The Indiana Government Center is the complex that includes the Indiana Government Center - North,…read moreIndiana Government Center - South, the Indiana State Library and Historical Building, parking garages, the Indiana State House, and very soon the Archives building will also open and be part of the complex. The State House was completed in 1888. It initially held space for both legislative chambers, courts, the State Library, the Governor, the Indiana Supreme Court, legislators, and other state officials. In 1934, the State Library moved to 140 North Senate. In 1960, Indiana Government Center - North was completed at 100 N. Senate. It featured a large plaza, 2,000 windows, and a 900-seat cafeteria (that now has a great view of the Canal). It was connected to the State House, Library, and parking via tunnels. It was less than 20 years when legislators realized more space was needed. In 1988, the Washington Street Parking Garage started construction of newer buildings (it's almost directly across from Victory Field). While the IGC - North had become the biggest government building in the State (14 floors), the South building is a five-story building facing West Washington Street. The South building has over 1 million square feet of office space and includes a cafeteria, atrium, training center, conference area, and office space. There's also a child care center. I'm very high on the State House. It's a beautiful, historic building that is also quite functional. If you want a journey through Indiana history, I'd plan to visit it. The Indiana Government Center North and South buildings are more about function. Both buildings have public entrances that must be utilized (employees have additional options, of course). Parking is decent, though fairly expensive around the campus with a mix of garages and meters. The tunnel system works well, though certainly it wasn't built with access in mind. Accessibility is a solid 4-star. There are accessible stalls in every bathroom, though no family bathrooms or additional amenities. There are lactation rooms in the buildings. There was a fairly recent reduction in accessible spaces in at least one garage. The plazas, especially Robert D. Orr Plaza, are quite nice. There's an annual "Statehouse Market" that is quite nice for employees and those in the area (think a Farmer's Market adding food trucks). I love access to the Canal. I love the murals, public art, and I'm a big fan of the Conference Center. Dining around the area is hit-and-miss. The vending machines and snack shops are all run by blind and visually impaired vendors. They are overpriced, of course, but I feel better knowing I'm supporting someone with a disability to be in the workforce. Typical of Indiana, these buildings really are more about substance than style. However, I'm quite the fan of this complex and it offers way more than people realize (plus, it's lately a grand venue for the various protests.). If you've never checked it out, I highly recommend it.

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.

Avon's haunted bridge has been on my radar for a little while. I don't know why, but I'm fascinated…read moreby supposedly haunted things. Which is interesting, because I can show up at a haunted space, all logical and left-brained, and experience absolutely nothing. Crickets. Ghosts never want anything to do with me. (Knock on wood! Throw salt over my shoulder! Spit three times!) Nevertheless, I think it's cool that other people hear things and experience things that are other-worldly. The haunted bridge is located inside Washington Township Park. If you want to see it up close, I suggest parking near the playground and walking the 0.6 miles to it. The path to the bridge is partially paved, and some of it requires you to pay attention to where you're stepping, because it can be a little uneven. When I was at the bridge, I did see some trucks drive under it, so I guess you can drive under the bridge. But there's nowhere to park, so if you drove, you'd just be experiencing a quick drive-by. But maybe you do want to drive under the bridge. Because the legend of Avon's haunted bridge is that a mother was walking with her baby on the tracks on the bridge, and both fell off the bridge and died. So now, the mother's wailing for her baby supposedly can be heard when you drive under the bridge. I stood under the bridge for a good several minutes and didn't hear any wailing, but I did smell something sulfurous, so there you go. But maybe I should have been in my car, because I think you only hear her wail if you drive. Ghosts are so particular in the way they express themselves! Apparently, you can honk when you drive under the bridge to help muffle this ghost-mother's screams. As a piece of architecture, this haunted bridge is beautiful and towers over White Lick Creek. Yes, it's partially covered with graffiti, but I think that lends to its beauty. It's a sign that life continues, despite a supposed tragedy.

