Indianapolis: "A gray and faceless city where there is no point in going" - Indianapolis - USA - Articles catalog - Traveling with Oleg Baranovsky. Unique Indianapolis or "big village" Indy, in which you want to live Natural and climatic conditions, weather In

Welcome to Indianapolis, or, as the Americans love it, just Indy! It is located in the Midwest, in 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 sights, a rich excursion, bright youth festivals, and 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 the American Formula-1 are held. Its Downtown is # 1 in the entire United States. Forbes thinks so. Don't believe me? Then let's go check it out!

City walk

Arriving in Indie, the first thing you do is go to its center. Well, everyone knows it - aristocratic, atmospheric, luxurious, in it every street, every square, every building will tell a little about the history of the city. Here are Victorian houses, and here are memorials to the soldiers of the First World War, soldiers and sailors of all kinds of US warriors. Here are glass skyscrapers, and here are the classic 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 historic

The symbol of the city is (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's and Christmas, according to tradition, this memorial is decorated like a New Year's tree.

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

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

If you have been to Washington, then you will certainly compare Indy with him. Here, too, there are not many tall buildings, large squares, memorials. The city has its own Capitol, because he, like in any other city in the United States, personifies all the greatness of the American nation. This is a kind of spirit of freedom and independence. Sometimes it seems that all the capitols in America are the same. But, looking closer, you see - they are all different, in the same style, but with their own character.

So, at the top of the dome is decorated with figures of people from local Indian tribes. And along its perimeter, you can see many monuments and sculptures dedicated to prominent personalities in the history of the United States. Judging by the fact that the Capitol has many shops, seating areas and free entrance to the interior, you cannot immediately say that this is a state government building.

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

Opposite the obelisk there is a religious building, a Masonic shrine -. The War Memorial hosts U.S. Independence Day, Veterans Day, and other national events and official celebrations every year.

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

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

Indiana's Treasury of Knowledge

When you exit White River State Park, you will see a building Indianapolis Central Library... Here is a place that should by no means be missed. You can't even imagine how interesting, beautiful, informative and cool there is!

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

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

An oasis in the center of the capital

Unusual in Indianapolis embankmentIndianaCentralCanal. This is a pedestrian zone along the river canal, sports paths for runners and cyclists, bridges on which artists paint pictures, cozy cafes with tables right on the banks of the canal, and the canal itself, along which you can sail on a catamaran or a pleasure boat in the company of ducks. ... It’s hard to believe that there is such a cozy place to relax among skyscrapers and office centers! Lucky for those local, whose houses were built right on the embankment of the Central Canal.

Indianapolis cultural landmarks

A number of Indianapolis museums and galleries must be included in the cultural program of 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 young talents from Indiana, as well as those for whom art is a hobby.

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

To learn more about the history of Indiana and its capital, visit Indiana State Museum... The museum halls are equipped with modern interactive equipment, and its collection, consisting of rarities, artifacts, documentary archives, is extremely popular with Indianapolis guests. The museum is located in the picturesque White River State Park.

Indianapolis is a city whose streets and neighborhoods are steeped in the history of the state, where you can see examples of ancient culture and architecture at every turn. Another museum that tells about the history of the state, its settlers, their lives is Museum of American Indian 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, their relationship with European settlers.

If you are traveling to Indianapolis with children or just want to return to childhood, we recommend visiting. It is the largest museum of its kind in the world. On five floors, you will get acquainted not only with expositions on natural history, world and American culture, but also see exhibits in their only form, rare items, 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

All over the world, Indianapolis is known as the venue for 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 lovers, fans, fans and just tourists who are in this time in the city. Oval track "Old brick" The Indianapolis Motor Speedway this day is completely filled with spectators. The first car races with open wheels 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 do not drink champagne, but milk. And in the middle of the last century, the legendary track hosted the Formula 1 stage races.

Opened at the circuit Museum of Glory, in which racing cars, cars that are more than a hundred years old, prizes, cups, flags, pilots' clothes, archive photos, documents, in general, everything related to auto racing are exhibited.

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

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When in Indianapolis there were Formula 1 races, I never got to one of the most famous racing circuits 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 on 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 is geographically at the crossroads of America, as roads converge from north to south and east to west. Therefore, the main trade routes of the United States pass through Indianapolis. Moreover, it is not only a commercial and financial center of the state, but also has industrial production. And, as I said, the world famous auto race - Indianapolis 500 miles - is held here.

