Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum presents the stories of racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the history of the automotive industry in Indiana, and has vehicles and race trophies and memorabilia from race events around the world. It houses one of the most important collections of racing vehicles and memorabilia in the world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
230 within 3 miles
Attractions
186 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- luvmarriottWoodbury, New York80 contributionsFun to see!My son and I visited here while in Indianapolis for the day. It was very interesting to see and if you are an Indy enthusiast, then this is a must see! There was a short bus tour around the track that was interesting and allowed us to take some great photos. There was also a really interesting car to get into for a photo. Be careful though and heed the warning. If you have a bad back or have difficulty getting up, then avoid this!Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 12, 2023
- Gerryp84Chester, Virginia750 contributionsA must see experienceI'm not really a race fan but when in Rome, do as the Romans and when in Indianapolis, go to the Speedway. The museum itself is quite cool. They have many of the first and second place cars in the museum. We raced each other on the race simulators. We got in an Indy car. We saw the $3 million trophy. Of course we had to get the upgraded package and take a lap around the track. This is only $10 additional from what the museum entrance fee is and this is a must while here. You get in a bus and take a lap around the track. Our driver was Gary and I think our guide was Mike. Mike was unbelievably knowledgeable about the history there and I learned many interesting facts. You stop at the finish line and can get out and kiss the bricks which was a cool experience. It's really cool to just be standing there on the track and looking around too. It's quite an impressive place with a lot of history. This is a must see if you are anywhere near Indianapolis, race fan or not.Visited April 2023Written April 30, 2023
- It'sAnAdventurePiqua, Ohio84 contributionsFascinating whether you like racing or notWhether you like racing or not, I'd recommend thus visit to anyone. A visit to the museum has 2 distinct features. First, it is a walk back in time, seeing how automobiles and the auto industry have evolved with world events as the backdrop. Second, you really must take the riding your around the track just to appreciate the sheer size of this racing venue. It is hard to imagine without experiencing it first hand.Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten May 21, 2023
- Tom G2 contributionsIf you love cars, this is a must see!!!This was my absolute favorite experience in Indy. We came here for a "Kiss The Bricks" Tour, then explored the IMS Museum. I was like a kid in a candy store, reveling in the speed and horsepower that was in front of my eyes. The simulator was fun to "drive" and the old show car begs to be sat in just to get the claustrophobic feeling that the drivers live in during the races. The entire staff was friendly and knowledgeable but in the end however, the cars are just simply amazing to lust over.Visited June 2023Written June 16, 2023
- FabulousTLBonita Springs, Florida673 contributionsQuick Fun VisitFun time for all. Saw some cars racing/practicing on the track. Great to watch and hear! A lot of wonderful race cars on display, old and new. Plenty of information available. Different admission options and tours, and prices. Very clean. Restrooms and gift shop. Lovely grounds. Plenty of free parking.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 15, 2023
- stuart wAirdrie, United Kingdom10,006 contributionsA bit of historyIf you like cars and history you will love this place! A real step back in time with lots to see and do, real cars and real exhibits with minimal digital recreation so felt like a proper museum. Would recommendVisited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 22, 2023
- LABDRB634 contributionsVroom, Vroom!Great day at the the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Was in one of the tower suites, fully catered with bar. The servers were so kind and helpful. Our business event included basically all access passes. To receive the pit passes, you simply just had to scan a QR code, answer some questions, take a picture of yourself and surrender your drivers license while walking the grounds. Very easy. When first built it originally had about 3.2 million paving bricks. These bricks were laid in a way that created a “brickyard” racing surface, hence its nickname. The first Indy 500 race took place in 1911, covers 560 acres, making it one of the largest sports facilities in the world. Today, we got to meet Tony Kanaan, who has a great story to tell. He was the Indianapolis 500 winner in 2013 and the IndyCar Series champion in 2004. Cool place. Wear comfortable shoes, the place is giant and you will walk a lot! Parking in the grass lot next to the speedway was 10.00, and a 3 minute walk to the entrance. TY IN.Visited August 2023Traveled on businessWritten August 12, 2023
- Elizabeth MBedford, United Kingdom2 contributionsMotorsport fanGreat visit museum closing in November until 2024 for refurbishment. We enjoyed the minibus trip around the circuit very good guide. Sadly the café next door was not open which was strange but a walk to Speedway Main Street for refreshment is worth it !Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 22, 2023
- Vicki L24 contributionsFun tour and replica or actual cars in museumEven though we are not fans of racing, per se, we loved this museum and the "Kiss the Bricks" tour. Hard to imagine the place with so many racing fans. Note that the museum will be closing for renovations in Nov. 2023 for a few years.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- KassandraBStanwood, Washington323 contributionsA fun stp even for non racing fansI came into the tour and museum with basically zero racing knowledge. I learned quite a bit about the history of racing and particularly the history of the Indy 500. I found it fun and informative and felt that the staff rolled out the red carpet for our group (we were there with the FFA during National Convention week).Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,888 reviews
Excellent
1,961
Very good
707
Average
166
Poor
39
Terrible
15
Steven S
Saint Louis Park, Minnesota1,225 contributions
Jun 2021
Our group had a guided tour of the museum. The guide seemed very knowledgeable giving us additional information not listed on the displays such as how the practice began of milk endorsements by drivers. There are also staff who can explain the significance of the exhibits. A timeline runs across most of a wall giving the names of the Indianapolis 500 winners from its start in 1911. The original 1911 winning car is displayed next to the 2011 winner emphasizing the significant improvements in cars over a century. A display case displays helmets from over the years. The early helmets look very primitive. In addition to the interior exhibits, I recommend visiting the metal plaques off to the right perhaps 80 feet away as you exit the museum. They picture some of the early race cars. There is a large gift shop with mini race cars, clothing and other items. If you are coming with a group, a guided tour would be worth the extra price
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiran A
Miami, FL42 contributions
Aug 2020
I purchased the ticket for the kiss the bricks tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which included the museum in the price. The tour included a ride around the speedway in a small bus, with great informative speakers. We were able to get out and kiss the bricks (a tradition of the winner of the Indy 500) and have our pictures taken by a photographer. After touring the speedway, you are left back at the museum which showcases nearly every winning race car that has been involved in the Indianapolis 500 since the early 1900s and the staff is extremely helpful in understanding the rich history of the racing sport. Be sure to take time to listen to the short film they have on site to gain appreciation for the sport. This is especially true if you, like me, am not a follower of the sport.
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kcolton
Orange, CA351 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Did the kiss the brick tour which includes a lap around the track in a bus or golf cart is golf cart. A stop at the finish line where you can get out and actually kiss the bricks if you would like. It also includes admission to the museum which has tons of history and allows you to sit in an Indy car Is Gary informative and a must see for racing fans
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole0223
Hamilton, OH84 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
This was a random stop for us while we were visiting Indianapolis but it did not disappoint. We did the track tour and the museum. It was $25 for each adult for both of these which I felt like was a fair price. The track took took a lap around the track and stopped at the start/finish line to visit the brick yard. They stopped and let you get out to kiss the brick. After the tour we walked through the museum. Highlights included getting to sit in two real Indy cars and drive a stimulator. We made it a memorable visit.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N4685WEN
77 contributions
Aug 2022
Even if you are not into racing, if you go to Indy, you have to go here. This place is just so iconic! We planned part of our vacation around going here and got there just as they opened, and that is when we discovered that there were additional tours you could take, so we did the Kiss The Bricks one. Basically it's about 20 or so people in a small bus that goes out and does a lap around the race track. And it stops at the start/finish line (the bricks) where you can get out, look around, and take pictures. Despite it being a cooler and rainy Monday morning, almost everyone in our group got down on our hands and knees and actually kissed the bricks! The racing simulators on the second floor are fun too. Every car is in pristine condition and it is fun reading about each one.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dewayne P
Elizabethtown, KY1,858 contributions
Jul 2021
I went on a Monday morning. There was ample parking when I arrived shortly before it opened. The museum is a nominal fee but saw there was a guided "Kiss the Bricks" tour for about $10 more so jumped on it. You get taken onto the track in a trolly-like cart and driven around the track. You stop at the finish line and are able to get out to take pictures or kiss the bricks. It has a tour host, but is mostly a recording. Afterwards you are let into the museum to explore. I am not a huge racing fan but was in awe of the first Indy 500 winning car and other cars they have on display. It was worth the money in my opinon.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna R
Saint Paul, MN65 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The grounds are huge and impressive. I can’t imagine how busy the place must be on race day. Definitely take the shuttle tour around the track, to get a sense of how huge it all is. Our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. He also helped us get the most out of the museum when we got back. The museum was packed with all the models of race cars over the years. If you are a gear head, this place is a must-see.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
13jmarie
Hawaiian Gardens, CA34 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Well Worth the price of the tour! .. our guide for our bus tour was very knowledgeable and friendly , we learned a lot about the history of the Speedway along with seeing the inside of the track. Could spend hours in museum looking at original cars, photos etc .. staff was very accommodating and friendly .
Written November 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah G
Kent, WA254 contributions
Nov 2020
Call first since the web page isn't up-to-date. We planned a visit, checked the web site to ensure that they were open, drove 2.5 hours only to discover that they were closed. I recognize that these are trying times with varying shut-downs. My expectation was that someone would keep the web page current. Such a disappointment!
