The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The only museum of its kind in the Midwest, the Eiteljorg Museum features Western and Native American art and cultural objects. It also offer numerous exhibits, programs, festivals, and events throughout the year.
Parking at the Eiteljorg Museum
Parking at the nearby underground garage is free to museum visitors. Additional metered, on-street parking is also available.
Best and worst time to go to the Eiteljorg Museum
Visit the Eiteljorg Museum in June to attend the Indian Market and Festival. The Eiteljorg is the only museum of its kind in the Midwest and the Festival is a unique opportunity to explore not only the ongoing exhibits of the museum, but also the art, music, dance, and food of Native American cultures.
Admission to the Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum is open seven days a week. Admission for those over five is in the $5-10 range. Children under four, members, and Native Americans are admitted at no charge.
Must see and must do at the Eiteljorg Museum
The outdoor spaces at the Eiteljorg Museum offer perhaps as much to see and enjoy as does the interior. Featuring an architecturally stunning building design and outdoor bronze sculptures as well as signs written in Miami, visitors should allow time to explore the grounds.
The Whitetail Deer bronze sculpture is a must-see during a visit to the Eiteljorg Museum. Set at the boundary of the museum's grounds on Washington Street, this outdoor sculpture is the museum's most recognized landmark.
Other places to visit near the Eiteljorg Museum
The Eiteljorg Museum is located within walking distance of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Convention Center, and Circle Center Mall. The Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens are located one mile from the museum.
Insider Tip for visitors to the Eiteljorg Museum
Pick up a set of garden cards at the admissions desk and learn interesting facts about the Indiana native plants growing in the garden as you stroll along the paths.
Author's Bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She enjoys everything that downtown Indianapolis has to offer to families, including the Eiteljorg Museum.
Conner Prairie in Indianapolis is one of the largest living history museums in the country. It combines education with fun by offering interactive learning experiences for adults and children. History is recreated in multiple exhibits, and you can learn more about topics ranging from the Civil War to passenger balloons.
Best and worst time to go to Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is closed on Mondays during the months of May to October. You may want to visit the museum on weekends because school field trips are common during the weekdays.
Must see/do at Conner Prairie
One of the top attractions at Conner Prairie is the 1836 Prairietown that includes a recreation of an old village and historical interpreters. The 1859 Balloon Voyage is another popular experience and provides visitors the chance to ride in the gondola of a balloon. You also do not want to miss the 1863 Civil War Journey that includes military drills.
Admission to Conner Prairie
Children who are less than two years old get free admission. Tickets for older children and adults are generally in the $10 to $20 range. Current members of the military and veterans get free admission.
Parking and public transportation to Conner Prairie
Parking is free at Conner Prairie. It is recommended that you take your own vehicle to the museum and park in the free lots.
Food at Conner Prairie
The Conner Prairie Store and Cafe on the Common are the only food options at the museum. The store sells local food, but the cafe has more options. The menu includes sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, soups, slushies and ice cream. The prices range from $3 to $8, and most options include a free pickle spear and side dish.
Insider tip for visitors to Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie has an autism-friendly guide and sensory-friendly tip sheet for families. They include topics ranging from noise levels to the presence of animals, so families who have children with autism can be prepared.
Author's bio: Lana Bandoim is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Indianapolis. Her work has been published on websites ranging from Examiner to Technorati.
Schimpff's Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana, has been tempting the sweet teeth of children and adults for almost 150 years and is considered to be an Indiana landmark hidden gem. It was originally known as a candy store, but has since evolved in a candy museum and has tours where you can actually watch your favorite candies being made using the same methods from a century ago.
Best and worst time to go to Schimpff's Confectionery
The worst times to go are busy holiday weekends like Valentine's Day, Easter and Mother's Day because so much of the business revolves around giving out those sweet treats. The Christmas holiday is another really busy season, with weekends getting busier the closer it gets to the big day. Generally, the best times to go are during weekday hours, but Saturdays and Sundays which are not near holidays are also great visiting times.
