Indiana State Museum

Explore Indiana's natural and cultural history, from Fred the mastodon to Lincoln artifacts, plus an IMAX theater.

650 W Washington St · Indianapolis, IN

About Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum sits in White River State Park and tells the story of the state through hands-on galleries. You can meet Fred the mastodon, see Abraham Lincoln artifacts and Indiana art, and catch a film in the IMAX theater. Outside, the 92 County Walk has a sculpture for each Indiana county. The recreated L.S. Ayres Tea Room brings back a downtown department store dining room.

#history museum
#natural history
#imax
#white river state park

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Indiana State Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

Museums
Rainy-Day Pick
Eiteljorg Museum
Under $25
See Native American art and Western paintings and bronzes in a museum building in White River State Park.
Transit: reachable by public transit
Right next doorMore like this
Museums
NCAA Hall of Champions
Under $25
Interactive museum in downtown Indianapolis covering all 24 NCAA sports, with exhibits, simulators, and hands-on activities.
Transit: reachable by public transit
Steps awayMore like this
Sports & Outdoors
White River Gardens
Check prices
Gardens at White River State Park that now serve as the entry to the Indianapolis Zoo, with a tropical glasshouse and outdoor plantings.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Sports & Outdoors
Attractions
Family Favorite
Indianapolis Zoo
$25–$50
Watch dolphins, orangutans, chimpanzees and sharks across themed biomes, then stroll the flower beds of White River Gardens.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions
Museums
Ray Bradbury Center
No admission fee
Indianapolis archive and museum devoted to the life, papers, and objects of science fiction author Ray Bradbury.
0.5 mi awayMore like this
Sightseeing
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
Under $25
Indiana's official memorial to Hoosier veterans from several wars, topped by a Victory statue and offering a city-view observation level.
Transit: reachable by public transit
0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing