Indiana
Go for the Indianapolis 500, the Lake Michigan dunes and the covered bridges, with a car linking them.
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Indiana sits in the Midwest, bordered by Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois. Indianapolis, the state capital and largest city, is the usual starting point. Visitors come for the Indianapolis 500, the auto race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway over Memorial Day weekend. In the northwest, Lake Michigan meets the sand dunes, beaches and wetlands of Indiana Dunes National Park. Inland, you find covered bridges, limestone country and small towns that serve the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich.
A car suits a road trip or a short city break, since the regions are a few hours apart. Late spring through early fall is the best season for the dunes and outdoor trails. Plan three or four days for Indianapolis and one nearby region, or a week to cover the state.
Indiana in five
- Rent a car for the SpeedwayThe Indianapolis Motor Speedway is on the west side, away from downtown, and the outer neighborhoods are spread out. A car is the simplest way to reach them.Getting around
- Walk the Cultural Trail downtownThe Indianapolis Cultural Trail is about 8 miles of trail linking downtown neighborhoods, the canal and Monument Circle. Walk it between the central sights instead of driving.
- Book Indy 500 seats earlyThe Indianapolis 500 is held on Memorial Day weekend in late May, and race-week seats need booking well ahead. Check the Speedway's official ticket information once you know your dates.Sport
- Tip 15 to 20 percent at restaurantsTipping is expected in US restaurants and bars, and most diners leave about 15 to 20 percent of the bill. Tip taxi and rideshare drivers as well.
- Carry photo ID when you go outThe legal drinking age in the US is 21, and bars check age at the door. Bring a passport or a driver's license, since bars may not accept other IDs.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the home of the Indy 500, held each late May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Go for the racing, a downtown you can walk, and museums such as the Children's Museum.
Bloomington
Visit Bloomington for a walkable college town with a compact downtown, the Indiana University campus, and quick access to the hills and lake of south-central Indiana.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Sand dunes, Lake Michigan beaches and marsh trails in one national park in northwest Indiana.
Things to do in Indiana
See all attractions in Indiana
Need to know
- Currency
- US dollar (USD)
- Entry
- ESTA for Visa Waiver passports; visa for most others Read more
- Emergency
- 911 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Expected, about 15 to 20% at restaurants
- Time
- UTC-5 Eastern Time; UTC-4 in daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, gray
- MarchThaw, rain
- AprilMild, spring
- MayIndy 500 race
- JuneWarm, long days
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberMild, calm
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberCool, quiet
- DecemberCold, holiday
Right now in Indiana
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
15
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 87%
- Wind
- 23 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 4%
Indiana
05:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today15°12°4%Monday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Tue23°14°6%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Wed19°11°87%Wednesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Thu18°10°5%Thursday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Fri12°6°16%Friday: Cloudy. High 12°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Sat11°2°10%Saturday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sun10°5°11%Sunday: Snow. High 10°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 11%.
Updated 04:26 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Columbus, Indianaabout 50 minutes by carPublic buildings by modern architects from the 1950s onward, and an easy half day.
- Bloomingtonabout 1 hour by carIndiana University campus and a downtown of cafés and bookshops.
- Brown County State Parkabout 1.5 hours by carHills, hiking trails and fall color around Nashville, Indiana.
Before you go to Indiana
Rules for Indiana, checked
- Visa Waiver visitors need an approved ESTA before boarding a flight to the US. Check eligibility and apply only on the official CBP site.Source
- Declare food, plants, animal products and large sums of cash on your arrival form. Check the CBP travel page for the current list.Source
- Bars and liquor stores check age, and the legal drinking age is 21. Carry a passport or driver's license as ID.
Plan around Indiana
Downtown sights, the Speedway and the Cultural Trail
Read the guideGetting around by carCar rental, the Cultural Trail and bus options
Read the guideWhere to stayDowntown, Mass Ave and Broad Ripple compared
Read the guideMoney and tippingCards, tipping customs and typical prices
Read the guideESTA and visa entryWho needs ESTA and who needs a visa
Read the guideSport and race ticketsRace week, Speedway tickets and what to book early
Read the guideIndiana FAQ
Is Indianapolis worth visiting?
Yes, for a weekend or a race trip. Downtown, the Cultural Trail, the Indiana State Museum and the Speedway cover the city's sports and car history in a few days.
How many days do you need in Indianapolis?
Two days covers downtown, the Speedway and one museum. Add a third day for Broad Ripple and the northern neighborhoods.
Do I need a car in Indianapolis?
Usually, yes, for the Speedway and the outer neighborhoods. Downtown and the Cultural Trail are walkable without one.
Where should I stay in Indianapolis?
Downtown for walking to Monument Circle and the Cultural Trail, Mass Ave for restaurants and bars, and Broad Ripple for a quieter, local feel.
What is Indianapolis famous for?
Motorsport, mainly the Indianapolis 500. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the race each Memorial Day weekend.
Can you visit Indianapolis as a day trip from Chicago?
It is a long drive, about 3 hours each way, so a day trip leaves little time for the museums. Two nights is a better fit.