Accessible History Attractions In Indianapolis

Guest services: 317.631.1888

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The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site showcases the home of America’s 23rd president who served our nation from 1889-1893. This beautiful Italianate Victorian home built in 1875 resides in Indy’s historic Old Northside neighborhood. Docent-led tours tell the story of the family and the times. Amazingly, more than 75% of the home’s artifacts are originals including paintings, furniture, and political memorabilia. The site’s reconstructed carriage house serves as the Welcome Center and is the beginning point of public tours. Reserving specific tour time in advance is recommended.

Accessibility Tips:

• Accessible parking is available in a small lot that can be entered via 13th and Talbot Streets. Additional accessible street parking is available on Delaware Street in front of the museum.
• An elevator services all three floors of this historic property.
• Accessible restrooms are located in the small parking lot.
• Service animals that are properly identified are allowed inside the museum.
• Because of the historic nature of the home, built prior to current day accessibility standards, visitors should feel free to call for planning assistance.

Guest services: 317.776.6000

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ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

One of the largest and most visited outdoor attractions in the nation, and a Smithsonian affiliate, Conner Prairie is the perfect place to satisfy curiosity seekers. At this marvelous attraction, history lovers may engage with citizens of 1836 Prairietown, visit a Lenape Indian Camp, encounter animals, soar with the 1859 Balloon Voyage, and so much more. The Welcome Center is fully accessible and a good starting point to make your plans for the day, gather maps, and learn of any special programs taking place during your visit.

Accessibility Tips:

• Ample free, accessible parking is near the Welcome Center entrance where the Conner Prairie experience always begins. Guests may be dropped off first if desired.
• Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Aides accompanying a guest enter at half-price.
• Not all buildings nor pathways leading to historic experiences are accessible by wheelchair due to the authentic 19th-century nature of the experience. For those non-accessible experiences, the staff will bring them to you.
• Conner Prairie’s services to those on the autism spectrum are strong. Quiet spots are located throughout the venue. Two tips sheets help identify experiences for those who are sensory sensitive are linked above.
• Service animals are permitted.

Tour office: 317.233.5293

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Experience the history and current happenings in the chambers and corridors of the 1888 Indiana Statehouse, a grand Neo-Classical Revival building. You may see the legislature in action, view oral arguments in the Supreme Court, or see the Governor and other officials go about their work. Learn how state government functions while walking through spacious atriums and the dome-crowned rotunda. All visitors are welcome to join the publically posted complimentary guided tours. Tours (15-minute or 30-45 minute versions) are experiential, and they move throughout this large building.

Accessibility Tips:

• There is no dedicated public parking for statehouse visitors who must therefore utilize metered street parking or make other parking arrangements. The nearest accessible street parking is along Senate Ave. and Ohio St.
• Visitors who are unable to climb stairs may enter the Statehouse through the lower west door from Senate Ave. Turning left, going down the hall, turning right and then left again after entry will lead you to elevators to take you to the main (2nd) floor.
• Be prepared to go through a security checkpoint which includes metal detectors.
• If mobility is a concern, visitors may opt for only the introduction portion of the tour.

Guest services: 317.232.1882

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The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) is Indiana’s Storyteller, engaging guests with the rich history, people, events, and experiences of the Hoosier state. At the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, visitors find stories told in new ways via immersive technology. Located along the scenic Central Canal, the Historical Society offers exhibits and immersive experiences that bring history to life. The Stardust Terrace Café is sure to please your taste buds, and few leave the History Center without a gift from the Basile History Market.

Accessibility Tips:

• Accessible parking is available in the History Center's surface lot with entry off of New York St.
• The History Center is fully wheelchair accessible with power doors at public entrances at main level and also at the Canal Walk lower level.
• Throughout the History Center, videos feature open captioning and audio narration to assist those with visual or hearing loss. Where captions are not available, the staff can provide text upon request.
• Complimentary admission is offered to licensed care providers with identification.
• Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available upon request at the welcome desk. Your motorized wheelchair/scooter is also welcome.
• Service animals are welcome.

Guest services: 317.233.0528 (tour manager)

For Information: 317.234.6823 (front desk)

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Built to honor Hoosier veterans of World War I, the 210-foot Indiana War Memorial (IWM) is a key feature of the IWM Plaza Historic District located just north of Monument Circle. On the lower level of the memorial building guests discover a museum describing conflicts from the Revolutionary War to modern times and the Hoosier veterans who served in them. On the upper level of the memorial is the awe-inspiring Shrine Room, considered a “must-see” when visiting Indianapolis.

Accessibility Tips:

• There is no dedicated public parking for IWM, visitors must utilize metered street parking or make other parking arrangements.
• The public entry is located on the north side of the Memorial on Michigan St., and specifically the accessible ramp is on the northwest corner of Michigan and Meridian Sts.
• For those with mobility concerns, all spaces can be reached by ramp access or elevator. The elevator to the Shrine Room requires a staff person to operate.
• A limited number of mobility devices are available to the public free of charge.
• Events involving the IWM and the other properties of the District are common and may restrict access, so best to check the event schedule with IWM staff or social media pages prior to your visit.

Guest services: 317.236.2099

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The inspiring story and legacy of Madam CJ Walker, one of the nation’s first female millionaires, is told at this historic venue which first served as the headquarters of Walker’s African-American hair care and beauty products business. This amazing woman’s story is one of will, perseverance, and superb business acumen. An advocate for social justice and reform, Madam CJ Walker was also well known for her generous philanthropy. The Walker Center opened in 1927 and throughout the years has provided programming, lectures, concerts, and performances inside its historic theater. A major building renovation is now underway, and the center is closed until early 2020. The Walker invites you to visit then when new experiences will be revealed that showcase the astounding life and times of Madam CJ Walker.