View source for Indianapolis

{{Short description|Capital and most populous city of Indiana, United States}}
{{About|the capital city of the U.S. state of Indiana}}
{{Confused|Indianópolis|Marion County, Indiana}}

{{Use American English|date=March 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Indianapolis
| official_name      = 
| settlement_type    = [[List of capitals in the United States|State capital]] and<br>[[consolidated city-county]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
  | border = infobox
  | total_width = 280
  | perrow = 1/2/2/2
  | caption_align = center
  | image1 = Indianapolis-1872528.jpg
  | alt1 = Downtown Indianapolis
  | caption1 = [[Downtown Indianapolis]]
  | image2 = Indiana_State_Capitol_Market_St_(bannerportada_esvoy).jpg
  | alt2 = Indiana Statehouse
  | caption2 = [[Indiana Statehouse]]
  | image3 = Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (cropped).jpg
  | alt3 = Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
  | caption3 = [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Monument Circle]]
  | image4 = Indiana World War Memorial - July 2016 - Aonghus Flynn.jpg
  | alt4 = Indiana World War Memorial
  | caption4 = [[Indiana World War Memorial]]
  | image5 = Go Racers - 2020 Indianapolis 500 200819-Z-KW817-1005.jpg
  | alt5 = Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  | caption5 = [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]
  | image6 = Lucas Oil Stadium panoramic view from south end suite - WCNA Oct. 2024.jpg
  | alt6 = Lucas Oil Stadium
  | caption6 = [[Lucas Oil Stadium]]
  | image7 = Brontosaurus at TCMI by Volkan Yuksel 7-11-09 DSC02702 PN 24387230 cs.jpg
  | alt7 = Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  | caption7 = [[Children's Museum of Indianapolis]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of Indianapolis.svg
| image_seal         = Seal of Indianapolis, Indiana.png
| nicknames          = <!-- DO NOT REMOVE NAPTOWN PER CURRENT CONSENSUS -->"Indy", "Circle City", "[[Crossroads of America]]", "Naptown", and [[Nicknames of Indianapolis|others]]
| image_map          = {{maplink
  | frame              = yes
  | plain              = yes
  | frame-align        = center
  | frame-width        = 270
  | frame-height       = 270
  | frame-coord        = {{coord|qid=Q6346}}
  | zoom               = 9
  | type               = shape
  | marker             = city
  | stroke-width       = 2
  | stroke-color       = #0096FF
  | fill               = #0096FF
  | fill-opacity       = 0.2
  | id2                = Q6346
  | type2              = shape-inverse
  | stroke-width2      = 2
  | stroke-color2      = #5F5F5F
  | stroke-opacity2    = 0
  | fill2              = #000000
  | fill-opacity2      = 0
}}
| map_caption        = Interactive map of Indianapolis
| pushpin_map        = Indiana#USA
| pushpin_mapsize    = 200px
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| coordinates        = {{coord|39|46|07|N|86|09|29|W|region:US-IN|display=inline,title}} ([[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]])
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[List of counties in Indiana|County]]
| subdivision_type4  = [[List of townships in Indiana|Townships]]
| subdivision_name   = {{USA}}
| subdivision_name2  = {{flag|Indiana}}
| subdivision_name3  = [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion]]
| subdivision_name4  = {{hlist|[[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center]]|[[Decatur Township, Marion County, Indiana|Decatur]]|[[Franklin Township, Marion County, Indiana|Franklin]]|[[Lawrence Township, Marion County, Indiana|Lawrence]]|[[Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana|Perry]]|[[Pike Township, Marion County, Indiana|Pike]]|[[Warren Township, Marion County, Indiana|Warren]]|[[Washington Township, Marion County, Indiana|Washington]]|[[Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana|Wayne]]}}
| established_title  = Founded
| established_date   = {{start date and age|1821|1|6}}<ref name="founding">{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=[[Indiana University Press]] |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=1479–1480 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref>
| established_title2 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated (town)]]
| established_date2  = {{start date and age|1831|9|3}}<ref name="founding"/>
| established_title3 = Incorporated (city)
| established_date3  = {{start date and age|1847|3|30}}<ref name="founding"/>
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government#Strong-mayor form|Strong mayor–council]]
| governing_body     = [[Indianapolis City-County Council]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Indianapolis|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Joe Hogsett]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_total_km2     = 952.95
| area_total_sq_mi   = 367.93
| area_land_km2      = 936.64
| area_land_sq_mi    = 361.64
| area_water_km2     = 16.30
| area_water_sq_mi   = 6.29
| area_note          = 
| elevation_m        = 219
| elevation_ft       = 718
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GNIS">{{cite GNIS|2395423|Indianapolis|access-date=April 10, 2021}}</ref>
| population_total   = 887642
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = 
| population_rank    = {{ubl | [[List of North American cities by population|43rd]] in North America | [[List of United States cities by population|16th]] in the United States | [[List of cities in Indiana|1st]] in Indiana}}
| population_density_sq_mi = 2454.50
| population_density_km2 = 947.69
| population_urban   = 1,699,881 ([[List of United States urban areas|US: 32nd]])
| population_density_urban_km2 = 908.4
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 2,352.6
| population_metro_footnotes = <ref name="2020Pop">{{cite web |title=2020 Population and Housing State Data |url=https://census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/2020-population-and-housing-state-data.html |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]] |access-date=August 22, 2021}}</ref>
| population_metro   = 2111040 ([[List of metropolitan statistical areas|US: 33rd]])
| population_demonym = Indianapolitan<ref>{{cite Merriam-Webster |Indianapolitan |access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref>
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|title= Total Gross Domestic Product for Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN (MSA) |url= https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/NGMP26900 |website= fred.stlouisfed.org}}</ref><ref name="bea.gov">{{cite web |url = https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-12/lagdp1223.pdf |title = Gross Domestic Product by County and Metropolitan Area, 2022|publisher = [[Bureau of Economic Analysis]] |website = www.bea.gov}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = [[List of capitals in the United States|State capital]] and [[consolidated city-county]]
| demographics2_info1 = $102.8 billion (2022)
| demographics2_title2 = Indianapolis (MSA)
| demographics2_info2 = $184.4 billion (2022)
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = {{Collapsible list|title=56 total ZIP codes:|46201–46209, 46213-46214, 46216-46222, 46224-46231, 46234-46237, 46239-46242, 46244, 46247, 46249-46251, 46253-46256, 46259-46260, 46262, 46268, 46277-46278, 46280, 46282-46283, 46285, 46288, 46290, 46298}}
| area_codes         = [[Area codes 317 and 463|317 and 463]]
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 18-36003<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]] |title=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=January 31, 2008}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2395423<ref name=GNIS/>
| website            = {{URL|indy.gov}}
| footnotes          = 
| pushpin_label      = Indianapolis
| established_title4 = [[Consolidated city-county|City-county consolidation]]
| established_date4  = {{start date and age|1970|1|1}}<ref name="Unigov"/>
| timezone           = [[Eastern Time]]
| utc_offset         = −5
| timezone_DST       = [[Eastern Daylight Time]]
| utc_offset_DST     = −4
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web |title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_18.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]] |access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
}}

