10 MORE Odd/Fascinating Locations in Indiana (Part 2)

Last month, we took a list at some fascinating, unique locations in Indiana that you may not have known existed. Here’s the link to that if you’re curious: https://tylerbwhite.blogspot.com/2019/04/10-oddfascinating-locations-in-indiana.html . This month we continue with part 2!

1. Hall of Heroes (Elkhart)

Advertised as the only superhero and comic museum in the world, the Hall of Heroes offers something truly special for visitors. After paying the $6 admission ($4 for 9 and under), you get an opportunity to check out thousands of superhero items and memorabilia. Whether you like Marvel or DC, this place showcases comics, toys, replicas, props, and other rare finds. To add icing on the cake, the building that houses the museum is a two-story replica of the Hall of Justice from the comic “Super Friends”.

2. Wolf Creek (Brookville)

Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue gives people a chance to interact with three different packs of wolves. You will get to go into the enclosures and actually be able to go up to and pet the wolves.  It costs $50 to be able to interact with the wolves, but if you’d rather just observe from afar, there is an observation deck that is free to go up on and take pictures. There are all kinds of rules that need to be followed in order to go in (don’t wear red, have sunglasses on, specific dress code, etc), so be aware and read up if this is something you’re interested in doing. They’re open on weekends from 10-2/4 (2 if it’s over 85 and humid).

3. Fair Oaks Farm (Fair Oaks)

EDIT: https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Fair-Oaks-Farms-under-investigation-after-undercover-video-exposes-animal-abuse-511044431.html

4. Wilstem Ranch (Paoli)

This ranch sits on over 1000 acres and has all sort of fun activities to do! The first major activity would be the animal encounters, and I’m not talking about sheep and cows. Your options include: elephants (which you can bathe as well), giraffes, grizzly bears, kangaroos, lemurs, and parakeets. Apart from the animals, Wilstem also offers ATV tours, zipline tours, and horseback riding. You are also invited to stay at one of their eleven accommodations, which include cabins, carriage houses, and a lodge. All of these different activities have a specific cost, so check their website if you’re curious about specific activities.

5. Pogue’s Run (Indianapolis)

If you boil it down to the simple facts, Pogue’s Run is a stream that runs near downtown Indy. However, this stream is almost all underground in the downtown area because of how the city grew outward from the middle of downtown. It has a very interesting history, which can be read about here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/you-can-follow-a-hidden-stream-beneath-indianapolisif-you-know-where-to-look . Nowadays, people like the idea of starting at the point where the Run goes underground and following it for two and a half miles until it comes out from under the concrete. Numerous graffiti artists have picked Pogue’s Run as a place to display their artwork, though the artwork doesn’t go too far beyond the entrances/exits. People like to bring bikes and ride the length of the tunnel too, but anyone venture here needs to beware of large rats and bugs, not to mention an unpleasant odor. Despite those drawbacks, the Run has show up in two books, the most recent of them being John Green’s “Turtles All the Way Down”.  

6. Marengo Cave (Marengo)

This destination is likely the most well known on the list, but Indiana doesn’t have many large caves, so it is worthy of note. There are two different tours offered: Crystal Palace, which is 40 minutes, and Dripstone Trail, which is 60 minutes. Going on both tours is recommended not only because they offer different things to see, but because you get a much better deal compared to just seeing one. The combo package to see both is $28, while seeing only one tour would cost either $18 or $21. The tours are not meant to be strenuous and are very well lit. Marengo Cave is open daily from 9-5, and the temperature of the cave is 52 degrees year-round.

7. Wildlife in Need (Charlestown)

Wildlife in Need is the most controversial place on this list. It’s a place that houses exotic animals, and they give the public the opportunity to interact with these animals one-on-one. Currently, people can pay $25 to go into a room with a group and learn about the animals as they walk through the room freely. You are allowed to touch the animals, but you can’t pick them up or hold them down. Recent reviews discuss that sloths, otters, lemurs, primates, and foxes have been part of this experience. The controversy comes from how they used to have this experience with baby tigers, and they had a run-in with PETA. Due to that issue, they are no longer allowed to do the “hands-on” experience with the tigers, though they do still have them available for viewing onsite. I will say from experience that the baby tiger experience was fun and engaging, and I don’t feel like the animals were mishandled, but I also don’t know all the rules and regulations about exotic animal care.

8. World’s Largest Ball of Paint (Alexandria)

In 1977, Mike Carmichael’s son coated a baseball in blue paint. It gave him the idea to create the world’s largest ball of paint, and so he set about getting all of the materials together. Nowadays, the ball is hung from a giant hook and weighs over 2.5 tons. It has over 25,000 coats of paint on it and is over 14 feet in circumference. Visitors can add to that number for free, but you have to call and let them know you’re coming first.

9. Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (Bloomington)

You may not think of Indiana as a place to have many Buddhist temples, but it has been here for over 40 years! This center is not just catered towards those who practice Buddhism, though. They give tours, host yoga and meditation classes, and have overnight accommodations in 3 yurts on the premises. These yurts are modern and are placed in a scenic forested area on the property, so a lot of people come here just to stay overnight.

10. Mid-America Windmill Museum (Kendallville)

Indiana may play host to quite a few wind turbines, but those don’t compare to the history of the windmills collected at this museum. The museum has over 50 windmills in its collection and prides itself on existing to educate people on the history of wind power and making people aware of how windmills have progresses through the years. For $5, you can peruse the exhibits, photos, interactive displays, and get a guided tour.

10 Odd/Fascinating Locations in Indiana (Part 1)

Indiana has plenty of interesting places to visit. Whether you're checking out a museum or zoo in Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, or roaming a college campus in South Bend or Bloomington, there are plenty of things to see and experience. Websites like Tripadvisor help users find popular things to do in specific towns, but what sites like that don’t often account for are the less popular places that offer just as much fun and/or intrigue. This is the first of a 2-part entry that uncovers some of the fascinating, but lesser known, places one can visit in Indiana.

1. Black Pine Animal Sanctuary (Albion)
This animal sanctuary provides a home for around 100 animals (60 different species) that have been mistreated or displaced. One thing I need to mention right away is that this place is NOT a zoo. Animals aren’t forced to be out and visible, and the sanctuary puts their needs over anything else. The goal is to care for these animals for the rest of their lives and to educate the public about animal care. They offer multiple ways to come and see the animals, from open visitation (least interactive and not recommended) to staff guided tours ($12, recommended) to behind-the-scenes tours ($50, highly recommended). The last one on that list isn’t cheap, but it is a very fun, personal tour of the place that happens when it’s actually closed to the rest of the public.

2. Rose Island (Charlestown)
Rose Island is an abandoned amusement park located inside the property of Charlestown State Park. The old amusement park once held a wooden roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a swimming pool, and a hotel. The island was flooded in 1937 and had to close, but remnants of the park still remain. There are plenty of stone ruins and metal archways still there, and the swimming pool is still relatively intact. There are also plenty of informative signs about what used to be on the island. Access to Rose Island is done by taking Trail 3 of the state park.

3. Blue Flash Roller Coaster (Bruceville)
Have you ever thought of how cool it would be to build a roller coaster in your own backyard? You probably stopped because you didn’t have the knowledge, finances, and tenacity of John Ivers. He built the coaster with pieces of farm equipment and car parts, and it holds one person at a time (200-pound weight limit). The ride starts by going over a shed, and the rest of it lasts about 10-20 seconds.  There is another coaster called Blue Flash Too on the property as well. Those interested need to call ahead or write a letter, and be mindful that it will not be open on weekdays or late fall-early spring.

4. Shoe Tree (Milltown)
I’ll be honest, the name is pretty much all the description you need. It’s a tree with tons of pairs of shoes tossed onto it. Shoe trees are an interesting phenomenon that pop up all over the U.S., and the one here in Indiana seems to have acquired quite a few pairs of shoes over the years.

