Visit the Indiana Convention and Visitors Association website at http://www.indy.org or Indianapolis Downtown Inc.’s website at http://www.indydt.com for more information, including maps, things to do, events calendar, and restaurants.
Cultural Activities
Downtown
White River State Park
On the southern border of the IUPU campus is White River State Park, an urban park that features numerous cultural, education, and recreational attractions, including the Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens, the Eiteljorg Museum of American, Indian & Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the IMAX Theater, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial. The White River State Park and its facilities, as well as Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, are located a pleasant walk, less than a mile and one-half from the law school. Many of these facilities are fairly new and are simply beautiful.
- The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is a 118,000 square foot museum, housing a plethora of Western American and Indian art, including the works of Albert Bierstadt, Charles Russell, and Frederick Remington. The architecture of the building, inspired by the American Southwest, is magnificent and ruggedly beautiful. During the LWI Conference, Wednesday night’s conference dinner will be held at the Eiteljorg.
- The Indianapolis Indians. The Indianapolis Indians, a triple A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, plays many home games at the charming, recently constructed Victory Field. Victory Field, located on the southwest border of White River State Park, was recognized as the “Best Minor League Ballpark in America” by Sports Illustrated and Baseball America. The Indians have an afternoon home game against the Toledo Mudhens the day before the LWI Conference begins, which is Sunday, July 13.
- The Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens. The Indianapolis Zoo & White River Gardens are world-class facilities. In 1995, the Zoo became the first institution in the nation to be accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. The Zoo has more than 2,100 species of plants in its collection and is separated into different biomes, including the Oceans, Forests, Plains, and Desert biomes. White River Gardens is a stunningly beautiful 3.3-acre landmark botanical attraction with over 1,000 plant varieties on display plus special exhibits throughout the year.
- The Indiana State Museum. The Indiana State Museum has 72,000 feet of exhibit space containing more than 400,000 artifacts and houses the IMAX Theater, which presents major IMAX films year round. The building is located in the heart of White River State Park and is a soaring structure of limestone and glass. The Museum offers group rentals for entertaining, including the dramatic Grand Lobby with its 100-foot ceiling and spectacular view overlooking the Canal and Military Park.
- The NCAA Hall of Champions. The NCAA Hall of Champions celebrates NCAA student-athletes. The building is located adjacent to the National Collegiate Athletic Association's new office building in White River State Park. The Hall of Champions features over 25,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 3,000 square feet of retail space. All twenty-three sports and eighty-eight national championships administered by the NCAA are highlighted. Feature areas include the Great Hall, theaters, display areas, Hall of Honor, and the Wrap-Around Video Wall.
Herron School of Art and Design
Located just a block from the law school is the Herron School of Art and Design, home to the state’s premier professional art school. The new, architecturally unique Herron building houses several art galleries that are open to the public.
iMOCA – Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art
iMOCA is a small museum that displays periodic exhibitions of stimulating and cutting-edge contemporary art. Open weekly on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, iMOCA is a one-block walk from the law school.
Outside of Downtown
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, one of the largest children’s museums in the world, is certain to appeal to conference attendees with children. The more than 400,000-square-foot facility houses eleven major galleries that explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, and the arts. Among the main attractions at the museum is the Dinosphere, which allows visitors to travel back 65 million years to the Cretaceous Period, when dinosaurs ruled the earth. The Children’s Museum is a place to learn and do. Whenever possible, exhibits are “hands-on” or participatory in nature. A fully renovated carousel offers rides to children and adults.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Of course, Indianapolis offers the world-renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Speedway houses the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum and is home to the Indianapolis 500, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard, and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Tours of the Speedway track run regularly.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art
On the near north side of Indianapolis is a fifty-two acre estate, which served as the former home of J.K. Lilly, Jr., the late Indianapolis businessman, collector, and philanthropist. The estate is now home to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The original Oldfields Lilly House & Gardens are still on the grounds, renovated, and open to group tours. The Museum features special exhibitions and world-renowned collections of African, American, Asian, South Pacific, and European art, including paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings, photographs, decorative arts, textiles, and costumes. A Museum tour may also include dining at Puck’s, which features cuisine presented by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck.
Shopping/Entertainment
Downtown
Circle Centre Mall
Located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, Circle Centre Mall includes two anchor stores, Nordstrom and Carson Pirie Scott, and more than 100 shops.
