Indianapolis: “A gray and faceless city where there is no point in going” - Indianapolis - USA - Catalog of articles - Travel with Oleg Baranovsky. Unique Indianapolis or the “big village” of Indy, where you want to live Natural and climatic conditions, weather In

Welcome to Indianapolis, or, as Americans lovingly call it, just Indy! It is located in the Midwest, in the state of Indiana, which was once inhabited by Indians, although it was founded as a city only in 1819. So, the city is young, with many historical attractions, a rich excursion program, vibrant youth festivals, and is so loved by tourists! And it is especially interesting for those who cannot live without speed: after all, it is in Indianapolis that the large-scale automobile competitions Indy-500 and American Formula 1 take place. Its Downtown is No. 1 in the entire United States. Forbes thinks so. Don't believe me? Then let's go check it out!

Walk around the city

Arriving in Indie, you will first go to its center. Well, everyone knows it - aristocratic, atmospheric, luxurious, in it every street, every square, every building tells a little about the history of the city. Here are Victorian houses, and here are memorials to soldiers of the First World War, soldiers and sailors of all kinds of US soldiers. Here are the glass skyscrapers, and here are the classical buildings that house the city's museums.

Parks, squares, fountains, beautiful flower beds, a lot of cafes and many tourists who sit right on the lawns or steps, sip coffee and admire the state capital.

Indianapolis historical

Symbol of the city - (Soldiers" and Sailors" Monument). It is at this monument that people always gather, the main city events and festivals are held. And on New Year and Christmas, according to tradition, this memorial is decorated like a New Year tree.

At the top of the pedestal there is a figure of Victory, below there are many bronze and marble bas-reliefs. The Civil War Museum is located at the very base.

But if you go around the Monument from the back side, you can see a fountain-waterfall. Very unusual and beautiful. Next to the monument are modern high-rise towers - the One Indiana Square skyscraper and the most high building in Indianapolis - Chase Tower.

If you have been to Washington, then you will certainly compare Indy with it. There aren't a lot of tall buildings here either. large areas, memorials. The city has its own Capitol, because it, like any other city in the USA, personifies all the greatness of the American nation. This is a certain spirit of freedom and independence. Sometimes it seems that all Capitols in America are the same. But, taking a closer look, you see - they are all different, in the same style, but with their own character.

So, on the top of the dome it is decorated with figures of people from local Indian tribes. And along its perimeter you can see many monuments and sculptures dedicated to outstanding figures in US history. Judging by the fact that the Capitol has many benches, places to rest and free access to the inside, you cannot immediately say that this is a state government building.

In the city center, in Downtown, there is another historical building, which is somewhat similar to one of the wonders of the world - the Mausoleum of Mausolus in Halicarnassus. This War memorial(War Memorial Plaza). The area in which it is located, with two museums, three parks, a black obelisk, steles, fountains and sculptures, is reminiscent of Washington's National Mall. In the building itself there is a military museum with an exhibition telling about the world wars. At the top there is the Temple of Peace and Unity, several exhibition areas, and conference rooms.

Opposite the obelisk there is a religious building, a Masonic shrine -. Every year, the War Memorial hosts Fourth of July, Veterans Day and other national events and official celebrations.

In the heart of Indianapolis is an old city block called Lockerbie Square. This is a typical example of an American city of the late 19th century, although judging by historical facts, the settlers of the area were Irish and Scots. Even before their appearance, this territory was apparently inhabited by people from Central Europe, because its name was "Germanytown".

Today, Lockerbie has preserved the house-museum of the poet and genius James W. Riley, a beautiful Italian-style mansion, unusual houses typical of German and Austrian cities, and historic American villas that introduce tourists to the city’s past.

Indiana State Treasury

As you exit White River State Park you will see a building Indianapolis Central Library. Here is a place that you should never miss. You can’t even imagine how interesting, beautiful, educational and cool it is there!

When you get inside, there is no feeling of a dark and pressing space on the brain - light penetrates from the huge glass windows and ceiling. True, for those who are accustomed to traditional aristocratic rooms, there are also these: everything is in wood, work tables and shelves with books, there is a table lamp on each table and silence...

