Had the best time ever learning about America's 23rd president! The tour was so well done and our…read moreguide was simply amazing. Thank you for a wonderful visit, I recommend this to everyone.

My visit to the home of President Benjamin Harrison has been an unexpected highlight of my Indiana…read moreventures. We visited on a recent Saturday morning without reservations. Tickets can be purchased on line and receive a $2 discount (of $16 admission). Full price tickets can be purchased in the Welcome Center behind the Harrison home. Discounts are available for seniors and military. There is a brief film and a few artifacts in the Welcome Center along with a gift shop. We were able to join the first tour of the day, which only had three people including us. The docent-led tours start at 10:00 and run throughout the day. Gary, started our tour with a brief introduction and handed us off to docent Don S. at the front door of the Italianate Victorian home built in 1875. The beautifully restored home holds much of the original Harrison furniture. Don described the Harrison family dynamics, the history of the furniture and aspects of presidential life. We walked through rooms on three floors filled with artifacts and some of Mrs. Harrison's personal artwork. I could easily imagine the family at home during the tour. The third floor former ballroom, contains the Presidential Library (opened by appointment only, but visible to visitors). Other artifacts are also on display there. The 75 minute tour seemed to fly by as Don relayed interesting stories and anecdotes about the home and family. There is a dedicated free parking lot on the northside of the house or street parking is available. Elevators in the home are available for those who cannot climb the narrow stairs. The tour is not suitable for young children or strollers. Totally a must see for history, government and architecture buffs. The Harrison home is an Indiana treasure.

We attended a court hearing in the Morgan County Circuit Court today. I know there are a total of…read moresix courtrooms. Circuit Court is on the second floor. It looks like civil and litigation matters are handled on the second floor's three courtrooms. I didn't go up to the third floor but I'm guessing that is where the criminal proceedings are heard. The first floor is where county offices like tax assessor and elections are located. The parking lot seems adequate as there were many spaces available. The building opened in July of this year and is impressive! Lots of space and waiting areas with plenty of seating. The restrooms are very nice, clean, with automatic flushing capabilities. Again, lots of adequate space. A justice center residents of Morgan County can be proud of.

I have never been one to see a "fish fry in town of sign" and go. Brother in law lives there and we…read morehad a gathering. For a one stoplight town, the town of Amo does an amazing job with a fish fry and parade. The food was great, the people were fabulous, the fireworks at the end of the night by the ball diamonds were outstanding. I will definitely go back next year.

The Indiana State Library is an amazing structure filled with art, history and information. The…read moreLibrary was built to house the collections of the State Library and the Historical Bureau. The original building was completed in 1934 and an addition was opened in 1976. Both sections have different styles with the older section more ornate and the newer section more functional. The building is currently undergoing renovation of the massive limestone exterior. But you can still visit the inside through the entrance on the Northside of the building. A librarian welcomed us as we walked in. We told her we wanted to visit and she described the layout of the library. There is a brochure to help guide your walk through the building. In addition to books, the library carries microfilm with decades of newspapers from across the State. There is a large room filled with computers and microfilm equipment available for public use. The older part of the library was constructed mainly of materials and labor from Indiana. The building is filed with incredible art (murals, carvings and more), marble foyers and magnificent chandeliers. There is a room filled with publications by Indiana authors. A large center for children has fun interactive displays with information about the Statehouse, genealogy and local children's authors. Librarians throughout the library are engaging and eager to assist with research. There is a small gift shop near the entrance called the Nook. Metered street parking is available adjacent to the building or within walking distance.

Despite working about a block away from the Indiana State Library for the last few years, I'd never…read moremade my way over until an event today required my attendance and I finally got the chance to check out this wonderful resource in downtown Indy. The Indiana State Library was first established in 1825. In 1841, a law established the library as a separate institution. In 1867, an act established that the law section of the library would be placed under the control of the Indiana Supreme Court - this arrangement remains true to this day. In 1895, the State Library was placed under the Board of Education. The Public Library Commission was established in 1899 and by 1925 what was officially known as the Indiana State Library was birthed out of a combining of the State Library and the Public Library Commission. In 1929, the General Assembly authorized a special levy with the expectation of raising one million dollars for a site and building that would be located at Senate and Ohio Streets - it remains at this location, though expanded, to this day. The State Library was originally conceived as primarily for use by state legislators and officials. It has obviously expanded greatly over the years. Any Indiana resident is eligible for a borrower's card (free). The library offers Ask-A-Librarian, exhibits, events/public workshops, a genealogy collection, county collections, federal documents, preservation/conservation services, rare books/manuscripts, reference and government support, the state data center, state documents, talking books, braille, Indiana Historical Bureau, Indiana Center for the Book, Indiana Authors Center, and the most recent creation is the Indiana Young Readers Center. You can take a virtual tour of the Indiana State Library. In fact, the online resources available are quite remarkable. Because it's downtown and more government connected it seems like it's much less utilized than the Indianapolis Public Library system, though in talking to the children's librarian I learned that they do tours (though this has been impacted by the pandemic) and the amount of kids who visit can vary greatly. The building itself is beautiful, though also surprisingly accessible in both street-level entrances and other entrances. State employees (badge required) can access the library via tunnels (I did this today - very confusing but convenient). I even contacted them via Ask-a-Librarian before my visit and messaged with "Jamie," who was able to explain how I could get to the library without going outside and how to get to the room where I would be (the Indiana History Reference Room). There are four floors, though for the most part only staff persons are allowed on the third and fourth floors. They also have a little store called the "Nook" near the main entrance that offers a variety of Indiana-themed items including books by Indiana authors. At one point, I know they carried my book (I had someone tell me they bought it there). I really fell in love with this place, though it's certainly more beneficial for the serious library user than the casual book-reader. It's a dream come true for genealogy research and for any research actually related to Indiana. However, if you've never been I definitely suggest a visit. It's within walking distance of the canal, Indiana History Center, and only 1-2 blocks from White River State Park. Make it a day. You'll enjoy it.

