Fun Friday
Good Morning we have made it through another week and now it's time to go on our weekly Friday adventure.
Can you guess where we are going this week? We are going to visit the state of Indiana
1.) Children's Museum of Indianapolis price of admission varies based on day you're going and how much in advance you would like to purchase your ticket prices start at $20 hours of operation are 10-5 The largest children's museum in the world just got even bigger with the addition of a new 7.5-acre outdoor health and fitness area that encourages activity through multiple sports. The new space, called Riley Children's Health Sports Legends Experience, includes basketball, football, hockey, soccer, pedal car racing (drag strip and oval track), golf, baseball, and tennis. The indoor portion of the new area includes the National Art Museum of Sport along with the World of Sport and History of Hoops. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis itself is made up of 500,000 square feet with exhibits and activities that are fun and interesting for the entire family as they explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures and the arts through exciting interactive exhibits on five floors. Families will discover some of the most rare dinosaur fossils in the world and see what it's like to live and work in space. There's also a theater with children's plays and live entertainment.
2.) The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm price of admission is roughly $15 or less but you can check their website for prices as well as book tickets early. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum presents the stories of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the history of the automotive industry in Indiana, and has vehicles and race trophies and memorabilia from race events around the world. It houses one of the most important collections of racing vehicles and memorabilia in the world.
3.) Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari hours of operation are tickets start around $60 see website for all details as well as lodging and ticket deals among other things. Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari are a family-owned theme park and water park combo located in Santa Claus, Indiana. Home of Thunderbird - America’s only launched wing roller coaster, Holiday World celebrates Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July with roller coasters, family rides, a huge water park, live entertainment, games, attractions - and Santa Claus, himself! Splashin’ Safari, ranked one of the nation’s Top Water Parks by TripAdvisor and USA Today, includes the two longest water coasters in the world, family water slides, two wave pools, plus water activities for children. Both parks have been voted the World's Cleanest for more than a dozen years. In 2016, Guinness World Records certified Mammoth as the World's Longest Water Coaster and in 2013, TIME magazine named The Voyage the nation’s #1 wooden coaster. Live entertainment includes musical shows, a high dive show, and Santa's Storytime. Both parks offer free soft drinks, free parking, and free sunscreen. While in town check out Santa's Candy Castle and Museum and Village
4.) Fort Wayne Children's Zoo hours of operation are 9-5pm Price of admission is adults and children over 13 $18 Children ages 2-12 $14 and children under 2 are free #1 Summer "Gotta-Do" Attraction in a contest sponsored by the Indiana Office of Tourism & Development. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is operated by the non-profit Fort Wayne Zoological Society under a cooperative agreement with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreations Department. The zoo receives no tax funding for operations and operates solely on earned revenue and donations. Our Mission: Connecting kids and animals, Strengthening families, Inspiring people to care.
5.) The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum hours of operation are 9-5pm The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum - where the world's finest cars of yesterday live today! Over 120 classic, antique, vintage and special interest cars are displayed with other automotive related exhibits on three floors. The museum is located in the original 1930s national headquarters of the legendary Auburn Automobile Company and is a National Historic Landmark. Visit the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, a place where automotive history comes to life
6.) Studebaker National Museum located in South Bend Hours of operation are 10-5pm Experience over a century on wheels at the Studebaker National Museum, from the Studebaker family’s c. 1835 Conestoga Wagon to the last car to roll off the Studebaker assembly line in 1966. Learn how the world-famous Studebaker Corporation made the transition from being one of the foremost wagon makers to crafting the automobiles of the modern era — the only company to do so successfully. While you are here, be sure to also check out the world’s largest collection of Presidential Carriages.
7.) Marengo Cave hours of operation are 9-5pm Amazing visitors since its discovery in 1883, Marengo Cave offers a wide variety of fun activities! Take a leisurely tour through our spectacular Crystal Palace or Dripstone Trail, pan for gemstones, twist and crawl through our cave simulator, or explore an undeveloped natural cave. You're certain to enjoy your stay!
8.) USS LST Ship Memorial located in Evansville hours of operation are 10-4pm The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc. maintains and operates the USS LST 325, the last fully operational WWII Landing Ship, Tank in the United States, and is dedicated to these very important ships and the men who served on them. The USS LST 325 was one of the over 200 that participated in the Normandy Landings. Tours of the ship are guided as the ship is fully operational, and run on the hour with the last tour going on ship at 3:00 PM. Each year the ship cruises the inland rivers taking the ship to other communities. Please call ahead in September and October to verify that we are in Evansville.
