Indiana’s capitol and unmistakably its biggest, Indianapolis has turned into a Midwest Mecca of sorts. In recent years, the downtown area has shot up with additions of elaborate stadiums, monuments, entertainment complexes, shopping and the like. This part of town, formerly quite foundationless, now boasts semi-bustling nightlife and wide reaching cultural amenities.

Indianapolis is still a very Midwest town. It’s most popular tourist attraction remains the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which draws tens of thousands to the lawns and bleachers every year for booze and fast cars. The weekend of the race is now fully stocked with activities and entertainment, plus the adjoining Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum is open year round. The race, along with several college basketball tournaments every March, brings visitors from all over the country.
Other interesting attractions include the James Dean wing of the downtown museum, the Conseco Fieldhouse, the substantial Indianapolis Zoo and the supposed burial plot of John Dillinger, just outside of town.

Indianapolis is well on its way to being considered a “major city” by those who care to label these things.