5. Hoosier Hill (Wayne County)
This place is quite easily the least interesting spot on the list, but it is still unique in its own right. It is the highest point of elevation in the state, resting at 1,257 feet above sea level. The funny thing is, it actually isn’t on top of a hill or cliff; it’s right off of someone’s farm in a rather flat area of Indiana. The space has been created and taken care of by an Eagle Scout. There isn’t much there…just a picnic table, cairn, log book, and mailbox, but it’s a cool thing to say that you’ve been to the highest point in Indiana.

6. Grissom Air Museum (Peru)
If you’re really into aviation, the Grissom Air Museum is something pretty special. Located on the Grissom Air Reserve Base, the museum is home to 32 total aircraft, 24 of which are on display. The planes’ age ranges from World War II to today. You get to go into some of the aircraft and can also view them from the top of the nearby guard tower. While there, you will also get a history of the base the museum is on. Admission is $6.

7. Holliday Park (Indianapolis)
It’s not often that city parks offer 3.5 miles of trails that go through wooded ravines and down by a river. It’s also not often that a city park contains ruins from a NYC skyscraper that have a small water play area at the back of them. Holliday Park offers both of those things, which makes it quite unique. Speaking from experience, the trails are a lot of fun, the ruins are cool, and I love that it’s a city park (free). If you have kids, I highly recommend the playground, and I can also recommend skipping the nature center. The map on their website it pretty helpful for figuring out the different hiking trails.

8. Kokomo Glass Factory (Kokomo)
Kokomo Opalescent Glass is a factory that offers tours of its facility so curious folks can come and see the process of making art sheet glass. During the tour you will see employees at work making different blown glass pieces, and you’ll get a souvenir at the end. Tours cost $6 per person and only happen at 10am on weekdays. People who have gone discuss how cool it was to learn about the history of the 130-year-old factory and how fascinating it was to watch the workers do their thing.
 
9. Wild Winds (Fremont)
Wild Winds is a buffalo preserve that contains over 250 bison on about 400 acres of land. Visitors can come here and take a tour on horseback or open-air vehicle, and you can stay the night on the premises at a bed and breakfast or in safari tents. There is also a gift shop where you can buy bison meat. The tours happen on the hour when they’re open and cost $10 per adult.

10. Jug Rock (Shoals)
Indiana is home to the largest free-standing table rock formation east of the Mississippi River. Jug Rock is quite a sight…it stands in the woods with no signs of anything around it that may have caused its creation. It is a limestone formation that is easily accessed by a short trail right off the road. It’s so popular that the local school named their mascot after it (Jug Rox).

10 FREE things to do in Indiana

There are plenty of times where people have the desire to go out and about, but don’t have the desire to spend money. Luckily for us Hoosiers, there are plenty of free activities do that are worth checking out!

1. The Albanese Factory Tour (Merrillville)

Known for its tasty gummy treats, the Albanese Confectionary Group offers free factory tours complete with free samples! Viewers will be able to view the candy making process through 8 different windows and 3 videos. You may elect to take a self-guided tour or guided tour, though guided tours need to be scheduled in advance. Tours are open May-October and January-February. Their website also boasts that they are the only candy company in the USA to offer a tour of gummy manufacturing.

2. Sunken Gardens (Huntington)

Sunken Gardens is a hidden gem in Huntington. It was originally intended to be a stone quarry, but it was eventually abandoned. In time, it was turned into a beautiful garden area. It looks incredible in the spring with all of the blooming flowers and other greenery. Some nice man-made touches include a gazebo, stone steps, and a stone bridge across a pond area. Plenty of people come here for pictures, but it’s a great place to go and relax as well.