9.) Menno-Hof Mennonite - Amish Visitor Center located in Shipshewana hours of operation are 10-5pm Amish and Mennonite museum and visitor center. Come learn about the way of life and how their culture has lasted a lifetime and why it is still so very popular today. While You're in town please be sure to check out the Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park. People say it's better than a zoo but be sure to bring cash to get snacks for the animals at a $1.00/baggie or cup. Spider monkeys were so interesting and the wagon ride was so fun feeding the various types of animals! While in town check out the Davis Mercantile 21 Distinctive Shopping Experiences Under One Roof! Located in downtown Shipshewana, the Davis Mercantile has something to offer for everyone. Be sure to check out our 1906 Dentzel Carousel, located on the 3rd Floor.
10.) Conner Prairie hours of operation are 10-5pm located in Fishers A Smithsonian Affiliated Museum, which uses innovative ways to present History, Nature, Art, and Science.
11.) Exotic Feline Rescue Center located in Centerpoint hours of operation are 10-5pm We had almost an hour-long tour with a knowledgeable guide who could tell us where the animals came from, why they were there, personality traits, and general information about each animal. White tigers! Tigers! Bobcats, foxes, lynx, leopards. The foliage was heavy so you have to position yourself to see them. She advised where to stand so you don't get sprayed. It was a great tour, just long enough. It is in the middle of nowhere but that is what you would expect. Great tour, great info.
12.) Wolf Park located in Battleground Wolf Park celebrates 50 years of inspiring multiple generations of dedicated wildlife conservationists. In 1972, Purdue professor Dr. Erich Klinghammer established Wolf Park as a nonprofit wolf education and research facility. Today, Wolf Park lives and prospers on 78 acres of beautifully preserved rolling Indiana prairie 15 minutes from Lafayette/West Lafayette. Wolf Park is open daily for guided tours, summer camps, workshops, seminars, and special events. Visitors can hit the trail to see our resident ambassador wolves, foxes, and bison. Howl Nights offer visitors an up-close-and-personal view of our wolves and a chance to howl with the pack. Wolf Park's Visitor Center is open daily 9:30–2:30 pm. Saturdays until 9 pm for Howl Night. General Admission- $5. Reservations are required for specialty tours. Book you next adventure: wolfpark.org
13.) Bridgeton Covered Bridge located in Rockville This 245-foot bridge is probably the most-photographed covered bridge in the Midwest. The north side of the bridge has a small sandy area near the river, which is a perfect spot to relax next to the water. On the south side, the mill has a small restaurant which serves delicious ice cream and a few different kinds of cobblers (try the peach!). The county store also offers a variety of local produce and items for purchase. We will definitely return to Bridgeton to enjoy this amazing landmark! Note: If you want to enjoy the bridge, avoid a visit during the annual Parke County Covered Bridge festival
14.) Linton's Enchanted Gardens located in Elkhart hours of operation are 8-7pm Linton's Enchanted Gardens is Indiana's largest facility, boasting over 50,000 square feet of indoor shopping filled with creative displays which will spark your imagination, as well as over 9 acres of outdoor displays. The Garden Cafe at Linton's features fresh and healthy meals for breakfast and lunch, as well as decadent desserts and handcrafted hot and cold drinks.
15.)George Rogers Clark National Historical Park located in Vincennes hours of operation are 9-5pm A monument commemorates the capture of Fort Sackville from the British. While in town also check out the Indiana Military Museum and you can't forget the Grouseland (William Henry Harrison Mansion) dedicated to the only US President to ever come out of Indiana.
16.) Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial located in Lincoln City Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial hosts the site of the farm where the 16th president of the U.S. spent the majority of his youth.
17.) Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum located in Columbus hours of operation are 11-6 The ice cream sundaes are excellent, the place is beautiful and the staff are super-friendly but the highlight is the guided tour You need to book it through the Columbus Information Center (or their website) and it is well worth the time and money. You get a personal tour of the parlor and its history and the beautiful upstairs area which is only accessible on the tour.