'''Indianapolis''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|ɪ|n|d|i|ə|ˈ|n|æ|p|ə|l|ᵻ|s|audio=LL-Q1860 (eng)-Flame, not lame-Idianapolis.wav}} {{respell|IN|dee|ə|NAP|ə|lis}}),<ref>{{cite book |last=Jones|first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title=[[English Pronouncing Dictionary]] |editor1=Peter Roach |editor2=James Hartmann |editor3=Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |orig-year=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=3-12-539683-2}}</ref><ref>{{olist|{{cite Merriam-Webster|Indianapolis}}|{{cite Dictionary.com|Indianapolis}}}}</ref> colloquially known as '''Indy''', is the [[List of capitals in the United States|capital]] and [[List of municipalities in Indiana|most populous city]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Indiana]] and the [[county seat]] of [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]]. Indianapolis is situated in the state's central [[till plain]] region along the west fork of the [[White River (Indiana)|White River]]. The city's official slogan, "[[Crossroads of America]]", reflects its historic importance as a transportation hub and its relative proximity to other major North American markets.<ref name="Indy Chamber">{{cite web|url=http://www.indychamber.com/files/1414/2429/3865/Metro_Indy_GCI_Export_Plan_low_resolution.pdf|title=Metro Indianapolis Export Plan|publisher=Indy Chamber|access-date=August 16, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022095403/http://www.indychamber.com/files/1414/2429/3865/Metro_Indy_GCI_Export_Plan_low_resolution.pdf|archive-date=October 22, 2016}}</ref><ref name="NPS">{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/introessay.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824155322/http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/introessay.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 24, 2007|title=Capital at the Crossroads of America–Indianapolis: A Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary|publisher=National Park Service (U.S. Dept. of the Interior)|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref>

At the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the [[Indianapolis (balance)|balance]] population was 887,642.<ref name="QuickFacts22"/> Indianapolis is the [[List of United States cities by population|16th-most populous]] city in the U.S., the third-most populous city in the [[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] after [[Chicago]] and [[Columbus, Ohio]], and the fourth-most populous state capital in the nation after [[Phoenix, Arizona|Phoenix]], [[Austin, Texas|Austin]], and Columbus. The [[Indianapolis metropolitan area]] is the [[Metropolitan statistical area|33rd-most populous]] metropolitan statistical area in the U.S., home to 2.1 million residents.<ref name="IBRC MSA"/> With a population of more than 2.6 million, the combined statistical area [[Combined statistical area|ranks 28th]].<ref name="IBRC CSA"/> Indianapolis proper covers {{convert|368|sqmi|km2|}}, making it the [[List of United States cities by area|18th-most extensive]] city by land area in the country.

[[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indigenous peoples]] inhabited the area dating to as early as 10,000 BC.<ref name="Jones">{{cite web|author1=James R. Jones III, PhD.|author2=Amy L. Johnson|url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/files/HP_earlypeoples.pdf|title=Early Peoples of Indiana|date=2016|publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology|access-date=August 11, 2020|archive-date=July 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725090311/https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic/files/HP_earlypeoples.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1818, the [[Lenape]] relinquished their tribal lands in the [[Treaty of St. Mary's]].<ref name="Ency"/> In 1821, Indianapolis was established as a [[planned city]] for the new seat of Indiana's state government. The city was [[plat]]ted by [[Alexander Ralston]] and [[Elias Pym Fordham]] on a {{convert|1|sqmi|km2|adj=on}} grid. Completion of the [[National Road|National]] and [[Michigan Road|Michigan]] roads and later arrival of rail solidified the city's position as a major manufacturing and commercial center.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|pages=190}}</ref> Since the 1970 [[Consolidated city-county|city-county consolidation]], known as [[Unigov]], local government administration operates under the direction of an elected 25-member [[Indianapolis City-County Council|city-county council]] headed by the [[List of mayors of Indianapolis|mayor]].

Indianapolis anchors the [[List of U.S. metropolitan areas by GDP|28th largest]] metropolitan economy in the U.S.<ref name="FRED">{{cite web |url=https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/NGMP26900 |title=Total Gross Domestic Product for Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN (MSA) [NGMP26900] |work=[[U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis]] |publisher=FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis |access-date=May 20, 2023}}</ref> Prominent industries include trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing.<ref name="industries">{{cite web |url=https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/summary/blssummary_indianapolis.pdf |date=April 3, 2024 |title=Indianapolis Area Economic Summary |publisher=U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics |access-date=April 15, 2024}}</ref> The city has notable [[niche market]]s in [[amateur sports]] and [[auto racing]].<ref name="employment industries">{{cite web|author1=Rick Mattoon|author2=Norman Wang|url=https://www.clustermapping.us/sites/default/files/files/resource/Industry%20clusters%20and%20economic%20development%20in%20the%20Seventh%20District%27s%20largest%20cities.pdf|title=Industry clusters and economic development in the Seventh District's largest cities|date=2014|publisher=Economic Perspectives|pages=56–58|access-date=August 16, 2016|archive-date=October 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022095357/https://www.clustermapping.us/sites/default/files/files/resource/Industry%20clusters%20and%20economic%20development%20in%20the%20Seventh%20District%27s%20largest%20cities.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Naptown">{{cite video |people=Ted Greene and Jon Sweeney |date=January 20, 2012 |title=Naptown to Super City |url=http://video.wfyi.org/video/2282207842/ |medium=television broadcast |publisher=[[WFYI (TV)|WFYI]] |access-date=March 26, 2016 |archive-date=December 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218204404/http://video.wfyi.org/video/2282207842/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Contemporary Indianapolis is home to two [[Major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada|major league]] sports teams, three [[Fortune 500|''Fortune'' 500]] companies, eight university campuses, and numerous cultural institutions, including [[The Children's Museum of Indianapolis|the world's largest children's museum]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew|last=Clark|date=May 21, 2018|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/05/21/fortune-500-list-indiana-companies-anthem-eli-lilly-cummins-simon-thor/628546002/|title=Fortune 500 list: Indiana RV manufacturer makes it for the first time|work=The Indianapolis Star|access-date=August 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Samm|last=Quinn|date=January 2, 2020|url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/childrens-musuem-reports-record-attendance-in-2019|title=Children's museum reports record attendance in 2019|work=Indianapolis Business Journal|access-date=August 12, 2020}}</ref> The city is perhaps best known for hosting the world's largest single-day sporting event, the [[Indianapolis 500]].<ref name="Keefer">{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=April 30, 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/2016/04/30/how-indianapolis-500-became-more-than-race/83247608/ |title=How the Indianapolis 500 became more than a race |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Davidson">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis 500-Mile Race |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Davidson |first=Donald |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-500-mile-race/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> Among the city's [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Indiana|historic sites and districts]], Indianapolis is home to the largest collection of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the U.S. outside of [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="MemorialsMonuments">{{cite news|first=Dawn|last=Mitchell|date=May 25, 2015|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/05/25/monumental-indianapolis/27909621/|title=Monumental Indianapolis: Touring Indianapolis memorials|work=The Indianapolis Star|access-date=March 25, 2016}}</ref><ref name="IWM">{{cite web|title=Message from the Executive Director|url=http://www.in.gov/iwm/2408.htm|publisher=Indiana War Memorial|access-date=March 25, 2016}}</ref>