Herron-Morton Place was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and is one of…read morethe 11 listed Historic Districts within downtown Indianapolis. Hyphen-named for the old part of the neighborhood called "Morton Place" (19th to 22nd Streets and West side of Delaware Street to West side of Central Avenue) and for the area extending to the south where the John Herron Art Institute started its life--making the current neighborhood boundaries 16th to 22nd streets and the east side of Pennsylvania Street to the west side of Central Avenue. The oldest homes date to around the time of the Civil War and new development continues to infill here. New Jersey Street from 19th to 22nd best represents what the old neighborhood looked like before the matching esplanades were torn from the middle of Alabama and Delaware Streets. Many beautiful homes to see with some potential left for rehabbing and infilling. The neighborhood's history includes life as a Civil War induction and confederate prisoner of war camp (Camp Morton) and second-longest enduring home of the Indiana State Fair, preceding the current location. Also home to the annual "Talbot Street Art Fair."

A good friend of mine lives in this apartment -- and I must say, it's in an ideal location! Perfect…read morefor downtown living. From what I understand, it's not so ideal if you want to live alone, though. (Unless your cash flow exceeds mine ... which could very well be the case. ha) I was there the other day to walk the streets of Talbott for their art fair. It was perfect for involving the community and those that live around the area. You could literally walk out your front door right into the smells of greasy goodness and hustling Indy folk . I visit here often and have never felt my safety be jeopardized. Thank heavens! I'm not the girl to feel ok walking alone downtown - but I do feel comfortable always parking my car here and visiting. Always.

The Indiana Law Enforcement & Firefighter Memorial is somewhat hidden in a courtyard within one of…read morethe State's office buildings west of the Indiana Statehouse. I happened upon the monument quite by accident walking to the library. The memorial pays tribute to police and firefighters that lost their lives in the line duty. The monument itself is composed of two semicircles of granite pillars with the names of the fallen heroes etched in the stone. There are two larger limestone structures with plaques for firefights and police. Tree covered benches encircle the pillars and offer a peaceful place to reflect about the people that have served. Flags fly over the monument. The memorial was dedicated in June 0f 2001. Today, the 20 year old limestone is in need of a good cleaning and I had the urge to climb up and remove the mold. Street parking is hit or miss, but there is some outside the Statehouse that is inexpensive and available early in the day.

Indiana law enforcement and fire fighter memorial is a massive rock figure sculpture along with…read moresome pieces with names of fallen first responders. My family and I were in town for the weekend my daughter cheer Competition held inside the Convention center. Over the two days while waiting between performances and awards ceremonies me and sometimes my family walked the surrounding areas and explored as the public art scene here is plentiful and creative. We found this massive piece while Checking out all the awesome sculptures on the state lawn in downtown Indianapolis. Kinda off to the side near a building entrance this is a very nice memorial and very well done . Overall it is always great seeing honors and tributes to first responders who have risked and lost there lives protecting there communities.

This branch of IPL stays busy with parents bringing in their kids to study and read. Though…read moresomewhat dated facility, the library offers about a dozen internet connected computers which remain in use by young folks doing homework, etc. I stop by about once a month. This branch has a decent selection of cds, dvds, but a limited selection of books. Book shelves are only half filled but they can order books from other libraries. They have a children's section decorated for kids with little places to read. The staff is helpful. There is a nice community room that stays busy with local club meetings. Located off Hague Road, there is plenty of parking. The city should put some money into this location and support the next generation of readers.

Love the programming this location has to offer. They cater to all ages and interest. The best part…read moreis they are all offered free to all. The staff is overall very friendly and accommodating. The only mention that I would say is that I would love to see an update to the inside to make it more inviting.

I've wanted to visit this house since I was a girl, but in the 80s it was just set up as a haunted…read morehouse attraction in Oct and I had no interest in that type of being scared. They had several years where they ran then stopped the haunted house and this year they are bringing it back. Anywho, they run daytime tour of the house without actors so you can actually see it. It's breathtaking. The history is exciting. I moved to TX 20 years ago and visited this past weekend for a DCI band competition. I was "just so happening" to be driving past when we spotted a vendor market, which turned out to be a paranormal festival...which "just so happened" to be on Hannah House property. The house called me here. The basement is a thing of nightmares. If you are sensitive to haunting, this place is it. Tour is $8 and worth every penny. The money goes to help restore the house, which was recently damaged by a tree on the property which fell during a storm.

It was cool , but didn't know that you had to call in advanced for a private haunting touring , not…read morea fake haunting where there are actors doing the scare, which is fine. But I would rather prefer the real paranormal stuff, there will be a next time for me to call in advance for the real paranormal stuff.