Planning a Trip to Indy to See The Taylor Swift Eras Tour? Here Are 5 Places You Must Checkout

September 4, 2024

In less than 75 days, Swifties from all over the country will be headed to Indianapolis, Indiana in early November to see Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. After over a year of touring, Indy will host the tour’s last planned stop in the United States–marking the end of one of the most exciting and record-breaking times in recent music history.

The city is anticipating a massive turnout at Lucas Oil Stadium from November 1st to 3rd as the shows are expected to bring upwards of 200,000 fans from near and far. Most of which we can assume will help to significantly boost the local economy before and after the shows as attendees patronize hotels, restaurants, shops, public transport, and more. We’ve seen cities like Pittsburgh host two concerts that led to $46 million in direct spending and hotels reaching 95% occupancy–the city’s second-highest occupancy ever recorded for a weekend.

While the concert will no doubt be the main attraction, there are tons of other things to do in Indianapolis during your Eras Tour stay. We’ve scoured the internet for recommendations from locals on the best things to do in The Hoosier State, so you’re sure to find something everyone in your group will enjoy, whether in town with friends, your parents, or younger siblings–or even by yourself!

Image Credit: DepositPhotos.

1. Indianapolis Museum of Art

While you’re in town for the Eras Tour, why not explore some of the city’s greatest visual arts to complement the musical experience you’ll be experiencing with Taylor’s eras? The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is a must-visit destination and the perfect place for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the art scene that weekend. The museum boasts a collection of over 54,000 works and spans 152 acres on The Newfields campus amongst manicured gardens, outdoor art, and a stunning nature park. Whether you’re strolling through the gardens or checking out the ongoing exhibitions happening like “Home Again” or “THE LUME,” it’s a great spot to check out.

Image Credit: Indianapolis Museum of Art / Wiki.

2. White River State Park

If you’re traveling with an outdoorsy group and want to check out the nature that Indy has to offer, White River State Park is a great excursion for you. Indianapolis has experienced some warmer-than-usual temperatures in early November in recent years, so you can expect cool to warm temperatures while you’re in town. This urban getaway, covering 267 acres along the White River, attracts nearly 4 million visitors annually. The park offers miles of trails, acres of green space, and seven attractions such as an IMAX and amphitheater, making it a great destination whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a place to spend a couple of relaxing hours while you’re in town.

Image Credit: Patricia Elaine Thomas / iStock.

3. Mass Ave Cultural District

Mass Ave is known as one of the best entertainment areas in downtown Indy. For those looking to experience Indianapolis’ nightlife or grab a bite to eat before the concert, Mass Ave is the place to be. It’s one of the city’s seven cultural districts and is packed with art galleries, theaters, restaurants, bars, cocktail lounges, and unique local shops. It’s a great spot to be if you’re visiting with a group of friends and want to enjoy a night out at a brewery or brunch the morning after the show. Some of the more popular food and drink destinations in this district include St. Joseph’s Brewery (perfect for IPA lovers), FortyFive Degrees (a sushi haven), and The Garden Table (with delicious pressed juices). The district is also a 6-minute drive to and from the stadium (traffic permitting), so it’s a perfect place to go after the concert if you’re looking to keep the fun going with other Swifties in town. (Want more ideas on what to see while in Indy? Check this out!)

Image Credit: Wiki.

4. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

If you’re attending The Eras Tour with any little ones and need kid-friendly ideas on where to visit, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is an excellent stop that will not disappoint. Recognized as the largest children’s museum in the world, this first-class museum features five floors of interactive exhibits and galleries for every age group where you can enjoy anything from learning about glassblowing to being transported back to a life when dinosaurs roamed the planet. A long-standing attraction since 1925, this museum is one of the most popular places to visit in the city, drawing over a million visitors each year. Its massive 482,950 square-foot facility offers endless opportunities for exploration where both kids and adults will have an unforgettable time in an academic and interactive setting.

Image Credit: Wiki.

5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Indianapolis is most often known around the globe for its famous race car track, known as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Even if you’re not a motorsports fan, no trip to Indy is complete without a visit to this legendary spot known for hosting the iconic Indianapolis 500 each year during the last week of May. While at the speedway, take a track tour which will give you a thrilling backstage look at where and how the racing takes place. Locals like to point out that you shouldn’t leave the track tour without “kissing the bricks,” a longstanding tradition racers have been doing since 1996.

Outside of the speedway, the museum offers a glimpse into the world of racing, from historic innovations like the first rearview mirror to modern-day safety advancements. Currently, the IMS Museum is undergoing renovations, so we recommend you to check the museum’s website or call ahead for the latest information on tours and scheduling information.

This article was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

Image Credit: jetcityimage / iStock.