Located in front of the county library, this marker points out the birthplace of this basketball…read morelegend. Yes, basketball is a thing here in Indiana! The front of the marker reads, "Esteemed basketball player and coach Emmett Branch McCracken was born in Monrovia in 1908. He led Monrovia High School to Tri-State Tournament wins in 1925 and 1926, as two-time MVP. McCracken played for Indiana University from 1927-1930. He led IU in scoring for three years and became a three-time All-Big Ten Team member. Inducted into Naismith Hall of Fame in 1960." And the reverse, "McCracken coached Ball State basketball, 1930-1938. Hired as IU head coach in 1938, his team won the 1940 national championship. He served in the Navy during WWII; returned to IU in 1946. He coached Bill Garrett, the first African American regular starter in Big Ten basketball, 1948-1951. In 1953, he led IU to another national title. Retired in 1965; died in 1970." This is marker number 55.2017.1 and it was erected in 2017 by the Indiana Historical Bureau and the Monroe-Gregg School District. There is parking nearby where you can stop. [Review 20577 overall - 112 in Indiana - 1558 of 2023.]

The Indiana Racing Memorial Association has installed a number of these markers throughout…read moreIndianapolis and the state. This one is not far from the famous racetrack though it is on a side street you might miss otherwise. I was here for the adjacent brewery and so there is plenty of parking to stop and appreciate the marker. It reads, "The Boyle Racing Headquarters housed one of the most significant teams in open wheel racing history. One of the first dedicated race shops in an era when most teams worked from small garages. It was built in 1930 and subsequently rented by Mike Boyle, a notorious Chicago union labor leader and founder of the Boyle Valve Company. Boyle's team was anchored by famed Chief Mechanic "Cotton" Henning, who had previously won the Indianapolis 500 with drivers Pete DePaolo and Bill Cummings. In 1939 Boyle Racing purchased a Maserati 8CTF for the Indy 500 and hired the talented Wilbur Shaw to drive." [Review 20585 overall - 119 in Indiana - 1566 of 2023.]

Like many other courthouses in Indiana, the Hendricks County Courthouse sits prominently on a grand…read moresquare surrounded by Victorian era commercial buildings. Danville was named the Hendricks County seat because the city sits directly in the middle of the county. The neoclassical style courthouse was designed by Clarence Martindale (Indianapolis) and constructed by P. H. McCormack Co. (Columbus, Indiana). The exterior is made from Indiana limestone. The building opened in 1914. The interior features Italian marble throughout, including the spiral staircases that ascend three levels. The stained glass in the beautiful dome and other glass features was fabricated by Indiana Glass out of Kokomo. Victorian-era light fixtures were imported from France. A War honor roll lines a wall in the center atrium of the courthouse. The Deputies that monitor the building standout from other courthouses in Indiana. The deputies are intensely proud of the courthouse and willing to share information. One of the deputies gave a me fabulous tour of the closed Circuit Court. I was humbled by her kindness. The County has done a remarkable job of preserving the Circuit Court in the original 1914 condition. A priceless and moving mural by Edgar Alvin Payne and Elsie Palmer Payne of George Rogers Clark's 1779 Liberation of Vincennes hangs in the rear of the courtroom. The original Victorian piano used for weddings sits under the mural. Benches and chairs are all original. Outside the main entrance is a replica of the Liberty Bell. On the northeast corner of the square stands a modest War Memorial listing the names of those lost in combat. A lovely fountain stands on the northwest corner of the square. There is plenty of free parking around the square. The public entrance is fully accessible. This is one of my favorite courthouses that I've visited. The fabulous deputy staff and the amazing interior put the building at the top of must see list for anyone that lives history.

Danville was selected as the county seat of Hendricks County in 1824 after it was formed in 1824…read more As is usual, the first courthouse was a log structure that was built in 1826 and the second was a brick structure. The current courthouse is the fourth to be constructed. It was completed in 1914. The three story building is constructed with Indiana limestone and faces north. The center sections have a portico with an arched entrance and two large columns that rise from a balcony on the second story. The interior has a large rotunda with a stained glass skylight. There are a number of other interior decorations in the courtrooms but those were closed on this Friday afternoon. Maybe I'll visit next time when it's open! [Review 1304 of 2024 - 181 in Indiana - 22327 overall]

OLD NORTHSIDE HISTORIC DISTRICT IN INDY IS CHARMING…read more================================================ In August of 2025 my husband and I rented an Airbnb in the Old Northside Historic District to stay close to some family members nearby. You can walk all over the place from there, but it was a bit warm at the beginning of August, so we didn't do too much walking. We stayed near College and 16th. 16th is the border on the north side, Pennsylvania Street on the west, Interstate I-65 on the south, and Bellefontaine Street on the east. The Monon Trail runs along the eastern edge of The Frank and Judy O'Bannon Old Northside Soccer Park. We walked on the Monon Trail by this park and it was beautiful. A lot of the homes in this area reflect the Late Victorian style. This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 1978. This area was a prominent residential area in the late 19th century when some more affluent residents built mansions in the area. Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, called this area home. It was also the original location of Butler University which was later relocated to another town. This neighborhood changed in the early 1910's when families built homes further north in Indianapolis.

For the longest time, my basic path to my downtown office was to take Emerson to East Washington…read morebefore landing at the Indiana Government Center complex. These days, as we all know, there are detours galore and several street projects to deal with along the way. Thus, I now wind my way through the Brookside Park area and then drive through what is known as the Old Northside Historic District. Aptly named because this used to be Indy's old Northside, this historic district is defined by 16th street on the North, Pennsylvania Street on the West, I-65 to the South, and Bellefontaine Street on the East. The Monon Trail borders the east edge of The Frank and Judy O'Bannon Old Northside Soccer Park. This was "the" neighborhood to live in near the turn of the 19th century. Around the 1950s, the area began a steady decline and many original structures were destroyed. In the 1970s, this became a historic district and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since the 1980s, it has really come back to its own. While it's not the place it used to be, it's once again a valued place to live. Much like my own eastside neighborhood, Old Northside is in many ways an oasis surrounded by more economically challenged areas. I don't live in a bad neighborhood, but I am surrounded by them. That's really the same thing here. As a wheelchair user, it's probably easy to figure out why I'd opt for a 4-star instead of a 5-star here. Amidst all of this marvelous history, there are stairs galore. While Indiana Landmarks has done a marvelous job of making their historic home accessible, as has the Benjamin Harrison home, others not so much. You've also got the Harrison Center, Indiana Humanities (Meredith Nicholson home), Morris Butler, McGowan Hall, Redeemer Presbyterian, and a host of other buildings, events (Talbot Street, anyone?), and places to visit. Yes, some of the area continues to need more love and care, however, this really is one of the cooler areas in Indy. Sidewalks and curb cuts are great in renovated areas, however, there are quite a few places where passage is very iffy. With large homes and lots, architecture reflecting the area's history, and a true feeling of neighborhood, this is a well-suited area for those who'd love to live amidst history and with restaurants, coffee shops, and other businesses easily within walking distance. For those with mobility issues, it'll be a more challenging task to live around here as even the apartment buildings tend to be older and challenged in terms of access. For me, I love the Old Northside but it's an area where I love to visit but would most likely never live.

The City-County Building in Indianapolis acts as the base for our consolidated city-county…read moregovernment. Within it you can find all of the county and city offices. The structure itself is an imposing 28 story structure that, until recently, had nothing alike in its eastern edge of downtown Indianapolis. The building really is an odd mix of adapting to the modern world while still being stuck in time. There are security check points at each of the entrances. Cell phone signals are unusually decent in this old building. And there is evidence of slapping a new coat of paint on certain objects, as seen on the elevator doors. But there is also evidence that the building is a bit stuck in time. It is the only building that I've stepped into in the past several years that had way more than one working pay phones. The dismembered heads of former mayors seem to really lack context until you read the plagues and then you're like "Oh, this is supposed to be honoring them". Even the building itself really just hasn't aged well. Before the Whole Foods Tower (or whatever it is called) was built, nothing really matched it in terms of height so it just kind of sticks out like a sore thumb. Maybe if it was closer to Monument Circle it would blend a bit more in with the other tall buildings, but it just...well, is big and imposing. Then you get into that you have rank-and-file government employees in the same building that is holding criminal trials, and you can kind of see what might've been a good idea 60 years ago might not be a great idea now. To the south is a public square where the original Marion County Courthouse used to stand. It is closed but is set to re-open with a bit more greenspace and whatnot. Oh, I almost forgot. There is an Observation Deck with a small museum on the top floor. You have to access it through the service elevator. It has a small museum of Indy history and a great view. Website link is the Building Authority, which actually owns and operates the building. Yeah, I'm a nerd and love discovering obscure government agencies.

Not sure who to direct this to so I'm trying this. I live in Indianapolis. I've lived here for many…read moremany years. The downtown area has definitely improved in the past 5 years. However...... Who is in charge of the architectural design of new buildings? Why are there so many UGLY buildings going up?? This really ruins the view!!! For example, walking on the Cultural Trail from the canal to the public library downtown: 1. The Addition to the library itself is glass and metal attached to a beautiful old historic building. WHY?? Why do that? 2. Behind the library building are new apartments which look like unfinished boxes in red and blue. (The Congress at Library Square). Please! There is no "library square". WHY? Who approved this monstrosity? 3. Just down the street is a beautiful older building which has apartments. (The Plaza at Library Square). They are embarrassed by the horrible looking apartments next to them. 4. Across from the library are the Meridian Arch condos (Formerly the Meridian Street Methodist Episcopal Church), a beautiful historical building. 5. Walking down the cultural trail, you can view the Scottish Rite Cathedral. Across the street are new apartment BOXES which provide a DISCONCERTING and UNATTRACTIVE view. WHY?? Why would you or WHOEVER allow these UGLY buildings to be put up? WHY??? 6. Further down the pathway is the new Phoenix Theater building which is made from what appears to be gray corrugated cardboard. WHY?? Why couldn't they build a more appealing building? 7. As I walk down the path, I pass by Economy Plumbing, which incorporated a lovely building in the front. 8. Across from that building is Zesco, which sells Restaurant supplies. They utilized a lovely old building to house their business. 9. Across the path from Zesco is a building with metal slats for siding. Apparently this is a Roland Design. Ugh! It is incredibly sad that the city of Indianapolis can't do more to make a consistent architectural plan or design. No one wants to look at the new monstrosities that are being put up endlessly.

