Midwestern cities are hiding eccentric secrets. Sure, they might not be as varied or wild as NOLA’s hush-hush haunts, nor as glamorous as those found in New York City.
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But they’re out there—and every major city in the Midwest has its own brand of weird for travelers to check out.
In Indianapolis, those locations include the Moon Tree, a large, healthy sycamore that was grown from a seed taken around the moon during the Apollo 14 mission back in 1971.
There’s also an alleyway that smells of freshly cut roses, thanks to a public art installation in a historic neighborhood that uses an ‘underground scent machine’. It’s part of the Indy Cultural Trail and is designed to showcase the city’s character-filled neighborhoods—and to, literally, stop and smell the (artificial) roses.
Pretty cool, right? There are more than a few trails of breadcrumbs to follow in Indianapolis—and they’ll take you to surprisingly cool places that aren’t (normally) flooded with tourists.
If you’re looking for a weekend vacation that will surprise you, delight you, and not run your bank account into the red, Indy is one of the Midwest’s cooler spots to explore.
These are some of the most eccentric experiences and tours in Indianapolis that are within reach. I’ve noted when tours and experiences don’t have reviews yet—you can decide if it’s worth being the first to book!
Take a walk on the wilder side with these tours in Indianapolis
Walk through Downtown Indy
Kick off your time in Indianapolis with a deep dive into the city’s history and quirks. The tour runs for 90 minutes, winding through the city’s downtown area. While you get a lay of the land, you’ll hear about the wildest local legends, true crime stories, and even folklore. Yes, there’s plenty of real history involved, too.
Mix cocktails like a local
Don’t just enjoy a great drink in Indianapolis—make it with your own hands. This cocktail class includes lessons on how to blend pro-level drinks from scratch. As you learn the basics of mixology, you’ll also make friends with fellow workshoppers.
Unwind with a bodywork session
If you’re heading to Indianapolis with the hopes of unwinding, I have news for you: You can schedule a bodywork session with an Indy pro masseuse. This service lets you choose from a range of services, from tailored massages to mobile-ready sessions. By mobile-ready, I mean this massage therapist will show up to your Airbnb with a table, linens, oils, and more.
Nail a photoshoot with friends
It doesn’t matter if you’re going as far as Tokyo or keeping it close to home with a visit to Indianapolis—photoshoots are a great way to immortalize your trip. Whether you want a photoshoot with your pup, your partner, or at a famous Indianapolis attraction, you can put together a great package with this pro photographer.
Dare to take the Wicked Wraiths of White River ghost tour
Take a bone-chilling walk on Indy’s haunted side with this tour, led by local guides who have a penchant for the paranormal. As you uncover stories of wickedness and criminality, you’ll learn about Indianapolis’s real-life witch trials, along with tales from famous locations like Monument Circle and the Indiana State Capitol.
Flex your inner Turkish artisan with a mosaic lamp workshop
Be the first to explore the art of mosaic lamp-making. This workshop runs for up to two hours, giving you the ins and outs of mosaics. Specifically, you learn about the art of Turkish mosaic artistry before having the chance to embellish your own lamp. As a perk, you also get to sip on Turkish tea and munch on sweets.
Drink & pedal on a pedal bar
Board a pedal-driven bar that lets you sip and see the city at the same time. This interactive tour also includes stops at a local park where you’ll be invited to compete in games. Throughout the journey, you’ll have the chance to sample Indianapolis drinks, from local brews to favorite cocktails.
Books, bites, & brews tour in Noblesville
Explore the hidden corridors of Noblesville, a historic, walkable area north of Indianapolis. As you wander around side streets and alleys, you’ll get a lowdown on the city’s unique history. Depending on group size and other factors, you might stop at a wine bar, taproom, or café between checking out shops and local retailers. Be the first to review this experience!