But there are also nano-libraries in this huge center, which are more like a literary resort town, and in which mainly tourists with cameras wander. You can come here with your children. While you are busy searching for a suitable book or writing an essay, your children will be able to have fun in children's center libraries, or go to watch cartoons in the cinema with her.

An oasis in the center of the capital

Unusual in Indianapolis embankmentIndianaCentralCanal. This includes a pedestrian area along the river canal, and sports paths for runners and cyclists, bridges on which artists paint pictures, cozy cafes with tables right along the banks of the canal, and the canal itself, along which you can sail on a catamaran or pleasure boat in the company of ducks . I can’t even believe that among the skyscrapers and office centers there is such a cozy place to relax! Lucky are the locals whose houses are built right on the embankment of the Central Canal.

Cultural attractions in Indianapolis

A number of Indianapolis museums and galleries must be included in your cultural program for exploring the city. Let's start with art. Magnificent Indianapolis consists of 13 art studios, 3 exhibition galleries, a concert hall and a library. Today, it trains Indiana's young talents, as well as those for whom art is a hobby.

Among interesting places and, which introduces its visitors to masterpieces of visual art. There is a magnificent sculpture park on the territory, and more than 50 thousand paintings by artists from all over the world are exhibited in the museum’s halls.

You can get acquainted with the history of Indiana and its capital in Indiana State Museum. The museum halls are equipped with modern interactive equipment, and its collection, consisting of rarities, artifacts, and a documentary archive, is extremely popular among guests of Indianapolis. The museum is located in the beautiful White River State Park.

Indianapolis is a city whose streets and neighborhoods are thoroughly saturated with the history of the state, where you can see examples of ancient culture and architecture at every turn. Another museum telling about the history of the state, its settlers, their lives is Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Here you will see works of art depicting the life of the indigenous population of the state, as well as their household items, weapons, archival photographs, watch films about the Indians and their relationships with European settlers.

If you are traveling to Indianapolis with children or just want to return to your childhood, we recommend visiting. This is the largest museum of its kind in the world. On five floors you will get acquainted not only with exhibitions on natural history, world and American culture, but you will also see exhibits only in their only form, rare items, and rare collections. The most visited are the paleontological exhibition “Dinosphere” and the composition “Glass Fireworks”. If you wish, you can visit city ​​zoo

Indianapolis Auto Racing

Indianapolis is known all over the world as the site of the prestigious Indy 500 races. They take place in the city for only one day, once a year on the last Sunday of May, but it attracts almost 260 thousand speed enthusiasts, fans, fans and just tourists who are in this time in the city. Oval track "Old Brickhouse" The Indianapolis Motor Speedway on this day it is completely filled with spectators. The first open-wheel car races took place in 1909, and since 1911 they began to be held annually. It is also interesting that at the end of the race, the winners on the podium drink not champagne, but milk. And in the middle of the last century, Formula 1 races took place on the legendary track.

When the race track is open Museum of Glory, which displays racing cars, fireballs that are more than a hundred years old, prizes, cups, flags, pilots’ clothing, archival photos, documents, in general, everything related to auto racing.

Very beautiful city. Everything in it is thought out for work and relaxation. And the green parks hanging gardens arts right in the city center, water canals, a harmonious combination of old quarters and the new city, kilometers of pedestrian streets make it attractive to travelers.

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When in Indianapolis Formula 1 races were held, I never made it to one of the most famous race tracks in the world. Now the American Grand Prix has moved to Texas, and Indiana specializes exclusively in the American series. And it so happened that I arrived here on the eve of the Indy 500, the famous 500 miles of Indianapolis, when the city lives with a race of little interest to me, and on the eve of Memorial Day. Contrary to expectations, the city was empty!

Located in the center of Indiana on the White River, Indianapolis as seen from geographical location is located at the crossroads of America, because roads leading both from the north of the country to the south and from east to west converge there. Therefore, the main US trade routes pass through Indianapolis. Moreover, it is not only the commercial and financial center of the state, but also has industrial production. And, as I already said, the world famous auto race, the Indianapolis 500, is held here.

Indianapolis on the map

How to get to downtown Indianapolis from the airport

Planes fly into Indianapolis from all over the world, and there are probably as many international flights as local ones. You can view flights from New York.