18.) Rhythm! Discovery Center located in Indianapolis hours of operation are 10-5 The Rhythm! Discovery Center is the world's foremost interactive drum and percussion museum providing innovative programs; interactive, standards-based educational exhibits and artist performances. Drawing upon cultures from around the world, the Center offers a unique, engaging experience to explore the universality of rhythm and percussion and its role in shaping communication, music, art, performance and society. Walking through the visually captivating exhibit rooms and performance venue, guests are invited to fulfill their dreams of being a percussionist.
19.) Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest located in Valparaiso hours of operation are 8-7pm Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with the natural environment. Gabis Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events and classes for people of all ages and interests. With 300 acres of magnificent landscapes, education programs and community events the arboretum has something for any interest. Popular attractions include the Railway Garden, which tells the story of American railroads in the context of a large display garden. Miniature trains run through outdoor displays showcasing American history.
20.) French Lick West Baden Museum hours of operation are 10-4pm The French Lick West Baden Museum, located in downtown French Lick, is dedicated to preserving the histories of the Springs Valley. Visit today and learn about our amazing hotels, railways, casinos, sports, and the amazing Hagenbeck Wallace Circus. Admission $15 Adults $14 Students + Seniors Ages 12 & Under $6 Ages 5 & Under Free
21.) Howard Steamboat Museum & Mansion hours of operation are 10-3pm The Howard Steamboat Museum is a unique time capsule into another world where you can experience life in an impeccably preserved 1890's built Victorian mansion. Inside is a museum to the three-generation steamboat building Howard family and their historic shipyard. We give you the option of a guided or self guided experience.
22.) Indiana Medical History Museum located in Indianapolis The museum represents the beginning of scientific psychiatry and modern medicine while the building itself is the oldest surviving pathology facility in the nation and is on the National Register of Historic Places.The museum is open to the public Wed-Sat from 10am to 4pm. Tours take place every half hour, with the last tour beginning at 3pm. Groups of 7 or more may be scheduled in advance for Wednesday or for regular operating hours.Admission: Adults $10, University Students $7, Children under 18 $3.
23.) Michael Jackson Family Home located in Gary Indiana If you are a fan of the Jackson family, this is a great stop for a photo op. You can’t go inside and there isn’t a gift shop, and the huge monument that was once there is gone (the base remains), but it’s still cool to see where the family used to live.The house is maybe a mile or so off the interstate so it can be a quick stop, you don’t have to go far out of your way.
24.) WonderLab located in Bloomington hours of operation are 9:30-5pm The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health & Technology is an award-winning science museum and popular destination for family fun! The museum offers two floors of exciting hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages! These include a two-story grapevine climbing maze, close encounters with live animals, the Bubble-Airium, and a special area with science adventures for very young children. WonderLab is an accessible facility. Amenities include a gift store, vending/snack area, and outdoor garden. WonderLab is located on the B-Line Trail in the heart of the Bloomington entertainment and arts district (BEAD). See WonderLab’s website for special programs and events, discount admission opportunities, special exhibitions, private party rentals, high visitation alerts, and more.
25.) Black Pine Animal Sanctuary located in Albion hours of operation are 10-2pm This 18-acre sanctuary provides permanent refuge to more than 100 captive-raised exotic animals for the REST of their lives. Quiet, informative tours of the facility enable visitors to enjoy close-up observation of tigers, leopards, bears, monkeys, reptiles, birds, lions, and more. Set in a beautiful pine forest in a natural wildlife area, this volunteer-staffed non-profit refuge is one of the most well-respected in the nation, and does not buy, sell, breed, or trade animals. Black Pine is a hidden treasure for nature lovers of all ages! Free parking. Picnics welcomed. Tours available year-round. Inquire for tour times, other program offerings, and special events throughout the year.
26.) Candles Holocaust Museum located in Terre Haute hours of operation are 10-4 We were impressed with this small, dignified museum. It was clean, well-organized, with interesting exhibits. It was easy to find, with convenient parking. The staff was engaging, passionate and knowledgeable. The films, pictures, displays and interactive questions with Eva Kor are powerful.
27.) Washington Park Zoo hours of operation are 10-4pm The Washington Park Zoo was founded in 1928, encompasses 15 acres on a hilly sand dune close to the lake, and is home to more than 200 animals. It is owned and operated by the City of Michigan City, Indiana.