Written November 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Debbiesgre: I want to personally apologize for your experience, coming to the Museum to find it closed. We were forced to close on more than one occasion in 2020 due to rising COVID rates in central Indiana. Our seasonal staff and docents are mostly retirees, and we were operating out of an abundance of caution.
We made great efforts to ensure our website, social media and tourism partners listed our closure -- but clearly we missed an outlet and you weren't made aware. Very sorry. We're open now and, with vaccinations taking place at a furious pace, we don't plan to close again.
Best wishes,
Eric P. -- IMS Museum Communications
Written March 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CleopatraBunny
Flagstaff, AZ1,671 contributions
Jun 2021
If you like motor sports, then this is a must. You drive in and under the track to park! The museum is open most of the time, but the track can be reserved and closed to tours on a moment's notice (even booking the day before doesn't guarantee it will go the next day). Easy to do in about an hour, with a nice array of Indy car winners and a logical timeline explaining the races, winners and ownership over the past century+. Enjoy the Rick Mears and Granatelli exhibits. Free and plentiful parking.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alfredosperoni
Cipolletti, Argentina6 contributions
Hola, viajo a Indy a fin de junio, cuanto tiempo te lleva la visita al circuito, tour de kiss the brick y el museo?
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
Esperamos su visita. Creo que necesitarás 90 minutos, dependiendo de su nivel de interés--30 minutos para el tour de "kiss the bricks" y 60 minutos para visitar el Musuem. Buen viaje.
jagergeni
Indianapolis, IN1 contribution
Do you have wheelchairs or motorized vehicle available for handicapped?
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
Yes, we have wheelchairs available. The museum and several of our tour buses are wheelchair accessible. We do not have motorized scooters.
Am going to the museum in August. Do they sell food there? A sandwich shop or cafe perhaps?
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
The Museum does not have a restaurant or food service. During race events, practices days, etc. there is a small food stand, the Coca-Cola Pit Stop, in a small building next to the Museum. Otherwise, there are many good restaurants on Main Street in Speedway, just two or three minutes away. And, there are a number of fast food places northwest of the track on Crawfordsville Road, five to seven minutes away.
slpenni
Palm Harbor, FL5 contributions
does the tour include the pit area
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
The VIP Grounds Tour, Golf Cart Tour, and Kiss the Bricks Tour will get you on the track at the yard of bricks right next to the Pit area.
I have driven pace laps in my own car on several NASCAR tracks and would like to add the famous IMS to my list. I have heard this is possible. Could you let me know if it os and what the dates and requirements would be?
Thank you!
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
There are no regularly scheduled times to drive one's car on the track. At most this may happen once a year, but is generally not available to the public. One may pay to be driven in a race car on the track and on occasion it is possible to ride in a pace car. Indy Racing Experience has information on such options.
Qaisar A
Slough, UK29 contributions
Hi how do i go about getting a CARB day ticket, i'm attending the indy 500 but i am arriving in Indi on thursday so i have friday and sat to do something before attending the race on sunday.
Charles W
Princeton, IN85 contributions
You can purchase general admission tickets at the track the day if show. You can purchase car day in advance from the track. Or keep an eye on creigslist Sometimes you can get a good deal on tickets and or suits
tsnyder812
Racine, WI10 contributions
We are driving past in October and just want to stop in... what activities are free?
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
Tours and other activities at the track can be found at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (tours) and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway websites. Trip Advisor does not allow us to post websites. That for the Museum is all one word: indy racing museum, followed by period and "org."
nelsoncruz59
West Chicago, IL1 contribution
Buenos días, nosotros vamos a Indianápolis pero solo de Pasada, cuánto más o menos crees que nos dura hacer el tour? Gracias
Elizabeth S
Indianapolis, IN
El tour "VIP" dura mas o menos 90 minutos. El tour "Kiss the Bricks" dura mas o menos 25 minutos. El tour del museo dura mas o menos 45 minutos.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingIndianapolis Motor Speedway Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Hotels near Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum:
- (0.24 mi) Classic Motor Inn
- (4.89 mi) Bottleworks Hotel
- (0.53 mi) Indianapolis Vacation Rental - Walk to the IMS!
- (0.55 mi) Super Comfortable Home in the Heart of Speedway!!
- (4.25 mi) Conrad Indianapolis
- Restaurants near Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum:
- (0.48 mi) Dawson's on Main
- (0.51 mi) Barbecue and Bourbon
- (1.75 mi) Long's Bakery
- (0.45 mi) O'Reilley's Irish Pub
- (0.71 mi) Charlie Brown's Pancake & Steak House
- Attractions near Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum:
- (0.20 mi) Brickyard Crossing Golf Course
- (0.20 mi) Richard Petty Driving Experience
- (0.20 mi) Miles Ahead Motoring School
- (0.39 mi) Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- (0.59 mi) Dallara IndyCar Factory