8 Best Museums In Indiana

Indiana's history is closely tied to automotive history in the US, with plants in Indiana turning out auto parts as well as the autos themselves. It should not be surprising, then, that among the state's many museums are several connected to automobiles, such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg Automobile Museum. Both are delightful in showcasing models that are rarely seen today. However, with the state so heavily into manufacturing, it might be surprising to discover that the world's largest children's museum sits right in Indianapolis. Other museums present artwork, hands-on science, and history interwoven through it all. Then there are the quirky, like those that showcase dinosaurs, Santa Claus, and superheroes. Where do you start? See which intrigues you most, and go from there.

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest children's museum in the world! Since children learn best through hands-on experiences, the museum's five floors are packed with interactive exhibits and play areas that give fascinating facts and explanations. As children (and adults!) manipulate objects and work with the exhibits' features, they explore outer space, water and land creatures, find out what long-ago people did, and even check out archaeology. Outside, kids can run off extra energy by trying out 7.5 acres of outdoor sports, including adaptive equipment for each sport.

The museum's staff also leads activities daily, from making a family of dinosaurs to joining a pet parade. Even the littlest ones have activities geared towards them, such as tennis for tots, which accommodates their need to move. Before hunger makes the kids cranky, head to nearby Baby's for smashburgers and a kid-friendly, fun atmosphere with a playground. Once rejuvenated, you might want to museum hop, for the city has numerous others to enjoy. Check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and the Indianapolis State Museum and (12) Historic Sites spread throughout the state. As Hoosiers are known for their love of basketball, it's worth noting that the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is less than an hour's drive away, in New Castle.

Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science

See Picasso's "Seated Woman in Red Hat" as part of the permanent collection at the Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science, along with several of the artist's prints as well as a ceramic piece. Other permanent galleries include History, Art, and Hands-on Science, Transportation history, plus the Koch Immersive Theatre and Planetarium. The Begley Art Gallery in the Eykamp Pavilion exhibits the work of local and regional artists. Check the museum's website for temporary exhibits that will be there during your visit. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month.

Evansville Attraction Passes include admission to seven places, including the Museum of Arts, History and Science as well as Koch's Family Children's Museum, the African American Museum, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, the Wartime Museum, the USS LST 325 sea-to-land ship, and Wesselman Woods Playscape and Fort. (The playscape is 5 acres big!) Passes are available in 1-day, 3-day, and 90-day versions and are delivered to your phone for immediate use.

Indiana Dinosaur Museum, South Bend

Lifelike exhibits shine the light on prehistoric creatures at the Indiana Dinosaur Museum in South Bend. See ceratosaurus, spinosaurus, and a full-size Mayan temple. Explore the evolution of the dinosaurs and the role plants play in sustaining the Earth's ecological balance. Watch as scientists in the paleontology lab work on fossils and give live demonstrations. Find out about the creatures that inhabited the oceans and inland seas, and see the skeleton of the world's largest turtle.

The Studebaker National Museum will interest automobile buffs and curious visitors with its many models on display. See many presidential rides, including the Studebaker that carried Lincoln to Ford's Theater. Spend a few quiet moments at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on the Notre Dame University campus, preferably not on crowded football weekends. The Oliver Mansion, built in 1897 and containing 38 rooms, offers tours by knowledgeable guides.

Candles Holocaust Museum, Terre Haute

The only Holocaust museum in Indiana, Candles takes a thought-provoking approach to examining the experiences of survivors during captivity and also after they regained their freedom. Founded by Indiana survivor Eva Kors, the exhibits discuss the despair and hope she and other survivors felt in the camps, and the mental health issues they suffered afterward, which largely went untreated. The museum also holds events such as guest speakers, the unveiling or exhibition of Holocaust art, and discussions of antisemitism and other philosophies of hatred today.