3. The Garfield Trail (Grant County)

Garfield creator Jim Davis was born in Fairmount, Indiana, and as a result, Grant County has erected 12 statues of the beloved cat for people to travel around and take pictures with. These 5-foot felines are located in cities throughout Grant County at various locations. If visitors are interested, there is a map available for download online and a cell phone tour option that prompts you to go in a specific order. The statues are up year-round (unless maintenance is being done), but the best time to go out and do the trail would be the warmer months. Here's the link for the map: https://www.showmegrantcounty.com/places/grant-countys-garfield-trail/

4. 100 Acres @ The Indianapolis Museum of Art (Indianapolis)

The official name for this area is “The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park”, but many simply know it as the 100 Acres. This park features plenty of hiking trails that go through grassy areas, through a forest, and around a 35-acre lake. Along with just hiking, visitors get to experience giant pieces of art along the way, some of which are temporary/seasonal. “Funky Bones” from The Fault in Our Stars is located here. The park is open daily from dawn til dusk.

5. Cardinal Greenway/Monon/Rivergreenway trails (various locations)

Biking/walking trials abound in Indiana, and the three most popular are the 3 listed here. The Cardinal Greenway is a 62-mile trail stretching from Marion to Richmond. It also connects to the Sweetser Switch trail, which goes from Marion to Converse. This trail is well kept up, though there are portions that go on roads. The Monon trial is an 18-mile trail that runs from Westfield to the north part of downtown Indy. Tourism has helped boost the economy of the areas that it goes through, and it typically sees over a million visitors per year. The Rivergreenway in Fort Wayne covers 25 miles and gives visitors a look at beautiful scenery along multiple rivers that flow through town. 

6. Fort Wayne Museum of Art: Thursdays from 5-8pm (Fort Wayne)

This Fort Wayne Museum is located just north of the downtown area and has plenty of fascinating exhibits to look at. The exhibits here rotate every 6-12 weeks or so, so there is always something new to see and take in. These different displays showcase items like charcoal drawings, toy collections, sculptures, paintings, and much more. The Museum has general hours of 10am-6pm Tues-Sat, but on Thursdays they stay open til 8 and admission is free from 5-8pm! Parking is also free as long as there isn’t an event going on that day. For info on current exhibitions, use this link: https://www.fwmoa.org/Exhibitions

7. College Tour (various locations)

It may seem silly to think of just going to a college to wander around, but Indiana colleges boast some beautiful campuses. Two of the most well-known colleges to walk around are IU and Notre Dame, though for different reasons. IU offers plenty of nature, while Notre Dame’s buildings are what take up the main focus of visitors. Smaller colleges can offer a lot as well, such as the lush greenery of Huntington University or the many walking paths at Indiana Wesleyan. Plus, this activity is perfect for those who enjoy people watching.

8. Indy Canal (Indianapolis)

I mentioned the canal on my 15 Things to Do in Indianapolis entry, and for good reason. This 3-mile walking loop feels so different than walking the streets of downtown Indy, but it is just a couple blocks away. The city has done a great job in making the Canal Walk a peaceful place. Plenty of people utilize this area for exercising, and there are some fun activities on the water as well, such as riding in a gondola, kayaking, and pedal boats.

9.  Nature Preserves (various locations)

Not to keep tooting my own horn, but look no further than this link to find information about some great nature preserves/free hiking that can be done in the Hoosier state: https://tylerbwhite.blogspot.com/2018/05/10-places-that-offer-free-hiking-in.html

 Nature preserves are nice for hiking because they usually aren’t super long trails, and unlike the state parks, they don’t cost anything. They’re also less trafficked than state parks because less people know about them. Some preserves offer great views of waterfalls and cliffs, while others offer unique structures like potholes in a riverbed or the limestone pillars along a river.

10. Concerts/Festivals (various locations)

There is plenty of live music to be found in Indiana once it gets warm. Sure, you won’t find big name acts performing for free, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be good music. Downtown Huntington has had Music in the City once a month the past couple years in summer, and Jefferson Pointe in Fort Wayne hosts live music every Friday night in summer. Other great locations for free live music are Two-EE’s winery, Gas City Park, and the Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion. Plenty of festivals are free as well, though all the food ones would likely end up taking some money if you’re going to partake.

