The Indianapolis 500 roars into the Midwest on May 24th. While the race is one of the biggest events hosted by the city, it is not the only reason to visit.
With the economy still in disarray, Indianapolis tourism officials hope budget-conscious travelers will consider the city a gas tank getaway. More than half the nation’s population lives within a day’s drive of Indianapolis, according to tourism officials, which is why the city is nicknamed the Crossroads of America.
In addition to the iconic speedway, which remains the world’s largest spectator-sporting facility, Indianapolis boasts a plethora of other fun family-friendly attractions, including:
Museums: King Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs will open on June 27 at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit features more than 130 artifacts from King Tut’s tomb and additional ancient sites. Indianapolis is one of only a handful of U.S. stops for the exhibit, which also made appearances in Atlanta and Dallas. The exhibit runs through October 25th and coincides with the museum’s new $8 million permanent exhibit about current-day Egypt.
Conner Prairie, an interactive history museum in Fishers just north of Indianapolis, is also debuting a must-see exhibit this summer. The museum’s new display recreates the day aeronaut John Wise launched his hot air balloon 150 years ago in Lafayette, Indiana. Beginning June 6th, families can tour the 1859 Balloon Voyage exhibit, which explores the science and technology of ballooning and Indiana’s contribution to aviation. Visitors will also be able to fly 350 feet above the museum in a tethered, helium-filled balloon.
Zoos: The Indianapolis Zoo is hosting a couple of very unique guests this summer. Two Komodo dragons will call the zoo home from May 22 through Labor Day. The 10-foot long dragons from Southeast Asia are the largest lizards in the world.
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