Indiana State Museum
Explore Indiana's rich history, from prehistoric fossils to pop culture, with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Indiana State Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Indiana's rich history, from prehistoric fossils to pop culture, with interactive exhibits and an IMAX theater.
"Holy COW this museum was great! It is organized chronologically, as opposed to most museums which are organized by genre/concept."
🎯 ASTC Membership Perk
A family membership can grant access to hundreds of science museums nationwide! :ticket:
🚗 Validated Parking
Parking is plentiful and validated, making your visit hassle-free. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Journey Through Indiana
Chronological Exhibits
Experience Indiana's history from prehistoric times to modern day, with artifacts pinpointed on state maps.
Mammoth Skeletons
Basement Level
Stand in awe of massive prehistoric skeletons, including impressive mammoths.
Legacy Center: African American Experience
Dedicated Exhibit Space
Explore the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Indiana.
Celebration Crossing
Special Holiday Exhibit
A festive holiday adventure featuring Santa's home and photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Maximize Your Visit
Don't forget to check for special events or late-night openings! Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 ASTC Membership Perk
A family membership can grant access to hundreds of science museums nationwide! :ticket:
🚗 Validated Parking
Parking is plentiful and validated, making your visit hassle-free. :car:
👨👩👧 Interactive Fun
Engage with trivia, games, and hands-on activities that keep kids entertained.
📸 Photo Ops
Capture memories, especially at Celebration Crossing with Santa.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 ASTC Membership Perk
A family membership can grant access to hundreds of science museums nationwide! :ticket:
🚗 Validated Parking
Parking is plentiful and validated, making your visit hassle-free. :car:
👨👩👧 Interactive Fun
Engage with trivia, games, and hands-on activities that keep kids entertained.
📸 Photo Ops
Capture memories, especially at Celebration Crossing with Santa.
📅 Check for Late Nights
Enjoy extended hours on Thursdays for a more leisurely exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Indiana State Museum for its engaging, chronological approach to Indiana's history and its highly interactive exhibits that appeal to all ages. The staff is noted as kind and helpful, and the facility is clean. Special exhibits and the IMAX theater add to the overall positive experience, though some visitors suggest allocating a full day to fully explore everything.
"Holy COW this museum was great! Firstly, it is organized chronologically, as opposed to most museums which are organized by genre/concept. This made it feel more akin to a journey through time in Indiana. The exhibits also included miniature images of the state with a pin placed to show where in Indiana each artifact was found! So cool! Certain exhibits, particularly fossils, also included sculpted casts by the information plaques, I'm assuming for blind visitors to "see" the exhibits with their hands. This was very neat as well! The facility was clean and the café (especially the customer service!!!) was great."
David Starr-Fleming
"Leaving a review and shout out for Erica Montgomery, the Event Coordinator there. My Wife and I booked an area for our wedding last week and when I say Erica is the best, she is the best. From the communication, care, above and beyond effort, to the actual day of running back and forth bridging the gaps, her assistance was vital, appreciated, and treasured.
She left no stone unturned and even provided us with ideas that made our day absolutely perfect. I can't thank her enough and to recommend the ISM for your special day. Again, thank you to ISM and thank you to Erica for being a Core Memory of ours for a lifetime. Highly recommended."
Antonio Burks
"Huge space. Staff is very kind. There is something for everyone. Kids have a lot of the 3rd floor. Basement is where you'll find mammoths and the large skeletons. Famous people from Indiana is cool too."
Daryl Nitz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Indiana State Museum is located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking available. Public transportation options also serve the downtown area.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Indiana State Museum, and it is validated for visitors.
Indianapolis has a public bus system that serves the downtown area, making it possible to reach the museum via public transport. Check local transit schedules for routes and times.
The museum is generally accessible, with features like sculpted casts on exhibit plaques for visually impaired visitors. It's always a good idea to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
Walking is a great option within White River State Park. For longer distances, ride-sharing services or local taxis are readily available in downtown Indianapolis.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary depending on age and any special exhibits. It's best to check the official Indiana State Museum website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibits that change throughout the year, covering diverse topics from vintage cars to cultural experiences.