Here’s a list to some festivals going on this year: https://tylerbwhite.blogspot.com/2018/01/10-indiana-festivals-to-mark-on-your.html

10 Mouthwatering BBQ Restaurants in Indiana

One of my favorite types of food is barbeque. Meat in and of itself is great, but there’s something about how barbeque restaurants prepare their fare that tastes incredible. Barbecue restaurants smell amazing, and I also love the sides that go along with the main courses. What also strikes me as interesting is how the ambiance of BBQ joints can range from stylish to no style at all (mainly because all the effort and focus is on the food). Here are some of the best places to get barbeque in Indiana.

1. Jefferson Street BBQ (Converse)
Despite being situated in the small town of Converse (population 1,200), Jefferson Street is a busy place. You know it’s a good BBQ place when they sell out of meat daily. While they offer straight up piles of meat like many barbeque places, they also have some great dishes that have their own great flavors, such as the pulled pork nachos/baked potatoes or the Mac’anic, a burger piled with mac and cheese and pulled pork. The best type of meat you can get from here is the brisket, but I enjoy every kind of meat they have. Their sides also have some notoriety; the jalapeno cornbread and white chicken chili are both quite popular.

2. Shigs In Pit (Fort Wayne)
I’d say this place has the best BBQ in Ft. Wayne. Their meat/BBQ sauce combo is fantastic. At Shigs In Pit, your order and pay at the counter, and they call you back up when your food is ready. The ribs and pulled pork won me over the most here. However, plenty of people like the burnt ends. Like Jefferson Street, this restaurant has a couple of sides that shine just as brightly as the meat. Lots of people enjoy the potato casserole, though I’d say I enjoy the corn “spoon” bread more. The apple pie baked beans stand out as well. If your restaurant has won multiple awards for their barbeque, you must be doing something right!

3. Lucille’s BBQ (Fort Wayne)
While not quite as good as Shigs In Pit, Lucille’s still serves up some great barbeque. When my wife and I visited, we actually thought that the best part of the meal was the sides. We loved the cornbread, drunken apples, white cheddar corn, and mac and cheese. People online also have expressed that the brussels sprouts are good, if that’s your kind of thing. I would avoid the brisket here because of its tendency to be fatty, but I highly recommend the ribs and burnt ends. What is great about Lucille’s is the variety of sauces available to you. The have their sauces up at this bar area, and you’re free to go up and try or mix all kinds of sauce. While I’m more of a traditionalist, there are some adventurous flavors like raspberry chipotle.

4. Big Hoffa’s (Westfield)
The entire setting of Big Hoffa’s is very unique. The building itself is a bright red with white columns and a large mural on the side. The interior is…pirate themed. There is also frequently a line to order, but it goes quickly. The best brisket I’ve ever eaten came from here, and plenty of people rave about the pulled chicken as well. What sets Big Hoffa’s apart from other BBQ joints is the uniqueness of some of their dishes, such as jasmine rice topped by a meat of your choice. The sides do a great job of carrying the meal as well. The fries are seasoned very well and the applesauce has actual apple chunks in it.

5. City Barbeque (various locations)
It’s hard to think of good barbeque being in a chain restaurant, but City Barbeque does an awesome job of it. There are a handful of locations in the Indy area, and each one dials up great food from their 3 smokers at each location. They also pride themselves on making their sides and desserts from scratch. I haven’t had anything bad from the few times I have been to a City Barbeque, but I also haven’t had anything that really stood out either. I will say that they do have great customer service, though.

6. Squealer’s (various locations)
If I mention City Barbeque, I also need to mention another local Indy chain, Squealer’s. I know less about Squealer’s because I haven’t actually been there, but I have heard plenty of great things about it. People rave about their fried biscuits and apple butter. The highlights here are the pulled pork and baby back ribs. They also partner with Indiana Pork Farmers, which is nice that they keep things local. Unfortunately, many reviewers say to stay away from the brisket because it has the tendency to be chewy and dry. It is also worth noting that the Castleton location has the worst ranking of the 3 locations.

7. Johnson’s BBQ Shack (Bargersville)
Johnson’s BBQ Shack is not as well known as several other places on this list, largely due to its location in a small town. However, locals and online reviewers have all kinds of great things to say about this place. The outside is very eye-catching because of the beautiful outdoor seating area it has. Like Lucille’s, this place serves the meat plain and gives you plenty of great types of BBQ sauce to add to it. People recommend basically anything on the menu, but the pulled pork, ribs, corn casserole, and mac and cheese are talked about the most.

8. Hank’s Smoked Briskets (Indianapolis)
As the name states, Hank’s is known for selling their brisket. There is also smoked corned beef and potato latkes, which is not something you find at every BBQ place. They also make a couple special trips to Texas each year (where the owner is from) to pick up mesquite wood. Hank’s has no tables, so you do have to take your order to go. People talk about how Hank is a funny, interesting guy to talk to and how free samples of the brisket and corned beef are often given out. Customers also highlight the cobbler and the mac and cheese there.

9. Bombers BBQ (Munster)
All the meat here is smoked a minimum of 15-16 hours, and everything is delicious here. Unlike typical barbeque places, Bombers serves seafood as well. All appetizers are made from scratch, and the same can be said for their sauces. They are known for having one kind of sauce that is so hot that you have to sign a waiver when you order it. The best things people mention from here are the burnt ends, brisket, pulled pork, and chicken wings. Their meats have been winning all kinds of awards since they opened in 2013.

10. Hawg Heaven (Kokomo)
This motorcycle-themed restaurant is a local favorite to residents of Kokomo. They pride themselves on their pulled pork and brisket, though many people have a lot to say about their cornbread, potato salad, and pork quesadilla. I can personally attest that the brisket and cornbread are quite tasty. Another huge highlight here is their dessert: peanut butter pie. One minor negative point is that people point out that the sides are smaller portions, which I noticed with the applesauce I got but not the cornbread .The menu here is not as large as other places on this list, but when you churn out quality items, there is no need to diversify.

Honorable Mention: Ribfest (Fort Wayne)
Ribfest is a little slice of heaven that comes to Fort Wayne for several days in June each year. Located in Headwaters Park, Ribfest is home to countless award-winning barbeque places, all vying for your money. Many of these places will even have their awards on display, making it very difficult to pick from. Many of these vendors have sample sizes, but you have to determine whether it’s more worth it to sample a bunch of items or just try one or two in larger sizes. 2018’s Ribfest was June 14-17, so I’d expect similar dates in 2019.

15 Awesome things to do in Indianapolis

Our state’s capital, Indianapolis, has all kinds of fun things to do year-round. Because of its size, I’m going with an extra 5 items on my list this week. This list will not contain any sporting events (Pacers/Colts/Fever/Indians), shopping at large malls like Keystone and Circle Centre, or the Indy Zoo (already mentioned in another entry).

1.  Indianapolis Motor Speedway

This is one of the most iconic spots in Indy and one of the largest landmarks that defines the city. It is the host of multiple races throughout the year, the most famous of which is the Indy 500. While I have never been to a race here, several of my friends have been and talk about the loud, crazy atmosphere of the races. Apart from races, the Speedway hosts other events throughout the year. For the rest of the month of December, there is an event called Lights of the Brickyard, which is a 2 mile stretch of lights that weaves its way through the site. The Indy Mini Marathon also brings its runners into the Speedway for a lap around the track. I can tell you firsthand, this place is enormous! They also have a museum onsite that gives a fun look at the history of the place.

