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Cool Museums in Indiana

You only have time for museums that actually hold your interest.

Based on 493 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum image 1
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum image 2
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum image 3
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Museum showcases historic race cars and original track bricks in a modern, spacious setting. Atmosphere blends energy and pride with interactive exhibits that engage all ages. Visitors experience a balance of excitement and accessibility, with hands-on activities and calming spaces.

The museum offers a newly renovated space filled with rich motorsports history. Entry is free, and visitors can even drive into the speedway to explore the exhibits.

Driving around the road track and kissing the bricks stands out as a cool experience. The museum inside the track shows old cars and historic artifacts that add to the cool vibe.

People are saying

"It's a paradise for racing fans with lots of history."

"The museum's exhibits showcase incredible historical cars and racing memorabilia."

"It's really cool and engaging inside the track."

Good to know

1

The museum offers a racetrack tour; tickets should be purchased in advance.

2

Kids can participate in car-building and racing events during special occasions.

3

The PIT STOP competition is a fun family activity available during events.

02
Kurt Vonnegut Museum & Library image 1

Museum and library combine historic building charm with modern, interactive exhibits and a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Visitors find literary workshops, a bar and lounge, and a balcony with downtown views that invite relaxation and reflection.

Exhibits showcase personal effects, letters, and books that trace the author's life and thoughts. The museum offers carefully curated displays and educational activities focused on his legacy and views.

Many Kurt Vonnegut relics and quotes fill the museum. The building itself adds to the cool vibe, making the experience inspiring.

People are saying

"It's interesting how much they packed into this small museum about Kurt Vonnegut."

"This museum offers a fascinating look into Kurt Vonnegut's life and works."

"It's cool seeing Kurt Vonnegut relics and quotes everywhere."

Good to know

1

Free Visit Mondays occur on the first Monday of each month.

2

Admission is $12 for adults, making it reasonably priced.

3

Limited on-site parking is available, so plan accordingly.

03
Who North America image 1

Museum space centers on Doctor Who memorabilia with life-sized Dalek and TARDIS displays greeting visitors. Atmosphere stays quiet and comfortable, featuring a free pinball arcade and viewing room playing episodes. Sections divide into shop, museum, arcade, and theater, creating a nerdy wonderland for fans.

A Doctor Who museum showcases toys and merchandise from every era, including the 1960s. Visitors see a life-sized Dalek and TARDIS at the entrance and can play a free Doctor Who pinball machine.

A museum filled with classic and new memorabilia creates a really cool vibe. The mix of display items and things for sale makes it a unique spot for fans.

People are saying

"I loved exploring the museum's huge selection of Doctor Who merchandise."

"It's a cool place with a huge selection of Doctor Who stuff."

"You can play the Doctor Who pinball machine for free!"

Good to know

1

Admission is free.

2

The store offers a wide variety of merchandise, including comics, figures, and vintage Who books.

3

You might want to call ahead to check if they have a specific item in stock.

04
Indiana War Memorial & Museum image 1

Massive edifice in Federalist style architecture offers a quiet, reverent atmosphere with spaces that feel like chapels and halls. The setting invites reflection and calm, featuring immersive exhibits and a stunning central auditorium. Visitors encounter a tranquil environment that balances historical grandeur with peaceful contemplation.

Stunning marble architecture and well curated exhibits create a thoughtful atmosphere. The museum is completely free to visit and offers a deep look into war history.

The place features very cool exhibits and a really cool building. A Cobra helicopter stands out among the displays.

People are saying

"I found this place to be full of history."

"The museum here is beautiful and free to enter."

"I found the Indiana War Memorial & Museum really cool."

Good to know

1

The museum is free to visit.

2

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

3

The central memorial upstairs is under renovation until September 2025.

05
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis image 1

Large museum with three levels and a huge outdoor arena offers interactive exhibits and a dinosaur area that appeals to all ages. Atmosphere varies from quiet rooms for breaks to noisy, lively spaces filled with family activity. Outdoor sports fields and a ferris wheel add to the energetic, fun environment.

The museum offers immersive exhibits that engage kids in activities like hockey, baseball, and climbing. It focuses on being a kid-friendly space with interactive outdoor sports areas and hands-on experiences for children under 7.