So, from the Indianapolis airport, located 11 kilometers southwest of downtown (almost within the city limits), you can easily get to the city center:

• by taxi.
  • The cost is calculated according to the taxi meter in Yellow cab. Landing cost is $3, each mile is $2. Waiting time in traffic is $0.40 per minute. Also, $0.65 is added to the cost for each passenger. Thus approximate cost from the Indianapolis airport to the city center without traffic jams will be $25.
  • In a taxi Uber other prices. Base price - $1.25, per minute - $0.15, per mile - $0.75, per service - $1.5.
• by rented car. Look the best prices Can .
• on the Indy Airport shuttle. Buses run every half hour from 5:00 to 23:00. The cost of travel from the airport to the center is $10.
• by IndyGo bus. This is the so-called green line, bus No. 205, which only runs between the airport and the center. The trip will take only 20 minutes (if there are no traffic jams) and 7 dollars.

Indianapolis City Transportation also well developed. From the center you can change to any bus and go wherever you need to go. There are a lot of routes, and the final stops for each of them are located in the center, mainly at the intersection of Ohio and Capital.

• One trip costs $1.75
• day pass – $4
• for a week – $20.

Hotels in Indianapolis - where to stay

Downtown Indianapolis is home to many hotels as business and leisure travelers flock to the city during the Indy 500.

Here are examples of good ones hotels in downtown Indianapolis:

• Luxury 4-star hotel in Downtown at Monument Circle with business center, pool, fitness center and elegant, spacious rooms Conrad Indianapolis >>
• 3 star hotel next to the Canal with excellent breakfast, spacious rooms and kitchenette and swimming pool - Residence Inn Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal >>
• Indianapolis' finest hotel with bright, spacious rooms close to the stadium and Hall of Champions. Guests praise the excellent breakfast, state-of-the-art fitness center, pool and business center. The name and four stars speak for themselves - JW Marriott Indianapolis >>
• Small and cozy hotel 4* in the historical center, but close to all other attractions. With breakfast, restaurant, fitness center and spa - Inn at The Villa >>

Indianapolis at Memorial Day

Shops and even almost all supermarkets in the city center during the auto race 500 miles of Indianapolis were closed. People interested in the race were either at the race track or clustered around their companies in places unknown to me. Those who were not interested went out of town, left in cars, traveled around in vans. national parks, of which there is enough for everyone in the USA. But it’s a three-day weekend at the end of May with such good weather! Well at least there were buses! Not a total Shabbat.

City of Indianapolis - my review and photo

The city center is very small. You can walk around it in about fifteen minutes. And as soon as you step outside Michigan Avenue, you'll be amazed at how quickly Indianapolis has changed its face. That's just where he was business center with skyscrapers of various companies (like in Los Angeles), beautiful historical government buildings, and you took a few steps and before your eyes are cozy houses! Okay, there is still a small layer of three-story buildings like the Indianapolis star office. But then immediately beautiful, cozy houses. It's like a fairytale! And greenery all around!

Walk from the center almost to the outskirts

Downtown

Beautiful street clock

A huge stele in the center of Indianapolis is visible from afar

Quality homes and lawns everywhere

Downtown in Indianapolis

Downtown. The Red Building - The Indianapolis Star

High quality brick house

Simpler houses

Broad Ripple area

There is a neighborhood called Broad Ripple in Indianapolis - it's a fairy tale within a fairy tale! Located in the north of the city, it is a hub of alternative designers, organic food stores, jazz cafes and vinyl record distribution centers. In general, vegetarians like me like it here. Nearby is the long Monon Trail for cyclists and those who like to run or just walk.

Ready for the Indianapolis 500 Miles!

The fountain shoots up

Waterfowl

Tractor cleaning the canal

There is a lot of greenery in the city

Trees in sunlight

Beautiful Christmas trees along the road

White River Park

Indianapolis occupies approximately the same area as Moscow and has the same ring road around the city. And of course my first expectation was to see something similar to the Russian capital - urban heaps and industrial zones. And what appeared before me? That's right, a fairy tale! My friend said that his city is one of the cleanest in the USA, despite a large number of production around. I doubted it. And my friend didn’t lie at all, he’s absolutely right. Maybe they don’t wash the asphalt with shampoo here, but they keep an eye on cleanliness. You can even see this from my photos from Indianapolis.