I found out about this place after the post office canceled the passport appointment I had…read morescheduled for my son a month in advance. Thankfully, I learned that this location accepts walk-ins for passport services. I called ahead to confirm, and I'm really glad I did. They don't offer photo services like the post office, so I had to make an extra stop to get photos taken. I had also already prepaid for a money order on the processing fee, but it turned out they accept credit/debit cards or cash for that portion of the cost ($35), so I ended up paying that way instead (since my money order was too much ($50) because of the extra photo service charge I had opted for originally with the post office). The payment to the U.S. department of state ($130) still had to be money order/cashiers check or a check which I had a money order for that. The building itself is beautiful, very historic with a old-timey vibe. I enjoyed sightseeing around the building, checking out all the landmarks. When we arrived, the security guard at the front was helpful and guided us to the correct area. The staff member who assisted us was also very friendly, which made the process smooth. Parking was free and available around the building, which made things even easier. When I called ahead, they also let me know which entrance to use since some were closed, and that was really helpful. I'm so grateful this option was available the same day. It was convenient, easy to access, and the service was great, plus, the building itself was a nice bonus to see.

The Johnson County Courthouse stands on a prominent square in Franklin. The Courthouse, designed by…read morearchitect George W. Buenting, was completed in 1881 and is a mixture of Italianate and other styles. The courthouse is the 4th dedicated structure for Johnson County. (Two previous courthouses were destroyed by fire.) The exterior of the building is a combination of brick and limestone. A central clock tower with working bell is prominent. Several war memorials stand in the courtyard including a bronze Civil War sculpture by John Vawter. Inside, marble floors, curved stairways, carved woodwork and other woodwork captured my attention. A central atrium with a beautiful lit ceiling is the centerpiece of the building. The building is pristine with the most recent renovation completed in 1983. The security guard was friendly and directed me to the clerk's office for information. There are several courtrooms in the building. The Superior Court was close to original 1881 condition with folding seating made of wrought iron and oak. Other courtrooms had been modernized. Free parking surrounds the Courthouse square. The building is fully accessible. The Courthouse is worth a visit if you are interested in architecture and history.

An unexpected find near University Park, Fissure is one of those pieces that rewards you for…read moreslowing down. Osman Akan installed this light sculpture in 2009 and it still feels fresh. It is a cube built from stacked acrylic panels inside a steel frame, and during the day it reads as a quiet geometric form. But if you catch it in the early evening, the LEDs start to glow through the layers and the whole thing shifts into a soft gradient of color. That is when it really comes alive. The lighting is the entire show here. There is no sound, no moving parts and nothing trying to grab your attention. It is just color drifting through the panels as you walk around it. The effect is subtle but surprisingly calming. it is a good example of how contemporary art can fit into a space without feeling out of place. [Review 1030 of 2026 - 236 in Indiana - 26209 overall]

If you look around downtown Indy long enough, you are bound to find one of the "Public Collection"…read moreinstallations. Both public art and lending library (or book share), the installations have books that you are free to borrow while offered within a unique piece of art. This new installation (2019) was created by a pair of artists who have numerous art collaborations around central Indiana: Quincy Owens and Luke Crawley. The installation is seven feet tall and 10' x 8' wide. It is made from aluminum or stainless steel (the sign states both), acrylic, vinyl, with LED components. According to the sign, the horizontal bands pay homage to the Athenaeum which the installation is next to. Once you step inside, you may get a sense of a cage-like structure which is meant to reflect the experience of immigrants who may have difficulty assimilating due to language barriers. But with the wide opening to the installation and numerous books, it is hoped that language and knowledge can help those who feel trapped. I haven't been here at night, but the LED components light up acrylic panels with a quote by Aberjhani: "There is no envy, jealousy, or hatred between the different colors of the rainbow. And no fear either. Because each one exists to make the others' love more beautiful." Review #2945

Pan is a Mini statue located in university park of downtown Indianapolis Indiana…read more This area has all kinds of cool and larger than life public art so it is kinda easy to miss this smaller piece. The statue features a flute player who may or may not be Peter Pan. He sitting stop of what id call a tree stump. Overall fun piece and located In a area that is a statue or public art lovers idea spot. Cool area to discover