Indianapolis, Indiana (Multi-Day Tour)

Indianapolis is the capital city of the State of Indiana and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana.  A city that has managed to escape a Rust Belt reputation, Indianapolis is well known as a city with a strong sports connection, having hosted major events such as the 1987 Pan American Games, the NCAA Basketball Tournament and is perhaps most famous for annually hosting the Indianapolis 500.  Common nicknames for Indianapolis include Indy, the Crossroads of America and the Circle City.

It's no wonder that you've been hearing about Indianapolis.  In Indianapolis it's so easy to do so much…offering big-city amenities in a convenient, easy-to-navigate package wrapped in a friendly, inviting atmosphere.  The nation's 20th largest city has gone through a dramatic revitalization and a stunning renaissance that makes it a different place than it was just a decade ago.  Indianapolis is the perfect balance of cosmopolitan style and small-town charm that makes it a successful destination for student travel, catering to more than one million students a year.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

How has the Children's Museum of Indianapolis become one of the world's best and most progressive children's museums?  In large part by living in the past – or at least by letting students do so.  The Children's Museum is the largest children's museum in the world.  The more than 400,000 square foot facility houses 11 major galleries that explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts.  The Children's Museum is a place to learn and do.  Whenever possible, exhibits are ‘hands-on’ or participatory in nature.  The Children's Museum strives to be one of the vital links in the lives of children as it supports their intellectual curiosity and love of learning.  The Museum, situated on 14-acres of land, presents thousands of programs and activities each year.

CONNER PRAIRIE

Discover one of the nation’s most authentic open-air living history museums.  Students can put their hands on history right here! Interact with costumed residents and staff in their unique historic areas.  What will students do at Conner Prairie?  Be ready for hands-on fun and excitement as you visit four unique historic areas.  Everywhere you go, costumed residents will guide your way so you'll feel right at home.  Staff wearing blue Conner Prairie shirts will help you make connections between past and present and answer your questions.  You begin your experience at Liberty Corner and live the life of a farmer in this rural community.  Pitch in with farm chores, help with the animals, attend class in the local school and call on the Zimmermans in their farmhouse.  Next, take a visit to Prairietown.  This pioneer village has it all – a blacksmith shop, general store, schoolhouse, inn and more.  Play games, help with chores and live the life of a pioneer.  When you’re done, stroll on over to Lenape Indian Camp.  End your day at the Conner Homestead.  Step into the Conner Barn and meet the baby animals up close.  Dip candles, pay a visit to the Conner House and try weaving at the Loom House.  Get your hands on history and experience firsthand what life was like when Native Americans lived in this area from 1795-1820 as a journey to Conner Prairie is a wonderful experience of how life has changed.

EITELJORG MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INDIANS & WESTERN ART

Go west young man...west of Indianapolis' famed Monument Circle, that is.  The Eiteljorg Museum is unique – one of only two museums east of the Mississippi with both Native American and Western art.  The building's distinctive design was inspired by the land, people and architecture of the American Southwest.  The American Western Gallery includes works from the Taos, New Mexico Artists' Colony, as well as pieces from such legends as Remington and Russell.  Contemporary artists who tell the story of today's West are also represented and the Native American collection includes pottery, basketry, sculpture and other artifacts from all 10 North American native cultural areas.  And it's only getting better.  In 2005 the Eiteljorg debuted the Mel and Joan Perelman Wing – a 45,000 square foot addition that doubles the museum's public space and provides 50 percent more galleries, additional classrooms/art studios, a library, a technology lab, gardens and the newest dining option on the scenic downtown canal, the Sky City Café.  The Museum is now able to show more of its permanent collection, among the best in the world, and provide students with more hands-on learning opportunities.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