Must see/do at Schimpff's Confectionery
Don't just stop by and buy some candies. Instead, take the extra time and do the full tour, which lasts about 45 minutes. During the tour, you'll get to see old-fashioned candies being made on antique machines and using methods from 150 years ago. Also, take the time to walk through the Candy Museum, one of the few museums in the United States devoted just to candies and candy making, which has thousands of pieces of preserved candy and candy artifacts. If you're anxious to sample the goods, you can ask for some free tastes of yesterday's favorites like red hots and Modjeska's.
Admission to Schimpff's Confectionery
Admission to the museum and tour is free, but you have to book the tour to ensure you get to see actual candy being made. Also, note holiday hours as the shop is closed several days throughout the year.
Parking and public transportation to Schimpff's Confectionery
There is plentiful parking in Jeffersonville along the streets around the confectionery. Unfortunately, Jeffersonville doesn't have public transportation nor does TARC provide transportation in the downtown area.
Food at Schimpff's Confectionery
Schimpff's does have a Deli Lunch Room inside the museum and you can purchase lunch meals in addition to the candies made there. If you're still hungry or thirsty, step up and take a seat at 1950s-era soda fountain where you can order a chocolate soda.
Insiders tip for visitors to Schimpff's Confectionery
Don't go to Schimpff's just to buy candy. You can easily spend an afternoon in the museum watching the inside view of candy making. If it's a slow day, the candy makers will answer all your questions. Also, be sure to take in the Chocolate Dipping Room and Candy Demonstration Area where a variety of candies are made all day long.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and the United States Grand Prix. The Brickyard Crossing golf course is also located on its grounds, featuring four holes inside the famous oval track. Also on-site is the Hall of Fame Museum, dedicated to automobiles, auto racing and the history of the Indianapolis 500. The museum houses the Borg-Warner Trophy, commemorating each year's winner of the Indianapolis 500, when it is not traveling.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Parking
Numerous lots are available for parking inside and just outside of the Motor Speedway track. A fee is associated with all parking options. Various lots offer options for overnight parking, RV parking, camping, and tailgating. During major racing events, local residents and businesses open their property to provide parking to visitors for a fee, with prices increasing the closer you get to the IMS. During non-racing times,parking is available at the museum free of charge.
Hotels Near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Dozens of hotels are located within a 10 mile distance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Prices are typically in the range of $125-$300 per night. During major racing events, rooms fill quickly so book well in advance.
Seating at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Seating high in the Northwest Vista offers views of both turns 3 and 4 and can be an exciting location toward the end of a race. Seating across from Pit Row allows visitors to see the frequent team races during pit stops. Seating in the Paddock offers coverage from the weather. Most other seats are open to the weather, so if inclement weather or harsh sun is in the forecast, come prepared.
Food at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A wide variety of concession stands are available at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During racing events, numerous concession stands are located both inside the track as well as on the major streets surrounding the track.
Beer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase inside the track. Visitors are permitted to bring their own alcohol to racing events; however, glass bottles are not permitted and coolers must not exceed a size of 18" x 14" x 14".
Parking Alternatives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
During the Indianapolis 500, shuttle service is available from areas including downtown, the Indianapolis International Airport, and the IUPUI campus. Shuttle service fees are approximately $25 per person. Shuttle service continues to run for approximately two hours after the conclusion of the race.
What to Bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Because most seating options are open to the weather, packing for the season is advised. Summer events can be hot and sun-filled, so sunscreen is advised. Seating at this outdoor events typically consists of metal bench seating. If you have a cushion, you may want to bring it. Regardless of where you park, a trip to the expansive Indianapolis Motor Speedway involves a lot of walking, so wear shoes that comply.
Insider Tip for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
If you are attending the Indianapolis 500 and plan to bring your own alcohol, be aware that the sale of take-out alcohol on Sunday is not permitted in Indiana. Alcohol sales by vendors are permitted inside the track on Sundays, but if you plan to bring your own, make sure you purchase it prior to race day.
Author's bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She has visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for almost two decades of Indianapolis 500 racing.
