Downtown, Indianapolis

Benjamin Harrison, Senator of Indiana (1880), who was elected President of the United States in 1888, died in Indianapolis in 1901. His house at 1230 North Delaware Street, with its original Victorian furniture, can be visited.Benjamin Harrison's sixteen room Italianate Victorian house, built in 1874-75, figured prominently in his campaign for the presidency. Visit the home and learn about Harrison's skills as a lawyer, the cases he took before the U. S. Supreme Court, his reputation as a military leader of men, his conservation efforts, his expertise in foreign affairs and his expansion of the U. S. Navy.This home of the 23rd President of the United States is chock full of Harrison's personal items along with 3,700 artifacts and 2,440 books. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site hosts several special events throughout the year including a President's Day celebration and Valentines Day poetry reading.

Visitors can immerese themselves in the rich elegance of the Victorian era at the 1865 Morris-Butler House in Indianapolis. Tours, events, and exhibits at the museum highlight architecture, decorative arts, and family life in the nineteenth century. From the dramatic formal parlor to the private living quarters, see how an upper-middle-class family and their servants lived in the Victorian era. Rare furnishings fill rooms adorned with stenciled ceilings and elaborate wall-paper and plasterwork. In addition to its magnificent architecture, the museum contains a collection of 19th-century sculptures, paintings and lithographs from all over the world. Events at the museum include holiday performances, educational programs, seasonal exhibits, and guided tours. The mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Indiana World War Memorial is located in Indianapolis. This imposing square monument stands as a silent reminder to the folly of war and honors the fallen soldiers. The Indiana World War Memorial has three floors. The Shrine Room on the 3rd floor symbolizes peace and unity as it is constructed with building materials from around the world. Also in the war memorial is a museum dedicated to the soldiers of Indiana. The Indiana World War Memorial is well worth a visit if you are in town.

The Indiana State Capitol Building is located in downtown Indianapolis. The State Capitol is also called the Statehouse. This beautiful building, built in the Renaissance Revival style, was built in 1888 and has been in use ever since. The Indiana State Capitol Building has a wonderful interior with a stained glass dome, marble floors, and granite columns. Of particular note are the designs painted on the ceilings. The grounds of the Indiana State Capitol Building are pleasantly landscaped and have various historical monuments of interest.

Located in Indianapolis is the Indiana State Library. The library was opened in 1934 in its present location; however, it has been serving the needs of the state residents since 1825. Inside the library visitors will find an extensive catalog of items along with Internet access. The Indiana State Library also features traveling exhibits in its Great Hall, check to see what's on when you are in town.

Sports buffs will want to be sure to visit the National Art Museum of Sport in Indianapolis. Here visitors will find a treasure trove of sport related art. The National Art Museum of Sport has over 800 items that represent 40 different sports. The collection is showcased throughout University Place on the campus of Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument was constructed from 1888 to 1901 and designed by Bruno Schmitz. Erected as a memorial to the soldiers and sailors of the War for the Union (1861-65), it also commemorates the War with Mexico (1846-48), Indian and British Wars (1811-12), War of the Revolution and the capture of Vincennes from the British on February 25, 1779.

The Home of James Whitcomb Riley is located in Indianapolis. This wonderfully restored house is located in historic Lockerbie, one of the city's finest neighborhoods. The James Whitcomb Riley home is chock full of period pieces and items of note from the author's life including his writing desk, top hat, and cane.

The Indiana Historical Society Museum is located in Indianapolis. This wonderful museum holds a vast collection of historical items related to 21 specific areas. Some of these themes include the American Civil War, Architecture, and the Old Northwest Territory.