The center of downtown Indianapolis is Monument Circle, with the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at its core. The monument is crowned by a statue of Victory, known as Miss Indiana. An observation deck offers a panoramic view. Lights strung from the top of the monument during the holidays make it the "world's largest Christmas tree."
You might want to check out the brand new Indiana State Museum, 650 W. Washington St. (tel. 317/232-1637; www.indianamuseum.org), which documents the history of Indiana since the pioneer era. Admission is $7 adults, $6.50 seniors, and $4 for children (IMAX films are extra). It's open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
At the NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St., in White River State Park (tel. 800/735-NCAA; www.ncaahallofchampions.org), sports fanatics can see past collegiate sports highlights displayed on video monitors, as well as listen to university school songs on a push-and-play display. A 1920s gymnasium keeps the kids busy when not in use for educational programs. Admission is $3 adults, $2 students (free for children 5 and under); it's open from 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, from noon to 5pm Sunday.
Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th St. (tel. 317/327-7110; www.indyparks.org), is one of the largest municipal parks in the country, with 4,000 acres of wooded terrain for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, and a 1,300-acre reservoir. The main attraction of the 128-acre Garfield Park Conservatory, 2450 Shelby St. (tel. 317/327-7184), is a tropical greenhouse -- complete with parrots and macaws, and waterfall-fed pools -- planted with flora from around the world. Admission to the conservatory is free (donations welcome), though entrance to the park is $4 per vehicle; open daily from 10am to 6pm.