I don't know if modern Indianapolis can be divided into two parts - the central high-rise and the rest. I don't think this will be fair. After all, it’s so cozy in the city center that it almost brings tears to your eyes. And the White River Park, where most of the museums are located, is a completely different story! The White River was once intended for navigation, but this project failed, but the residents of the city got a beautiful canal along which it is pleasant to stroll.

Exemplary Embankment

You can enjoy strolling along the canal here.

Just imagine: you are walking in the center modern city, and suddenly geese cross your path... Very serious geese!

Hand-footed goose!

Geese in the city

The duck watches modestly

Indianapolis residents love their city.

This manual for urban architects

Downtown view

Realistic sculpture - deer in motion

Old style is always in fashion

Contemporary urban architecture in Indianapolis

Kurt Vonnegut, the famous American writer, was born here

My friend also said that Indianapolis is not even a city, but a village. And again he is right. This is a huge, clean village in which it is very convenient to live. Even me, who doesn't have a car. After all, the bus network is fully developed!

Even in the photo, Indianapolis does not look like any other American city. Neither their closest and more famous neighbor will be able to say that they are any better. There is no point in comparing. Indie is unique!

You find yourself in your childhood, in your grandfather’s beloved village, where there is the smell of hay and the birds are singing, where you can breathe well. But this is a city, with all its advantages and temptations. Such things, as one famous native of Indianapolis, Kurt Vonnegut, loved to say. My favorite writer, by the way.

Kurt Vonnegut was born in Indianapolis

Los Angeles also became favorite places.

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general information

The heart of Indianapolis - Monument Circle (Monument Circle). White River State Park and many entertainment centers are located about a kilometer to the west. The Broad Ripple area is 11.27 km north of College Avenue (College Ave) and 62nd Street (62nd St).

Many of the early automobile manufacturers set up shop in the city, but they were eclipsed by Detroit's giants. They left their legacy - a 4.02-kilometer test track, site of the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911 (during which average speed was 120.70 km/h).

The city celebrates the Indy 500 in May during the 500 Festival (www.500festival.com; tickets from $7). Events include a racers' parade and a wild party at the race track.

Hotels become more expensive and fully booked during the race period in May, July and August. A 17% tax must also be added to the prices listed below. Look for Cheap Motels Off I-465 (freeway circling Indianapolis).

Useful contacts

Indiana University Medical Center (Indiana University Medical Center) (Tel: 317-274-4705; 550 N University Blvd)

Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau (Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Bureau) (Tel: 800-323-4639; www.visitindy.com) Download free apps and print coupons from their website.

Transport

international Airport Indianapolis (Indianapolis International Airport) (IND; www.indianapolisairport.com ; 7800 Col Weir Cook Memorial Dr) is located 25.75 km southeast of the city. Bus Washington (8) travels between the airport and the city center ($1.75, 50 minutes); Green Line buses travel the same route faster ($7, 20 minutes). A taxi to the city center costs about $35.

Greyhound (Greyhound) (Tel: 317-267-3076; www.greyhound.com) shares Union Station (Union Station) (350 S Illinois St) with Amtrak. Buses travel frequently to Cincinnati (2 hours) and Chicago (3.5 hours). Megabass (Megabus) (www.megabus.com/us) stops at 200 E Washington St (Washington Street), travel on these buses is often cheap. Amtrak also travels this route, but almost twice as slow. (absurd) and more expensive.

The Midwest of the United States of America is represented by the city of Indianapolis. The large industrial center of Indianapolis is the capital of the state that shares its name - Indiana. The population is more than 800 thousand inhabitants. Together with its satellite cities, Indiana is a large agglomeration - “Greater Indianapolis”, numbering 1.7 million people. The city has a well-developed and diversified industry. Mechanical engineering and printing, metallurgy and pharmaceuticals, all this brings excellent income and considerable fame to the city.

But the city of Indianapolis is famous for another reason. It was made famous by the automobile industry. Its development began long before Henry Ford first thought about his first car. In this regard, the city has its own racing track, which was originally a track for various types of car testing. Now it hosts not only the famous Indy 500 race, but also the world famous Formula 1 race.

