Plan a Trip to the Indiana State Museum

The Indiana State Museum, located in downtown Indianapolis‘ White River State Park, brings the finest museum experience to the state of Indiana. The museum provides exhibits and hands-on experiences that showcase Indiana’s history.

It might surprise visitors to learn how many great learning opportunities and fun activities the Indiana State Museum has for children.

Early Childhood Learning at Firefly Landing

Firefly Landing is a learning space specifically dedicated to young museum visitors. Class sizes are very small, allowing lots of one-on-one time with our early childhood specialists.  Here, families with children ages 6 and younger can participate in interactive story time, sensory tables, and hands-on activities.

Firefly Landing at the Indiana State Museum offers several classes each month for children 18 months-6 years. Programs often sell out quickly, so it’s best to book your class early.

Celebrate the Holidays at the Indiana State Museum

During the holiday season, the Indiana State Museum offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Celebration Crossing kicks off the holiday season each year by welcoming Santa Claus to the museum via helicopter. Guests can also take a ride on the 4½-minute train ride called the Snowfall Express.

The holiday season also brings the return of the L.S. Ayres Tea Room, where guests can indulge in favorites like chicken velvet soup and tea-time sandwiches.

The Annual Pinewood Derby

March 28-April 8, 2023

Indiana’s second most exciting spectacle in racing! The Pinewood Derby track will be rigged and ready for cars to race down its 125-foot length to the finish line.  Visitors will be able to start their cars from the second story and experience the thrill of victory and agony of defeat as they try to find car perfection. Alumni derby racers can bring their own pinewood cars and new racers can borrow one from the museum’s line-up. On the last day, there will be a Best in Show competition with both adult and youth divisions. Racing is open to the public.

Canal Nights

Join museum staff and community partners along the canal walk outside the museum for family-friendly outdoor activities and themed, hands-on experiments.

All events take place at the museum’s canal entrance along the Downtown Canal. The canal entrance can still be accessed when parking in the White River State Park garage by walking through level one of the museum. 

Canal Nights take place from 5-7 pm on Wednesdays in June and July.

2023 Dates/Themes

• June 7- Nature Play Day
• June 14 – Color the Canal
• June 21 – Total Eclipse at the Museum!
• June 28 – Create and Construct
• July 5 – Democracy Day
• July 12 – Chemistry is Everywhere
• July 19 – Global Gathering
• July 26 – Superhero Night

Where to Park at the Indiana State Museum

Parking is available in the attached White River State Park underground parking garage on Washington Street, nearby garages, or in the White River State Park South Lot.

Parking at the Indiana State Museum costs $5 per car with a museum ticket and is free with an IMAX® movie ticket.

How much does it cost to visit the Indiana State Museum?

• Adults: $16
• Children: $11
• Seniors: $15

Upcoming Events at the Indiana State Museum

Free Admission Days 

Below are the currently known free museum days for 2023. As we find out more, we will continue to update this page.

• January 16, 2023: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 
• February 20, 2023: Presidents Day 

Plus: The Indiana State Museum offers discounted admission to families who qualify with the Access Pass and various other discounts for certain people/groups. Children under age 3 receive free admission.

More information:

The Indiana State Museum is located at 650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

Hours of Operation:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.