If you are looking for a fun and educational activity that allows you to not only connect with…read morelocal history, but someone who really loves what they do and wants to share their knowledge and excitement, you need to check out Sampson Levingston's Through2Eyes. Thanks to being grounded due to Covid, I haven't been able to travel like I usually do, so exploring local has been my only option. Highlights/ Why you need to take a Tour: + It's honestly embarrassing how little I truly know about the history of Indianapolis and what really isn't taught about the state in the local school system. + Sampson's passion for history shows as he tells the stories, often accompanied with photos, during the tour stops. He is extremely knowledgeable and happy to have a discussion and answer questions. + Walk/Talk tours vary based on location (Indiana Avenue and Irvington) and time. During the NCAA tournament, a special Basketball themed Walk & Talk on Wheels was offered in the form of a Trolley tour or on a Pacer's Bikeshare Bike. The Bike tour was fun, but a bit more of a challenge, due to the fact I couldn't remember the last time I was on a bike. + Ticketing is done through Eventbrite and reasonably priced; however, beware, there is a slight minimal fee due to Eventbrite's system + Tour is about an 1.5- 2 hours, based on questions + During tour during Covid times, everyone wore masks and kept to the recommended social distance

This neighborhood is my favorite one to walk around. It's packed with historic homes that ooze…read morecolor and charm. There are beautiful plants, cute alleyways, brick walkways, and the fall foliage is a star here. The neighborhood is in walking distance of Mass Ave, so grab a boba tea and go for a nice stroll to soak it all in. The James Whitcomb Riley home is also located here, so don't forget to check it out too.

James Whitcomb Riley once called this lovely neighborhood his home. Nestled in the heart of…read moredowntown Indy, stand a unique set of historic homes. Brick and cobblestone streets are lined with lovely gardens filled with hostas and hydrangeas. Tree roots push up the brick sidewalks in interesting patterns. The middle of September, they host a Market Day with artisans, food trucks and garage sales. Friendly neighbors open the neighborhood all day. We never miss this fun event and a chance to enjoy the unique architecture. I did not see restroom facilities so that was only downside.

I booked a ghost tour for a team outing. I should say I had no expectations other than I thought…read morewe'd be going into buildings, etc (I didn't read reviews or background). We met at monument circle and unfortunately it was very loud (a band playing that you could hear all over the circle and motorcycles enjoying the weather). Our guide did the best he could to talk over. I can't wait to research some of the stories. We ended our tour at Slippery Noodle with a small surprise and the best stories. The bar offered free cover for attendees so we took advantage. I'd recommend the tour, but I recommend reading the site so you know what to expect.

They're awesome guides. She's wonderful! Humor is involved! I will go again! They do multiple in…read moremultiple cities!​

Take a wonderful tour of Indianapolis with a learned Indiana native Carrie Zimmerman !!!…read more We were so fortunate to get the information and entertaining facts about the industries, sports and famous people of Indianapolis. We certainly felt grateful to hear of this city's amazing history. We went to the Speedway, heard about the famous authors, Brad Tarkington, Silverstein, Kurt Vonnegut and saw some beautiful architecture which included Monument Circle, museums, the theatres along Mass Ave, and the canal.

I did a "quickie" visit recently to Indy and really just had 1 full day to check it out. Since it…read morewas very late Fall, most other local tour companies had packed it in for the season. Not Ms. Carrie! She is out there hitting the road, enlightening visitors and showing the sights of Indianapolis to a appreciative audience. Circle City Tours is very flexible and will work with your schedule and timeline. I was picked up downtown for the tour but for a slight fee, Carrie dropped me off at an Airport hotel. I was grateful for her immense knowledge of the city, particularly historical facts. LOVED the trek through lovely Crown Hill cemetery, which is not morbid at all. Carrie pointed out the many grave sites of noted politicians, authors, artists, ex-Presidents and the locally prominent who lie in repose there. The Civil War burial section was also very touching. Ms. Carrie pointed out magnificent churches, memorials, art and children's museum, local eateries (Shapiro's Deli=yummy!) and the White River State Park area. We even got to check out all the Christmas decorations up at the Indy Speedway. She packs a lot into the 3-hour tours but when it's over, you feel a sense of accomplishment that you learned so much about Indianapolis-- a city made all the more beautiful than it already is, by the beautiful ministrations of Carrie and Circle City Tours. 5 YELP STARS.

