Toward the end of October and into early November, blue-and-gold jackets will flood the streets of Indianapolis as we celebrate the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo. Indy has a kaleidoscope of interesting and fun sites to explore, including the sprawling Indianapolis Zoo and the iconic NCAA Hall of Champions. Whether you’re heading to convention for the first time or returning for another year, below are some of the top places to consider visiting during your stay.
1. The National FFA Center (6060 FFA Drive)
The headquarters of the National FFA Organization is a must-see for any FFA member. Located on the northwest side of the city, the National FFA Center will be open for tours from Tuesday, Oct. 31 (noon to 3 p.m.) through Friday, Nov. 3 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) during convention week. Stop by to stroll the grounds, see a selection of historic FFA jackets and learn something you didn’t already know about the rich history of FFA through exhibits and timelines.
2. Monument Circle (100 Monument Circle)
In the center of downtown Indianapolis, you can’t miss Monument Circle — a roundabout built around the historic Soldiers & Sailors Monument. Constructed between 1887 and 1902, the towering limestone monument was built as a tribute to Indiana soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Frontier Wars and Spanish-American War. You can go inside the 286-foot-tall monument and climb 330 steps (or take an elevator for a $2 fee) to the top, where a glass-enclosed observatory lets you experience panoramic views of the city skyline. Before leaving, you can shop for souvenirs at an on-site gift shop.
3. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (4750 W. 16th St.)
You don’t have to be a racing fan to appreciate the indelible mark the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has had on the city. The speedway hosts the Indianapolis 500 every May as well as NASCAR’s Brickyard 400 in July. Visit the speedway for a 30-minute guided tour covering points of interest on the track interior, then tour the museum to go behind the scenes of the Racing Capital of the World. You’ll see classic cars (including many Indy 500 winners) and hear stories of the speedway’s history. The cost is $20 per person, a special rate for FFA members. Visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com for more information on purchasing tickets and the tour times currently available.
4. Indianapolis Museum of Art (4000 N. Michigan Road)
If you have an art lover in your chapter, don’t miss the Indianapolis Museum of Art, one of the nation’s largest general art museums. Set on 152 acres, you could spend hours exploring the museum’s four floors of art, featuring European, American, African and contemporary collections. Through this December, you can also experience a popular temporary exhibition called “THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Van Gogh,” which showcases the Post-Impressionist painter’s inspiring work. Finally, allow time to visit the museum’s beautiful outdoor gardens and snap a selfie with Robert Indiana’s original LOVE sculpture.
5. Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site (1230 N. Delaware St.)
Imagine what life was like for Benjamin Harrison and his family when they lived in Indianapolis by visiting his former home in the city’s historic Old Northside neighborhood. Now a National Historic Landmark, for three decades the Italianate-style house belonged to Harrison, the 23rd president of the United States who died in the home in 1901. Today, visitors can tour the three-story residence and get an up-close view of its Victorian furnishings and carriage house on display. Learn more at bhpsite.org.
More Must-Sees
As you prepare to head to Indianapolis, explore more places to visit on our Tours and Attractions page. For information on what to expect once you’re in the city, check out this A to Z National FFA Convention & Expo Guide.