Indianapolis on the map

How to get to downtown Indianapolis from the airport

Planes arrive in 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 by taxi meter in Yellow cab... Boarding cost is $ 3, each mile is $ 2. Traffic waiting time $ 0.40 per minute. Also $ 0.65 for each passenger is added to the cost. Thus, the approximate cost from Indianapolis airport to the city center without traffic jams will be $ 25.
  • In a taxi Uber other rates. Base price $ 1.25, per minute $ 0.15, per mile $ 0.75, and service $ 1.5.
• by rented car... You can see the best prices.
• by shuttle Indy Airport shuttle... Buses run every half hour from 5:00 to 23:00. The fare from the airport to the center is $ 10.
• by IndyGo bus... This is the so-called green line, bus number 205, which only does what 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 well developed too. From the center, you can change to any bus and go wherever you want. Routes are plentiful, and each terminus is centrally located, mostly 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

There are a lot of hotels in downtown Indianapolis, as the city is visited by businessmen and tourists during the Indy 500 races.

Here are examples of good hotels in downtown Indianapolis:

• Luxury 4-star hotel in Downtown at Circle Monument with business center, swimming pool, fitness center and elegant spacious rooms Conrad Indianapolis >>
• 3 star hotel next to the Canal with excellent breakfast, spacious rooms and kitchenette and pool - Residence Inn Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal >>
• Indianapolis's premier hotel with light, spacious rooms adjacent to the stadium and Champions Hall. 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 >>
• A small and cozy 4 * hotel 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 circuit or clustered around their companies in places unknown to me. Those who were not interested left the city, drove away in cars, in vans to travel through national parks, which in the United States are enough for everyone. And then after all, three days off at the end of May in such good weather! Well at least the buses were running! Not an all-out Shabbat.

Indianapolis city - my review and photo

The city center is very small. You can get around it in about fifteen minutes. And once you step outside Michigan Avenue, you will be amazed at how quickly Indianapolis changed its face. Just now, it was a business center with skyscrapers of various companies (like in Los Angeles), beautiful historical government buildings, and you took a few steps and cozy houses are in front of your eyes! Okay, there is still a small layer of three-story buildings like the Indianapolis star office. But then, at once, beautiful, cozy houses. Like a fairytale! And greens all around!

Walk from the center almost to the outskirts

Downtown

Beautiful street clock

Huge stele in downtown Indianapolis visible from afar

Quality homes and lawns everywhere

Downtown in Indianapolis

Downtown. Red Building - Indianapolis Star Newspaper

Quality brick house

Simpler houses

Broad Ripple District

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

Ready for 500 miles of Indianapolis!

The fountain beats up

Waterfowl

Tractor cleans the canal

There is a lot of greenery in the city

Trees in sunlight

Beautiful Christmas trees along the road

River Wight Park

Indianapolis covers about the same area as Moscow, there is 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! A friend of mine said that his city is one of the cleanest in the United States, despite the large amount of manufacturing around. I doubted. And the friend did not lie at all, he is absolutely right. Maybe they don't wash the asphalt here with shampoo, but they keep an eye on the cleanliness. You can see this even from my photo 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 it will be fair. Indeed, in the center of the city it is so cozy that almost tears welling up in my eyes. And the Park by the River White, where most of the museums are concentrated, is another story altogether! The White River was once intended for navigation, but this project failed, but the residents of the city got a beautiful canal, which is a pleasure to walk by.

Exemplary embankment

You can take a walk along the canal here with pleasure.

Just imagine: you are walking in the center of a modern city, and suddenly geese cross your way ... They are very serious geese!

Gripping goose!

Geese in the city

The duck is watching modestly

The people of Indianapolis are very fond of their city.

A true guide for urban architects

Downtown view

Realistic sculpture - deer in motion

Old style is always in vogue

Contemporary urban architecture in Indianapolis

Kurt Vonnegut, a 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, which is very comfortable to live in. Even me, who doesn't have a car. After all, the bus network is one hundred percent developed!

Even in the photo, Indianapolis does not look like any other American city. Neither the nearest and more famous neighbor, nor can they say that they are any better. It's useless to compare. Indie is unique!

