Some of the most interesting places to see in Indy are just a bike ride away. Graphic by Maddy Broderick. 

SAMUEL DEMIS | STAFF REPORTER | sademis@butler.edu 

Between Homecoming, Family Weekend and sporting events, students always have opportunities for family to visit from out of town. However, Butler is not a large campus; after touring the dorms, dining halls, academic buildings and athletic complexes, there is not much else to see. 

Luckily, the Indianapolis area is full of unique sites and attractions to keep family visits interesting. Butler students weighed in on some of their favorite places to showcase.

Fountain Square

Fountain Square is a lively downtown neighborhood with plenty to see and do. After recognition as one of Indianapolis’s six cultural districts in 1999, the area surrounding the Lady Spray Fountain has been revitalized with shops, restaurants and entertainment. The Fountain Square Theater building alone is home to a hotel, restaurants, a rooftop garden and duckpin bowling alleys. The area is also connected to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, making the site very easy to include in a multiple-stop trip. 

Newfields

All 152 acres of Newfields are packed with interesting things to see. The grounds include the Indianapolis Museum of Art, an expansive gallery containing over 500,000 works. The gardens make for a beautiful walking trail, and Harvest Nights add a multitude of spooky decorations to experience at night. 

Indiana War Memorial

The Indiana War Memorial serves as a tribute to the Hoosiers who risked everything to fight for the United States. The main floor of the building contains a list of every Indiana citizen who served in the First and Second World Wars, Korea and Vietnam.

Kyle Insignares, a senior finance and entrepreneurship and innovation double major, said this site was a must-see, especially for families with ties to the military.

“Being in the military myself, [the monument] is a very inspiring place,” Insignares said. “It’s great to be able to share that inspiration with my family.”

The building also contains a free museum that features an AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter and a gallery of artifacts related to the USS Indianapolis. 

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

For those with younger siblings, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has plenty to do for all ages, including the Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience. 

Sophomore psychology-sociology major Ku Slider discussed why the museum should not be overlooked.

“It might seem strange [to visit] because we’re adults, but the fact that it’s the largest children’s museum in the world makes it worth a visit,” Slider said. “One of my close friends even told me it’s his favorite place in the world.”

White River State Park

The White River State Park is perfect for more outdoorsy relatives and is connected to the beautiful 4.5-mile White River Trail. The location offers a great place to walk or bike, and offers easy access to Victory Field, the Indianapolis Zoo and the NCAA Hall of Champions. 

The park is also the site of the Indiana State Museum, allowing visitors to experience the city’s history and greenery in one place.

Massachusetts Avenue

This downtown area fosters an environment of safety and family fun, with plenty of options for food and entertainment. Mass Ave is also an Indianapolis Cultural Trail stop, making it very easy to incorporate into a day trip.

Michael Overbeck, a senior finance and marketing double major, discussed why he enjoys bringing his family to this area.

“I feel like the combination of historical architecture and modern businesses highlights the best of what the city has to offer,” Overbeck said. “It truly seems like there is never a dull moment whenever I visit.” 

Overall, the city of Indianapolis offers a multitude of locations and experiences to make family visits more interesting. Family Weekend is all about spending time with loved ones and sharing the college experience. A vibrant and lively surrounding area is an essential part of any college campus, and the city of Indianapolis is an A-class example.