You may be interested in touring the Eugene V. Debs Museum, which is housed in the house in which the trade union activist and Indiana state representative lived. For outdoor fun, head to Fairbanks Park. Many events are held here, in the park's amphitheater, and fishing and boating are easy since the park is right on the Wabash River. Use the paved boat ramp for easy access and the ample docking areas. Griffin Bike Park holds national competitions and has 30 miles of trails for riders of all levels, as well as basic skills and water skills training parks.

Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, Auburn

Celebrating the three named luxury automobile manufacturers, the museum is housed in the Auburn Company's original international headquarters in the Art Deco style of the day. It holds a collection of 120 cars made from 1925 to 1937, plus exhibits of luxury hood ornaments and mascots, technology, design, and art, and examples of experimental models. Climb the actual staircase E. L. Cord used to reach his office overlooking the factory floor.

If this museum whets your appetite for more about Indiana's role in US vehicle history, head over to the National Auto and Truck Museum. Galleries are organized by date, and include one for scale models and toys, and another for hand-built pedal cars. After hours of indoor fascination, it may be a good time to use your foot power at Smith Acres Park. Enjoy a full-size basketball court, tennis courts, a multi-use playground with swings, and a sledding hill.

Eskenazi Museum of Art, Bloomington

Designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum is named for philanthropists and benefactors Sidney and Lois Eskenazi. Located on the Indiana University campus, you will find paintings by noted artists, including "The Studio" by Pablo Picasso, "Port of Argenteuil" by Claude Monet, as well as ancient jewelry collections, and Greek and Roman urns and busts. University students also host a visiting artists series featuring talks by artists of today.

If kids are part of your group, visit the WonderLab Museum of Science, Health, and Technology for hands-on exploration, including a Beehive Builder challenge. WonderLab has activities for everyone, from toddlers through adults. From WonderLab, explore the outdoors on the B-Line Trail, a 3.1-mile, paved, multiuse path that goes through downtown and its outskirts with benches, drinking fountains, and fitness stations along the way.

Santa Claus Museum, Santa Claus

If you are someone who loves celebrating Christmas, you will love the Santa Claus Museum & Village. In addition to the giant Santas outside (perfect for selfies), you will love the displays of Santas of all sizes and shapes, as well as the gift shop where you can get a souvenir of your visit to the town and its unusual museum. Trace the history of the town's name (hint: It was not always called Santa Claus) and read letters written by children to Santa Claus through the years. The museum is open all year, but days and times vary. Consult the website page when planning your visit.

While in the village, be sure to stop at the iconic post office where you and/or your children can write actual letters that will be answered by volunteer elves in December. Also, visit the original Santa Claus church. Enjoy refreshment at Santa Claus Brewing Company and stay at Santa Claus Lodge on Christmas Boulevard.

Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum, Elkhart

Calling adults and children who are fans of superheroes! Don your cape and bring your superpowers to this unusual museum that showcases animated comic books, TV, and film superheroes. Exhibits include Marvel Comics Golden Age, another exhibit of their Silver Age, and glimpses of rare samples not seen elsewhere, like original artwork, memorabilia, and insight into the creative process. Find out about the creators behind your favorites and how each superhero changed through the years.

You might be interested in touring the RV/MH Museum, since Elkhart is known as the "world capital" of RVs and manufactured homes. Displays take you back in time to see what RVs and MHs were like in covered wagon days and the WWI era through today. Enjoy the delights of flowers in bloom at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, maybe registering for a yoga or tai-chi class, or a bird walk held in the gardens. Dine out at The Jackson Rooftop for a menu with flair or the Chubby Trout for sushi and seafood.

Whatever interests you, chances are Indiana has a museum about it! Sometimes, however, we don't know what we don't know. We might be very interested in something if we only knew about it. Use this list of museums to spark your interest and light a new passion in your imagination. The good thing, too, is that every museum town has other things to do nearby, as well as parks, trails, and paths to explore. Before you know it, you will be telling everyone you know about the museums you visited in Indiana, and why they should visit them too.