3 Best Landmarks in Indianapolis, IN

Expert-recommended Top 3 Landmarks in Indianapolis, Indiana. All of our landmarks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes customer reviews, history, complaints, ratings, satisfaction, trust, cost and general excellence. You deserve only the best!

9+ YEARS IN TBR
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SOLDIERS & SAILORS MONUMENT

100 Monument Circle,
Indianapolis, IN 46204 Directions

Since 1902

Specialty:

Exhibit Monument's Limestone Sculptures Teachers' Educational Packets on Civil War Life Art and Architecture of the Museum's Exterior Statue and Monument and Virtual Tour Historical Buildings Civil War Monuments Exhibit

"Soldiers and Sailors Monument is a 284-foot, 6-inch high neoclassical monument that was established in 1902. The monument is built on Monument Circle, a circular, brick-paved street that intersects Meridian and Market streets in the center of downtown Indianapolis. The monument has come to symbolize both the City of Indianapolis and the State of Indiana. This memorial is a tribute to Indiana soldiers who served in the Civil War. The limestone used for the monument is gray oolitic limestone from the Ramona quarries of Owen County. Visitors can see the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial for Shine a Star, a light show with a seasonal theme, and a signature salute for the evening. The interior has an observatory and a gift shop.

2026 Update: The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, built in 1888 and designed by Bruno Schmitz in a neoclassical style, covers an area of 4,047 square meters. It serves as a memorial to Indiana residents who served in multiple wars, including the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Frontier Wars, and Spanish-American War. Visitors can access the observation area by climbing 330 steps or using an elevator that accommodates up to 4 adults, followed by an additional 49 steps. Entry to the tower includes 37 exterior steps, and the observation level is enclosed with glass windows. Access may be limited during high temperatures, and certain areas, such as stairwells and elevators, are not climate-controlled. Strollers are allowed in the gift shop but not in the tower, and only plastic water bottles are permitted inside. Pets are not allowed, except for service animals. Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult."

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Price:

Adult & Senior: $2
Youth (Age 6-17): $1

Contact:

(317) 232-7615

Thu-Sun: 10:30am - 5:30pm
Mon-Wed: Closed

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7+ YEARS IN TBR
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INDIANA WAR MEMORIAL & MUSEUM

55 East Michigan Street,
Indianapolis, IN 46204 Directions

Since 1919

Specialty:

Tours and Group Visits Sailors Monument Veterans Memorial Plaza American Legion Mall Girl Scouts Summer Camps University Park Offers Tours Gift Shop Ornate Auditorium and A War Museum

"Indiana War Memorial & Museum was originally built to honor the veterans of World War I. The memorial is a museum of 30,000 square feet of military equipment and objects, three parks, four waterfalls, and 25 acres of monuments, sculptures, and statues. The origins of the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza lie in a 1919 attempt by Indianapolis to attract visitors. The museum has collections, memorials, monuments, and parks that allow it to share the stories of the heroic servicemen and women so that future generations can learn, honor, and be inspired by them. The Indiana War Memorial was designated a National Historic Landmark District. The memorial hosts significant public events and festivals, along with small private functions. This calcareous and marble memorial, designed in a mausoleum style, pays tribute to Hoosiers who were killed during the war. The centerpiece of the plaza is the Indiana War Memorial & Museum. Indiana War Memorial & Museum offers free admission for all visitors.

2026 Update: The Indiana War Memorial was established to recognize the sacrifices made during the conflict. It also serves as a reminder of the freedoms preserved by the Allied forces and the significant losses experienced during the war. The facility is clean and well-maintained, with staff noted for being friendly and approachable. It also serves as a location for an annual Christmas tree installation and is regarded as a respectful place that recognizes those who served the country."

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Contact:

(317) 650-9058 (317) 232-7615

Wed-Sun: 9am - 5pm
Mon & Tue: Closed

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INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

450 West Ohio Street,
Indianapolis, IN 46202 Directions

Since 1830

Specialty:

Research and Adult Group Visits Digital Image Collections Artifacts Genealogy Groups Cole Porter Room Library Archives Printed Collections Eli Lilly Hall History Lab Plus Concerts and Lectures Shop at the Basil History Market Facility Rentals

"Indiana Historical Society has been Indiana’s storyteller that connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing the state’s history since 1830. The society has over 70,000 online digital images representing 61 collections, 3,500 sheet music pieces, 3,300 items, and 1.7 million photos in 615 digital collections. The building, which spans 165,000 square feet, features a 300-seat theater, the William H. Smith Memorial Library, and a vault to hold the precious collections of IHS. The building provides programs for young people, adults, and their families. Indiana Historical Society is an award-winning collection with millions of items from Indiana's past. A field trip is available here. Indiana Historical Society offers free admission for children under 5 and members.

2026 Update: The Indiana Historical Society focuses on collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Indiana while encouraging public engagement with the state’s past. It offers visitor access through ticketed entry and provides free Wi-Fi within the facility. The venue includes the Stardust Terrace Café, operated by Jonathan Byrd’s, which serves a selection of deli-style sandwiches, pizza options, and prepared meals. Online ordering is available, along with catering and event food services for private functions and group gatherings."

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Price:

General Admission:
Adult: $15
Senior (60 And Over): $14
Youth (5-17): $5
Access Pass Holders: $5
Children Under 5: Free
Ihs Member: Free
Group Admission:
Adult: $13.00
Senior (60+): $12.00
Student: $5.00
Membership Pricing Plan (Per Year):
Sustaining: Plus: $125
Sustaining: $100
Individual: $75

Discount:

Get $15 Off On membership With Digital-Only Access To IHS Publications

Get 10% Off at the Stardust Terrace Cafe(if had membership)

Get 10% Off at the Basile History Market(if had membership)

Contact:

(317) 232-1882 (317) 234-0077

Tue-Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun & Mon: Closed

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