Indianapolis

Indiana's capital and the Racing Capital of the World, known for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the world's largest children's museum and the Canal Walk.

Indianapolis is the capital and largest city of Indiana, set in the middle of the Midwestern plains with a population of about 880,000. Because several interstate highways converge here, it's known as the Crossroads of America. The city was laid out around Monument Circle, and its downtown is compact and tidy, with most sights within walking or cycling distance. Its biggest claim to fame is motor racing: the Indianapolis 500, held every year in late May, is the world's best-attended single-day sporting event, which is why the city calls itself the Racing Capital of the World. Seasons: spring and autumn are the most comfortable; May brings Month of May racing events but hotel prices double; Jun–Aug is hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms; Dec–Feb is cold and snowy, though downtown has plenty of indoor skywalks and museums. Key areas: downtown (Monument Circle, the Indiana Statehouse, the Indiana War Memorial, City Market, and the stadium and arena); the Canal and White River State Park (the Canal Walk, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum); the north side (the Children's Museum, Newfields and Crown Hill Cemetery); the Speedway to the northwest; and dining and nightlife districts such as Massachusetts Avenue and Fountain Square. Getting there: Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is about 15 km southwest of downtown, about 20–25 minutes by airport express bus or taxi; Chicago is about a 3-hour drive away. Public transit within the city is limited, but there is bike share and the Cultural Trail; take a taxi or drive to the Speedway, the Children's Museum and Conner Prairie. Plan to stay 2–3 days: one day for downtown and the Canal, one for the Speedway and the Children's Museum, and the rest for the art museum or an NFL/NBA game. Note: book accommodation well ahead for the Indy 500 and major conventions; in summer wear sunscreen and stay hydrated, and in winter watch out for snowstorms.

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