AREA ATTRACTIONS

There's no shortage of things to do and places to see while visiting Indianapolis.  We've compiled a partial list of our favorite local attractions.  You may want to print this list and bring it with you.

THE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF INDIANAPOLIS

One of the largest chidren's musiums in the world, The Children's Museum of Indianapolis offers a wealth of hands-on exhibits that let families dig for dinosaur bones, try their skills at rock-climbing, ride on a turn-of-the-century carousel and learn through exploration.

3000 North Meridian St.  317-334-3322  www.childrensmuseum.org

IMAX THEATER

Witnessing six-story-high moving images is impressive enough.  But when a 3D movie is on the marquee, White River State Park's IMAX Theater (located inside the Indiana State Museum) offers special-glasses-wearing viewers the most visually-astounding, three-dimensional effects ever created.

650 West Washington St.  317-233-4629  www.imaxindy.com

INDIANAPOLIS ZOO

A zoo, an aquarium and a botanical garden, the Indianapolis Zoo is home to nearly 4000 animals.  In addition to exhibits featuring sea lions, elephants and polar bears, the 2.3-million-gallon dolphin pavilion features daily performances by six bottlenose dolphins.

1200 West Washington St.  317-630-2001  www.indyzoo.com

CONNER PRAIRIE

Conner Prairie is a living history museum that brings events of the 1800s to vivid life, as families witness and actively participate in engaging stories and activities of our Midwestern past.  The open-air facility's 1400 acres include five distinct areas and a modern museum center.

13400 Allisonville Rd.  317-776-6006  www.connerprairie.org

INDIANAPOLIS MUSEUM OF ART (IMA)

One of the nation's oldest, largest general art museums, the IMA features (in addition to its permanent art collection and special exhibitions) 152 acres of beautifully-landscaped gardens and grounds, a thriving greenhouse and the elegent Garden Terrace restaurant.

4000 Michigan Rd.  317-923-1331  www.ima-art.org

INDIANA WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

This imposing structure is located in Indianapolis' American Legion Mall.  After exploring the museum in the memorial's lower level, visitors may climb the north end's grand staircases to reach the Shrine Room - the highlight of the structure's interior and a genuinely awe-inspiring space.

421 N. Meridian St.  317-232-7615  www.in.gov/iwm/warmemorial

EITELJORG MUSEUM OF AMERICAN INDIANS AND WESTERN ART

Unique to the Midwest, the Eiteljorg combines collections of American western art and Native American objects and blends contemporary style with ancient tradition.  By offering such exhibits as the Native American Collecion, the museum preserves and interprets the history of the American West.

500 W. Washington St.  317-636-9378  www.eiteljorg.org

(all photographs & web design by Scott Ice of Swicee Group, Inc)