I got to thinking about it and I feel like my first article on These 10 Museums In Indiana Will Provide You With An Unforgettable Experience just didn't do the state justice. After all, there are SO many museums in the state of Indiana. I decided to do a bit of digging and compose a second list of museums for your viewing pleasure!
1. Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building
Located at 308 East Berry Street, Fort Wayne is the Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building. The Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building was built in 1893 and served as the city hall until 1971. Since 1980, the building has been serving as the headquarters for the Allen County – Fort Wayne Historical Society. There are 27,000 artifacts on display that are dedicated to the regions history dating back to the Ice Age. Visiting the Fort Wayne Old City Hall Building is sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.
2. Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum
The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is located at 507 Mulberry Street, North Judson. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is to the viewing of a variety of freight rolling stock. Not limited to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway #2789, a 2-8-4 steam locomotive. There are even train rides available from May to October. The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is open only on Saturdays so start planning your visit now!
3. Howard Steamboat Museum
The Howard Steamboat Museum is located at 1101 East Market Street, Jeffersonville. The Howard Steamboat Museum was built in 1890 by Edmonds J. Howard and cost $100,000 to build. There are 22 rooms and three floors to view. The original chandeliers, carvings, arches and the grand staircase are still present inside the museum. A large collection of the half-breadths are also on display.
4. Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
Located at 408 Trojan Lane, New Castle is the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is dedicated to the men and women associated with high school, college and professional basketball. The organization was founded in 1962 and opened in New Castle in June of 1990. There is a courtyard that holds over 6,000 bricks with the names of the teams, coaches and players. This museum celebrates the basketball heritage dating back to the 1890’s. Tours start with an introductory film. The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame is sure to leave you with great memories for a long time to come.
5. Indiana State Museum
The Indiana State Museum is located at 650 West Washington Street, Indianapolis. The exhibits include art, science, culture, and history of Indiana dating back to the prehistoric times. This museum holds the largest IMAX screen in the state of Indiana. They opened at this location on May 22, 2002. The original collections on display started in 1862 in the Civil War. Bring the family and share unforgettable moments at this museum and learn all about your state!
6. Indiana University Art Museum
The Indiana University of Art Museum is located at 1133 East 7th Street, Bloomington. The Indiana University of Art Museum opened in 1941 and was intended to be the center of a "cultural crossroad". The collection at the Indiana University of Art Museum holds about 40.000 objects with only 1,400 on display. The museum is open to the public with free admission Tuesday through Saturday.
7. Indianapolis Museum of Art
The Indianapolis Museum of Art is located in Indianapolis. This museum is an encyclopedic art museum. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is the ninth oldest and eight largest encyclopedic art museum in the United States. Their permanent collection consists of over 54,000 works not limited to African, American, Asian, and European pieces. The Indianapolis Museum of Art will leave you with a new outlook on art!
8. Noble County Sheriff's House and Jail
The Noble County Sheriff’s House and Jail is located at 210 South 7th Street, Albion. The Noble County Sheriff’s House and Jail was built in 1875 by Thomas J. Tolan and Son Architects. The Noble County Sheriff’s House and Jail is also known as Old Jail Museum.
9. Riley Birthplace and Museum
The Riley Birthplace and Museum is located at 528 Lockerbie Street, Indianapolis. The Riley Birthplace and Museum was built in 1872 and the majority of the items still present in the house belonged to James Whitcomb. Be sure to visit this great place as soon as you can. The Riley Birthplace and Museum is full of rich history that is sure to leave you in awe.
10. Studebaker National Museum
The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 Chapin Street, South Bend. The Studebaker National Museum is connected to, and shares an entrance with, the Northern Indiana Center for History, You can choose to see one or both museums. This museum consists of three floors. The main level displays Studebaker history and many vehicles from the 1800’s to 1934. The upper level also displays vehicles. These vehicles are from 1934 onward. The lower level displays military vehicles and additional vehicles in "viewable storage". They are on pallets but still able to be clearly seen. Be sure to visit this museum to see all the classics!
Regardless of where you live in Indiana, you should be able to find a museum in this list that you can enjoy. If not, you should tell me what museums I'm forgetting about in the comments. (Who knows? Maybe there'll be enough for a THIRD list!) I cannot wait until my son is a little older and I think he's ready to enjoy museums, so I can start taking him to some of these!
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