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Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN

Photo: Murphsdaughter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsRainy-Day PickFamily FavoriteHistory Buff

Indiana State Museum

650 W Washington St · Indianapolis, IN

Why you should go…

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

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

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.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • 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.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Indiana War Memorial

    Under $25

    Climb the steps of a limestone memorial to see military artifacts and the 110-foot Shrine Room with its red marble columns.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Date Night

    Gainbridge Fieldhouse

    $25–$50

    Downtown Indianapolis arena where you can catch Indiana Pacers and Fever basketball, Big Ten tournaments and major concerts.

    0.8 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

    Under $25

    Docents lead you through the 16-room Indianapolis home of President Benjamin Harrison, filled with memorabilia that belonged to his family.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

    $25–$50

    Explore five floors of hands-on exhibits, from the dinosaur fossils of Dinosphere to a historic carousel and outdoor sports areas.

    3.0 mi awayMore like this