28.) Ruthmere located in Elkhart hours of operation are 10-4Ruthmere Museum, the 1910 Beaux Arts home of Albert and Elizabeth Beardsley, is lavishly decorated with silk wall coverings, hand-carved woodwork and painted murals. Ruthmere’s world-class collection includes everything from Rodin bronze sculptures to painting masterworks; rare books and Tiffany art glass to heirloom plants and pre-WWI vintage autos. The 1848 home of city founder Dr. Havilah and Rachel Beardsley presents a glimpse of Elkhart’s entrepreneurial spirit. Historic research, archaeology, culture and preservation come together to tell a rich story of the 19th century. Guided tours available Tues. - Sat. 10am - 3pm and Sundays 1pm - 3pm Eastern Time from April - Dec. Located at the northwest corner of Main Street and Beardsley Avenue. (ADA accessible)
29.) Model T Ford Museum located in Richmond The Model T Museum is nestled in the heart of Richmond, Indiana’s Historic Depot District. Once the area's transportation mecca of the 19th century, it is now a “must-see” destination filled with notable architecture, unique shops, stunning murals, fun and fabulous restaurants, a microbrewery and much more! Ranked #1 by Trip Advisor of attractions in Richmond, Indiana, the museum’s amazing collection of vehicles and T-related memorabilia is ever growing and changing. Among the stars are a 1909 touring (one of the very first Ts), a rare 1912 Town Car, a 1925 fire truck, and a 1931 Pietenpol airplane with a Model T Engine. Educational opportunities include an extensive reference library; a cutaway chassis that reveals the inner workings of the T; plus a variety of manuals, publications, CDs and restoration DVDs available for purchase. The museum welcomes school and tour groups by appointment.
30.) Science Central located in Fort Wayne hours of operation are 10-4pm Science Central offers hands-on science education and fun for visitors of all ages. Zoom down a 2-story slide, see a mastodon found here in Allen County, take a walk on the moon, take part in a live science demonstration and much more!
31.) Grissom Air Museum located in Peru hours of operation are 10-4pm Grissom Air Museum is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate our guests about the 70+ year history of this military base. We provide many experiences including tours, simulators, speakers, and multiple artifact displays. Their mission is to continue the legacy of the brave men and women who served on this base. Featured: Oldest B-58 Hustler, SAC Base Alert Tower, "Looking Glass" Mission's EC-135, Oldest Tanker "KC-97", F-100 Flown by Neil Armstrong, TF-102 Flown by President George W. Bush, and an A-10 Thunderbolt/Warthog. Plus a BA-53 Nuclear Bomb!
32.) National New York Central Railroad Museum located in Elkhart hours of operation are 10-5pm Activities for all ages: Visit the museum to learn about The New York Central railroading history, see the Stanley Bell Model Train Layout and other various scale collection, observe trains going by on one of the busiest lines in the Midwest, tour the rolling stock, check out the new children's play area, build your own wooden track layout on the 4’x 6’ train table, take a spin around the track and more.
33.) Rotary Jail Museum hours of operation are 10-3 Built in 1881 - the rotary jail of Crawfordsville is the first of its kind. Eighteen rotary jails were built, but being one of only three that have been preserved, this is also the only rotary jail left in existence that still turns. This facility served as the Montgomery county sheriff's residence, and the county jail for 91 years.
34.) Levi and Catharine Coffin State Historic Site located in Fountain City hours of operation are 10-5 Explore the home where at least 1,000 freedom seekers passed through this Underground Railroad depot on their journeys to freedom. This location is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, a statewide museum system with 12 locations.
35.) Old Lighthouse Museum located in Michigan City hours of operation are 1-4pm Explore the history of Michigan City and its relationship to Lake Michigan. Learn about lighthouses and their keepers, the harbor, shipwrecks and Indiana's lakeshore.
With over 500 things to do in the state there really are tons of things to do in this state. The state parks are absolutely beautiful and readily available throughout the state. Please make sure that you check out the areas you will be visiting and see what might be around you for you to enjoy.
I hope that you have enjoyed this week's tour and come back next week for another amazing adventure. Remember to always be kind as it costs nothing and if you see someone without a smile stop and give them yours a smile is contagious.
Written by: BeautifulChaos318