==Etymology==
{{See also|List of modern words formed from Greek polis}}
The name Indianapolis is derived from pairing the state's name, ''Indiana'' (meaning "Land of the Indians", or simply "Indian Land"<ref>An earlier use of the name dates to the 1760s when it referenced a tract of land under the control of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but the area's name was discarded when it became a part of that state. See {{cite journal | last= Hodgin | first= Cyrus | year=1903| title= The Naming of Indiana |journal= Papers of the Wayne County, Indiana, Historical Society| volume=1| issue=1 | pages=3–11| publisher=Wayne County, Indiana, Historical Society| format =pdf transcription| url=http://www.in.gov/history/2805.htm| access-date =January 23, 2014}}</ref>), with the suffix ''{{lang|el|-polis}}'', the [[Greek language|Greek]] word for "city". [[Jeremiah Sullivan]], justice of the [[Indiana Supreme Court]], is credited with coining the name.<ref>{{cite web|title=Judge Jeremiah Sullivan House|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/madison/judge_jeremiah_sullivan_house.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311174450/http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/madison/Judge_Jeremiah_Sullivan_House.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2015|publisher=National Park Service (U.S. Dept. of the Interior)|access-date=August 21, 2017}}</ref> Other names considered were Concord, Delaware, Suwarrow, [[Tecumseh]], Wayne, and Whetzel.<ref>A plaque at the City-County Building commissioned by the Society of Indiana Pioneers in 1962 lists these as considered names: "In an act of January 6, 1821, the Indiana General Assembly, then meeting at Corydon, named the new capital of the state 'Indianapolis'. Jeremiah Sullivan, later an eminent Hoosier jurist, acting in cooperation with Samuel Merrill and the approval of Governor Jonathan Jennings, proposed Indianapolis as the name which was chosen in preference to Tecumseh, Suwarrow, and Concord."</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Historic Towns of the Western States| date=1901 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PH8UAAAAYAAJ&dq=Indianapolis+history+name+proposed+Suwarrow+Tecumseh&pg=PA152|publisher=Lyman Pierson Powell| isbn=978-0-598-28024-4 |access-date=May 23, 2025}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Indianapolis}}
{{For timeline}}

===19th century===
[[File:Greater Indianapolis ;the history, the industries, the institutions, and the people of a city of homes (1910) (14803447463).jpg|thumb|An 1820 illustration of Indianapolis]]
[[File:Restored plat of Indianapolis.png|thumb|[[Alexander Ralston]]'s "Plat of the Town of Indianapolis" in 1821]]
In 1816, the year Indiana gained statehood, the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]] donated four sections of federal land to establish a permanent seat of state government.<ref>{{cite book|author=A. C. Howard|title=A. C. Howard's Directory for the City of Indianapolis: Containing a Correct List of Citizens' Names, Their Residence, and Place of Business, with a Historical Sketch of Indianapolis from its Earliest History to the Present Day|publisher=A. C. Howard|year=1857|location=Indianapolis|page=3}} See also {{cite book|author=Hester Ann Hale|title=Indianapolis, the First Century|publisher=Marion County Historical Society|year=1987|location=Indianapolis|page=9}}</ref> Two years later, under the [[Treaty of St. Mary's]] (1818), the [[Lenape|Delaware]] relinquished title to their tribal lands in central Indiana, agreeing to leave the area by 1821.<ref name="Ency">{{cite book|last=Bodenhamer|first=David|author2=Robert Graham Barrows|author3=David Gordon Vanderstel|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bg13QcMSsq8C|isbn=0-253-31222-1}} p. 1042</ref> This tract of land, which was called the [[New Purchase (1818)|New Purchase]], included the site selected for the new state capital in 1820.<ref>Brown, p. 1; ''Centennial History of Indianapolis'', p. 26; and Howard, p. 2.</ref> The indigenous people of the land prior to [[Indian removals in Indiana|systematic removal]] are the [[Miami Nation of Indiana]] ([[Miami Nation of Oklahoma]]) and Indianapolis makes up part of Cession 99; the primary treaty between the indigenous population and the United States was the [[Treaty of St. Mary's (1818)|Treaty of St. Mary's]] in 1818.<ref name=Madison123>{{cite book | author=James H. Madison| title =Hoosiers: A New History of Indiana| publisher =Indiana University Press and the Indiana Historical Society Press | year =2014 | location =Bloomington and Indianapolis | page =123 | isbn =978-0-253-01308-8}}</ref>

The availability of new federal lands for purchase in central Indiana attracted settlers, many of them descendants of families from northwestern Europe. Although many of these first European and American settlers were [[Protestants]], a large proportion of the early [[Irish people|Irish]] and [[Germans|German]] immigrants were [[Catholics]]. Few [[African American]]s lived in central Indiana before 1840.<ref>Baer, p. 10 and 58.</ref>

The first [[European American]]s to permanently settle in the area that became Indianapolis were either the McCormick or Pogue families. The McCormicks are generally considered to be the first permanent settlers; however, some historians believe [[George Pogue]] and family may have arrived first, on March 2, 1819, and settled in a log cabin along the creek that was later called [[Pogue's Run]]. Other historians have argued as early as 1822 that [[John Wesley McCormick]] and his family and employees became the area's first European American settlers, settling near the [[White River (Indiana)|White River]] in February 1820.<ref>Brown, p. 2; ''Centennial History of Indianapolis'', p. 6; and Hale, p. 8.</ref>

On January 11, 1820, the [[Indiana General Assembly]] authorized a committee to select a site in central Indiana for the new state capital.<ref>Hale, p. 9.</ref> The state legislature approved the site, adopting the name Indianapolis on January 6, 1821.<ref name="founding"/> In April, [[Alexander Ralston]] and [[Elias Pym Fordham]] were appointed to survey and design a town plan for the new settlement.<ref>Hyman, p. 10, and {{cite journal|author=William A. Browne Jr.|title=The Ralston Plan: Naming the Streets of Indianapolis|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=25|issue=3|pages=8–9|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Summer 2013}} Accessed March 25, 2016.</ref> Indianapolis became a seat of county government on December 31, 1821, when [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]], was established. A combined county and town government continued until 1832 when Indianapolis was incorporated as a town.<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis">Brown, pp. 8, 46 and 49; ''Centennial History of Indianapolis'', p. 30; Esarey, v. 3, pp. 42–43 and 201–2; and {{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=1479–80|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref>

Indianapolis became an incorporated city effective March 30, 1847. [[Samuel Henderson (Indianapolis mayor)|Samuel Henderson]], the city's first mayor, led the new city government, which included a seven-member city council. In 1853, voters approved a new city charter that provided for an elected mayor and a fourteen-member city council. The city charter continued to be revised as Indianapolis expanded.<ref name="The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis"/> Effective January 1, 1825, the seat of state government moved to Indianapolis from [[Corydon, Indiana]]. In addition to state government offices, a [[United States district court|U.S. district court]] was established at Indianapolis in 1825.<ref>Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., p. 967; Hale, p. 13; Howard, p. 26; and {{cite book|author=W. R. Holloway|title=Indianapolis: A Historical and Statistical Sketch of the Railroad City, A Chronicle of its Social, Municipal, Commercial and Manufacturing Progress with Full Statistical Tables|url=https://archive.org/details/indianapolishist00inholl|publisher=Indianapolis Journal|year=1870|location=Indianapolis}}</ref>