Massachusetts Avenue Arts District
The Mass Ave Arts District is downtown Indy’s trendiest and most lively neighborhood. It’s where downtown Indy residents go to dine, shop, and enjoy the arts. Located in the northeast quadrant of downtown Indianapolis and accessible from Indianapolis’s unique Cultural Trail, Mass Ave is filled with independent restaurants, shops, and art galleries. A favorite Mass Ave attraction is the Rathskeller, a German restaurant with a historic outdoor biergarten that provides a leisurely summertime experience and a beautiful view of the downtown Indianapolis skyline.
Outside of Downtown
Broad Ripple Village
Broad Ripple Village, located 15 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis, is the locus of specialty shops, nightclubs, restaurants, and art galleries. It is also the main access point for the Monon Trail, a beautiful 10.5 mile pathway for bikers, joggers, and walkers.
The Fashion Mall, Keystone at the Crossing
Located 25 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis (8702 Keystone Crossing), The Fashion Mall is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom and offers stylish and upscale shopping.
Fountain Square
Fountain Square is home to Indy’s bohemian set. This up-and-coming neighborhood is about a mile-and-a-half southeast of downtown and is where most of Indy’s artists live and keep their studios. The neighborhood is also home to vintage clothing stores, art galleries, antique stores, and independent restaurants. Visit the Rooftop Garden at the Fountain Square Theatre Building for a fabulous rooftop dining experience with an unparalleled view of the downtown Indianapolis skyline. Fountain Square has yet to be completely gentrified, so if you’re looking for an artsy adventure, visit Fountain Square.
Staying in Shape
The Canal and White River State Park
Joggers will enjoy a run around the historic Canal and White River State Park, which borders the IUPUI campus. The Canal and Park include a three-mile jogging path that begins one-half block from the law school and is easily accessible from the downtown hotels and campus. Ken Chestek would like to organize a morning run for those interested. Pedal boats and bicycles are available to rent on the Canal, if participants prefer a lighter form of exercise.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Downtown Indianapolis’ newest attraction, the Cultural Trail is an urban bicycle and pedestrian path that provides access to several of downtown’s Cultural Districts, including Massachusetts Avenue. The Cultural Trail is partially complete and will eventually connect five Indianapolis Cultural Districts by its completion in 2009.
The IU Natatorium, Indianapolis Tennis Center, and the National Institute for
Fitness & Sport (NIFS)
Conference attendees may swim or work out at the state-of-the-art Indiana University Natatorium, located on campus, for admission of $6.00 per day.
Near the Natatorium is the Indianapolis Tennis Center, site of the Indianapolis Tennis Championships. The tennis courts at this facility are normally open to the public, although this will probably not be the case during the LWI Conference considering that the Indy Tennis Championships will be going on. Check the Championships website if you’re interested in obtaining tickets to this event. If Tennis Center courts are available, indoor costs range from $26 to $34; outdoor hard and clay courts cost $12 per hour.
Finally, adjacent to the Tennis Center is the National Institute for Fitness and Sport, better known as NIFS. This facility boasts state-of-the-art fitness amenities, including cardiovascular machines, weight-training machines, free weights, group fitness classes, an indoor running/walking track, and expansive locker rooms with hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas. A day-long guest pass for NIFS costs $15. The Natatorium, Tennis Center, and NIFS are a short five-minute walk from the law school.
Ice Skating
For those interested in ice skating, the Indiana/World Skating Academy is located downtown near the Hyatt. The facility offers two indoor ice skating rinks and is open to the public. Skate rental is available.
The Monon Trail
The Monon Trail, a 10.5 mile pedestrian/bicycle path and greenway, lies on the site of an old railway line. The Trail stretches from 10th Street in downtown Indianapolis to 96th Street on the north side of the city.
Dining
The vast majority of restaurants in Indianapolis are non-smoking establishments. Those that do permit smoking are noted below.
All telephone numbers listed have a 317 area code.
Inexpensive (Average entrée cost $10 and under)
Abbey Coffeehouse (Vegetarian/vegan)
825 N. Pennsylvania St.
663-4739
Bazbeaux Pizza
334 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
636-7662
Bourbon Street Distillery (Cajun/Creole)
361 Indiana Ave.
636-3316
Smoking permitted
City Café (American – Breakfast & lunch only)
443 N. Pennsylvania St.
833-2233
Einstein Brothers (Bagels & sandwiches)
47 S. Illinois St. (Circle Centre Mall)
917-9888
Hoaglin To Go Café and Marketplace (American/eclectic – Breakfast & lunch only)
448 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
423-0300
Hoaglin To Go at the Stardust Terrace Café (American/eclectic – Breakfast & lunch only)
450 W. Ohio St. (inside the Indiana History Center)
234-0095
King David Dogs (Kosher-style hot dogs)
