History Buffs

There is a story behind every destination - the people and events that made things how they are today.

Things Every History Buff Should Do In Indy

You are a history buff who has a talent for research with an encyclopedic knowledge of dates, facts and important events. Exploring museums, archives and libraries satisfy your begging curiosity. Visit Indy and explore the past as a mystery waiting to be uncovered.

1. Conner Prairie

A Smithsonian-affiliate Making History

Span 200 years of American history at Conner Prairie, including real stories of Indians and fur traders, pioneer town life and Civil War skirmishes.
Live through the nightmarish raid of Civil War Confederate soldiers as they attacked Dupont, a southern Indiana town.

Pictured: Indiana Historical Society

2. Indiana Historical Society

Showcasing History In New Ways

The Indiana Experience allows visitors to step into historic photos to reenact history.
Pull up a stool at the cabaret and immerse yourself in the music in the Cole Porter Room.
Browse an incredible collection of rare printed materials thanks to The Remnant Trust.

3. Bottleworks District

Art Deco Restoration

140-key boutique hotel weaves historic architectural features with modern amenities and occupies top two floors of the former Coca-Cola Bottling Works.
Bottleworks District includes a The Garage Food Hall, Living Room Movie Theatre, Woodhouse Day Spa, and more.
Late night spots include Pins Mechanical Co. for bowling, games, and entertainment, and Sundry & Vice cocktail lounge.

4. Indianapolis City Market

Historic Marketplace

First opened in 1886, the Indianapolis City Market is the city’s original foodie’s haven.
Today, the stand holders serve up a world of dishes, from Middle Eastern to Greek, Mexican, and Indian.
Don’t miss a tour of the Market’s historic (and a bit creepy) Romanesque underground catacombs.

5. Monuments & Memorials

Honoring Indiana's Military

No other city in the United States maintains as many acres dedicated to honoring veterans and only Washington D.C. has more monuments dedicated to those who served in military conflicts.

6. Indiana State Museum

Meet The Fastest Cyclist In The World

Get to know an Indy icon, Marshall "Major" Taylor, the world's first Black sports-superstar.
See artifacts from Major Taylor's cycling career from the 1890s.
Learn about bicycle safety and design, tinker with bikes and bike parts, and test your skills on stationary bikes.

7. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Inside The Life Of A U.s. President

Harrison was our 23rd president and his home tells of his life in Indy.
Hear back stories about Harrison, both funny and poignant, that bring appreciation to a president who is not among our country's most famous.

8. Madam Walker's Legacy

America's First Female Self-made Millionaire

Madam CJ Walker's hair care empire began in Indy and the Legacy Center stands as a monument to her impact.

Discover a tribute mural on historical Indiana Avenue, and portrait made from combs at The Alexander.

9. The Children's Museum Of Indianapolis

History Disguised As Fun

Turn your watch back 65 million years and be on the lookout for tyrannosaurs, triceratops, and Maiasauras roaming at Dinosphere.
Make friends with mummies, pirates, and terra cotta warriors at the Treasures of the Earth exhibition.

10. The Rathskeller

Taste Bavarian Flavors

From Jäegerschnitzel to Filet Mignon, the award-winning menu features authentic German cuisine.
Enjoy German beers in the Kellerbar or enjoy Indy's grandest biergarten and soak in live music.
The Anthenaeum/Das Deutsche Haus was built as a “house of culture” for the mind and body.

11. Center for Black Literature & Culture

Indianapolis Central Library

Interactive displays, books, and images highlighting African American heroes who changed the world.
Free and open to the public at the Indianapolis Central Library.

12. Omni Severin Hotel

A Century Of Service And Style

Indy's longest-standing Four Diamond property first opened in 1913.
Located along lively Illinois and Georgia Streets, the hub of downtown’s historic Wholesale District.

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13. Marshall "Major" Taylor in Indy

An Indianapolis Icon

The legacy of Indy icon Marshall "Major" Taylor, the world's first Black sports superstar, is celebrated across the Circle City.
His story is told through interactive museums, public art pieces, special events, and places and spaces that celebrate cycling in Indy. With the newest expansion of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, there's never been a better time to explore Major Taylor's legacy in the city.