2.  Indianapolis Children’s Museum

Don’t let the name fool you, this museum is enjoyed by people from all ages. Indianapolis contains all sorts of museums, but this one sets itself apart from the others due to the cool look of it and the fun exhibits that it contains. Being a children’s museum, the museum has plenty of exhibits that are hands-on and engaging. It contains all sorts of exhibits, ranging from glass blowing to dinosaurs to locomotives. The five-floor museum contains over 120,000 artifacts and has over a million visitors each year. Reviews online are overwhelming positive, highlighting how enjoyable it is for all ages.

3. Escape Rooms

Escape rooms continue to be great pastime, especially in winter months when options on things to do become more limited. This is a great team-bonding activity or a great activity to do with a group of friends. While not every escape room location produces quality rooms, there are several in the Indy area that boast great reviews. The Escape Room Indianapolis is one that contains no “Easy” level rooms, which can either turn people off or be more intriguing. I have done the Art Gallery room there (Intermediate level) and had a blast! Further north of that place is Escape Indy, which has rooms of every level. I have done Mr. Dupree’s Office there (Easy level) and enjoyed myself. The workers at both places were very communicative and helpful. Escape the Room Indianapolis is further north, but I have no personal experience there.

4. The Indy Canal Walk

The Canal Walk is a great outdoor activity that is also FREE. This 3 mile walking loop feels so different than walking the streets of downtown Indy, but it is just a couple blocks away. The city has done a great job in making the Canal Walk a peaceful place. Plenty of people utilize this area for exercising, and there are some fun activities on the water as well, such as riding in a gondola, kayaking, and pedal boats.

5. Eagle Creek Park

This park is the largest in the city, covering 5,300 acres (3,900 being land). Eagle Creek contains over 16 miles of hiking, including at least 20 exercise stations. The large lake inside it is used for swimming, fishing, and boating, while a golf course also takes up residence inside of it. The most exciting part of the park is the area used by Go Ape, a treetop adventure company that operates a zipline course in the park. The course only has 5 ziplines, which is smaller than other places in Indiana, but it makes up for it in other things going on while in the trees, like Tarzan swings and wood bridge crossings. The park does cost $5 to enter, and there are costs to other activities there as well.

6. Garfield Park Conservatory

Botanical gardens are fun places to visit year-round. What is fun about places like this is that they often have seasonal displays that run anywhere from a week or two to over a month. The conservatory is one main building that houses all kinds of cool plants and greenery. Currently, Garfield Park Conservatory has a holiday seasonal display out that contains model trains and toy villages. Admission here is $2 when there is no special display, and $4 when there is a special display. There hours are 10am-5pm Mon-Sat and 1pm-5pm on Sundays.

7. Sun King Brewery

This brewery and tasting room occupies 3 buildings in downtown Indy and is an extremely popular venue. Sun King is a brand of beer that grown in popularity quite a bit over the last few years, and many people flock to the original location. Here you are able to get growlers and sample flights at very reasonable prices. For $10, you can take a tour of the main brewing facility, sample up to 5 beers, and get a souvenir tasting glass. Hours are as follows: Monday - Wednesday: 10am - 9pm, Thursday - Friday: 10am - 10pm, Saturday: 11am - 10pm, Sunday: 11am - 8pm (No keg sales).

8. Mind Tripping Show

The Mind Tripping Show is one of Indy’s highest rated “Things to do”. The show takes place in one of the Hilton downtown and has been going on for 7 years! It’s the longest running live theatre show in Indy, and is self-described as “good, clean fun”. It’s a husband and wife act that take pleasure in interacting with the audience to put on a fun display of optical illusions and mind-reading. The show lasts about 90 minutes long, and a schedule can be found online on their website. Tickets are $40 for front row, $30 general admission, $25 for seniors and military.

