I knew very little about James Whitcomb Riley until my elementary-school-aged child began learning…read moreabout this Hoosier poet in school. Then I learned that Riley had a house in Indy that was also a museum. Then I learned that Riley was also considered a (I mean, THE) "children's poet" because he wrote poems for kids. Then I learned that Riley was also "that" Riley, of Riley Children's Hospital. Basically, James Whitcomb Riley is an established pillar of Indianapolis. He also has a museum that you can tour! I visited the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home as a chaperone on a school field trip. If you're not a part of a school field trip, though, I believe you need to make an appointment to visit the museum. I don't think it has regular hours. There are tour guides who lead you through the home and talk all about it. The walk-through of the house took us a little over 30 minutes. The museum home is beautiful. If you like old artifacts (like me), then you'll have lots of things to gaze upon and take photos of. You really get a feel for who Riley was, and his impact on society. It's kind of crazy to me that that the home of this renowned poet is located right in Indianapolis' Lockerbie Square, on a street with houses full of families and individuals, so nondescript and unassuming. But that's also what makes it cool. It's accessible to the people, which is probably just what Riley would have wanted.

Finally got around to check this out during a free open house in the fall…read more The interior has mostly beautiful features and decor. The workers are usually all volunteers, so while they might know every question you ask, they're still very helpful and passionate about JWR's work. They have random events in the lawn during warmer months and host special private events, if I'm not mistaken.

My husband and I went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and had a wonderful experience. Taking up…read morethe second and third floors of the Newfields building, there is so much to see here. You could easily spend the entire day here and still have more to see. The museum features art from around the world as well as special temporary exhibits. While we were there, the museum featured an exhibit on furniture and design as art. I highly recommend the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

I've been to the museum probably approximately four times since '99…read more I was able to enjoy free entry at one time years ago unless there was a special exhibit in which there was a fee. Regardless, this is an exceptional museum, and it is worth the price to get in even to see the features and exhibits. I saw the Georgia O'Keefe exhibit years ago. It was stunning. Recently I went to see the Salvador Dali exhibit. Wow wow and wow. Did I mention wow?! I am a HUGE fan and have been for many years. I was fortunate to go the main museum in St. Pete Florida years ago. That was mind blowing and stunning, and the IMAs exhibit also did not disappoint. The movie feature that is illuminated on many walls in two connecting and flowing rooms in the first main area you walk into is magical and outstanding. It showcases and touches on Dali's life from childhood until his death. It discusses his art as it morphed and progressed into a deeper and more profound surrealism. I would go again just to try to watch the cinematic feature to absorb it more because it was immense and intense. I would also recommend the room on the second floor that is a meditative experience. There are abstract images that slowly move and change projected on the ceiling. They also play soothing dreamy music. You can sit and recline on chairs in the room to get a better and more relaxed view. I don't recall that exhibit being there since the last time I visited the museum. I am looking forward to seeing the winter/holiday lights at Newfields soon.

We loved our day trip to the Indy Children's Museum. You could spend hours here. My kids absolutely…read moreloved the "dinosaurs who hit the building." We went on a Sunday so it was not super busy which was great. There are a ton of interactive exhibits. Our favorite part of the museum was the amazing sports complex. It offered every sport you could imagines so my kids got to play basketball, soccer, baseball, peddle cars. There was also a really neat treehouse there as well. It was a great outdoor experience. We did not get to see all the floors but were very impressed by what we did see. I do want to note that they do not offer reciprocity with other museum passes so we did have to pay full price.

This is easily the best children's museum in the country. We live in Georgia and have annual passes…read moreto the Indianapolis Children's Museum just because it is so incredible that it's worth the flight. Inside has intricate, rotating exhibits that are hands-on and informational at a level that all ages can appreciate. Outdoors is a huge sports complex featuring a track, a racecourse, realistic mini fields and courts as well as several putt putt courses for all skill levels. It's a little more weather dependent but truly amazing. The whole museum is so well maintained and staffed by thoughtful, caring people who really seem to enjoy their jobs and are always willing and able to help. Food is relatively affordable but the best food is bar far the tacos outside. My only complaint is that lately the bees (or wasps or whatever) have been really bad near the restaurant, and will literally try to eat anything, even cheese or chicken. They are ruthless. If they're bad when you come, grab food outside and take it indoors to the bee-free cafeteria.

It was very heartwarming to see my grandpa's WWII uniform on display for Veterans Day at the…read moremuseum. I really like the museum and appreciate what they do to honor and celebrate our veterans of the past.

