Indiana, situated in the Midwest, is known as the 'Crossroads of America', with multiple national highways intersecting within its borders. This makes it easy to travel through the state's scenic stretches of rural land. Northern Indiana is particularly beautiful, bordering Lake Michigan and encompassing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore with sandy beaches and expanse of wildflowers. Other scenic routes include the lanes of the Amish country in the northeast, the alleys of Wayne County, the historic covered bridges of Parke County, or the picturesque Ohio River byway in the south.
Perhaps because of its long history of settlers and their clashes with Native Americans, or its strength in corn and soybean production, the state's name tends to conjure images of endless farmland and the pastoral lifestyle. In fact, the nickname for Indiana residents, 'Hoosiers', may derive from the pioneers' shout of 'Who's here?' when travellers knocked on remote cabin doors. The origin remains a subject of debate, but Hoosiers are proud of the nickname regardless.
The Hoosier state is a powerhouse in the sports world. It is home to the Indianapolis 500, one of the world's premier racing events, and to the Indianapolis Colts, one of the most competitive teams in the NFL. And, of course there is Indiana basketball, immortalized in the film 'Hoosiers', which approaches a religion. The state has a professional NBA team, the Indiana Pacers, but Hoosiers are equally enthusiastic about college basketball, including the Indiana University team. In education, too, Indiana is at the forefront. Top institutions like the University of Notre Dame, Purdue University and DePauw University, and their sports teams, are located here.
It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Indiana generally has cold winters and hot, humid summers with higher temperatures towards the south. Lake Michigan modifies the northern temperatures and also creates higher precipitation than in the rest of the state, with more snowfall in winter. Autumn is a pleasant time to travel to Indiana with lower humidity and sunny skies, while spring is often unstable and has high incidences of thunderstorms and tornadoes.
In the capital, Indianapolis, summers (June to August) see average temperatures ranging between 64°F (18°C) and 89°F (32°C), and the winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures dipping down to 24°F (-4°C) in January, and occasionally getting as cold as -15°F (-26°C).
The best time to visit Indiana is summer and autumn, between June and October.
There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential.
Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, however, travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.
Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which you may legally buy and consume alcohol is 21 years.
Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.
Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.
Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.
In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, however in states such as California dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.
Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. Get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and don't take offence if someone questions or challenges you outright.
The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and wifi is widely available.
A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but don't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, tip 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.
It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Visa is required for short visits unless travelers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.
As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.
UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.
Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.
South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.
The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar |
0.90 EUR Euro |
0.69 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling |
108.90 JPY Japanese Yen |
1.31 CAD Canadian Dollar |
0.99 CHF Swiss Franc |
1.38 AUD Australian Dollar |
25.11 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia |
337.71 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge |
1,505.84 LBP Lebanese Pound |
0.71 LYD Libyan Dinar |
6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano |
107.88 NPR Nepalese Rupee |
0.38 OMR Omani Rial |
3.64 QAR Qatari Rial |
1.38 SGD Singapore Dollar |
8.29 SEK Swedish Krona |
6.63 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar |
9.98 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar |
45.83 DOP Dominican Peso |
6.72 HRK Croatian Kuna |
18.63 MXN Mexican Peso |
586.30 XOF West African CFA Franc |
3.16 PGK Papua New Guinean kina |
1.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar |
2.11 FJD Fiji Dollar |
22.64 HNL Honduran Lempira |
110.53 DZD Algerian Dinar |