You find yourself in your childhood, in your grandfather's favorite village, where it smells of hay and the birds are singing, where you breathe well. But this is a city with all its advantages and temptations. Things like this are what one famous Indianapolis native, Kurt Vonnegut, liked to say. My favorite writer, by the way.

Kurt Vonnegut was born in Indianapolis

Los Angeles has also become a favorite destination.

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To travel around the USA by car, it is better to book a car in advance at a low price.

general information

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

Many of the earliest car manufacturers opened stores in the city, but they were overshadowed by the giants of Detroit. They left their legacy - a 4.02 km test track, the site of the first Indianapolis 500 race in 1911 (during which the 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)... Among the events are a parade of racers and a noisy party on the racetrack.

Hotels are becoming more expensive and fully booked during the races in May, July and August. To the prices listed below, there is still a 17% tax to be added. Look for cheap motels off I-465 (freeway ringing 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 site.

Transport

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

Greyhound (Greyhound) (Tel: 317-267-3076; www.greyhound.com) divides Union station (Union Station) (350 S Illinois St) with Amtrak Buses run frequently in Cincinnati (2 hours) and chicago (З.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 Indianapolis (Indianapolis) is the capital of the state consonant with the name - Indiana. The population is over 800 thousand inhabitants. Together with its satellite cities, Indiana is a large metropolitan area - 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 bring the city an excellent income and considerable fame.

But the city of Indianapolis is famous for a different reason. The automotive industry glorified him. 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 kinds of car tests. Now it hosts not only the famous Indy 500 races, but also the world famous Formula 1 races.

Another attraction of the city is a huge, 87 meters high monument to sailors and soldiers - Soldiers \ 'and Sailors \' Monument. He is known for the fact that, according to the laws of Indianapolis, this is the highest point of the city and no building under construction should be built above this monument. This architectural monument was built in 1898.

However, there are no rules that do not break. In 1962, for the first time, a building was built above the famous monument - the Building of the City Hall. Subsequently, few people paid attention to the old law. That there are only skyscrapers One Indiana Square and Chase Tower, which crossed the 200-meter height mark.

Indianapolis city map

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

The city is also not lagging behind in cultural development. Many museums, including the Benjamin Harrison House Museum, the American Legion's headquarters, the Museum of Art and many others. Many architectural masterpieces, one of which is the Memorial to Indiana Soldiers Who Died in the First World War. It is called The War Memorial Plaza, its height is 64 meters, the prototype for his project was the Mausoleum in Helikarnassus - one of the seven wonders of the world.

Indianapolis is historically divided into six cultural areas, each of which is good in its own way. The Scottish Rite Cathedral occupies a special place among the architectural monuments.

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.

On an equal footing with cultural achievements, Indianapolis is considered a major center of education. The city is home to many universities, the oldest of which is Butler University, founded in 1855. Universities also have many small museums and galleries.

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

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

Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and is often abbreviated as Indy. An estimated 2013 Indianapolis has a population of 843,000. It is the largest city in Indiana and is among 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 over 1.7 million people and is the 33rd most populous metropolitan area.

In 1898, the 87-meter Soldiers "and Sailors" Monument was erected in Indianapolis. According to city rules, no building should have been taller than this monument. A monument to soldiers and sailors is installed in the center of the Monument Circle.

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

Indianapolis officially distinguishes 6 districts that are cultural attractions and centers of attraction for tourism: 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 sights of the city at once.

Indianapolis has a colossal memorial dedicated to the American military who fought in the wars. The War Memorial Plaza was originally planned as a memorial to the Indiana soldiers who died in World War I. The construction of the war memorial was frozen during the 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 Mausoleum (Mausoleum in Halicarnassus). The memorial is 64 meters high and it is believed that it is one third higher than the ancient wonder of the world.

Indianapolis has about 200 municipal parks, the largest of which is Eagle Creek Park. To the west of downtown in the White River State Park is the Indianapolis Zoo. Indianapolis is the largest city in the United States without a metro system.

Indianapolis hosts one of the most famous events in the world of motorsport every year. The Indy 500 is a legendary car race and the largest one-day sporting event in the world. The track is often called "brick" because after its construction in 1909 it was paved with 3.2 million bricks. Currently, the pavement is asphalt, although 1 yard on the starting line is paved with bricks to preserve tradition. The famous race takes place on the oval track of The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which can accommodate 257 thousand spectators.

Indianapolis Photos