Indianapolis Sights: Outdoors and Landmarks

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• Indiana State Capitol 200 W. Washington St. +1 317 233-5293. www.in.gov/statehouse ($ parking) Completed in 1888, this is the hub for Indy's government. Originally the state capitol was in Corydon, in Southern Indiana, and in 1825 it was moved to Indy. Featuring Italian Renaissance, Greek, and Corinthian design the building is made from Indiana limestone. Look up for the amazing German stained glass window, take guided or personal tours, or observe the government "at work".

• Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument 1 Monument Circle. +1 317 232-7615. www.in.gov/iwm/2285.htm ($ parking) This is the famous statue right in the heart of the city. Built in 1902, it stands only 15 feet shorter then the Statue of Liberty. The art work built into the monument is moving - bloody Civil War battles and freed slaves. Miss Liberty on top faces South, protecting the North from the Confederacy. Housed in the basement is the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War museum, and you can take a ride up to the top of the tower to look out over the city. Museum is free, the tower trip costs $1.

• Indiana War Memorial 400 N. Meridian St. +1 317 232-7615. www.in.gov/iwm/2290.htm ($ parking) A seven-block district featuring the neoclassical memorial. The memorial features an amazing performance/lecture hall and a free war museum documenting all US Wars. Free.

• Scottish Rite Cathedral 650 N. Meridian St. +1 317 262-3100. www.aasr-indy.org Considered one of the worlds architectural masterpieces, it is the world's biggest Scottish Rite cathedral. Take a tour and explore the huge pipe organ, floating dance floor, handcrafted art glass windows, learn about the mystery of Freemasonry and grab a bite to eat in the cafe.

• Indianapolis Zoo 1200 W. Washington St. +1 317 630-2001. www.indyzoo.org ($ parking) The zoo is part of the White River State Park, near downtown. The Indianapolis Zoo is home to the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and Dome. The underwater dolphin viewing dome is the first of its kind. Be sure to catch a dolphin show, free with admission. The "Oceans" exhibit features a shark touch tank. Other areas include the Plains, the Forest, the Desert, and a petting zoo. Check out different animal talks throughout the day. There are opportunities to feed the animals for an extra charge. Amusement rides such as the small roller coaster, carousel and train are extra, too. Zoo grounds are a non-smoking environment. Admission is charged for the Indianapolis Zoo, which also includes admission to White River Gardens. Community Tuesdays, throughout the year, also offer a discounted admission.

• Crown Hill Cemetery 700 W. 38th St. +1 317 925-8231. www.crownhill.org It's the third largest cemetery in the United States and is considered the "Best Walking Tour" in Indy by Indianapolis Monthly. Tours explore the Gothic Chapel and Waiting Station from the late 1800s and famous grave sites. You can also pick up a map at the office for free and explore the cemetery by foot, car or bike. Hundreds of soldiers are buried in a beautiful war burial ground. Famous graves include John Dillinger, Frederick Dusenberg, Booth Tarkington, James Whitcomb Riley, Colonel Eli Lilly, President Benjamin Harrison and others.
  

  Military gravestones at Crown Hill Cemetery

• White River Gardens 1200 W. Washington St. +1 317 630-2001. www.whiterivergardens.com ($ parking) The gardens are a part of the White River State Park. Over 3 acres of gardens and pathways along the White River. There is also the Hilbert Conservatory, which is the showplace for different flowers, plants, and special attractions (such as butterflies) throughout the year. The grounds to the gardens are non-smoking. Admission is charged for White River Gardens, and price includes admission to the Indianapolis Zoo. Community Tuesdays, throughout the year, offer a discounted admission.

• American Legion National Headquarters 700 N. Pennsylvania St. +1 317 630-1200. www.legion.org ($ parking) Situated in the heart of downtown Indy with a beautiful mall that reminds one of D.C. Check out the museum that features hundreds of World War I & II posters and artifacts, check out a diorama of Jessica Lynch's rescue, explore the grounds and learn about the Legions history.

• Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden 2505 Conservatory Dr. +1 317 327-7184. www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org Located inside of Garfield Park, the Conservatory houses 10,000 square feet of plants from all over the world. The Sunken Gardens, built in 1916, are three acres of European classical formal gardens. Gardens change based on the season. Visiting the gardens is free, however guided tours are $1 per person.

• Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial 650 W. Washington St. +1 317 261-6646 www.medalofhonormemorial.com ($ parking). Monument that is part of White River State Park that pays tribute to over 3,000 Medal of Honor recipients. Ranges from Civil War through modern day clashes. It is made up of 27 curved glass walls, each 7-10 feet high, and etched with the names. It's quite breathtaking - especially at night! Free.

• Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium 4600 Sunset Ave. +1 317 940-9333. www.butler.edu/holcomb is on Butler University Campus. About 10 minutes from downtown. It's one of the largest public observatories in the world, the 38-inch Cassegrain telescope is the largest in Indiana. Weekend tours are available only, since students use the observatory during the week. Check website or call for times. Private tours are also available. $3 for adults, $2 for children.

• Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens 4000 Michigan Ave. +1 317 923-1331. www.ima-art.org/oldfieldsLHAG.asp? An amazing home located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This is the former estate of the Lilly's. Located on 26-acre grounds with a 22-room mansion, gardens and museum. Check out country estate living in the 1930s, and explore the beautiful home and antiques that the family acquired. The gardens are beautiful and feature many pathways and fountains. Be sure to also check out the garden shop where you can purchase plants grown on the grounds. Admission is free, although they may charge for special exhibitions.