We went on a paranormal tour during the Halloween season and had a blast. Tickets were 20$ I have…read morealways wanted to go down to the catacombs and it didn't disappoint.

Wow this was really cool and informative!…read more Who knew there are underground catacombs at the Indianapolis City Market? We enjoyed our 30 minute guided tour. It's around $12, and highly recommend

The tour guide was very, very knowledgeable about the history of Irvington and the ghost stories…read moreand a great speaker. I loved his perspective and how he brought the stories to life. I've lived here my whole life 57 years and never once heard those stories. It was something new to me. However, There were far too many people on the tour and I honestly couldn't hear some of what he what saying. It was a long time on my old feet but worth every penny. I just wish the group would have been smaller. Also, there were lots of volunteers who helped stop traffic and kept us all on the route. They kept us safe. I appreciated them. If you're having trouble keeping up like me just ride along in your car and get out at the stops to listen to the talks.

Fantastic tour! Alan E. Hunter is a great storyteller who brings Indy's spooky history and true…read morecrime past to life. Even locals will learn something new. Totally worth it, just maybe skip it if you scare easily!

Today, I'm focusing on Spark Lab inside the new Museum Experience Center that…read more opened in April 2026. Spark Lab offers an opportunity to invent, create, and explore! It was developed by Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. It is a great intergenerational space! Parents, grandparents, and older siblings build right along with younger children. There is an eating spot, the Harvest Cafe, a few feet away from Spark Lab. Although, Conner Prairie wants children under 16 to visit the exhibits with an adult. It's a great place to grab a snack after generating all that creativity. The space is also conveniently located by a ramp to the grounds if your family wants to visit 1836 Prairie Town or take a tram ride to The Junction area. The tethered hot air balloon is also near the ramp outside Spark Lab!

We love Conner praire. Every time we go we experience something different. They have so much to do…read more They rotate out toys and play sections for kids. Highly recommended taking your family.

In August my husband and I took a weekend trip to Indianapolis and I signed us up for the Drinking…read morewith Beers tour with Amy. As luck would have it, we were the only 2 people that happened to reserve that particular date and time. Instead of cancelling the tour and asking us to reschedule, Amy gave us private tour of the Indy Beer Mile. The weather wasn't cooperating but that didn't stop us. We got a lot of great information and insight as we walked around the city. This wasn't only a beer tour, this tour also provided a lot of historical information. We saw some beautiful neighborhoods and historic buildings. The 4 stops we made provided us with great food and ample beer samplings. We were never rushed, we were able to enjoy the beer, the food and Amy's company. She has a lot of beer knowledge and is a great story teller. When the tour was done, we felt like we got to know the city, the people and its beer a lot better. We highly recommend this tour whether you're a local or a visitor.

What a fun tour! Amy Beers took our group to four establishments (Belgian, German, Scottish and…read moreIrish) to sample their beers and nibble on some appetizers. In addition, she provided a history of each of the establishments we visited. While we walked from one place to another, Amy fills you in on the neighborhood. Even though our group toured during some bouts of light rain, we did not care one bit. Ms. Beers was quite knowledgeable and her light-hearted spirit made for a great daytime activity!

Having a free day off and wanting to try something new, a friend and I decided to try the Cultural…read moreTrail, Districts, & Neighborhoods biking tour, and it was a blast. It was a little over 9 miles and 3 hours of fun riding through downtown. Nathan, our guide for the day, was very knowledge. After living in the Indy for years, it is amazing the things that you tend to overlook on a daily basis and history of the state that can easily forget/not know. The pace of the tour wasn't fast and very relaxed. There were many stops along the way so it didn't seem like the the ride was that long at all. This coming from a person who hasn't ridden a bike in close to a decade. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a something fun and active to do in downtown Indy.

Nathan with ActiveIndy Tours took my family who is in town from Florida all around Mass Ave and…read moreLockerbie on a walking tour. We had the best time and learned a lot about our new city!! I would highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Indy or anyone who lives here and wants to learn more about their city!! We had so much fun!!

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.