Museum hours can vary, but they are typically open daily. They often have extended hours on Thursdays for 'Late Night Thursdays.' Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, the Indiana State Museum offers a family membership that can also provide access to hundreds of other science museums across the country through the ASTC Travel Passport Program.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the chronological journey through Indiana's history, the impressive mammoth skeletons in the basement, and the Legacy Center focusing on the African American experience.
Absolutely! The museum is very interactive with games, trivia, and hands-on activities. Kids often love the third-floor exhibits and special creative play areas.
Yes, the Indiana State Museum features an IMAX theater that shows a variety of educational and entertaining films.
The museum is known for its chronological organization, making it feel like a journey through time. They also feature unique touches like sculpted casts for tactile exploration and detailed state maps showing artifact origins.
Expect to find trivia, games, and hands-on activities throughout the exhibits, designed to engage visitors of all ages and make learning fun.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that offers food and beverages. Reviewers have praised the customer service at the cafe.
Typically, museums do not allow outside food and drinks in exhibit areas. It's best to consume your own food in designated areas or before entering the museum. Check their policy for specifics.
The cafe usually offers a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages suitable for a museum visit. Options may include sandwiches, salads, and treats.
Being in downtown Indianapolis, there are numerous restaurants and eateries within walking distance or a short drive from the museum, offering a wide range of cuisines.
Museum cafes are generally designed to accommodate families, offering convenient options for children. The cafe at the Indiana State Museum has received positive mentions for its service.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts. Always look for signage.
Yes, especially during the holiday season at Celebration Crossing with Santa's setup.
Similar to photography, personal videography is usually permitted for non-commercial purposes. Check for any specific restrictions on recording in certain areas.
The large dinosaur skeletons, the detailed historical dioramas, and the vibrant Celebration Crossing exhibit are popular for photography.
Professional photography equipment, including tripods, may require special permission. It's advisable to contact the museum's public relations department in advance if you plan to use such equipment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the ASTC family membership for incredible value; it grants access to hundreds of other science museums nationwide.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the Legacy Center: The Indiana African American Experience for a focused look at a vital part of the state's heritage.
The museum's extensive fossil collection, including mammoth skeletons, provides a glimpse into prehistoric Indiana. 📅 Day-Trippers from Nearby Cities
Take advantage of the validated parking to simplify your logistics.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Indiana's Past: A Chronological Adventure
Key periods covered include prehistoric eras with impressive fossil displays, the era of early settlers, and significant moments in Indiana's development. The museum also highlights notable Hoosiers and their contributions, making the history relatable and engaging. This immersive journey is perfect for understanding the broader context of Indiana's identity.
For those interested in specific aspects of Indiana's past, the museum offers dedicated spaces like the Legacy Center: The Indiana African American Experience, which delves into the rich cultural and historical impact of African Americans in the state.
This comprehensive approach ensures a deep dive into the diverse stories that shape Indiana.Family Fun and Interactive Learning
One reviewer mentioned their children spending over an hour in a special exhibit where they could build anything they imagined with cardboard, showcasing the museum's commitment to fostering creativity.
Furthermore, the museum's membership program offers an incredible value for families. A membership to the Indiana State Museum can also grant access to hundreds of other science museums nationwide through the ASTC Travel Passport Program, turning a single museum visit into a gateway for future family adventures.
Special Events and Unique Experiences
These extended hours allow visitors to explore exhibits like 'Vintage Vision: Cars of the 1920s' at their own pace. During the holiday season, the museum transforms with 'Celebration Crossing,' a beloved holiday adventure that includes Santa's home and opportunities for festive photos.
This makes the museum a destination for seasonal celebrations as well as historical exploration. The museum also serves as a venue for special occasions, with positive reviews highlighting its suitability for events like weddings, with dedicated staff like Erica Montgomery providing exceptional coordination. The museum's IMAX theater is another significant draw, offering an immersive cinematic experience that complements the educational content of the exhibits. Whether it's a documentary about natural history or a film tied to a current exhibition, the IMAX provides a dynamic way to learn and be entertained.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit