Downtown Walking Tours

We introduce locals and visitors alike to historic Indianapolis through a variety of walking tours. These tours focus on landmark exteriors and cover around one mile.

Decoding Downtown Indy

Explore historic downtown Indianapolis and discover stories hidden within the city’s landmarks. Along the way, learn about architectural styles while competing for prizes in an Indy-themed activity.

Tourgoers will discover the distinctive heart of Indianapolis, seeing exteriors of the Indiana Statehouse, Soldiers & Sailors Monument, St. Elmo’s Steakhouse, and more. Participants will leave with the skills necessary to begin decoding buildings in cities across the country, analyzing their styles and details for a better understanding of local history.

Downtown Safari

Discover animals in architecture and sculpture while exploring downtown Indianapolis. Guides will share stories and symbolism behind these creatures and how they connect to the city’s history. Learn American Sign Language signs for animals throughout the tour and complete take-home activities to make the experience even more memorable.

Tourgoers will investigate exteriors of numerous landmarks, including the Birch Bayh Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Circle Tower Building, and more. Participants will leave with a greater appreciation for architectural and artistic details often hidden in plain sight.

Monument Circle Historic District

Experience Indianapolis’s most recognizable district to uncover how and why these blocks have become a symbol of the city. Along the way, guides will share stories and symbolism hidden in plain sight to help guests better understand their place within the heart of downtown.

Tourgoers will examine landmarks from various eras, including exteriors of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Christ Church Cathedral, Circle Theatre, and more. Participants will leave understanding how the district’s unique combination of public and private spaces both reflects and shapes Indy’s role as a capital city.

Parking

Paid parking is available on surrounding streets and in nearby garages. See this parking guide from Visit Indy for more parking information: https://downtownindy.org/explore/parking.

Inclement Weather

Tours run rain or shine. If a tour must be cancelled due to inclement weather, Indiana Landmarks will contact ticketholders via email at least 2 hours prior to the tour start and refund or exchange tickets.

Interested in a Private Tour? Please complete our Tour Inquiry Form or email tourism@indianalandmarks.org