For some, it looks just like any old concrete bridge. However, if you turn onto County Road 625…read moreEast right by Washington Township Park you'll enter the domain of what is known as Avon's Haunted Bridge. The most common story is that a mother carrying her baby across the tracks both fell to their deaths. Supposedly, you can hear the mother's wailing when you drive under the tracks. You're supposed to honk whenever you drive under the bridge (I know people who do this every single time). How much of a legend is this? You can find this bridge in the Avon town seal The bridge, whether haunted or not, is really quite cool. It was built in 1906 and is about 1/2-mile south of US 36. It was built for Big Four Railroad and is still used (by CSX). Another popular myth is that a drunken rail worker slipped during construction and was buried alive in the cement. Supposedly, you can hear his moans when a train goes over the bridge. The other myth that I'm aware of is that four workers fell to their deaths into White Lick Creek. Again, it is believed you can hear thuds and splashes. It took me a while to finally visit the bridge. I was decompressing after cleaning out my father's estate and realized I was close to the bridge. So, I finally tracked it down. The easiest way to see it is to simply drive under it - you can do so within the park or on CR 625 East. You can also get to it by foot (it's doable by wheelchair, though not as easily I will admit). The bridge is much bigger than I expected. There's a section that goes over White Lick Creek, a section over the road, and then some additional spaces. It's still a sturdy bridge, though it is graffiti marked and has seen its better days. I love places like this. While I can't say I've experienced any of the myths coming to life myself, I will admit I have a definite sense of melancholy here. Whether any of the stories are true, they give Avon a certain local flavor that fascinates. If you're into exploring Haunted Indiana, a stop at Avon's Haunted Bridge is a must.

This is a small memorial dedicated to our Fallen Hoosier Heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice…read moreafter 9/11 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. It is the brainchild of Don and Carol Peed and is a beautiful memorial and is an excellent honor to those heroes. The memorial honors more than 200 local herons and is maintained by Vietnam veteran and local groundskeeper, Dennis Zavada. You will find it near Westfield High School, just outside of downtown Westfield. The memorial was dedicated in 2009 and consists of plaques with the name of each honored soldier, where they were from and when they died. Originally the memorial started with white crosses vice the plaques. There is also flagpoles with flags representing each branch of service behind an American flag, a Family Member Military Service Flag, and a POW/MIA flag. There is also some granite and stone plaques that are dedicated to gold star families, and instrumental people that made the memorial possible. You will also find brick pavers that are dedicated to special people, with lots of room for expansion. The memorial is very well maintained and looks awesome. I reminds me of something that you would see at the Arlington National Cemetery. It grabbed my attention as I was driving down the road. There is free street parking available right in front of the memorial and it is easy to get to. The memorial's first cross was in memory of Jeanette Winters, a Marines Corps sergeant who was killed in 2002. and the last memorial belongs to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez who was one of 13 American service members killed in August in an attack on the airport in Kahul, Afghanistan as the US was exiting the war in 2021. It is amazing the impact that only a few people can make. This memorial is managed primarily by two people with support from local veteran's groups. The Memorial plays host to a Memorial Day service each year that is organized by the Carmel VFW and the American Legion. It is well attended. I love we a community puts something together to honor anyone that served, especially when it is as well done as this memorial. This is definitely worth a visit but I would make it part of a larger itinerary with attractions such as Big Hoffas, the Anti-slavery Cemetery, or nearby Asa Bales Park.

Indiana loves its covered bridges. About 90 bridges still exist around the state. The Cedar Chapel…read moreCovered Bridge originally spanned Cedar Creek in DeKalb County. The bridge was built in 1884 and is the last surviving bridge by George Woerntz & Son. The bridge features Howe truss construction and is 110 long. The bridge was dismantled in 1966 in DeKalb County. Connor Prairie purchased in the 1970s and stored the pieces for 25 years before restoring the bridge as a feature on the grounds crossing into the Junction. The (now) pedestrian bridge crosses a small marsh that attracts water fowl. I have visited the bridge several times now. I took my granddaughter last week. We talked about the significance of the bridge as we walked across and listened to the echoes inside. The bridge, one of three in Hamilton County. is an important part of Indiana history and worth a visit. Admission to Connor Prairie is required. The bridge is accessible.

