Group Experiences

While Indy is sure to deliver a productive meeting experience for your attendees, the destination also has a lot to offer in the way of entertainment. Whether planned as a special event during the convention or experienced by extending their stay, here’s a sampling of Indy’s must-sees and must-dos.

Take a Tour

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an 8-mile urban greenway that inspires movement around the city’s main attractions, from the scenic Central Canal to Indy’s oldest neighborhoods. The trail links the convention district to six cultural districts, each with their own unique flavor of dining, shopping, and attractions. Guided group tours (walking, biking, jogging, and food) are available through the Cultural Trail. Bike rentals are available at certain hotels, The Bike Hub, and Pacers Bikeshare.

Take a look at other tour options in the Circle City.

Experience the Racing Capital of the World

Home to the greatest spectacle in racing and the world's largest single-day sporting event - the Indy 500, groups can experience the Indianapolis Motor Speedway all year long. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum offers guided track tours where visitors can "kiss the bricks" and stand on Victory Podium like past Indy 500 champions. Get in a real IndyCar around the iconic oval with the Indy Racing Experience, compete at Speedway Indoor Karting, or learn the engineering behind the world’s fastest sport at Dallara IndyCar Factory.

Get Active at the Sports Legends Experience

The world’s largest children’s museum is home to the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, capitalizing on Indy’s sports heritage and offering groups private access to 12 outdoor sports experiences made possible by partnerships with Indy’s NBA Pacers, NFL Colts, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, NCAA, Pete and Alice Dye, and more.

Crush On the Original LOVE Sculpture

Newfields: A Place for Nature & The Arts is where you’ll find Robert Indiana’s original iconic work of LOVE, along with 152 acres of renowned masterpieces and gardens. Groups can design their own indoor and outdoor experiences ranging from a visit to the beer garden to yoga in the galleries, to a look at secrets behind the paintings.

Engage in Animal Adventures

Swim with dolphins, paint with penguins, and get up close and personal with orangutans at the Indianapolis Zoo, the first attraction in the country accredited as a zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium.

Try Your Hand at Bad Axe Throwing

Bad Axe Throwing and Flying Squirrel Axe Throwing bring this traditional Canadian backyard pastime to Indy and are open for private group events. With the help of talented axe throwing coaches, participants practice hitting targets as they hurl tomahawks at the wall.

Strike Out at Duckpin Bowling

Your group can step through time and bowl at the Midwest’s only authentic duckpin bowling lanes located in a the historic Fountain Square Theatre Building. Or, enjoy a more modern touch at Pins Mechanical located in Indy’s new Bottleworks District. 

"Hop" on a Craft Brewery Tour

Ranging from small taprooms to large warehouses, Indy’s craft beverage scene is booming. Each brewery has its own unique flavor and offers pints for all palates. Arrange a BYOB tour with HandleBar Indy or Pickled Pedaler. Don't forget to check in at each location using the Indy Craft Pass!

Cook with Chef JJ’s Downtown

Chef JJ’s Downtown is a unique, personal, and hands on culinary experience perfect for any corporate team-building or private event. Conveniently located just one block from Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center, Chef JJ’s provides clients with the opportunity to create and enjoy multicourse meals served in backyard or family style settings.

Go Ape in Eagle Creek Park

Experience the thrills of high ropes and zip lining through Eagle Creek Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country. Swing through the treetops and try out various rope ladders and crossings such as the Log Balance, Flying Carpet, and more.

Craft Scents with Penn & Beech

Create a custom fragrance for a hand-poured premium soy candle or natural oil reed diffuser, all in a relaxed social setting along Indy’s popular Mass Ave.

Become a Chocolate Connoisseur

SoChatti's interactive classes and tastings are fun ways to learn about the art of chocolate making while indulging your senses. 

Find Your Inner Artist

Venture to the bohemian village of Broad Ripple to discover art galleries and the Indianapolis Art Center, a Michael Graves designed building offering workshops in many mediums for groups.

Cruise the Canal

A little slice of Venice comes alive in Indy with gondola rides from Old World Gondoliers. Sit back, relax, and enjoy panoramic city views. The cruise along the scenic Central Canal winding through White River State Park takes visitors past nationally-recognized museums, war memorials, and public art installations. Tours of the canal and park are also available by eight-person yacht or pedal boat.

You Might Also Like: