What to Pack for Indianapolis

You will rack up miles on the brick-paved sidewalks of Massachusetts Avenue and the concrete slabs around Lucas Oil Stadium. Cushioned soles absorb the shock of long days spent tracing the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Indianapolis summer humidity leaves you damp after stepping from air-conditioned museums into the warm streets. Quick-dry fabric keeps you comfortable during long visits to the Indianapolis Zoo or White River State Park.

These pouches sort the layers Indianapolis throws at you. Lightweight shirts for indoor galleries go in one cube. Heavier sweaters for evening walks along the Central Canal go in another.

A packable bag is good for stashing layers you peel off during a warm afternoon in the Indianapolis Museum of Art gardens, or for hauling souvenirs from the City Market back to your hotel.

A full day of navigating to murals in Fountain Square and snapping the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument will drain any battery. This brick keeps you live.

Tough cables survive being wound and unwound for charging in your Indianapolis hotel room, a rental car, or an airport gate during a connection.

A clear, compliant bag zips you through security at Indianapolis International Airport. You reach baggage claim fast and start your visit sooner.

Handy for blisters after pounding the paved trails of Eagle Creek Park. Also good for antiseptic after gripping handrails on cultural trail trams.

Keep these if you twist through the hills of Brown County State Park near Indianapolis. They also tame queasiness on simulator rides at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

Solid bars never leak in your luggage during the pressurized flight into Indianapolis. They also lighten packing for a short stay.

This sleeve shields credit cards and IDs from digital theft in packed venues like the Indianapolis Convention Center or a rowdy Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Discreet pocket for cash and cards when you wander unfamiliar Indianapolis neighborhoods or mingle at crowded outdoor festivals.

Lock your checked bags on flights to Indianapolis. Use spares on museum coat-check lockers or a hotel gym.

Supports your neck on the flight to Indianapolis. Doubles as extra cushioning in your room if hotel pillows feel flat or rock-hard.

Blocks glare from streetlamps or an early sunrise through your downtown Indianapolis hotel window. Important if your room faces east toward the state capitol.

Indianapolis tap water is safe. A collapsible bottle shrinks when empty and keeps you hydrated on the Monon Trail without buying throwaway plastics.

Sudden showers pounce on Indianapolis with little warning. A sturdy umbrella keeps you dry while crossing Monument Circle's open plaza or waiting for a ride-share.

Good for hauling groceries from downtown markets like Goose the Market. Also carries a light jacket and guidebook during a day of sightseeing.

Keeps hands free on long walks through the wooded trails of Fort Harrison State Park on Indianapolis's east side. Water stays within easy reach.

Useful if an evening at Newfields runs past sunset. Also lights dim parking areas after a concert at Ruoff Music Center.