Growth occurred with the opening of the [[National Road]] through the town in 1827, the first major federally funded highway in the United States.<ref name=Hyman34-Baer11>Baer, p. 11, and Hyman, p. 34.</ref> A small segment of the ultimately failed [[Indiana Central Canal]] was opened in 1839.<ref name="Canal">{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|pages=395–396}}</ref> The first railroad to serve Indianapolis, the [[Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad]], began operation in 1847, and subsequent railroad connections fostered growth.<ref name="Britannica"/> [[Indianapolis Union Station]] was the first of its kind in the world when it opened in 1853.<ref name="Union Station">{{cite web |url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/unionstation.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121214012822/http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/indianapolis/unionstation.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 14, 2012|title=Indianapolis Union Railroad Station|work=Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary|publisher=National Park Service|location=Washington, D.C.|access-date=August 11, 2015}}</ref>

====American Civil War====
{{Main|Indianapolis in the American Civil War}}
During the [[American Civil War]], Indianapolis was mostly loyal to the [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] cause. [[Governor of Indiana|Governor]] [[Oliver P. Morton]], a major supporter of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Abraham Lincoln]], quickly made Indianapolis a rallying place for [[Union Army|Union army]] troops. On February 11, 1861, [[President-elect of the United States|President-elect]] Lincoln arrived in the city, en route to [[Washington, D.C.]] for his [[First inauguration of Abraham Lincoln|presidential inauguration]], marking the first visit from a president-elect in the city's history.<ref>Holliday, p. 24; Dunn, ''Greater Indianapolis'', v. I, p. 217; and Leary, pp. 94–98.</ref> On April 16, 1861, the first orders were issued to form Indiana's first regiments and establish Indianapolis as a headquarters for the state's volunteer soldiers.<ref>{{cite journal|author=John D. Barnhart|title=The Impact of the Civil War on Indiana|journal=Indiana Magazine of History|volume=57|issue=3|page=186|publisher=Indiana University|location=Bloomington|date=September 1961|url= http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/imh/article/view/8814/11342|access-date=October 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal| author=Joseph A. Parsons Jr. |title=Indiana and the Call for Volunteers, April, 1861|journal=Indiana Magazine of History|volume=54|issue=1|pages=5–7|publisher=Indiana University|location=Bloomington|date=March 1958|url=http://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/imh/article/view/8576/10865|access-date=October 20, 2015}}</ref> Within a week, more than 12,000 recruits signed up to fight for the Union.<ref>{{cite book|title=Indiana in the Civil War Era, 1850–1880|author=Emma Lou Thornbrough|series=History of Indiana|volume=III|page=124|isbn=0-87195-050-2|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|year=1995|location=Indianapolis}}</ref>

Indianapolis became a major logistics hub during the war, establishing the city as a crucial military base.<ref>Leary, p. 99.</ref><ref name=Bod443>Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., p. 443.</ref> Between 1860 and 1870, the city's population more than doubled.<ref name="Britannica"/> An estimated 4,000 men from Indianapolis served in 39 regiments, and an estimated 700 died during the war.<ref>Leary, pp. 99, 113–14, and Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., pp. 441, 443.</ref> On May 20, 1863, Union soldiers attempted to disrupt a statewide Democratic convention at Indianapolis, forcing an adjournment of the proceedings, sarcastically referred to as the [[Battle of Pogue's Run]].<ref>Thornbrough, p. 202; Bodenhamer and Barrows, eds., p. 1121; and {{cite book|author=Kenneth M. Stampp|title=Indiana Politics During the Civil War|publisher=Indiana Historical Bureau|series=Indiana Historical Collections|volume=31|year=1949|location=Indianapolis|pages=199–201|oclc=952264}}</ref> Fear turned to panic in July 1863, during [[Morgan's Raid]] into southern Indiana, but Confederate forces turned east toward [[Ohio]], never reaching Indianapolis.<ref>Barnhart, pp. 212–13, and {{cite book|title=Indianapolis and the Civil War|author=John Holliday|publisher=E. J. Hecker|year=1911|pages=58–59}}</ref> On April 30, 1865, Lincoln's funeral train made a stop at Indianapolis, where an estimated crowd of more than 100,000 people passed the assassinated president's [[bier]] at the [[Indiana Statehouse]].<ref name=Bod443/><ref name=Dunn237>Dunn, v. I, p. 237.</ref>

[[File:Indianapolis Motor Speedway - Otis Lithograph Co. border edit.jpg|thumb|A 1909 advertisement for the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]]]
Following the Civil War and in the wake of the [[Second Industrial Revolution]], Indianapolis experienced tremendous growth and prosperity. In 1880, Indianapolis was the world's third-largest pork packing city, after [[Chicago]] and [[Cincinnati]], and the second-largest railroad center in the U.S. by 1888.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=1483}}</ref><ref name="Built Environment">{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=23}}</ref> By 1890, the city's population surpassed 100,000.<ref name="Britannica"/> Some of the city's most notable businesses were founded during this period of growth and innovation, including [[L. S. Ayres]] (1872), [[Eli Lilly and Company]] (1876), [[Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company]] (1910), and [[Allison Transmission]] (1915).

===20th century===
Some of the city's most prominent architectural features and best known historical events date from the turn of the 20th century. The [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]], dedicated on May 15, 1902, would later become the city's unofficial symbol.<ref>{{cite journal|author=James Philip Fadely|title=The Veteran and the Memorial: George J. Gangsdale and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=18|issue=1|pages=33–35|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Winter 2006}} Accessed March 26, 2016.</ref> [[Ray Harroun]] won the inaugural running of the [[Indianapolis 500]], held May 30, [[1911 Indianapolis 500|1911]], at [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]]. Indianapolis was one of the hardest hit cities in the [[Great Flood of 1913]], resulting in five known deaths<ref name=IndyProfile>{{cite web|title=Community Profiles: Indianapolis, Indiana|work=The Great Flood of 1913, 100 Years Later|publisher=Silver Jackets|year=2013|url=http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/1913Flood/communities/indianapolis.shtml|access-date=July 29, 2013|archive-date=November 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113154058/http://mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/1913Flood/communities/indianapolis.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Bell15>{{cite journal|author=Trudy E. Bell|title=Forgotten Waters: Indiana's Great Easter Flood of 1913|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=18|issue=2|page=15|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Spring 2006}}</ref><ref>Unconfirmed deaths numbered as many as twenty-five. See Bodenhamer and Barrows, p. 582.</ref> and the displacement of 7,000 families.<ref name=BB58182>{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|pages=581–582|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref>

Once home to 60 automakers, Indianapolis rivaled [[Detroit]] as a center of automobile manufacturing.<ref name="automaker"/> The city was an early focus of [[labor organization]].<ref name="Britannica"/> The [[Indianapolis streetcar strike of 1913]] and subsequent police mutiny and riots led to the creation of the state's earliest labor-protection laws, including a [[minimum wage]], regular work weeks, and improved working conditions.<ref name=d1230>{{cite book|author=Dunn, Jacob Piatt|title=Indiana and Indianans|volume=III|year=1919|publisher=American Historical Society|location=Chicago & New York|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OXUmzX6kE-4C|page=1230|author-link=Jacob Piatt Dunn}}</ref> The [[International Typographical Union]] and [[United Mine Workers of America]] were among several influential labor unions based in the city.<ref name="Britannica"/>

As a stop on the [[Underground Railroad]], Indianapolis had one of the largest black populations in the [[Union (American Civil War)|Northern States]], until the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]].<ref name="mumford.albany.edu">{{cite web|url=http://mumford.albany.edu/census/2003newspdf/jsonlineSeries/011403MURPHInjsonline.pdf|title=Indianapolis|access-date=November 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060926182527/http://mumford.albany.edu/census/2003newspdf/jsonlineSeries/011403MURPHInjsonline.pdf|archive-date=September 26, 2006}}</ref> Led by [[D. C. Stephenson]], the [[Indiana Klan]] became the most powerful political and social organization in Indianapolis from 1921 through 1928, controlling the City Council and the Board of School Commissioners, among others. At its height, more than 40% of native-born white males in Indianapolis claimed membership in the Klan.

