Travel Tuesday – Indiana

Hello, Indiana! 

When visiting Indiana you’ll surely start at the capitol and when you do we’ve got you covered. Indianapolis is a great city for riverfront parks, museums and racing. Whether you’re visiting for an adult trip or bringing the kids, there is something for everyone in this town.  If parks and large open spaces are up your alley, then White River state park, Moon Tree and Fort Harrison are all worthwhile checking out. Fort Harrison is a 1,700 acre state park with trails, picnic sites and fishing spots along Fall Creek. Also on the property is the Museum of 20th Century Warfare, housing information on the soldiers who once walked the grounds.

Fort Harrison 1903, Photo: Fort Harrison Rescue Authority

White River State Park is a 250 acre park in downtown Indianapolis.  It follows the only completed portion of the Indiana Central Canal, once intended to transport goods. Moon Tree is a quirky attraction, but cool nonetheless. Located in the front lawn arboretum of the Indiana Statehouse is a 30 year old sycamore tree that was grown from a seed that has made a trip to the moon and back.

Moon Tree at Capitol Buidling, Photo: Atlas Obscura

If indoor activities are more your style, don’t fret, Indianapolis has museums galore. One of the most unique is the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library. They have doodles, rejection letters and his typewriter. Also worth checking out is the Indiana Medical History Museum.  What started off in 1896 as a center to study the physical causes of mental illness, was converted into a museum with all the equipment left inside in 1969.

Photo: Indiana Medical History Museum

For something more kid friendly, there is the Children’s Museum, as well as Duckpin Bowling located in the Fountain Square Theatre Building.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the go-kart racing at K1 Speed, or the option of buying an experience at Indy Racing Experience.  Ranging from ride alongs to driving an IndyCar for your own lap! Regardless of how you spend your trip, Indiana is a great state with a lot to offer.

Photo: K 1 Speed

Indiana Fun Facts:

  1. Abraham Lincoln moved to Indiana when he was 7 years old. He lived most of his boyhood life in Spencer County with his parents Thomas and Nancy.
  2. Explorers Lewis and Clark set out from Fort Vincennes on their exploration of the Northwest Territory.
  3. The movie “Hard Rain” was filmed in Huntingburg.
  4. During WWII the P-47 fighter-plane was manufactured in Evansville at Republic Aviation.
  5. Marcella Gruelle of Indianapolis created the Raggedy Ann doll in 1914.
  6. The first professional baseball game was played in Fort Wayne on May 4, 1871.
  7. James Dean, a popular movie star of the 1950s in such movies as “East of Eden” and “Rebel without a Cause”, was born February 8, 1941, in Marion. He died in an auto crash at age 24.
  8. David Letterman, host of television’s “Late Show with David Letterman,” was born April 12, 1947, in Indianapolis.
  9. Santa Claus, Indiana receives over one half million letters and requests at Christmas time.
Photo: usnew.com

Indiana Ghostfish Retailers:

SoBro Spirits in Indianapolis

Kahns Fine Wines & Spirits in Indianapolis

City Wide Liquors in Mishawaka

Blind Owl Brewery in Indianapolis

Stoney’s Liquors in Indianapolis

S&V Liquors in Fort Wayne

Trail Inn Liquors in Valparaiso

Mr G’s Liquor in Noblesville

Harry’s Old Kettle Saloon in Wabash

Big Red in Bloomington

Photo: Getty Images

Places to See:

-Indianapolis Motor Speedway (duh) Even if you don’t attend the Indy 500, the track offers tours and it’s pretty spectacular to see if you’re up in the pagoda.

-Downtown Canal Walk is beautiful with great restaurants and views of downtown Indianapolis.

-Soldiers and Sailors Monument (the downtown circle) is a cool spot to visit at the city center.

-The Rathskeller/Athenaeum, Indy’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Germanic food and beer is a must visit.

-Mass Ave is the place to find a wide variety of great restaurants and bars.

-White River State Park is a great place to see a concert downtown. 

-Union Station is a beautiful piece of Indianapolis architecture.

-Watch a show at The Cabaret at the Columbia Club on the circle.

Thanks to our Indiana Distributing Partner Craftroads Beverages!