Cedar Chapel Covered Bridge so far is my favorite covered bridge in the state of Indiana or…read moreanywhere! I am so impressed at how much care goes into the preservation of the covered bridges in this state. Not only do they keep many of them freshly painted and structurally sound, they celebrate them with driving tours, festivals and special parks such as Conner Prairie. Cedar Chapel is a beautiful structure unlike any other I've seen, moved from its original location to the Conner Prairie Pioneer Settlement. Six years prior to its purchase it sat roadside and then remained on Conner Prairies property for 25 years until The Governor's Office presented a check for $240,000 to aid in the cost of it's restoration. Conner Prairie is AMAZING! Truly worth visiting with your family as you walk through time. The facility is divided into villages. There is an 1836 Prairietown, an 1863 Civil War Journey, 1859 Balloon Voyage, animal encounters, a homestead, Indian camp, nature walk and many interactive areas. The bridge is located between the 1836 Prairietown and 1863 Civil War Journey. We had very little time to spend here, but are making plans to return soon! BRIDGE FACTS Year Opened: 1884 Builder: George Woerntz & Son Length: 110 feet (124 feet including the 7-foot approaches at each end) Width/Height: 12 feet wide / 13 feet high Truss type: Howe Truss Current Location: Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fisher, IN Original Location: DeKalb County FINAL THOUGHTS It costs to get into Conner Prairie ($15/adults or $10/children at the time of this review), but it is so worth it, especially if you are a fan of historic details. Of all the bridges I've EVER seen, I would recommend this be a top destination for your travel folder. It is one of the most beautiful covered bridges you will ever see in an ideal family setting loaded with things to do. Visit. Enjoy.

Carmel honors six great American jazz musicians with sculptures on the west side of the Performing…read moreArts Center. The sculptures by J. Seward Johnson were installed in 2023. (Johnson passed away in 2020.) Each musician is marked with a plaque. The life size musicians are all dressed in white dress shirts, popular with their era. On piano, Indiana's very own Hoagy Carmichael is featured. Gene Krupp from New York plays drums. Jack Teagarden is bent over playing the heck out of his trombone. The famous Louis Armstrong's plays his trombone. Sidney Bechet plays the saxophone, while Milt Hinton strums the bass. The sculpture is easily approachable and is easy to take selfies with the musicians. There is nearby street parking.

I've see this guy in a few different articles and online in a few different places, I was finally…read moreable to see him in person on a day off. It's a fun quirky statue, and upon further research I learned that it gets decorated for different holidays and will even be in parades! Fun roadside attraction to check out, I'm glad I can say I've seen it in person now :)

The Pink Elephant - Fortville is a whimsical side adventure in central Indiana. Located along a…read moredusty road in a small town, this elephant with a martini glass in his trunk is a funny attraction. There is parking next to the elephant so that you can get out of your car, take a picture, and be on your way. I highly recommend the Pink Elephant - Fortville.

Pro patria is an absolutely stunning and larger than life public art statue brag sits atop some…read morerocky like steps on downtown Indianapolis Indiana across from university park. At first we appreciated the statue from The street level but then my oldest daughter and I decided to enjoy this great piece up close. So we jogged up the steps while humming "gonna fly now". Overall a beautiful piece that sticks out above the rest of the other great public art statues located right across the street in the park.

This bronze statue dates back to 1929 and is the work of Henry Hering. You will find it in back of…read morethe iconic Indiana War Memorial on the middle of the stairs (that make for a good workout going up and down). The sculpture depicts naked man that is draped in a flag ( I assume is an American flag) that is attached to a staff. The flag is covering the important parts, so the sculpture is family friendly. It has the inscription "Pro Patria" on it which is Latin for "For Country". The sculpted man, who some say is a solider, is reaching for the sky which Hering had suggested that he was grasping for the olive branch of peace. The statue is perched on a on a base of pink granite. The sculpture stands 24 feet high and weighs about 7 tons. It was the largest bronze statue ever made in the US at that time. The uncertainty of the man being a solider is by design. Hering aimed to create a statue that displayed the spirit, rather than material concept of a soldier. The man has no markings or uniform of a solider. It is a nice sculpture and is in very good shape, especially considering that it is pushing 100 years old. It is a nice part of the memorial and it is fitting that it is placed there. There are some commercial parking lots nearby to park. You may also be able to find some metered street parking around the memorial and within a reasonable walking distance. As is the case with most public art that I have visited and reviewed, this is probably not a very long stop. Hopefully you are there for a game or something. I was there less than 5 minutes. It is probably best to plan out additional stops and make it part of a larger itinerary to maximize your trip. There are a ton of downtown attractions to see.