Every time Randy and I leave our house in Michigan and head towards Indianapolis, we always comment that a six hour drive is too long for a three day vacation.
On the drive we swear this is the last time. Than we arrive in Indy and remember what keeps drawing us back.
It is an amazing city. So much to see and do, so little time!
The architecture downtown including the Soldier’s Monument is a photographer’s dream. The shopping at Circle Centre Mall is wonderful, large enough to find everything you could need, but not so overwhelming that you feel dizzy from the experience.
When we go on our trips, it is my goal to find one place to visit that is out of the ordinary.
I found just such a place in Indy.
The 100 acres, attached to the Museum of Art. It is 100 acres of a natural habitat that is dispersed with climbable modern art. I am not usually a fan of modern art, but I thought in this setting it could be very interesting. We were not disappointed.
The setting lent itself to some great photo opps and it was a relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Each art display was unique and was explained fully on the signs.
Definitely a spot I would recommend.
When do grandparents go to a children’s museum without their grandchildren?
When there is a Chihuly exhibit.
The Children’s Museum – Indianapolis has the largest permanent Chihuly glass exhibit in the world. We debated whether we wanted to spend the $16 just to see this exhibit, but knew we would kick ourselves if we didn’t.
It was worth every penny we spent!
It is 43 feet high, but the highlight is the lowest floor. It has a revolving platform where you can lay back and look up at the different blown pieces of glass, placed in ceiling.
Amazing!
While Chihuly was our main objective for going to this museum, we did check out some other areas. The 20th century carousel is beautiful.
We also found the museum to be very interactive for children of all ages. The museum has been rated the best children’s museum in the world according to Child magazine.
Our recommendation – definitely worth the time and price.
And finally, a trip to Indianapolis isn’t complete without the sundaes at the Chocolate Cafe on North Meridian or the calzones at Georgio’s Pizza on Market Street
We left Indy, saying we can’t wait to go back!
Great post!
BTW there is an even taller Chihuly sculpture (55 ft. tall) in Oklahoma City at the museum of art as well as an amazing ongoing exhibit of several of his other works. :)
Hi there! I am always interested in some day trip ideas! I am an adult w a young heart and am always looking for new adventures to travel to w my girl friends, adult daughters or just a nice getaway. Can you send me ideas— or connect me up w your blog/web sight ?
The Children’s Museum – Indianapolis looks amazing! I would love to take my grandsons one day!
I I love visiting Indy! There definitely is so much to do!
We just pass by when driving to MI from FL. We should stop and explore sometime.
I love Indy! The Canal Walk is relaxing and a great way to see around downtown
I’ve been to Indianapolis a couple of times when I was younger for some football games so I really never took in the sights. It looks like a good place to take the kids, the pictures of the museum look amazing. I’ll have to add this on our things to do as a family.
I remember going to the Childrens Museum in Indy with Girl Scouts growing up – maybe I’ll get a chance to bring my kids some day.
Wow. It is so beautiful.
Sometimes it takes an out-of- towner to help you appreciate your own city.
I live here, and now you have me feeling kind of enthusiastic and proud of our fair city! Usually I sort of shrug and say, “Well, there’s not much to do here…or see.”
Maybe I’ve got it all wrong?
I’ve seen that Chihuly exhibit so many times, maybe I’m forgetting how magical it is? I’ve not been downtown with my camera for a long time, looking at architecture. And just the other day we drove past the 100 Acres and the kids all said they want to go.
You’ve inspired us. :)
I went there with a class trip, or maybe Girl Scouts when I was 8 or 9 and got to ride the carousel. The museum has changed so much over the years and I really need to take my son next summer when we make the trip back to IN.
Great post, I really enjoyed it and took a look at the museum website through your link. I’m going to have my son look at it tomorrow.
Sounds like a fun trip! I love how they did the Dinosaur exhibit! Very creative!
Oh wow! This post makes me want to go! I sort of just assume that every big city is like Cleveland Although, Cleveland has been making major improvements lately. Really excited about the aquarium! I could seriously lay for hours staring up at the Chihuly exhibit…