Beyond Pit Row:
The Art and Soul of Indianapolis

Candy B. Harrington

When you think of Indianapolis, images of turbo-charged cars zipping around the track inevitably come to mind. And why not? As the home of the world’s largest single day spectator sporting event, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway certainly has made a name for itself. And if you’re a race fan, you’ll probably make the pilgrimage to the Indianapolis 500 at least once in your life. Some folks even return annually and turn it in to a week-long party. But what if you’re not a race fan? What if you don’t know a gasket from a gas can, and frankly don’t care to learn? Does Indianapolis anything to offer you?

Gladly the answer is a very enthusiastic “yes”. In fact, you can spend several days enjoying the artsy side of Indianapolis, as it boasts a treasure trove of cultural attractions—none of which are even vaguely connected to the racing industry. Additionally, it’s a very progressive town, and the powers that be have made access a priority in all their projects; so much so that they earned the 2009 Accessible America Award from the National Organization on Disability. In short, it’s the perfect place for wheelers and slow walkers to sit back, relax and soak up a little culture.

Ideal Home Base

Although there’s certainly no shortage of lodging choices in Indianapolis, the Westin Indianapolis (317-262-8100) tops my list for service, accessibility and location. Located in the middle of the bustling downtown district, it’s near the capitol and connected by a covered sky bridge to the Indiana Convention Center. The surrounding area is filled with restaurants, shops and entertainment venues; and with curb-cuts at every corner and wide level sidewalks, it’s a pleasant area to take a leisurely stroll, window shop and check out your dining options.

The 573-room Westin has 24 accessible guest rooms, including four with roll-in showers. There’s plenty of accessible parking in the adjacent parking garage, with valet service available at the front entrance. Inside, there’s barrier-free access throughout the spacious lobby, with elevator access to the upper floors.

The accessible guest rooms feature wide doorways, lowered peepholes and good pathway access. Room 544 boasts a king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides. The bathroom features a roll-in shower with grab bars, a fold-down shower bench and a hand-held showerhead. Other access features include toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated) and a roll-under sink.

Additionally, there’s barrier-free access to all the public areas including Shula’s Steak House, the No Name Lounge, the gym and the pool area. It’s a well managed property with a very attentive staff; and the ideal home base for exploring the cultural side of Indianapolis.

The Big Three

The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art
Photo by Charles Pannell

White River State Park (317-233-2434, www.in.gov/whiteriver) is a required stop on any Indianapolis itinerary, as it’s home to three major cultural attractions: the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art. Located in the downtown area, it’s Indiana’s only urban state park, with a pleasant 1.5-mile pathway skirting the Central Canal. It’s a pleasant place to stroll, kick back and enjoy the scenery or even nosh on a picnic lunch.

The Indianapolis Zoo (317-630-2001, www.indianapoliszoo.com) is located in the western corner of the park, with plenty of accessible parking available near the entrance. There is level access to the ticket kiosk and entrance, with paved level pathways leading to most areas of the zoo. It’s easy to get around, with lots of benches if you need a break.

I have to say that even if you aren’t a huge zoo fan, you’ll probably enjoy this world-class facility, as it’s not your typical display of animals in cages. In most cases they’ve created themed environments with habitats for similar animals. For example, the desert enclosure features a ramped boardwalk through an arid habitat filled with turtles, meerkats, birds, lizards and snakes; while the Oceans building houses a bounty of undersea creatures, with the opportunity to pet a dog shark and roll-up close to aquariums filled with seals, sea lions and penguins.

And if you have little ones in tow, be sure and stop by the Riley Family Fitness Playground which features accessible play stations, a rubberized surface, ramp access to the slide and a bouncy swing that’s the perfect height for wheelchair transfers. Lots of fun for the whole family.

The Indiana State Museum
Photo by Charles Pannell

If you’d like to learn about the history of the area, then the nearby Indiana State Museum (317-232-1637, www.indianamuseum.org) is a must-see. What started out as a small mineral collection in 1862, has evolved into a massive 12,000 square-foot exhibition. Accessible parking is available in the White River State Park underground parking garage, with elevator access up to the museum. Wheelchair access throughout the facility is excellent, with barrier-free access throughout the galleries and an accessible family restroom on the first floor.

Billed as the place where science and culture meet for adventure and learning, the museum features a broad range of interactive exhibits. From prehistoric times and Native American inhabitants to early Indianapolis history, the Hoosier way of life and even a glimpse into the future; there’s certainly plenty to satisfy even the most curious mind.

Just across the street from the Indiana State Museum, you’ll find the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art (317-636-9378, www.eiteljorg.org), a must see for art lovers of that genre. To save a little money, try to fit both museums in the same day, then have your parking ticket validated at the Eiteljorg front desk.

Read the rest of this article in the Autumn 2010 issue of Emerging Horizons. Subscribe today!