Not just interactive, but emersive experiences. These actors ad lib while you tour through historical scenarious from Indy in the 20th century. Is that for real? Yes - as a matter of fact, it is!

Our WWII Veterans visited the IHS for part of our Indianapolis tour when in town for the groups annual reunion. We were very graciously welcomed, and the staff was super accommodating to our mobile-challenged members. I can not express how helpful Kasee was in setting up our visit. Plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the beautiful exhibits. We also catered box lunches through Hoaglin catering that was available onsite - thank you Laurel for all your help. Excellent service and food. Enjoyed the Cole Porter room and the Prohibition exhibit. Great gift shop - had a hard time getting everyone out of the museum and shop, and back on our bus!

I've been to the IHS quite a few times and I think you have to know what you want to see/do before you go.

Exhibits -
It is an interactive history museum, so prepare yourself to "get involved" with actors. I have seen guests come into the building who do not want to have anything to do with the interactive part, which might have turned them away from the exhibits. I would say it's OK for kids who are older, but maybe not as fun as Conner Prairie. I would say the exhibits are geared more towards adults. Cole Porter room is fun, if you are there while a singer is in the room. The IHS tends to have alot of promotions, so I would check local papers for coupons to get a discount off admission. The ICVA might even offer a coupon.

Dining-
The Stardust Cafe is a great place to have lunch during your visit. You can eat on the beautiful terrace outside by the canal or under the starlit ceiling inside. Hoaglin operates the cafe and the food is pretty good - just very expensive! If you park at the IHS you can get your parking validated through the cafe.

Concerts on the Canal -
Their summer concert series is fun, so I recommend this to any locals or visiting families. You can either reserve a table on the terrace (where the band is) or there is free seating on the stairs and the hill across the canal. If you want to sit on the stairs, make sure to get there early - there are always early birds. You can still hear the band from the hill, but boy is it hot!! There is no shade on the hill.

Meetings/Events-
For the location and the ammenities, IHS offers a great deal for meetings and events. Their meeting rooms are equipped with projectors and your guests get free admission to the museum for day time events. My only compaint for daytime meetings is the price of catering - but I guess that's to be expected. The theater is beautiful too and Lilly Hall is only available for evening events.

Hope you enjoy your visit to the IHS!

The Indiana Historical Society is a not a large museum but has very nice exhibits on display throughout the year. The center is located within walking distance of the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens and Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indiana.