Things to Do in Indianapolis in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Indianapolis
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- January sits in the sweet spot between holiday chaos and Super Bowl prep - hotels that were triple rates in December drop back to normal, and the airport feels half-empty on weekdays
- The Children's Museum stays blissfully quiet on weekday mornings - walk straight into the dinosaur exhibit without waiting behind school groups
- Lucas Oil Stadium runs indoor tours through the locker rooms and field level even when the Colts aren't playing - perfect for football fans who hate the cold
- Downtown restaurants roll out their winter menus with braised short ribs and bourbon cocktails, and they'll have tables available without a two-hour wait
Considerations
- The Indianapolis Zoo's outdoor exhibits close for winter - the polar bears and penguins stay inside, which makes the ticket price feel steep for what you see
- Mass Ave's outdoor dining turns into a wind tunnel between the buildings - that humid air hits you like a slap when you step out of the restaurant
- Uber prices spike during conventions at the Convention Center, and January hosts the largest trade shows of the year
Best Activities in January
Indiana State Museum IMAX Documentary Screenings
January marks the start of new IMAX releases in the modern theater - the screen is seven stories tall and the air conditioning works against the humidity. Morning screenings draw locals escaping the 96°F (36°C) heat, with weekday 10am showings half-empty and blissfully cool.
Canal Walk Winter Gondola Tours
The downtown canal runs heated gondola tours through January - the water reflects the city lights at 6pm when the temperature drops from 96°F (36°C) to 69°F (21°C), making the experience pleasant rather than stifling. South African visitors love this because it's the closest thing to a Venice experience in the Midwest.
St. Elmo Steak House Historic Dining
The 1902 steakhouse serves their famous shrimp cocktail in January - the horseradish sinus punch works better when you're not sweating through your shirt. The mahogany bar fills with convention attendees at 5pm, but 8pm tables are surprisingly available.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
January means empty hallways and actual conversation with docents who've worked there 40 years - they'll tell you which Indy 500 winners cried in the same spot you're standing. The pagoda tour runs every hour without the May crowds, and the 2.5-mile (4 km) track walk is possible instead of fighting 300,000 other people.
January Events & Festivals
Indiana Ice Hockey Home Games
The junior hockey team plays home games at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum - the 7pm games draw actual families instead of tourists, and the concession stands serve tenderloin sandwiches bigger than your face. The arena's 1939 art deco interior feels like stepping into a time machine.
White River State Park Winter Nights
The park strings LED lights through the trees for evening walks - the 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop around the canal stays lit until 10pm and the humidity makes every breath visible. Local photographers bring tripods for the reflection shots.