Ask a Hoosier what true metropolis exists in his state, and he will answer Indianapolis, which is the capital and by far the largest city in Indiana and the second largest in the Midwest after Chicago. The comfortable mix of urban splendor in the city skyline and the charming tree-lined streets in residential neighborhoods like those on the Old North side are a joy to experience, especially in the spring and fall. A beautiful city, filled with places to explore and enjoy, Indianapolis (Indy as it is affectionately known by Hoosiers) remains one of my favorite places.
Some of the most striking monuments are the Indiana War Memorial, the Solders and Sailors Monument (completed 1901), and the Indiana State House. Among the many lovely parks in the city, Garfield Park with its conservatory and sunken gardens is my personal favorite, and the IndyGo public transit system of buses makes getting anywhere in the city an easy, safe, and comfortable experience. The Indianapolis Zoo is a terrific place to take the kids.
Besides the 22 branch libraries in the city, Indianapolis provides a wide variety of theater and music in places like the Beef & Boards Dinner Theater, Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University, The Indiana Repertory Theater, the Indianapolis Symphony at Hilbert Circle Theater, and the Madame Walker Theater Center, and the Slippery Noodle Inn, a blues bar and restaurant operating continuously since 1850, when it opened as the Tremont House.
For sports fans Indianapolis is home to the Indiana pacers for basketball, The Colts for football, and for race car aficionados, the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indy 500 races are held in May, usually over Memorial Day weekend, and the Speedway boasts 250,000 permanent seats!
The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is the largest children’s museum in the world, and intensely joyful and educational place of kids (and adults) to visit. I’ve included a photo of the Chihuly scupture in glass of “Fireworks.’ Then there is the Indiana State Museum with a magnificent bookstore that sells my first book, ALL MY LAZY RIVERS, an Indiana Childhood.
There are also the Indianapolis Art Center, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Indianapolis Arts Garden, and the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art. Dominating the city skyline is the Chase Center, a 48-story edifice with two towers making it the tallest building in town.
Another place in Indianapolis that is very dear to me is the Humane Society, one of the most dynamic and compassionate in the country. It is run by my friend John Alshire, who has made the Society’s mark through spreading an awareness of what the public can do to save animals and relocate homeless pets. I have tremendous respect for John, who was born to do the wonderful work he does helping the helpless. http://indyhumane.org/
Because my roots are thoroughly Hoosier, I am proud of Indiana, its marvelous people, history and culture. My heart will always be there. If you plan to visit Indianapolis, give yourself at least five days to savor as many great places and activities as you can.
John Bolinger
