Let's be honest: no other city in America is quite like Indianapolis. Indy has an incredible history, a welcoming small town vibe, several truly underrated places, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. In case you still need convincing, here are 11 reasons why Indianapolis is the most unique city in the country.
1. We're home to the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
The Indy 500 is a huge all-day event, bringing in hundreds of thousands of spectators every year. Every city has football or baseball, but this sporting event is as unique as it gets.
2. You can navigate downtown without touching the ground.
Sure, Indy may have a smaller downtown area than most cities, but with skywalks connecting hotels, our mall, the movie theater, restaurants, and more, we don't mind the size (especially in winter!)
3. Our art museum has the most whimsical gardens in the country.
Where else can you find a concession stand and swing combination crafted from a 100 foot poplar tree? With other eclectic exhibits like the Funky Bones statue, floating aluminum rings, and the bright bench around the lake statue that seems to pop in and out of the ground throughout the park, there's no denying that we're a creative bunch.
4. We have the largest children's museum in the world.
This massive museum covers over 472,000 square feet and sits on 29 acres of land. With year round and rotating exhibits, special events, and shows, you'll fall in love with this legendary museum, not matter your age.
5. We're home of mouthwatering tenderloin.
This incredible, huge sandwich is an Indiana staple, with thinly pounded pork that is hand-breaded, seasoned, and fried. You'll find hundreds of incredible places to try this beloved sandwich in Indy.
6. We have pretty awesome ruins to explore.
Holliday Park is home to these incredible ruins, which were originally torn down from an NYC skyscraper built in 1898. They enjoy their new home in the middle of this stunning park, surrounded by gorgeous nature.
7. We have beautiful outdoor exercise options.
Our famous Cultural Trail makes it easy to walk to shops, eateries, and downtown attractions. The trail's separate lanes also make it safer to bike or jog around the city.
8. We have duckpin bowling.
Duckpin bowling was popularized on the east coast in the early 1900s. While you'll still find some duckpin bowling alleys on the coast, the duckpin bowling alley in the Fountain Square district of Indy is the closest one you'll find in the Midwest.
9. We have the coolest office buildings.
The Pyramids were designed by famous architect Kevin Roche and completed in 1972. These stunning abstract buildings sit along a 25-acre lake and are easily some of the most unique structures in the world.
10. We have secrets beneath our streets.
Few are aware that beneath the city lie catacombs that were constructed in the 1880s. These interconnected tunnels are both spooky and intriguing, and are some of the best preserved catacombs in the world.
11. We clearly live in the most beautiful city in the world.
Our little city may not have the largest skyline or the biggest population, but with a gorgeous mix of nature and skyscrapers, you can't deny it's one of the most beautiful cities you've ever seen.
What other reasons do you think make Indianapolis the most unique city in the country? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more reasons to love Indy, check out these 10 ways our little city was nationally recognized in 2017.
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