INDIANA STATE MUSEUM & IMAX THEATRE

This world-class institution is a hands-on overview of the best Indiana has to offer.  Constructed from all Indiana materials including limestone, sandstone, steel, brick and glass, the building itself is a work of art.  Discover icons representing each of Indiana’s 92 counties on the exterior, then step inside to explore Indiana’s past, present and future through artistic, cultural and scientific exhibits.  Located in White River State Park in the heart of Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum is a wonderful place to find everything you never expected.  Starting with the birth of earth and tracing Hoosier history into the 21st century, the Museum offers an eclectic and ever-changing adventure.  When you’re done, kick back and enjoy a movie on the IMAX Theatre giant screen.  This architecturally significant complex includes permanent and changing exhibits, two restaurants and a two-story gift shop.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame & Museum, located on the grounds of the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is recognized as one of the most highly visible museums in the world devoted to automobiles and auto racing.  In 1987 the Museum and Speedway grounds were honored with the designation of a National Historic Landmark.  Approximately 75 vehicles are on display at all times.  The Hall of Fame & Museum also displays the equipment and methods used for timing and scoring the Indianapolis 500 from the first race to the 21st century, including a viewer-activated computer presentation that explains the progress through the years.  An extensive trophy collection, including the famed Borg-Warner Trophy, which honors the winner of each Indianapolis 500, is also on display along with auto racing trophies, honors and awards from around the world.  End your visit with a personal tour of the historic 2.5 mile racing oval.

INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART

The Indianapolis Museum of Art is among the largest and oldest general art museums in the United States.  Founded in 1883, the Museum now boasts a permanent collection of more than 50,000 works of art that span the range and scope of art history.  In addition to housing its world-class art collections, the Museum is also a premier showcase for national and international exhibitions.  With unique art experiences, including the new Davis X Room and Star Studio, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a place where students of all ages can explore and understand the connections between art and themselves.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

INDIANAPOLIS ZOO

Just footsteps from downtown, the Indianapolis Zoo includes Indiana's largest aquarium, open exhibit areas with 350 different animal species, White River Gardens with hundreds of plant varieties on display, special conservatory exhibits and student-friendly roller coaster rides.  Students will visit the newly redesigned Deserts Dome which now includes opportunities for up-close looks at snakes, lizards, iguanas and other inhabitants.  Next, stroll over to the Dolphin Adventure which contains the world's first totally submerged dolphin viewing experience and the Midwest's only human-dolphin interaction program, giving students the opportunity to have an in-water experience with the dolphins.  Finish your visit in the Oceans exhibit that includes the world's largest shark touch tank.  Get ready for close encounters with ocean dwellers like sea lions, penguins and polar bears.  Since opening in 1964, the Indianapolis Zoo has grown into a world-class facility hosting a million visitors each year and playing a major role in worldwide conservation and research.

NCAA HALL OF CHAMPIONS

College sports are more than a pastime; they're a way of life.  After all, who hasn't caught March Madness after watching an unbelievable come-from-behind upset in the NCAA basketball tournament or spent part of New Year's Day cheering for the underdog in the big bowl game?  The action and enthusiasm, the heartbreak and triumph, the athletes playing for the simple love of the game – it doesn't matter what the sport is, college athletics will make you a fan.  The best of college sports has been captured under one roof at the NCAA Hall of Champions.  The Hall uses a variety of interactive displays, theater presentations and other exhibits to show how athletes and coaches excel at their respective sports.  Three theaters in the Hall of Champions offer spectacular visuals and keen insights into the student-athlete experience.  A 1920s era gymnasium on the second floor of the Hall gives students the chance to try a variety of sports equipment.  It's also a great place to perfect your jump shot.  The Hall's 25,000 square feet of exhibit space includes other interactive kiosks and games, hands-on displays and information about the NCAA and its member schools.  More importantly, the Hall emphasizes the positive values of the student-athlete.  Working hard, putting education first and competing hard but fairly are values emphasized throughout the Hall's exhibits.  It's clear that the NCAA Hall of Champions is more than another ‘old cleats and uniforms’ sports museum.  It provides active fun for students of all ages.

SOLDIERS’ & SAILORS MONUMENT

Recognized as one of the world's outstanding monuments, the structure has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.  Originally designed to honor the memory of Indiana's Civil War veterans, it now commemorates the valor of all Indiana military men and women in all wars prior to World War I.  The monument stands 284 feet, only 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty.  The Eli Lilly Civil War Museum is housed in the lower level.  The Observation level is 330 steps up and offers a magnificent view of Indianapolis.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

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