1,191.31 MMK Myanma Kyat |
11.19 BWP Botswana Pula |
3.37 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol |
693.53 CLP Chilean Peso |
478.10 AMD Armenia Dram |
24.17 CZK Czech Koruna |
19.98 MDL Moldova Lei |
124.29 ISK Icelandic Krona |
2,938.75 UZS Uzbekistan Sum |
3.85 ILS Israeli New Sheqel |
0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar |
0.30 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar |
31.35 UYU Uruguayan Peso |
35.52 MUR Mauritian Rupee |
28.51 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba |
8.34 NOK Norwegian Krone |
3.92 PLN Polish Zloty |
3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal |
146.02 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee |
35.62 THB Thai Baht |
3.67 AED U.A.E Dirham |
3.59 BRL Brazilian Real |
4.05 RON Romanian New Leu |
7.77 HKD Hong Kong Dollar |
587.63 XAF Central African CFA Franc |
22,474.70 VND Vietnamese Dong |
13.95 ARS Argentine Peso |
2.70 XCD East Caribbean Dollar |
7.83 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal |
9.77 MAD Moroccan Dirham |
0.38 BHD Bahrain Dinar |
1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa |
1.50 AZN Azerbaijan Manat |
3,117.81 COP Colombian Peso |
68.30 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som |
279.76 HUF Hungarian Forint |
7.87 TJS Tajikistan Ruble |
13,683.10 IDR Indonesian Rupiah |
8.88 EGP Egyptian Pound |
1,191.10 KRW South Korean Won |
5,669.42 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní |
4.16 MYR Malaysian Ringgit |
538.75 CRC Costa Rican Colón |
1.47 NZD New Zealand Dollar |
104.74 PKR Pakistani Rupee |
66.80 RUB Russian Rouble |
15.60 ZAR South African Rand |
2.12 TND Tunisian Dinar |
2.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar |
1.75 BGN Bulgarian Lev |
2.95 TRY Turkish Lira |
46.62 PHP Philippine Peso |
32.62 TWD New Taiwan Dollar |
196.50 NGN Nigerian Naira |
107.15 XPF CFP Franc |
3.91 GHS Ghanaian Cedi |
124.92 JMD Jamaican Dollar |
1.80 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder |
1.38 BND Brunei Dollar |
110.56 RSD Serbian Dinar |
6.58 CNY Chinese Yuan |
19,898.50 BYR Belarussian Ruble |
6.65 DKK Danish Krone |
3.44 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat |
67.26 INR Indian Rupee |
1 EUR = 1.12 USD
1 CAD = 0.76 USD
1 GBP = 1.44 USD
1 AUD = 0.72 USD
1 NZD = 0.68 USD
1 ZAR = 0.06 USD
Location: Indianapolis The airport is located 15 miles (24km) from downtown Indianapolis.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 317 487 9594.
Getting to the city: The Ground Transportation Center, located on the lower level of the parking garage, offers connections to shuttles, hotel courtesy vehicles, limousines and the IndyGo bus service. The bus departs the airport to downtown Indianapolis, and single fares are $1.75. Many area hotels also offer free shuttle transfers.
Car rental: Rental car counters are located at the Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty offer services.
Airport Taxis: Taxi services are available at the curb on the lower level of the terminal just outside Baggage Claim. All taxis are metered, although there is a $15 minimum charge for all airport fares. Tipping is expected.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include a food court, concourse restaurants, shops and a guest services centre (offering a lost and found, visitor information and business services). There are also ATMs and currency exchange services, a games room, a barber shop, a spa, nursing rooms, shoe-shine services, a meditation room and a USO Lounge.
Parking: Parking is available in a multi-level garage, as well as additional long-term and economy lots connected to the terminal by a free shuttle service. Long-term parking rates at Indianapolis International Airport are $9 per day in the economy lot, and $14 per day in the Park & Walk lot, or $2 per half hour in the short-term parking garage.
Location: Evansville The airport is located nine miles (14km) north of Evansville.
Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: (812) 421 4401
Getting to the city: There is no public transportation to Evansville Airport, however shuttle services are provided to many nearby hotels, and taxis are available.
Car rental: Car rental companies operating from the airport include Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Airport Taxis: There are several taxi companies operating from the airport. Pick-up fees start from $3, and metered rates are around $2 per mile (1.2km). There is also a fixed rate service to anywhere in Evansville for around $25 with the company Feller Limousine and Sedan.
Facilities: Airport facilities include an airport lounge, restaurant, cocktail lounge, travel agents, conference facilities, lockers, a gift shop, and information desk.
Parking: Short-term parking is free for the first hour, and $2 for each additional hour up to a maximum daily rate of $16. Long-term parking is free for the first hour, then $0.50 for each additional hour up to a maximum daily rate of $7, and a weekly rate of $35.
