10 Historic Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit in Indiana

Yes, this is the site of the Indy 500 and has probably been visited by most Hoosiers. However, the Speedway is also famous for being the site of the world’s largest one-day sporting event, having the oldest working racetrack in the world, and also famous as the world’s largest sports facility. That’s a lot of records.

This national historic landmark consists of three separate buildings, the Auburn, the Cord, and the Duesenberg, with each symbolizing distinct stages in the automobile industry. Their unique showroom is designed in the Art Deco style serving as the main site of the museum.

The distinctive architecture located within this charming district achieved national historic landmark status just 10 years ago. Visitors can view the stunning Schofield House, Lanier Mansion, and can also overlook the gorgeous Ohio River.

This restored carousel now sits in the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The animals that are featured along the carousel were originally carved prior to 1900 by Dentzel Carousel Company and were restored between 1966 and 1977.

This stunning church was designed by the renowned architect, Harry Weese in the 1960s. This building represents the first piece of modern architecture within Columbus, Indiana and is still visited to explore and admire its stunning architecture.

Did you know Abe Lincoln was a Hoosier for 14 years? It's true, and you can visit his childhood home, his mother's grave in Pioneer Cemetery, and the nearby monument put up to commemorate the 16th US President.

The Walker building is famous in downtown Indianapolis. Madame C. J. Walker became famous for becoming the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. Madame C. J. Walker’s company produced makeup and hair styling products for black women, and became a huge cultural site and area for the black community. Since closing, the building has been restored into the Walker Theatre and serves as a performing arts venue for the community.

West Baden is well known for its numerous naturally occurring mineral water springs, making it the perfect site for the now national historic landmark, the West Baden Springs Hotel. This hotel was originally built in the early 1900s and once held the record for the largest building dome in the world.

Columbus has many stunning examples of fine architecture, including this 1960s building. It was designed by John Carl Warnecke, a major 20th century architect. Due to the design and unique look, the building became a national historic landmark.