8 Indianapolis Tours You Can’t Miss

Flyover state? Hardly. Indiana is one of the best-kept secrets in U.S. tourism, and its capital city of Indianapolis is a big reason why the Hoosier State is a great destination. From sports enthusiasts to beer lovers, everyone will find something to love whenever you visit. Get to know this great city on eight of our favorite tours of Indianapolis attractions.

Find romance on an Old World Gondoliers’ gondola tour

Drift down the waterways of downtown Indianapolis on your very own gondola-no international travel required. Old World Gondoliers lets you explore the city’s Central Canal, taking in the sights while your driver serenades you with traditional Italian songs. It’s the perfect way to see a new side of Indianapolis. Rides are $25 per person plus a tip. Private rides are available from $150 to $300 plus a tip.

Get underground at City Market Catacombs

If you associate catacombs with gothic European cities, you may be surprised to learn that Indianapolis has its own system of these tunnels. Built in the 1800s to store and transfer produce and meat between areas of the city’s central market, the City Market Catacombs have a storied history. On the tour, you’ll get to explore the catacombs, as well as learn about their journey from a commercial hub to a homeless shelter. Tickets are $12, $6 for kids ages six to 11.

Sample local beer on a Broad Ripple brewery tour

The hip neighborhood of Broad Ripple, just north of downtown Indianapolis, is home to some of the city’s most diverse restaurants and businesses. Nearby Butler University gives the area a youthful feel, making it the perfect home for some of Indianapolis’ best breweries. Brewery Tours of Indianapolis picks you up from a local pub before transporting you to four local breweries. You’ll learn the basics of beer making and, of course, try some samples. You can even bring home growlers of your favorites. Tours are $30 per person.

Take the Treetop Adventure course in Eagle Creek Park

Image of a person on the adventure course at Go Ape, one of many great Indianapolis attractions.

Want a whole new perspective on Indianapolis? See it from above. Go Ape’s Treetop Adventure course lets you zip, swing and tightrope-walk through the canopy of the city’s Eagle Creek Park. Trained guides will show you the ropes (literally) and then keep a watchful eye on you as you explore the forest as you’ve never done before. If you want the full experience, don’t miss out on the “Tarzan swings.” Tickets are $58, $38 for kids ages 10 to 15.

Join a Haunted Underground Railroad Walking Tour

Fascinated by both history and the supernatural? Then Historic Indiana’s Haunted Underground Railroad Walking Tour is for you. Stroll through the city of Westfield, which is just over 30 minutes north of Indianapolis, as you learn about the role the city played in transporting enslaved African-Americans to freedom. You might even catch a glimpse of the ghosts of those involved. Tickets are $18, $13 for seniors and children ages 11 and under. No one under age six admitted.

Day-trip it to Squire Boone Caverns

Throw a sweater in your rental car and drive a couple of hours outside the city to Squire Boone Caverns. On a one-hour cave tour, you’ll take a refreshing, cool walk—temps are about 54°F—by underground rushing streams. Experienced guides lead you on marked, lighted paths through the network of caves, where you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites and an underground waterfall. You’ll also pass the grave of Squire Boone (brother of Daniel Boone), who discovered the caverns in the late eighteenth century. Admission is $19, $18 for seniors, $10.50 for children ages four to 11 and free for children under four.

Go behind the scenes at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway VIP Grounds Tour

A trip to the Racing Capital of the World isn’t complete without a pit stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

If you have a need for speed, then zip over to the VIP Grounds Tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS)—you are in the Racing Capital of the World after all. The guided tour includes a lap around the IMS oval, exclusive access to areas like the Victory Podium and Media Center, as well as entrance to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. For racing fans, this is a can’t-miss opportunity. Tours are $30, $15 for children ages six to 15.

Visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

The only U.S. president elected from Indiana, President Benjamin Harrison lived in Indianapolis before and after his time in the White House. Tour the home he and his wife, Caroline, built. Then stroll through the adjacent gardens—for a photo op, pose in front of the Harrison Oak, designated as a historic tree by the America the Beautiful Fund. Certified history buffs teach you about Harrison’s legacy, his impact on the city and the evolution of Indianapolis itself. Tours are $10, $9 for seniors and $5 for kids ages five to 12.

Ready to travel? Check out our travel guide to Indianapolis and find hotels in Indianapolis.