Indianapolis is home to the world's most renowned single-day sporting event, the Indy 500. This remarkable race, which began in 1911, draws people from all over the globe. It is also known as the Crossroads of America due to its numerous interstate highways. But there is much more to this city than meets the eye.
Here are 15 fascinating facts about Indianapolis that you may not know.
1.It is the second most populous state capital
. Phoenix, Arizona is the most populous state capital in the United States, but Indianapolis follows closely behind, containing nearly 13 percent of Indiana's total population, with a population density of 2,270 people per square mile.2.It is a sports paradise
. Lucas Oil Stadium is the largest NFL stadium in the country.At 253 acres, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest sports facility in the world. And Albert Von Tilzer, a native of Indianapolis, wrote the famous song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”.
3.It was home to a revolutionary invention
. Wonder Bread's Indianapolis branch was the first place to start selling pre-cut loaves of bread. This invention revolutionized how people bought and ate bread.4.It has one of the oldest bars in Indiana
.The Slippery Noodle Inn has been in Indianapolis for more than a century and a half and served as a stop on the underground railroad that is supposedly haunted.
5.The White River was not as useful as planned
. When city planners first arrived in Indianapolis, they chose it because of its central location and its proximity to the White River. However, the river ended up being too sandy for their purposes.6.It has an impressive art scene
. The Indianapolis Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the United States and houses over 54,000 works of art from all over the world.The city also has numerous galleries and art festivals throughout the year.
7.It has a rich history
. The city was founded in 1820 and was named after General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. It was also home to President Benjamin Harrison and Vice President Charles Fairbanks.8.It has an impressive skyline
. The skyline of Indianapolis is dominated by several skyscrapers including Chase Tower, OneAmerica Tower, and Salesforce Tower.9.It has a vibrant music scene
.The city is home to several music venues such as The Vogue Theatre and The Hi-Fi Indy that host local and national acts throughout the year.
10. It has a thriving food scene
. Indianapolis has numerous restaurants that serve up delicious dishes from all over the world including Italian, Mexican, Indian, and American cuisine.11. It has an impressive zoo
. The Indianapolis Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States and houses over 1,400 animals from all over the world.12. It has an impressive park system
. The city has numerous parks including White River State Park, Eagle Creek Park, and Fort Harrison State Park.13. It has an impressive public transportation system
.The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, light rail, and bike share programs.
