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Indiana War Memorial, Indianapolis, IN

Photo: w_lemay, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

Indiana War Memorial

55 E Michigan St · Indianapolis, IN

Why you should go…

The Indiana War Memorial is a limestone building in downtown Indianapolis that honors Hoosier veterans. Its three-floor museum holds weapons, uniforms, medals, vehicles and battle flags from the Revolutionary War to recent operations, including the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the USS Indianapolis crew. Upstairs, the Shrine Room rises 110 feet, ringed by 24 red Vermont marble columns, with the Garrison Flag hanging overhead.

  • #war memorial
  • #military museum
  • #veterans memorial
  • #downtown indianapolis

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

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

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

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

  • 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.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • 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.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Museums
    Rainy-Day Pick

    Indiana State Museum

    Under $25

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

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • 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.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • 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.

    1.2 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    $25–$50

    Tour the 2.5-mile oval that hosts the Indianapolis 500, see the Yard of Bricks and visit the museum inside the track.

    4.4 mi awayMore like this