15 N. Pennsylvania St.
632-DOGS
Le Peep (American – Breakfast & lunch only)
301 N. Illinois St.
237-3447
Mo’Joe Coffeehouse (Sandwiches/desserts)
222 W. Michigan St.
822-6656
Old Point Tavern (American/pub food)
401 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
634-8943
Smoking permitted
MacNiven’s Restaurant and Bar (American/Scottish)
339 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
632-7268
Smoking permitted
Patachou on the Park (American – Breakfast & lunch only)
225 W. Washington St. (across the street from the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis)
632-0765
Sky City Café (Southwestern – Breakfast & lunch only except on Tuesdays, when open for dinner)
500 W. Washington St. (inside the Eiteljorg Museum)
636-9378
Urban Element (American)
901 N. Pennsylvania St.
331-4482
Yats (Cajun/Creole)
659 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
686-6380
Moderate (Average entrée cost $11 - $20)
Aesop’s Tables (Greek/Mediterranean)
600 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
631-0055
Agio (Mediterranean)
635 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
488-0359
BARcelona Tapas (Spanish/tapas)
201 N. Delaware St.
638-8272
Bertolini’s Authentic Trattoria (Italian)
49 W. Maryland St. (Circle Centre Mall)
638-1800
Bistro Tchopstix (Japanese/Korean)
251 N. Illinois St.
636-9000
Buca di Beppo (Italian)
35 N. Illinois St.
632-2822
Champps Americana (American)
49 W. Maryland St. (Circle Centre Mall)
951-0033
Smoking permitted
Claddagh Irish Pub (Irish)
234 S. Meridian St.
822-6274
Smoking permitted
India Garden (Indian)
207 N. Delaware St.
634-6060
Luxor (Egyptian/Greek/Italian)
1026 Virginia Ave. (Fountain Square)
687-9220
Nordstrom Grill (American)
130 S. Meridian St. (inside Nordstrom, first floor)
636-2121
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (Chinese)
49 W. Maryland St. (Circle Centre Mall)
974-5747
Ram Restaurant & Brewery (American)
140 S. Illinois St.
955-9900
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (American)
10 W. Washington St.
681-8180
Santorini Greek Kitchen (Greek)
1417 E. Prospect St. (Fountain Square)
917-1117
Shapiro’s Delicatessen (Kosher-style delicatessen)
808 S. Meridian St.
631-4041
ShelBi Street Café & Rooftop Garden (American)
1105 Shelby St. (Fountain Square)
687-4857
Weber Grill Restaurant (American/barbeque)
10 N. Illinois St.
636-7600
Expensive (Average entrée cost $20 and up)
14 West (Asian-European fusion)
14 W. Maryland St.
634-1414
Capital Grille (Seafood/Steakhouse)
40 W. Washington St. (in the Conrad Hotel)
423-8790
Circle City Bar & Grille (American)
350 W. Maryland St. (in the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown)
405-6100
The Eagle’s Nest (Eclectic)
1 S. Capitol Ave. (in the Hyatt Regency – Indy’s only revolving restaurant)
632-1234
Elements (Eclectic)
415 N. Alabama St. (Mass Ave Arts District)
634-8888
Smoking permitted
Harry & Izzy’s (Eclectic, sister restaurant of St. Elmo Steakhouse)
153 S. Illinois St.
635-9594
Hot Tuna Seafood Restaurant
40 W. Jackson Pl. (Omni Severin Hotel)
396-3623
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 S. Meridian St.
955-2277
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
110 N. Illinois St. (in the Hilton Indianapolis)
631-9500
Mikado Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
148 S. Illinois St.
972-4180
Palomino (Eclectic/Mediterranean)
49 W. Maryland St. (Circle Centre Mall)
974-0400
R Bistro (Eclectic, with a focus on locally produced food)
888 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
423-0312
The Rathskeller at the Athenaeum (German)
401 E. Michigan St. (Mass Ave Arts District)
636-0396
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
45 S. Illinois St. (Circle Centre Mall)
633-1313
St. Elmo Steak House
127 S. Illinois St.
635-0636
Scholars Inn (American/Eclectic)
725 Massachusetts Ave. (Mass Ave Arts District)
536-0707
Other convenient dining options
On the northern edge of the IUPUI campus, at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and University Boulevard is Lockefield Commons. This strip mall is home to many inexpensive restaurants such as Taco Bell, Subway, Au Bon Pain, and Papa John’s Pizza.