Another attraction of the city is the huge, 87-meter-high monument to sailors and soldiers - Soldiers\’ and Sailors\’ Monument. It is known for the fact that according to the laws of Indianapolis it is highest point city ​​and no building under construction should be built higher than this monument. This architectural monument was built in 1898.

However, there are no rules that cannot be broken. In 1962, for the first time, a building was built higher than the famous monument - the City Hall Building. Subsequently, few people paid attention to the old law. Just look at the skyscrapers One Indiana Square and Chase Tower, which have exceeded the 200-meter height mark.

Indianapolis city map

In addition to industry, the city is a major transport hub. 6 passes through Indianapolis railways and many highways. The city also has its own airport.

The city also does not lag behind in cultural development. Many museums, including the Benjamin Harrison House Museum, the American Legion Headquarters, the Art Museum and many others. Many masterpieces of architecture, one of which is the Memorial to the Indiana State Soldiers Who Died in the First world war. It is called The War Memorial Plaza, its height is 64 meters, the prototype for its project was the Mausoleum in Helicarnassus - one of the seven wonders of the world.

Indianapolis is historically divided into six cultural districts, each of which is good in its own way. Special place Among the architectural monuments is the Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Among other things, the city is full of greenery; more than 200 parks are spread throughout the city. The largest of them is Eagle Creek Park.

Along with its cultural achievements, Indianapolis is considered a major educational center. The city is home to many universities, the oldest of which is Butler University, founded in 1855. There are also many small museums and galleries at universities.

Another feature that sets the city apart from others is that Indianapolis is the only major city in the United States that does not have its own metro.

Returning to the mentioned track and auto racing, let's add. Every year the city hosts the world's most famous motorsport race, the Indy 500. This race lasts only one day on a track called the “brick pit” and attracts motorsport fans from all over the world. It is called a brick building because it was originally paved with bricks. More than three million bricks were used to build the road. Of course, the route is currently paved, but in tribute to tradition, the first meter of the route was left paved.

Indianapolis is the capital of the state of Indiana, often abbreviated as Indy. According to 2013 estimates, Indianapolis has 843 thousand residents. This The largest city Indiana, one of the top 20 cities by population in the United States. In addition, Indianapolis is the third largest city (after Chicago and Detroit) in the Midwest and the largest state capital east of the Mississippi River.

Greater Indianapolis is home to more than 1.7 million people and is the 33rd largest metropolitan area by population.

In 1898, the 87-meter Soldiers and Sailors Monument was erected in Indianapolis. According to city rules, no building could be taller than this monument. The Soldiers and Sailors Monument is located in the center of Monument Circle.

The City Hall building, erected in 1962, was the first structure to exceed this height. Notable buildings built later include the One Indiana Square skyscraper (1982) and the city's tallest building, Chase Tower (214 meters, built in 1990).

Indianapolis officially has 6 districts that are cultural attractions and centers of tourism attraction: Fountain Square, Massachusetts Avenue, Indiana Avenue, Canal and White River State Park, Broad Ripple Village, The Whole Sale District. By 2011, the city plans to complete the construction of the Cultural Trail, which will connect 5 main attractions of the city.

In Indianapolis, there is a colossal memorial dedicated to American soldiers who fought in the wars. The War Memorial Plaza was originally planned as a memorial to Indiana soldiers who died in World War I war. Construction of the war memorial was frozen during the period Great Depression and was finally completed only in 1951. The prototype of The War Memorial was one of the wonders of the world - the Mausoleum of Mausolus (Mausoleum in Halicarnassus). The memorial is 64 meters high and is believed to be a third higher than the ancient wonder of the world.

Indianapolis is home to about 200 municipal parks, the largest of which is Eagle Creek Park. The Indianapolis Zoo is located west of downtown in White River State Park. Indianapolis is the largest city in the United States without a subway system.

Every year, Indianapolis hosts one of the most famous events in the world of motorsports. The Indy 500 is a legendary automobile race and the largest one-day sporting event in the entire world. The track is often referred to as the "brick road" due to the fact that it was paved with 3.2 million bricks after its construction in 1909. Currently, the surface is made of asphalt, although in order to maintain tradition, the 1 yard at the starting line is made of bricks. The famous race takes place on the oval track The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which can accommodate 257 thousand spectators.

Indianapolis Photos