Location: Fort Wayne The airport is located nine miles (14km) southwest of Fort Wayne.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: (260) 747 4146
Getting to the city: There is no public transport available. However there are hotel shuttles, rental cars, taxis and limousines are all available at the airport.
Car rental: Car rental companies operating from the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty.
Airport Taxis: Taxi companies including Taxi by Simone, American Taxi, Economy Taxi, Yo Taxi, and Royal Taxi operate at the airport.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a restaurant and coffee shop, a business centre, children's play areas, art exhibits, and an ATM. Incoming passengers are also given a freshly-baked cookie at the Welcome Center, which has an information desk and charging stations.
Parking: The short and long-term parking lots are free for the first 30 minutes. The short-term lot charges $2 for the first half hour, and $2 for each additional hour or fraction thereof. The long-term lot charges the same per hour or fraction thereof. Short-term parking is located opposite the terminal and has a daily maximum of $14. Long-term parking has a daily maximum of $9, while the economy lot, located farthest from the terminal, has a daily rate of $8 and a weekly rate of $44. Note that the economy lot does not accept cash payments and is credit card only.
Location: South Bend The airport is located four miles (6km) northwest of South Bend.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: (574) 282 4590
Getting to the city: The South Shore rail line connects the airport with cities throughout north-western Indiana. Bus companies include Interurban Trolley and Transpo, which offer services to Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Toledo. Uber and Lyft are available.
Car rental: Car hire companies operating from the airport have desks in the baggage claim area. These include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are available on the main drive outside of the terminal's front entrance. The companies that have been authorised to operate include Eagle Cab, Modern Cab, and United Cab.
Facilities: Airport facilities include a restaurant and bar, a snack shop, an information centre, newsstands, ATMs, a business centre, and a mother's nursing room.
Parking: Short-term parking is located opposite the terminal. The first 30 minutes are free, then parking is charged at $2 per hour up to a daily maximum of $14. Long-term parking is $1 per hour up to a daily maximum of $9. Economy, which is located farthest from the terminal, is $1 per hour up to a daily rate of $9 and a weekly rate of $45.
Indiana is known as the 'Crossroads of America', and in Indianapolis, the intersection of several major Interstate highways, this is literally true. This makes the state capital's multiple attractions easily accessible, including the one many consider to be hallowed ground, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Those who know nothing else about the city know that each May racing devotees flock to Indianapolis by the thousands for the Indy 500. During the winter, Indianapolis is a hotspot for football fans, whose fervour for the Colts has reached frenzied heights since the team won the XLI Super Bowl.
No worries for those less enthusiastic about spectator sports. Once dubbed 'Indiana No Place', Indianapolis now caters to a variety of other interests, not the least of which is history. At the centre of town is Monument Circle, home to the 284-foot (87m) Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, among many others. From the circle, the city spreads outward in a grid and is divided into six cultural districts. Broad Ripple Village mixes sidewalk cafés and upscale boutiques with retro fashions and original music venues. Fountain Square is a funky downtown neighbourhood laid out like a European village. Both are known for their artistic leanings and abundance of ethnic restaurants. Indiana Avenue showcases the city's African-American heritage, and Mass Ave is the free-spirited, friendly arts and theatre district.
The final two cultural districts may have less of an eclectic vibe, but they are packed with attractions. Those in search of good, old-fashioned American consumerism need look no further than the Wholesale District's Circle Centre, a large shopping mall connected to the Indiana Convention Center and a number of downtown hotels via skywalks. Wholesale is the home of the business district as well as Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where the Indiana Pacers play, the Colts' RCA Dome and loads of chain restaurants. For visitors who wish to spend a bit of time enjoying the fresh air, there is the Canal and White River Park district. The Canal Walk snakes through the city, offering an urban respite for fitness buffs, while scattered throughout the 250-acre state park are top museums, unique festival and concert spaces and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Indianapolis' multitude of major highways makes the self-drive option quite convenient. Traffic congestion, however, can be a problem. Public transportation is provided by IndyGo at $1.75 per single ride and $4 per all-day pass. The red and green lines service downtown attractions, hotels, restaurants and shopping and nightlife spots.
Indianapolis has a humid subtropical climate, experiencing hot, humid summers (June to August) with average temperatures ranging from 64°F (18°C) to 89°F (32°C). Winters are cold, dipping down to 24°F (-4°C) in January, and occasionally getting as cold as -15°F (-26°C), although this is rare. Snowfall is unpredictable; while some years receive almost no snow, occasional blizzards can bring as much as 19 inches (48cm) in a 24-hour period. Spring is the wettest time of year, with May receiving up to 12.5 inches (32cm) of rain. The best time of year to visit Indianapolis is late summer and early autumn (August to October).
Indianapolis is a major Midwestern metropolis, with no end of attractions for curious visitors. A walking tour of the city includes major landmarks such as the Indiana State Capitol building, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the Indiana War Memorial, and the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
On pleasant days, Indianapolis has a number of parks and gardens to enjoy, including the White River Gardens, Garfield Park Conservatory, the Oldfields-Lilly Estate, and of course the Indianapolis Zoo.
There are plenty of cultural attractions in Indianapolis, as the city boasts more than a dozen excellent museums. Families will want to visit the Holbomb Observatory and Planetarium and the Children's Museum of Indianapolis; while history buffs can enjoy the Conner Prairie Living History Museum, the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
The city also offers a number of art galleries and performing arts venues, and is home to fun summer events like the Indiana State Fair, the Rib America Fest, Bands of America Grand Nationals, and the Indy Fringe Festival.
The Indianapolis 500 takes place each May, but the iconic Speedway remains an exciting attraction all year round. In addition to hosting other racing events, including motorcycle racing, it is the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, which has a huge collection of memorabilia and racing, classic and antique cars, as well as Brickyard Crossing, a Pete Dye-designed golf course with four holes inside the raceway oval. Visitors can explore the museum, or join a tour of the entire grounds. Buses offer the chance to take a lap on the track, and the Indy Racing Experience allows people to experience the track as a passenger in a real Indy racing car.
Address: 4790 W. 16th Street
Website: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Americans follow university athletics with as much passion as they do professional sports. The Hall of Champions' 25,000-square-feet of exhibit space capture the traditions, historic moments, student athletes, and coaches of the 23 sports administered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and 88 national championships. The museum has two levels of exhibits and offers interactive areas for visitors to compete both digitally and hands-on. It even has a 1930s retro basketball gymnasium. The Campus Corner gift shop offers all the NCAA logo merchandise a college sports fan could imagine. Though perhaps not an exciting attraction for the uninitiated, fans of American college sport will be enthralled by the NCAA Hall of Champions.
Address: 700 W. Washington Street, White River State Park
Website: ncaahallofchampions.org
The only museum of its kind in the Midwest, the Eiteljorg Museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world. Designed to encourage appreciation and understanding of the cultures of the indigenous peoples of North America, the museum showcases work by contemporary artists like N.C. Wyeth and Georgia O'Keeffe. It also displays art and artefacts including pottery, woodcarvings and apparel, of the Delaware, Miami, Potawatomi and many other Native American cultures. A great attraction for families visiting Indianapolis, the museum also has a number of interactive exhibits children will love, including a stagecoach, totem pole, and wigwam. In addition, a number of events are hosted throughout the year, including storytelling on Saturdays, outdoor markets and concerts, and social dances.
Address: 500 W. Washington St, White River State Park
Website: www.eiteljorg.org
Where: Conseco Fieldhouse, One Conseco Court, 125 S. Pennsylvania St
In the Hoosier state, basketball reigns supreme, and Indianapolis is home to both men's and women's professional franchise teams: the Pacers and the Fever. At Conseco Fieldhouse, visitors can indulge at more than 100 concession stands during halftime
They can also stock up on the latest Pacers and Fever merchandise at the gift shop. Attending a basketball match is probably the best way to tap into the community spirit of the state of Indiana.
http://www.consecofieldhouse.com
Where: 100 S. Capitol Ave, RCA Dome
Those who visit Indianapolis between August and January have the opportunity to see the city's NFL team in action at the massive Lucas Oil Stadium in Downtown. Its past roster includes Peyton Manning, the renowned quarterback considered one of the greatest of all time.