[[File:Landmark for Peace Memorial.jpg|thumb|''[[Landmark for Peace Memorial]]'' in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park]]
While campaigning in the city in 1968, [[Robert F. Kennedy]] delivered one of the most lauded [[Robert F. Kennedy's speech on the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.|speeches]] in 20th century American history following the assassination of [[Martin Luther King Jr.]]<ref>{{cite news|author=Morning Edition|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89365887|title=Robert Kennedy: Delivering News of King's Death |publisher=NPR|access-date=July 1, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Higgins|first=Will|date=April 2, 2015|title=April 4, 1968: How RFK saved Indianapolis|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2015/04/02/april-rfk-saved-indianapolis/70817218/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|access-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top 100 American Speeches of the 20th Century|url=http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/007256296x/77464/top100_only.html|access-date=August 1, 2016}}</ref> As in most U.S. cities during the [[civil rights movement]], the city experienced strained race relations, including [[1969 Indianapolis riots|1969 riots]]. A 1971 federal court decision forcing [[Indianapolis Public Schools]] to implement [[desegregation busing]] proved controversial.<ref>{{cite news|first=Shaina|last=Cavazos|date=August 17, 2016|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/08/indianapolis-school-districts/496145/|title=Racial Bias and the Crumbling of a City|work=The Atlantic|access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref>

During the mayoral administration of [[Richard Lugar]] (1968–1976), the city and county governments consolidated. Known as [[Unigov]] (a [[portmanteau]] of "unified" and "government"), the [[city-county consolidation]] removed bureaucratic redundancies, captured increasingly [[suburbanization|suburbanizing]] tax revenue, and created a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[political machine]] that dominated local politics until the early 2000s.<ref name="politics">{{cite news |last=Bradner |first=Eric |date=August 29, 2010 |title=Indiana Democrats, African-Americans saw diminishing returns in 'Unigov' |url=http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&subsectionID=303&articleID=55914 |work=Evansville Courier & Press |access-date=March 26, 2016 |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408151900/http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&subsectionID=303&articleID=55914 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=1356}}</ref> Effective January 1, 1970, Unigov expanded the city's land area by more than {{convert|300|sqmi|km2}} and increased its population by some 250,000 people.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Not stated--> |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/312244277 |url-access=subscription |title=Unigov's 1st Test Is Due |date=May 25, 1971 |work=The Indianapolis News |access-date=July 3, 2023 |page=41 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=It meant the city's jurisdiction grew overnight from one that covered 82 square miles and just over 500,000 residents to one with 400 square miles and more than 750,000 people.}}</ref> It was the first major city-county consolidation to occur in the U.S. without a [[referendum]] since the creation of the [[City of Greater New York]] in 1898.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Creation of Unigov |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William A. |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David G. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/unigov-creation-of-1967-1971/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref> Lugar is credited with initiating downtown revitalization efforts, overseeing the building of [[Market Square Arena]], renovations to [[Indianapolis City Market]], and the formation of [[Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Richard G. Lugar |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Frantz |first=Edward O. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/richard-g-lugar/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref>

Amid the changes in government and growth, the city pursued an aggressive economic development strategy to raise the city's stature as a [[sports tourism]] destination, known as the Indianapolis Project.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |pages=803–804}}</ref> During the administration of the city's longest-serving mayor, [[William Hudnut]] (1976–1992), millions of dollars were invested into sports venues and public relations campaigns. The strategy was successful in landing the [[U.S. Olympic Festival]] in 1982, securing the [[Baltimore Colts relocation to Indianapolis|relocation of the Baltimore Colts]] in 1984, and hosting the [[1987 Pan American Games]].<ref name="Naptown"/>

Beginning in 1992, the mayoral administration of [[Stephen Goldsmith]] introduced a number of [[austerity]] measures to address budget shortfalls through [[privatization]] and greater reliance on [[public–private partnership]]s. Major downtown revitalization projects continued through the 1990s, including the openings of [[Circle Centre Mall]], [[Victory Field]], and [[Gainbridge Fieldhouse]], as well as ongoing redevelopment of the [[Canal and White River State Park]] area.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Stephen L. Goldsmith Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William A. |last2=Stitt |first2=Scott |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/administration-of-stephen-l-goldsmith/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref>
[[File:Indy Central Canal.jpg|thumb|The skyline of [[Downtown Indianapolis]] seen from [[Canal and White River State Park]] in 2008]]
[[Bart Peterson]] took office in 2000, the first Democrat elected to the post since [[John J. Barton]]'s [[1963 Indianapolis mayoral election|1963 election]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Schneider |first=Mary Beth |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/107860017 |url-access=subscription |title=Peterson leads a party revival |date=November 3, 1999 |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 2, 2023 |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=For the first time since 1963, and for the first time since Uni-Gov was created in 1969, the voters of Marion County elected a Democrat — Bart Peterson — to be mayor.}}</ref> The Peterson administration focused on [[education reform]] and promoting the arts.
{{Wide image|IN Indianapolis 1914a.jpg|1000px|alt=Panoramic view of Downtown Indianapolis in 1914|[[Downtown Indianapolis]] in 1914. At left, the [[Indiana Statehouse]]. At center-left are the Claypool Hotel (foreground) and [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]] (background). The intersection of Illinois St. and the [[Washington Street (Indianapolis)|National Road]] is centered near the bottom of the image. The [[Indianapolis News Building]] and [[Hotel Washington (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Hotel Washington]] are to the left of Washington Street while the [[Barnes and Thornburg Building|Merchants National Bank Building]] is visible to the right. At center-right, the [[Wholesale District, Indianapolis|Wholesale District]]. At far-right, the [[Omni Severin Hotel|Hotel Severin]] and [[Indianapolis Union Station]] clock tower.}}

===21st century===
In 2001, the mayor's office became the first in the U.S. to authorize [[Charter schools in the United States|charter schools]]. [[Indianapolis Cultural Districts]] were designated in 2003, followed by the groundbreaking of the [[Indianapolis Cultural Trail]] in 2007. Further consolidation of city and county units of government resulted in the establishment of the [[Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department]] in 2007. Later that year, [[Greg Ballard]] succeeded Peterson in a political upset.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Bart Peterson Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Frantz |first=Edward O. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bart-peterson-administration/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref>