9. Bad Axe Throwing

If the name doesn’t give you a clue, Bad Axe Throwing gives people a chance to throw axes at targets. Similar to a shooting range, you have a lane and a target at the end that you’re aiming for. The bets way to take advantage of this unique experience is to book an event (minimum of 6 people), which gives you 2.5 hours of throwing, 2 targets, and a throwing coach to show you how to do it right. The price for that is $39.25 each. However, they do have walk in hours where you can come in and throw for $20 an hour, but your target is just in a common area and there isn’t a coach to help you out. They are open 7 days a week from 8am-11pm, but walk in hours are only on certain days and only from 5pm-9pm, so be sure to check online for availability.

10. Fast Times Indoor Karting

This indoor go-cart track is 900 feet long and has two levels to it. Adult carts go up to 40mph and “junior” carts go up to 30mph. It costs $22 for an 8-minute race, plus an extra $2 if you don’t bring your own helmet. The cost does seem high, but there are often promotions for 2-for-1 prices. Many reviewers say 2 sessions is plenty for them because afterward you are hot, tired, and sweaty. Because this isn’t your average go-cart race, you must bring a government issued ID to race, and you need close-toed shoes. Their hours are as follows: Monday - Thursday ~ 11 AM - 10 PM, Friday & Saturday ~ 11 AM - 11 PM, Sunday ~ 11 AM - 8 PM.

11. Beef and Boards

This dinner theatre has been around since the 1970’s and hosts more than 155,000 people per year! The shows here are usually very well-known ones such as Elf, The Little Mermaid, A Christmas Carol, Grease, and Hairspray. The shows run for about 5 weeks each and usually last about 2 hours each (plus intermission). There are 3 sections facing the stage, which cause prices to range from $45-60 on Tue-Thu nights, $55-70 on Fri-Sat, and $50-65 on Sundays. The venue opens 2 hours before curtain, and the buffet starts 30 minutes after opening. Check the website for showtimes, as they vary by day.

12. Rhythm! Discovery Center

If music is an interest or hobby of yours, I highly recommend the Rhythm! Discovery center. It is a drum and percussion museum that is very interactive and highlights how percussion and rhythm has helped shape the world. They have many artifacts as well as educational programs that help visitors learn how to play certain instruments. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for students, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children.  Their hours are as follows: Mon: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tues: CLOSED, Wed-Sat: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

13. Action Duckpin Bowling

Modeled after 1930’s duckpin bowling, Action Duckpin bowling is a throwback to when bowling was considered just a “winter” sport. Duckpin bowling uses smaller pins and balls, giving players 3 tries in a frame to knock all of the pins down. It is housed in the basement of the Fountain Square Theatre Building and contains 8 lanes and a café that serves basic food options like sandwiches, burgers, and pizza. It costs $40 to reserve a lane for an hour, and reservations are highly recommended. Their hours are: Monday 11am-4pm, Tuesday 11am-9pm, Wednesday & Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-12am, Sunday 11am-6pm.

14. Indianapolis City Market

This city market is a highlight of Indianapolis for the amount of local food vendors in one place. There are over 25 vendors here, some of which sell their own boutique goods, while many other sell delicious food. There is also a taproom on the 2^nd floor that serves 19 different Indiana craft beers on tap. What’s nice about the city market is the variety of food available there; you can stop by and grab dessert, a light snack, or a full meal! Starting May 1^st, there is also a farmer’s market that sets up shop just outside the front doors of the building. The market hours are Mon-Fri from 7am-9pm and Sat 8am-9pm.

15. Murat Theatre

The Murat, or Old National Centre, is a fascinating venue because it houses multiple rooms where concert and plays can be held. The largest room can hold 2,500 people, and it is the room where plays, bigger name comic acts, and larger concerts are held. The next room is the Egyptian Room, which is just one level and can hold up to 2,000 people. The 3^rd room is the Deluxe Room, which can hold 250 people or 500 if you also add the Deco Lounge next to it. The Old National Theatre does a great job of balancing different types of artists and performers to grave their stages, keeping all of the rooms clean and well kept up. I have seen Wicked, Pentatonix, and The Piano Guys in the main room and have enjoyed all 3 experiences.