Three levels inside and a large outdoor arena offer basketball, soccer, and a cool tree house. The outdoor area features a new ferris wheel and a sports complex that add to the overall cool vibe. A section highlights individuals who made a difference, including Malala.

People are saying

"It's so kid-friendly with tons of hands-on activities for a whole day."

"I loved interacting with the exhibits at the museum."

"The dinosaur exhibit is huge and impressive."

Good to know

1

On the first Thursday of each month from 4 PM to 8 PM, tickets are $6 per person for ages 2 and up.

2

Parking is available in a garage with skywalk access, making it convenient, especially in bad weather.

3

The food court closes at 2:30 PM, so plan meals accordingly.

06
Indiana State Police Museum image 1
Local history museum

Museum showcases immaculately restored police cruisers and historic vehicles alongside old law enforcement equipment and educational exhibits on police tactics. Atmosphere stays cool and quiet, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. Admission is free, and the space feels compact but engaging.

Free entry lets visitors explore a quiet, clean space filled with artifacts and history of state law enforcement. Exhibits cover the evolution of the Indiana State Police and offer an educational experience suitable for all ages.

Quiet and clean spaces create a cool atmosphere. The museum offers a low-key vibe that feels relaxed and interesting.

People are saying

"I learned about the history of the Indiana State Police at this museum."

"I found the old police vehicles and detective gadgets really interesting."

"It's a cool little place with lots of history."

Good to know

1

The museum is free to enter, although donations are welcome.

2

Expect to see a variety of historic police vehicles and artifacts.

3

The museum is child-friendly and suitable for visitors of all ages.

07
AFCA Antique Fan Museum image 1

Two large rooms inside a company headquarters display a large collection of antique fans spanning from 1885 to the present. The space feels packed with history, showing fans as both luxury items and everyday conveniences. Visitors often ring a doorbell to enter and find striking older pieces made from materials like aluminum, steel, and wood.

Two large rooms showcase a collection of antique fans spanning from 1885 to today. Friendly staff provide a detailed history with striking pieces made from aluminum, steel, and wood.

People are saying

"The museum staff are so friendly and knowledgeable."

"I found the antique fan collection really interesting and creative."

"I found the museum of fans surprisingly cool."

Good to know

1

Visitors need to ring a doorbell to enter the museum.

2

Donations are accepted at the entrance.

3

The museum consists of two large rooms packed with antique fan items.

08
Indiana Medical History Museum image 1

Historic medical building showcases original artifacts and period architecture with a slightly creepy yet fascinating vibe. Guided tours reveal preserved medical equipment and a well-maintained medicinal herb garden outside. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a past era with authentic details throughout.

Exhibits showcase the history of medical and psychological studies with excellent medical specimens and artifacts. Tours and lectures provide detailed knowledge from staff, making it a well curated and educational museum experience.

Exhibits feature old-fashioned medical devices and real preserved organs, creating a time capsule feel. The overall experience is very cool and interesting.

People are saying

"The historical sites here are brought alive by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides."

"I found the whole place to be very cool, like a time capsule."

"The museum guides are so knowledgeable and friendly."

Good to know

1

The museum has limited, timed tickets that open only on the first of each month.

2

Appointments are required to tour the museum; book in advance.

3

Arrive at least 10 minutes early, or you may not be allowed in.

09
NCAA Hall of Champions image 1
Heritage museum

Small, intimate museum combines interactive sports simulators and a 1930s retro gymnasium with traditional exhibits. Atmosphere feels disorganized but offers engaging hands-on activities for all ages, especially kids. Space supports events with modern meeting rooms and easy parking access.

Two levels of interactive exhibits offer a hands-on look at NCAA history and sports. The museum provides a quick, engaging experience that works well for kids and non-athletes alike.

Small interactive museum with many engaging games and a basketball court. The interactive floor adds a fun, hands-on element.

People are saying

"It's a cool interactive museum with lots of games."

"It's really kid friendly with lots of interactive things to do."

"The museums here are super interactive with lots to do."

Good to know

1

Admission costs only $2 per person, making it affordable.

2

Parking is available in an underground garage with validation making it free.

3

The NCAA Hall of Champions has two levels of interactive exhibits for visitors.

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