The Ballard administration oversaw the lease of the city's parking meters and the sale of the city's water and wastewater utilities with proceeds financing street repairs. Ballard pursued several environmental sustainability efforts, including establishing an office of sustainability, installing {{convert|200|mi|km}} of bike lanes and trails, and spearheading a controversial deal to start an electric [[carsharing]] program.<ref>{{cite news |last=Colombo |first=Hayleigh |date=December 23, 2015 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/56391-a-legacy-shaped-by-deals |title=Ballard: A legacy shaped by deals |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Gregory Ballard Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Frantz |first=Edward O. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/gregory-ballard-administration/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref> Two of the city's largest capital projects, the [[Indianapolis International Airport]]'s new terminal and [[Lucas Oil Stadium]], were completed in 2008.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis International Airport |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Marlette |first1=Jerry |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-international-airport/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Lucas Oil Stadium |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Blair |first=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/lucas-oil-stadium/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref> In 2012, construction began on a $2&nbsp;billion tunnel system, a project known as [[DigIndy]], which was designed to reduce sewage overflows into the city's waterways.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=DigIndy |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Fischer |first1=Jessica Erin |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/digindy/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref>

Since 2016, the administration of [[Joe Hogsett]] has focused on addressing a rise in gun violence and the city's racial disparities. In recent years, significant capital and operational investments have been made in public safety, criminal justice, and public transit. The city also established rental assistance and [[food security]] programs. In 2020, the [[George Floyd protests in Indiana]] prompted a series of local [[Police reform in the United States|police reforms]] and renewed efforts to bolster social services for mental health treatment and homelessness.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Joseph H. Hogsett Administration |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Lyons Davis |first=Katherine |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/joseph-h-hogsett-administration/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Doherty |first1=William |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-metropolitan-police-department-impd/ |access-date=July 2, 2023}}</ref> In 2021, [[Indianapolis FedEx shooting|a mass shooting]] occurred at a [[FedEx]] facility on the city's southwest side, killing nine (including the gunman) and injuring seven others.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/16/us/indianapolis-shooting-fedex-facility/index.html |title=Police ID gunman who killed 8 people at an Indianapolis FedEx facility as 19-year-old former employee |publisher=CNN |last=Spells |first=Alta |date=April 17, 2021 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/shootings-crime-indianapolis-indiana-e92ad3117c56357b3b2c71a2903e68a8 |title=FBI says it interviewed FedEx mass shooter last year |publisher=Associated Press |date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Indianapolis by Sentinel-2, 2020-09-19.jpg|thumb|A 2020 [[Sentinel-2]] true-color image of the [[Indianapolis metropolitan area]]]]
Indianapolis is located in the [[East North Central states|East North Central]] region of the [[Midwestern United States]], about {{convert|14|mi|km}} south-southeast of Indiana's [[geographic center]].<ref>{{cite report |url=https://pubs.usgs.gov/unnumbered/70039437/report.pdf |title=Geographic Centers of the United States |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, Geological Survey |page=2 |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> It is situated {{convert|98|mi|km}} northwest of [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], {{convert|107|mi|km}} north of [[Louisville, Kentucky]], {{convert|164|mi|km}} southeast of [[Chicago, Illinois]], and {{convert|168|mi|km}} west of [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.geodatos.net/en/distances/cities/united-states/indiana-rgn/indianapolis |title=Distances from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |publisher=Geodatos |website=geodatos.net |access-date=April 11, 2024}}</ref> According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the [[Indianapolis (balance)]] encompasses a total area of {{convert|367.9|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|361.6|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|6.3|sqmi|km2}} is water.<ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020"/> It is the [[List of United States cities by area|18th-most extensive]] city by land area in the U.S.

As a [[consolidated city-county]], Indianapolis's [[city limits]] are coterminous with [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]], except the autonomous and semi-autonomous municipalities outlined in [[Unigov]].<ref name="Britannica">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Indianapolis-Indiana |title=Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica |access-date=June 13, 2016}}</ref><ref name=StatsIndiana12>{{cite web|title=Indiana InDepth Profile: Largest Cities and Towns in Indiana (35,000+)|publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business|url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=a&county_changer=18000&button1=Get+Profile&id=2&page_path=Area+Profiles&path_id=11&panel_number=1|access-date=May 22, 2017}}</ref> Nine [[civil township]]s form the broadest geographic divisions within the city and county; these are [[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center]], [[Decatur Township, Marion County, Indiana|Decatur]], [[Franklin Township, Marion County, Indiana|Franklin]], [[Lawrence Township, Marion County, Indiana|Lawrence]], [[Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana|Perry]], [[Pike Township, Marion County, Indiana|Pike]], [[Warren Township, Marion County, Indiana|Warren]], [[Washington Township, Marion County, Indiana|Washington]], and [[Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana|Wayne]] townships.<ref name="Townships">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Townships |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/townships/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> The consolidated city-county borders the adjacent counties of [[Boone County, Indiana|Boone]] to the northwest; [[Hamilton County, Indiana|Hamilton]] to the north; [[Hancock County, Indiana|Hancock]] to the east; [[Shelby County, Indiana|Shelby]] to the southeast; [[Johnson County, Indiana|Johnson]] to the south; [[Morgan County, Indiana|Morgan]] to the southwest; and [[Hendricks County, Indiana|Hendricks]] to the west.<ref>{{cite report |last1=Geib |first1=W.J. |last2=Schroeder |first2=Frank C. |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/indiana/marionIN1908/marionIN1908.pdf |title=Soil Survey of Marion County, Indiana |date=October 6, 1908 |publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils |pages=5{{hyphen}}6 |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708221416/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MANUSCRIPTS/indiana/marionIN1908/marionIN1908.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago, the Indianapolis area was situated on the southern margin of the [[Laurentide Ice Sheet]]. The erosive advance and retreat of glacial ice produced a flat or gently sloping landscape, known as a [[till plain]]. Elevations across Indianapolis vary from about {{convert|650|ft|m|0}} to {{convert|900|ft|m|0}} [[above mean sea level]].<ref name="Geology">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Geology |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Mirsky |first1=Arthur |last2=Cox |first2=Kristiana |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/geology/ |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> Indianapolis is located in the [[White River (Indiana)#West Fork|West Fork White River]] [[drainage basin]], part of the larger [[Mississippi River]] watershed via the [[Wabash River|Wabash]] and [[Ohio River|Ohio]] rivers.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/water/files/WFWR_web.pdf |title=Ground-Water Resources in the White and West Fork White River Basin, Indiana |page=8 |quote=Streamflow leaving the basin enters the Wabash River, then the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and eventually reaches the Gulf of Mexico. |publisher=State of Indiana, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water |date=2002 |access-date=December 28, 2023}}</ref> The White River flows {{convert|31|mi|km}} north-to-south through the city and is fed by some 35 streams, including Eagle Creek, [[Fall Creek (Indiana)|Fall Creek]], Pleasant Run, and [[Pogue's Run]].<ref name="White River">{{cite encyclopedia |title=White River |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Strunk |first1=Kevin |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/white-river/ |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> The city's largest waterbodies are artificial [[quarry lake]]s and [[reservoir]]s.

