Top Historical Places in Indianapolis

Are you looking to explore the history of Indianapolis through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Indianapolis including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Indianapolis. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Indianapolis ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Indianapolis, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Indianapolis for a great trip!

Let's witness the history of Indianapolis with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:

  1. Children's Museum Of Indianapolis

    Children Museum, Landmark, Historical Site, Entertainment

    This is the world’s largest children’s museum and a part of the American Alliance of Museums. The building is marked with 5 floors consisting of exhibit halls. This museum was founded by Mary Stewart Carey in 1925 with the generous help of a number of civic leaders and the present location was chosen in 1946. It is also the 4th oldest such institution in the whole world. The main ex...Read more
  2. Bankers Life Fieldhouse

    Arena, Entertainment, Performance

    It is an indoor arena in Downtown Indianapolis and is the home field of the Indiana Pacers of the National Baseball Association and also from the Women’s Basketball Association. The field is known to host college basketball games, indoor concerts and ice hockey. The stadium has also hosted wrestling matches of the WWE. This stadium opened in 1999 by the name of Conseco Fieldhouse in place...Read more
  3. Indiana War Memorial

    4.7 (116 Votes)
    Indiana War Memorial

    History Museum, Historical Site, War Memorial

    This memorial museum is situated in the center of a 5 block Historic district known as the Indiana War Memorial Plaza historic district. The memorial is dedicated to the war heroes of the World War I and the place is also where the headquarters of the American Legion are situated. At one end is the Legion Mall and at the other is the Veterans Memorial Museum. There is also a beautiful war cenot...Read more
  4. Soldiers And Sailors Monument

    Museum, Monument

    This museum is recognized as one of the most outstanding monuments of the world that symbolizes the history of both the city of Indianapolis as well as the state of Indiana. This is the official monument to the Hoosiers and it served during the hard times of Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Mexican War, The Civil War, the Frontiers war and the Spanish American War. The lovely museum is m...Read more
  5. Crown Hill Cemetery

    4.5 (202 Votes)
    Crown Hill Cemetery

    Historical Site, Cemetery

    This is a privately owned cemetery situated on the Crown hill that is a high point overlooking the whole city of Indianapolis. The gardens and grounds of this cemetery are inspired from the Pittsburgh cemetery architecture. The cemetery was opened on October 22, 1863 by a Board of Trustees. This cemetery is not only the most prominent cemetery in the region but is also marked for its immense na...Read more
  6. Hinkle Fieldhouse

    4.8 (27 Votes)
    Hinkle Fieldhouse

    Landmark, Arena

    This is a basketball arena and a part of the famous Butler University. It is the 6th oldest basketball arena in the US and was also the largest till 1950. It is a hero in the development of the sport in the 1920’s. It is a US National Historic Landmark and is often known as ‘Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral’. The stadium has been beautified since it was established and it ...Read more
  7. Scottish Rite Cathedral

    Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

    This is an historic and landmark building located in Downtown Indianapolis. It is owned by the Valley of Indianapolis, Scottish rite. This is an affiliated body of Freemasonry. It is one of the largest Masonic buildings that have also been referred to as one of the finest examples of Neo- gothic style of architecture in the US. The cathedral was built between 1927 and 1929 incurring an expendit...Read more
  8. Old Fields- Lilly House And Gardens

    Museum, Garden, Historical Site, Lake

    This is a historic estate and house museum that forms a part of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It is a fine example of the American Country house Movement of the 19th and 20th centuries and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places of US in 2003. This place was built between 1909 and 1913 for the family of Hugh McKennanLanden who owned it initially and then the whole estate was bo...Read more
  9. Indiana State Capitol

    Historical Site, Entertainment, Convention Center, Architecture

    This is the most important capitol building that houses the Indiana General Assembly, the Office of the Governor of Indiana, the Supreme Court of Indiana and other such buildings. It was due to the rapid increase of population in the state that this building had to be shifted to its present location. This was the 5th time the state capitol was being shifted. It was built in the 19th century and...Read more
  10. Medal Of Honor Memorial

    Park, Memorial, Monument, Statue

    This memorial is built to honor all those who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest award in the field of Military. It was inaugurated in May, 1999 on Memorial Day weekend. The memorial is very beautifully designed with 27 glass panes and Indiana limestone in shades of buff, grey, pink and yellow. The names of the awardees have been carved on the walls. There are 15 walls set in a uniqu...Read more
  11. Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library

    Art And Culture, Art Gallery, Library, Museum

    This library has been dedicated to the Native writer and artist Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. This library is to be thanked for bringing out and conserving so beautifully the masterpieces contributed by Vonnegut in the field of Literature, Art and Culture. It was designated in the list of the National Historic Places of US in 2011. The library finds place is the Emelie Building and serves as a cultural an...Read more
  12. Monument Circle

    Historical Site, Monument, War Memorial, Mall

    This is referred to the Indian War Memorial Plaza which is a historical district with a number of important buildings. The heart is the Indiana War Memorial and the district covers 5 blocks. It is the place where the headquarters of the American Legion are situated. At one end is the Legion Mall and at the other is the Veterans Memorial Museum. There is also a beautiful war cenotaph built here....Read more
  13. Hannah House

    Landmark, Historical Site

    The historic Hannah House was built in the year 1858 by Alexander Hannah who was a prominent figure in the Indianapolis community. It is believed that a group of slaves who were in the search of freedom stopped at the house seeking solace. They were welcomed warmly, offered food and they slept there for the night. However, a fire burnt the place down and when Alexander came to know about it, h...Read more
  14. Christ Church Cathedral

    4.2 (33 Votes)
    Christ Church Cathedral

    Religious Site, Historical Site, Monument, Entertainment

    It is a cathedral church under the Episcopal diocese of Indianapolis and is also the oldest religious building that is still in use here. The present building was built in 1857 in the Monument Circle and is known for its Choir of Men and boys and Girls Choir, pipe organs, etc. The church has also been listed under the National Register of Historic Places in US. It is a member of the Verger&rsqu...Read more
  15. U S S Indianapolis Memorial

    4.7 (66 Votes)
    U S S Indianapolis Memorial

    Museum, Memorial, War Memorial, Cruise

    This is a memorial that was designed by Joseph Fischer in the memory of all those members of the navy who died when the last ship of the World II sunk. The name of the ship was USS Indianapolis and so the name of the museum. The memorial is also built in the shape of the cruise in grey and black marble. On either side are written the names of the people who had to lose their lives in the tragedy.