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Indianapolis Motor Speedway, United States - Things to Do in Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Things to Do in Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, United States - Complete Travel Guide

Indianapolis Motor Speedway has hosted the Indianapolis 500 since 1911, making it the oldest continuously operating racing facility in America. The place runs year-round. Beyond the famous oval track, you'll find a solid museum, driving experiences, and grounds that showcase American motorsports history without the usual tourist nonsense.

Top Things to Do in Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The museum houses over a century of racing history through actual Indianapolis 500 winning cars, interactive exhibits, and artifacts that track motorsports evolution. The collection rotates regularly. Even repeat visitors usually find something new, though the core displays remain consistent enough to satisfy first-time guests.

Booking Tip: General admission runs around $15-20 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. The museum is open year-round except for major holidays, and it's less crowded on weekday mornings. Consider combining your visit with a track tour for better value.

Track Tours and Kiss the Bricks Experience

The narrated bus tour circles the complete 2.5-mile oval track with stops at key locations including the Yard of Bricks finish line. You can participate in the traditional 'kiss the bricks' ceremony. The tour provides driver perspective on navigating these legendary turns and includes access to areas restricted during race events—genuinely worth the time even for casual fans.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately $20-25 per person and run multiple times daily except during race weekends. Book online in advance during peak season (April-October) as tours can sell out. The best photo opportunities happen during the midday tours when lighting is optimal.

Driving Experiences

Several companies offer driving experiences where you control an Indy-style car or ride along with professional drivers. Options range from basic ride-alongs to complete driving courses. You'll hit speeds over 100 mph on the same track where legends have competed—an experience that builds massive respect for what professional drivers accomplish at race speeds.

Booking Tip: Prices vary widely from $200 for ride-alongs to $2,000+ for extensive driving experiences. Book well in advance as these are popular and weather-dependent. Look for operators with good safety records and comprehensive insurance coverage. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions.

Indianapolis 500 Race Day

The Indianapolis 500 happens annually on Memorial Day weekend and ranks among the world's largest single-day sporting events. Over 300,000 spectators create electric atmosphere. Pre-race ceremonies and generational traditions make this impressive even for non-racing fans—the sheer scale and energy deliver regardless of your typical interests.

Booking Tip: Ticket prices range from $30 for general admission infield to several hundred dollars for premium seats. Buy tickets months in advance as the race often sells out. General admission gives you access to the infield where you can move around, while reserved seats offer better views but less flexibility. Bring sunscreen, cash for concessions, and comfortable shoes.

Speedway Town and Local Racing Culture

The town of Speedway surrounds the track and has developed authentic culture centered on racing year-round. Racing-themed restaurants serve decent food. Shops sell vintage racing memorabilia that ranges from genuine artifacts to tourist junk. Local establishments where racing families and fans gather provide the most authentic glimpse into this community that genuinely lives motorsports.

Booking Tip: Most local businesses are independently owned, so cash is often preferred though cards are generally accepted. Visit during race month (May) for the fullest experience, but know that prices and crowds will be at their peak. Local restaurants often have racing memorabilia and stories that you won't find elsewhere.

Getting There

The speedway sits 5 miles west of downtown Indianapolis, right off Interstate 465 at Exit 16A. Indianapolis International Airport is 15 minutes away by car. During major events, traffic management gets serious—many visitors stay downtown and take shuttles or ride-shares since parking becomes both scarce and expensive.

Getting Around

Once inside, the speedway is walkable but huge. The track alone spans 2.5 miles. Trams and shuttles run between parking and entrances during race events, though the system can't always handle the crowds smoothly. The surrounding Speedway community is compact—most businesses cluster along Main Street within walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

Downtown Indianapolis
Speedway/West Side
Airport Area
Carmel/North Indianapolis
Fishers/Northeast
Plainfield/Southwest

Food & Dining

Local food mixes Midwestern basics with racing culture in predictable but satisfying ways. You'll find classic diners, barbecue joints, and sports bars. Race month brings special menus and racing-themed dishes that range from clever to gimmicky. The speedway offers plenty of concession options during events, including Indianapolis favorites like pork tenderloin sandwiches—though prices reflect the captive audience.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Indianapolis

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Conner's Kitchen + Bar

4.7 /5
(4891 reviews) 2
bar

The Eagle Mass Ave

4.5 /5
(4801 reviews) 2
meal_takeaway

Yard House

4.5 /5
(4459 reviews) 2
bar meal_takeaway

Harry & Izzy's

4.7 /5
(4251 reviews) 3

The Fountain Room

4.7 /5
(1596 reviews) 3

Fire by the Monon

4.6 /5
(1365 reviews) 2
bar

When to Visit

Racing season runs April through October. May delivers peak atmosphere. The Indianapolis 500 creates an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else, but you'll pay premium prices and fight serious crowds. September and October offer pleasant weather with manageable crowds—ideal if you want to focus on the experience rather than survival.

Insider Tips

Bring a small cooler for race day—outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed, saving significant money on overpriced concessions
The infield at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is massive and operates with its own distinct culture worth exploring even with grandstand seats
Book accommodations well in advance for race month—hotels within 30 miles sell out and prices increase dramatically, sometimes doubling standard rates

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Where to Stay

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