===Cityscape===
{{Wide image|Panoram Indy.jpg|1000px|A 2009 panorama of the [[Downtown Indianapolis]] skyline and [[White River (Indiana)|White River]] in daylight}}
{{Wide image|NightPanoIndy.jpg|1000px|A 2009 panorama of the Downtown Indianapolis skyline and White River at twilight}}
{{Wide image|Panorama of downtown Indianapolis skyline, July 2016.jpg|1000px|The skyline of Downtown Indianapolis seen from atop the [[Perry K. Generating Station]] in 2016}}
Indianapolis is an example of a [[planned city]]. In 1821, the [[Indiana General Assembly]] selected a site near the [[confluence]] of the [[White River (Indiana)|White River]] and [[Fall Creek (Indiana)|Fall Creek]] to serve as the new state capital, adopting a plan co-designed by surveyors [[Alexander Ralston]] and [[Elias Pym Fordham]].<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David J.|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert G.|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|publisher=Indiana University Press|year=1994|location=Bloomington and Indianapolis|page=132|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> The [[grid plan]] called for a town of {{convert|1|sqmi|km2}} centered on a [[traffic circle]] (from which Indianapolis's "Circle City" nickname originates).<ref>{{cite journal|author=William A. Browne Jr.|title=The Ralston Plan: Naming the Streets of Indianapolis|journal=Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History|volume=25|issue=3|page=8 and 9|publisher=Indiana Historical Society|location=Indianapolis|date=Summer 2013}}</ref> Four diagonal avenues{{emdash}}[[Indiana Avenue|Indiana]] (northwest), Kentucky (southwest), [[Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis|Massachusetts]] (northeast), and Virginia (southeast){{emdash}}radiated a block from the circle.<ref>Browne, p. 11 and 16.</ref> The city's address numbering system originates at the intersection of [[Washington Street (Indianapolis)|Washington]] (running east–west) and [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian]] streets (running north–south).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=1485}}</ref>

In the 2020 census, Indianapolis was among the 20 largest cities in the U.S. by both population and land area. The city’s population density of 2,455 people per square mile (948/km<sup>2</sup>) [[List of United States cities by population|ranked 222nd]]. This contrast is evident in Indianapolis's cityscape where [[low-density development]] patterns dominate and some {{convert|14600|acres}} of farmland remain within its municipal boundaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Indiana/cp18097.pdf |title=2022 Census of Agriculture - County Profile: Marion County, Indiana |publisher=U.S. Department of Agriculture |access-date=December 28, 2024}}</ref>

====Neighborhoods====
{{See also|List of Indianapolis neighborhoods}}
[[File:Webster Avenue in Irvington Terrace.jpg|thumb|Single-family homes in [[Irvington Terrace Historic District|Irvington Terrace]]]]
For statistical purposes, the consolidated city-county is organized into 99 "neighborhood areas" with most containing numerous individual historic and cultural districts, subdivisions, and some semi-autonomous towns. In total, some 500 self-identified neighborhood associations are listed in the city's Registered Community Organization system.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Data |url=https://indyvitals.org/AboutTheData |publisher=The Polis Center at IUPUI |access-date=November 26, 2021}}</ref> As a result of the city's expansive land area, Indianapolis has a unique [[Transect (urban)|urban-to-rural transect]], ranging from dense urban neighborhoods to suburban [[tract housing]] subdivisions, to rural villages.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=243–244|isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref>

Typical of American cities in the Midwest, Indianapolis urbanized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in the development of relatively dense, well-defined neighborhoods clustered around streetcar corridors, especially in [[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center Township]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Center Township |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Donnelly |first1=Cathleen |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/center-township/ |access-date=November 27, 2021}}</ref> Notable [[streetcar suburb]]s include [[Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis|Broad Ripple]], [[Irvington Historic District (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Irvington]], and [[University Heights, Indianapolis|University Heights]].<ref name="Neighborhoods and Communities">{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=132–39 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> Starting in the mid-20th century, the [[post–World War II economic expansion]] and subsequent [[suburbanization]] greatly influenced the city's development patterns. From 1950 to 1970, nearly 100,000 housing units were built in Marion County, most outside Center Township in suburban neighborhoods such as [[Castleton, Indianapolis|Castleton]], [[Eagledale, Indianapolis|Eagledale]], and [[Nora, Indianapolis|Nora]].<ref name="Neighborhoods and Communities"/>

Since the 2000s, [[downtown Indianapolis]] and surrounding neighborhoods have seen increased reinvestment mirroring nationwide market trends, driven by [[empty nesters]] and [[millennials]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=November 15, 2013 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/44639-study-downtown-can-sustain-huge-apartment-boom |title=Study: Downtown can sustain huge apartment boom |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |date=February 25, 2015 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/money/2015/02/25/report-downtown-apartment-market-booming-units-way/24000905/ |title=Report: Downtown apartment market booming, with more units on the way |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> Renewed interest in urban living has been met with some dispute regarding [[gentrification]] and [[affordable housing]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Eason| first=Brian |date=August 18, 2015 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/07/23/tax-relief-plan-targets-gentrifying-indy-neighborhoods/30585231/ |title=Council passes resolution seeking help for owners in gentrifying areas |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Courage |first=Cara |date=August 21, 2015 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/aug/21/indianapolis-gentrification-arts-big-car-jim-walker-fountain-square-garfield-park |title=Why Indianapolis is a test case for a fairer form of gentrification |work=The Guardian |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Larson |first=Annika |date=February 10, 2016 |url=http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/the-rent-is-too-damn-high/Content?oid=3787156|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212100211/http://www.nuvo.net/indianapolis/the-rent-is-too-damn-high/Content?oid=3787156 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2016 |title=The rent is too damn high! |newspaper=NUVO |access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> According to a Center for Community Progress report, neighborhoods like [[Cottage Home Historic District|Cottage Home]] and [[Fall Creek Place, Indianapolis|Fall Creek Place]] have experienced measurable gentrification since 2000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Emily |date=December 14, 2016 |url=https://www.nuvo.net/arts/general_arts/are-indy-neighborhoods-gentrifying/article_f7ef3602-5992-5043-b61a-25a88b59aabd.html |title=Are Indy neighborhoods gentrifying? |newspaper=NUVO |access-date=December 20, 2016}}</ref> The [[North Meridian Street Historic District]] is among the most affluent urban neighborhoods in the U.S., with a mean [[household income]] of $102,599 in 2017.<ref>{{citation |title=High Income Urban Neighborhoods |publisher=Higley 1000 |website=higley1000.com |url=http://higley1000.com/about-this-site/methodology/top-urban-neighborhoods-by-mean-household-income |access-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-date=September 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170914124844/http://higley1000.com/about-this-site/methodology/top-urban-neighborhoods-by-mean-household-income |url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Historic districts and landmarks====
{{See also|List of tallest buildings in Indianapolis}}
[[File:Indiana World War I Memorial.jpg|thumb|[[Indiana World War Memorial]], flanked by the city's tallest skyscrapers, [[Salesforce Tower (Indianapolis)|Salesforce Tower]] (left), and [[OneAmerica Tower]] (right)]]
More than 260 properties and historic districts are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Indiana|National Register of Historic Places in Marion County]]; most sites are located in Center Township, [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|listed separately]]. This includes nine [[National Historic Landmark]]s: the [[Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus)]], the [[Benjamin Harrison House]], the [[Broad Ripple Park Carousel]], [[Hinkle Fieldhouse]], the [[Indiana World War Memorial]], the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]], the [[James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home|James Whitcomb Riley House]], the [[Madam Walker Legacy Center|Madam C. J. Walker Building]], and [[Oldfields]].

