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There's good reason they call Indiana "The Crossroads of America".

With Indianapolis at the cross-section of four major US highways, today Indianapolis is also the prime tourist hub and at the crossroads of major American sporting events.

Besides being home of the Indiana Pacers and the Indianapolis Colts, the city is also host to the world famous Indy 500 race in May and the NASCAR "Brickyard" 400 in August at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Beyond the sporting scene, Indianapolis is also a top family-friendly destination -- offering kids world-class exhibits at the The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, along with the only underwater dolphin viewing dome in the United States at the Indianapolis Zoo. Also don't miss an eclectic mix of exhibitions ranging from prehistory to pop culture at the Indiana State Museum.

Indiana must-sees include family-friendly attractions in Indianapolis including
the Indianapolis Zoo (right); summer vistas at Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore (middle), and year-around fun at Santa Claus, Indiana (right).

also see -> This Christmas in Indiana   |  Indiana Wineries & Vineyards

2024 Indiana Fall Foliage

Creativity is on tap at the IndyFringe Festival in August ranging from comedy, drama, cabaret and stage musicals, to visual art and fun street performances.

2024 Indiana events and festivals

Just up ahead, check out our 2024 Indiana travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information. Happy travels!

May 22, 2024 -- Zoopolis 500 Tortoise Race, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis - The excitement! The utter lack of speed! Follow the crowds to the "Greatest Spectacle in Tortoise Racing".

June 22 - June 23, 2024 -- Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market and Festival Indianapolis - The Eiteljorg Museum plays host to this annual festival celebrating Native cultures with music, arts & crafts vendors, and native food. Try the Navajo tacos!

June 15 - June 16, 2024 -- Talbot Street Art Fair Indianapolis - One of the top art fairs in the country features original paintings and fine art crafts from more than 200 artists from across the country, including kids' art activities, and street fair food delectables.

July 6, 2023 - July 15, 2024 -- Three Rivers Festival Fort Wayne - Thousands from Northeast Indiana, southern Michigan and northwest Ohio come together for a summer tri-state fling -- including carnival rides, live music concerts, outdoor art, a children's fest, food vendors (don't miss Junk Food Alley) and more.

July 13 - July 20, 2024 -- Circus City Festival Peru - A combination circus and street carnival with rides, food, games and more on the main streets of Peru and for the grand finale - the Circus City Parade - one of the states' largest.

July 26 - August 18, 2024 -- Indiana State Fair Indianapolis - Check out who's headlining the free concert lineup, enjoy state fair food and swag, and don't miss the living history exhibits and livestock show.

August 1 - August 4, 2024 -- Amish Acres Arts, Crafts & Music Festival Nappanee - Join the fun with free music concerts, food trucks and vendors, arts & crafts, and kids' activities.

August 15 - September 1, 2024 -- IndyFringe Festival Indianapolis - Get in on the cutting edge of pop culture over three weekends with performances ranging from dance and magic to jazz, circus, stand-up, and world premier theater dramas.


Kid-Friendly Indiana

Visit extra-merry Santa Claus, Indiana -- a top vacation spot featuring Holiday World amusement park (with year-round visits with Ol' St. Nick), and great summer fun at Splashin' Safari park.

In northern Indiana at Nappanee, you can also take a trip back in time to Amish Acres and its historic homestead featuring the only Amish farm listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

For nature lovers, top Indiana travel destinations include the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

More about Indiana tourist attractions around the Web:

Visit Indiana - Check out the Interactive travel guide to the entire state including regional attractions, festivals and events, printable travel discount coupons, hotel & restaurant guide, trip planner, photos, maps.

Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau - Find out what to do, and where to eat and stay in the state's capital including major attractions, cultural and entertainment highlights, hotel & restaurants, maps, pictures, and expert tips and suggestions for singles, couples and family fun.