But talented and inspiring players still remain to excite the crowds, and watching a game should be a priority. Visitors should also look to experience the tradition of tailgating or take part in the huge pregame family parties found around the stadium.
http://www.colts.com
Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
Since its inaugural race in 1911, the Indianapolis 500 has become the 'Greatest Spectacle in Racing'. Each year, the world's top drivers compete for one of the most prestigous prizes in all of sports, the Borg-Warner Trophy. The 500 Festival takes place in the weeks leading up to the event, including the nation's largest half-marathon and culminating in the IPL 500 Festival Parade the day before the race. The Indi is an action-packed, exciting event drawing travellers from all over the world.
http://www.indy500.com
Location: Indianapolis The airport is located 15 miles (24km) from downtown Indianapolis.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 317 487 9594.
Getting to the city: The Ground Transportation Center, located on the lower level of the parking garage, offers connections to shuttles, hotel courtesy vehicles, limousines and the IndyGo bus service. The bus departs the airport to downtown Indianapolis, and single fares are $1.75. Many area hotels also offer free shuttle transfers.
Car rental: Rental car counters are located at the Ground Transportation Center on the first floor of the Terminal Garage. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty offer services.
Airport Taxis: Taxi services are available at the curb on the lower level of the terminal just outside Baggage Claim. All taxis are metered, although there is a $15 minimum charge for all airport fares. Tipping is expected.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include a food court, concourse restaurants, shops and a guest services centre (offering a lost and found, visitor information and business services). There are also ATMs and currency exchange services, a games room, a barber shop, a spa, nursing rooms, shoe-shine services, a meditation room and a USO Lounge.
Parking: Parking is available in a multi-level garage, as well as additional long-term and economy lots connected to the terminal by a free shuttle service. Long-term parking rates at Indianapolis International Airport are $9 per day in the economy lot, and $14 per day in the Park & Walk lot, or $2 per half hour in the short-term parking garage.
The Indianapolis 500 takes place each May, but the iconic Speedway remains an exciting attraction all year round. In addition to hosting other racing events, including motorcycle racing, it is the home of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, which has a huge collection of memorabilia and racing, classic and antique cars, as well as Brickyard Crossing, a Pete Dye-designed golf course with four holes inside the raceway oval. Visitors can explore the museum, or join a tour of the entire grounds. Buses offer the chance to take a lap on the track, and the Indy Racing Experience allows people to experience the track as a passenger in a real Indy racing car.
Address: 4790 W. 16th Street
Website: http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
Americans follow university athletics with as much passion as they do professional sports. The Hall of Champions' 25,000-square-feet of exhibit space capture the traditions, historic moments, student athletes, and coaches of the 23 sports administered by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and 88 national championships. The museum has two levels of exhibits and offers interactive areas for visitors to compete both digitally and hands-on. It even has a 1930s retro basketball gymnasium. The Campus Corner gift shop offers all the NCAA logo merchandise a college sports fan could imagine. Though perhaps not an exciting attraction for the uninitiated, fans of American college sport will be enthralled by the NCAA Hall of Champions.
Address: 700 W. Washington Street, White River State Park
Website: ncaahallofchampions.org
The only museum of its kind in the Midwest, the Eiteljorg Museum contains one of the best Native American and Western art collections in the world. Designed to encourage appreciation and understanding of the cultures of the indigenous peoples of North America, the museum showcases work by contemporary artists like N.C. Wyeth and Georgia O'Keeffe. It also displays art and artefacts including pottery, woodcarvings and apparel, of the Delaware, Miami, Potawatomi and many other Native American cultures. A great attraction for families visiting Indianapolis, the museum also has a number of interactive exhibits children will love, including a stagecoach, totem pole, and wigwam. In addition, a number of events are hosted throughout the year, including storytelling on Saturdays, outdoor markets and concerts, and social dances.
Address: 500 W. Washington St, White River State Park
Website: http://www.eiteljorg.org