and architectural landmarks. Stroll around heritage parks and formal English-style gardens or spend the day discovering the city’s past at its many museums. Popular destinations include the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. Bring the kids to see orangutans at the Indianapolis Zoo or explore some of the city’s premier attractions on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Visit Franklin to experience the town’s revitalized vaudeville house, the Historic Artcraft Theater. The Palladium in Carmel is another hotspot for theater lovers. Shelbyville presents a little slice of Las Vegas with its Indiana Grand Racing and Casino. Enjoy Hoosier-style gastronomical experiences in Fortville, Kokomo and Lafayette. Peruse antiques stores, boutiques and cafés in Noblesville.

Take a road-trip adventure on the Rural Routes to Main Street cultural trail, which crisscrosses Hendricks and Morgan counties via artists’ studios, artisans’ workshops, galleries and many food sellers.

Experience Central Indiana’s great outdoors in the region’s stunning state parks. Sandstone cliffs and canyons are showcased along the hiking trails and picnic sites in Turkey Run State Park. Shades State Park is ideal for canoeing adventures on Sugar Creek.

Central Indiana is known as the Crossroads of America, for good reason. Reach Indianapolis via four different interstate highways. Burlington Trailways, Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains regularly serve the region’s major cities. Alternatively, fly into Indianapolis International Airport or one of Central Indiana’s regional airports. Enjoy Central Indiana’s warm summers or experience its snow-dusted Midwestern winters.

History-rich cities and backcountry treasures make Central Indiana the perfect road-trip destination.

Where to stay in Central Indiana

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Downtown Indianapolis

Lucas Oil Stadium and Indiana State Capitol are top sights in Downtown Indianapolis, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Canal Station or Indiana University-Riley Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Indianapolis
Soldiers and Sailors Monument

Mile Square

The fascinating museums and prominent monuments are top of the list for many visitors to Mile Square. A stop by Monument Circle or Soldiers and Sailors Monument might round out your trip.

Mile Square
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Near Eastside

Travelers enjoy Near Eastside for its breweries and churches. Consider checking out Mass Ave Cultural Arts District while you're in the area.

Near Eastside
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Castleton

Castleton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Castleton Square and Dave & Buster's while you're in town.

Castleton
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Speedway

You'll enjoy the museums and breweries in Speedway. You might want to make time for a stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Dallara IndyCar Factory.

Speedway
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Wholesale District

If you're spending some time in Wholesale District, Circle Center Mall and Gainbridge Fieldhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Wholesale District
Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is P10,222 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P10,222
P11,960 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,561 reviews)
"Property is very clean, quiet and convenient. Rooms are extremely nice and comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Ironworks Hotel Indy
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol

3 out of 5
320 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN
The price is P6,258 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P6,258
P7,322 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (765 reviews)
"The hotel was difficult to find from the street - there needs to be better signage for motorists to find their way there. The one-way streets downtown made trying to get in frustrating. Staff was nice and the room was clean, but the fixtures seemed like they had at one point been ripped off the wall ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol
Wyndham Indianapolis Airport

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport

3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
The price is P6,258 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,258
P7,322 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,327 reviews)
Nice Hotel
"Food at hotel was good; however, had limited menu to choice from. Room was very clean and good size. There was a lot of road noise that came into room though. Very convenient to get shuttle to airport and back."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Argyle on Mass Ave

The Argyle on Mass Ave

4 out of 5
615 N East St., Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and Indianapolis ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
Great and comfortable stay
"Great location! Very accommodating for our stay, kitchen was well equipped! It gave home away from vibes. Minutes from everything in Indy. We will definitely stay again next summer!!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

The Argyle on Mass Ave
CozySuites at Block20

CozySuites at Block20

2.5 out of 5
423 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room washers/dryers. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (56 reviews)
"The room was very nice and spacious! Very clean and great location. Very difficult check in process. Having 3 different codes to get in, not being able to use the elevator to go to the room, you had to go to the 1st floor and outside and then back in. Not easy when you are trying to bring in your ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

CozySuites at Block20
The Residences at CityWay

The Residences at CityWay

4 out of 5
302 S Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly apartment in Indianapolis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Lucas Oil Stadium and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (112 reviews)
Overall Great Place to Stay!
"Overall, very nice apartment-style building with everything you could need during your stay. Step-by-step instructions regarding how to get inside the building. Perfect location, within walking distance of popular entertainment spots and restaurants! Only drawbacks were the lack of lighting in the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

The Residences at CityWay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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