Great hidden gem in Fort Harrison State Park. Although I'm not a huge history buff, I found the…read moremuseum very interesting. They have a large variety of different artifacts in the museum and all the artifacts had great descriptions. I especially loved all the clothing/uniforms from various wars. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Also in the museum is a library which contains hundreds of history books. Whether you're a history buff or not, this museum is worth a visit!

it's a fun little historical museum about Carmel, Indiana if you have 30 minutes of spare, you'll…read morehave enough time to walk through the entire exhibit. We learned a lot and had a couple of laughs. Which is a win in my book.

For being free this museum has a lot of great history and artifacts that shed a light on the…read morehistory of the Monon Trail in Carmel. Our Museum guide was very informative and helpful.

This place is a hidden gym. It is tucked away in the heart of downtown Indy. With being downtown,…read moreit adopts all of the parking woes that comes with a downtown business. There are parking garages and metered parking available, if you can find it . If you have your choice of the 2, you will come out a lot cheaper. The place is located downstairs in the Panera Bread building. If you are not paying attention, you will miss it. Masks are required by all visitors, even kids. But don't worry, if you forgot or don't have one, they have some available for you. The staff here is very friendly and helpful. So after you get there and pay your admission they give you a bag with a couple of pair of drum sticks and mallets to play the instruments in the place. The bag also contains some very valuable items, ear plugs. They are worth the price of admission alone. Just kidding the place really did not get that loud while I was there. The place has many percussion instruments that can be played by visitors including a traditional drum set, an electric drum set, congos, xylophones, chimes, timpanis, tamborines, cow bells, wood blocks, marimba, and a gong. The self guided tour starts with a huge wall mounted bass drum. If you hit it and stand near it you can feel the waves go through your body. In addition to all of the interactive instruments, they have displays, videos and information boards throughout the place. They also have two sound rooms with drum sets and other instruments that you can experiment with sound in different type of venues. This place is really a fun place to learn. This fully interactive place teaches children about percussion instruments and gives them the opportunity to try them out. It also turns a grown up to a kid wanting to jam out. The museum is kind of small and we were able to thoroughly go through the place in about an hour. The tour ends, where most do....in the gift shop. My little had such a good time that we could not leave there empty handed. So I got a kazoo (what was I thinking) and a shape drum ( again, what was I thinking). Anyway, this a great fun and either an introduction to percussion instruments or just plain fun for percussion enthusiasts. It is definitely worth a visit and is a must see.

I took my toddlers here to give them an opportunity to play some music. There were lots of drums…read moreand different musical instruments. We came on a great day because there was hardly anyone there. I like how you can even practice inside your own private room while there. There was lots of signage to keep you informed on what kind of musical instruments you were playing and it was kind of like a museum of musical instruments. It was a great time although my toddlers lasted all of about an hour here smh. Older kids would probably play the instruments for much longer than mine did. I would definitely come back but maybe next time with my niece and nephew who are older.

For those looking for the Museum at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (middle of Monument Circle)…read moreto find this museum, you are looking in the wrong place. Back in 2018, the collection was moved to the Indiana World War Monument (431 N Meridian) to provide more display space and to do repair work under the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. As of the time of this review, the collection has been moved for over a year and my thoughts are part of the review listed on that location. According to the staff working in the Soldiers and Sailors gift shop (located on the south side of the monument at the top of the steps), something new will occupy the space under the monument once repairs have been completed. It has not been released what will go in the space. Review #2581

How are there not more reviews of this place? Do you not know it is here? Read my review and then…read moreget your butt over there! This is a FREE MUSEUM, so that alone bumped up the stars to at least four. Add in the fact that the museum is Indiana-centric, in the basement of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, is dark and super creepy, has really cool artifacts including a chunk of tree trunk with a cannon ball stuck in it that soldiers cut from Gettysburg and brought back here, how could I not give it five stars?!?! - It's free, but don't be a jerk - donate a couple bucks. - You won't need much time. If you only skim the exhibits, you will be out in five minutes. Read every card and you might be there an hour. - Did I mention, please donate to this lovely free museum? - Read the medical treatment cards and be so grateful we live in a time of modern medicine. - Can't figure out where to get in? The entrance is on the southwest side of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (Monument Circle).

A fun spot for a browse and lunch. We didn't get a chance to explore the museum but spent some time…read morein the gift shop and the cafe. Both have a lot of choices and are a relaxing environment. The meal was good and I thought cooked well for such a small cafe. I enjoyed the bookstore/gift shop offerings and was able to buy some things as gifts for others from Indiana. I'd go back for sure to enjoy the museum or just to meet someone for lunch!

What an amazing venue for a private event! I attended a…read morefundraiser for Storytelling Arts of Indiana on April 11, 2026. The Basile Theatre has wonderful sound and acoustics. The entry area had plenty of room for the crowd of 100+ plus food tables, a bar with drinks, and a merchandise table. The private parking lot is also a plus. The entry to many events, like the fundraiser includes parking.