Indiana

This Midwest state is famous for its speedway and collegiate sports teams. 

The Indianapolis 500 motor race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the most important automobile races in the world. With seating capacity of over 300,000, you will find a spot to watch the 500-mile (805-kilometer) Indy 500 or the other main race, NASCAR’s Brickyard 400. Bring your enthusiasm and ear plugs as you watch the cars do 200 laps around the oval track. The speedway was built more than 100 years ago, establishing a model for racing around the world. See the history behind the sport at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum.

Find other sports in the state capital, with the Colts football team and Pacers basketball team. For non-sporting activities, see dinosaurs at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, enjoy Impressionist art and more at the Indianapolis Museum of Art and stroll through the White River State Park in the heart of the city and visit the Indianapolis Zoo.

South Bend is the home of the University of Notre Dame and its famous Fighting Irish sports teams. Visit the 150-year-old campus to appreciate its Catholic-influenced architecture. The gold dome of the Main Building stands out with its golden statue of the Virgin Mary visible across the campus. Next to it are the equally impressive Basilica of the Sacred Heart and Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Shifting from spiritual to secular, visit Notre Dame Stadium to see collegiate football at its best. Wear green to join 80,000 fans cheering on the Fighting Irish in top tier football.

See Fort Wayne’s flora and fauna at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, Lakeside Park and Rose Garden and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. The Allen County Public Library is known for its genealogy resources. Walk or bike along the city’s 25-mile-long (40-kilometer) Rivergreenway to access 15 city parks.

Visit Evansville on the Ohio River. In the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science, learn about the state’s past.

Indiana is positioned in the Midwest as the nation’s crossroads. Stop for an extended visit as you travel across the country.