The [[Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission]] oversees 13 local historic districts and five conservation areas.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Baker |first1=David L. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-historic-preservation-commission/ |access-date=July 28, 2024}}</ref> Notable districts include [[Chatham–Arch, Indianapolis|Chatham–Arch]] and [[Mass Ave Cultural Arts District|Massachusetts Avenue]], [[Cottage Home Historic District|Cottage Home]], [[Cumberland Historic District|Cumberland]], [[Fletcher Place]], [[Fountain Square, Indianapolis|Fountain Square]], [[Herron–Morton Place Historic District|Herron–Morton Place]], [[Irvington Historic District (Indianapolis)|Irvington]], [[Lockefield Gardens]], [[Lockerbie Square Historic District|Lockerbie Square]], [[Monument Circle]], [[New Augusta Historic District|New Augusta]], the [[Old Northside Historic District|Old Northside]], [[Ransom Place Historic District|Ransom Place]], [[St. Joseph Neighborhood Historic District|St. Joseph]], the [[Wholesale District, Indianapolis|Wholesale District]], and [[Woodruff Place, Indianapolis|Woodruff Place]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Historic Districts |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=2021 |date=September 2023 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/historic-districts/ |access-date=July 28, 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Indiana Central Canal - 2013 June - 01.jpg|thumb|Segment of the former Indiana Central Canal, an American Water Landmark]]
The {{convert|8|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} [[Indiana Central Canal]] is the oldest extant artificial facility in the city, dating to the 1830s. Between 1985 and 2001, nearly {{convert|1.5|mi}} of the former canal in downtown Indianapolis were redeveloped into a cultural and recreational amenity. North of 18th Street, the canal retains much of its original appearance, flowing through the northside neighborhoods of [[Riverside, Indianapolis|Riverside]], [[Butler–Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]], [[Rocky Ripple, Indiana|Rocky Ripple]], and [[Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis|Broad Ripple]]. This segment has been recognized as an [[American Water Landmark]] since 1971.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Central Canal Corridor |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal-corridor/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Central Canal |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Lauritz Larson |first=John |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/central-canal/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA (cropped).jpg|thumb|Built between 1888 and 1901, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a symbol of Indianapolis and a landmark in downtown’s [[Washington Street–Monument Circle Historic District]].]]
Following the dedication of the {{convert|284|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]] in 1902, Indianapolis enacted its first [[height restriction laws]] to protect views of the monument.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} In 1962, the {{convert|372|ft|m|adj=on}} [[City-County Building (Indianapolis)|City-County Building]] became the first high-rise in the city to surpass the monument’s height.{{citation needed|date=June 2025}} The tallest residential buildings in Indianapolis, the twin {{convert|295|ft|m|adj=on}} 30-floor [[Riley Towers]], were completed in 1963.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Riley Towers |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Glass |first=James A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/riley-towers/ |access-date=July 28, 2024}}</ref> The 48-floor [[Salesforce Tower (Indianapolis)|Salesforce Tower]], completed in 1990, is the city’s tallest, with a roof height of {{convert|701|ft|m}}. Its distinctive twin antenna masts bring the building’s height to {{convert|811|ft|m}}.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Salesforce Tower |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Rollins Stanis |first1=Suzanne T. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/salesforce-tower/ |access-date=July 28, 2024}}</ref>

[[Indiana limestone]] has been a signature building material in Indianapolis since the 1800s, featured prominently in the city’s monuments, churches, commercial, and civic buildings.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=28–37 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> Examples include [[Roberts Park Methodist Episcopal Church]] (1876), the [[Indiana Statehouse]] (1888), the [[Majestic Building (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Majestic Building]] (1896), the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (1902), [[Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse]] (1905), [[Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral (Indianapolis)|Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral]] (1907), the [[Indianapolis Masonic Temple]] (1909), [[Old Indianapolis City Hall]] (1910), [[Central Library (Indianapolis)|Central Library]] (1917), the [[Scottish Rite Cathedral (Indianapolis)|Scottish Rite Cathedral]] (1927), [[Circle Tower]] (1929), the Indiana World War Memorial (1933), the [[Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau]] (1934), [[Clowes Memorial Hall]] (1963), and [[OneAmerica Tower]] (1982).

====Parks====
{{See also|List of parks in Indianapolis}}
[[File:Eagle Creek Park (25135p).jpg|thumb|Eagle Creek Park is the largest and most visited park in Indianapolis.]]
The city of Indianapolis maintains 212 public parks, totaling {{convert|11258|acre|ha}} or about 5.1% of the city's land area.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Parks and Greenspaces |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/parks-and-greenspaces/ |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/CityParkFacts_2017.4_7_17.FIN_.LO_.pdf |title=2017 City park facts |publisher=The Trust for Public Land |page=11 |access-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113034104/https://www.tpl.org/sites/default/files/files_upload/CityParkFacts_2017.4_7_17.FIN_.LO_.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Garfield Park (Indianapolis)|Garfield Park]], the city's first municipal park, opened in 1876 as Southern Park.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=608 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |page=1008 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> [[George Kessler]]'s [[Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System|Indianapolis Park and Boulevard Plan]] (1909) linked notable parks, such as [[Brookside Park (Indianapolis)|Brookside]], [[Irvington Historic District (Indianapolis, Indiana)#Parks|Ellenberger]], Garfield, and [[Riverside Park (Indianapolis)|Riverside]], with a system of parkways following the city's waterways.<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David J. |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert G. |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=1994 |location=Bloomington and Indianapolis |pages=867–869 |isbn=0-253-31222-1}}</ref> The system's {{convert|3474|acres}} were added to the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Park and Boulevard System |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/03000149 |publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior |access-date=May 20, 2016}}</ref> [[Eagle Creek Park]], Indianapolis's largest and most visited park, ranks among the [[List of urban parks by size|largest municipal parks]] in the U.S., covering {{convert|4766|acre|ha}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Eason |first=Brian |date=June 18, 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/06/18/indys-struggling-parks-we-have-work-do/85495128/ |title=Indy's struggling parks: 'We have work to do' |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=July 31, 2019}}</ref>

Marion County is also home to parks managed by the State of Indiana, including [[Fort Harrison State Park]] and [[White River State Park]]. Established in 1996, Fort Harrison State Park covers {{convert|1744|acre|ha}} that are overseen by the [[Indiana Department of Natural Resources]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/ftharrison_trail.pdf |title=Fort Harrison State Park |publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |date=December 2018 |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> Since 1979, White River has been owned and operated by the White River State Park Development Commission, a quasi-governmental agency.<ref>{{cite web |title=White River State Park Development Commission |url=http://www.downtownindy.org/member-profile/white-river-state-park-development-commission/ |publisher=Downtown Indy Inc. |access-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref> White River's {{convert|250|acre|ha}} are home to several attractions, including the [[Indianapolis Zoo]] and [[White River Gardens]]. Two [[land trust]]s are active in the city managing several sites for [[nature conservation]] throughout the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://conservingindiana.org/preserves/ |title=Preserves |date=August 21, 2019 |publisher=Central Indiana Land Trust |access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Haley |date=November 10, 2020 |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2020/11/10/preserving-property-mud-creek-conservancy-halfway-to-fundraising-goal-to-purchase-land-for-sargent-road-nature-park/ |title=Preserving property: Mud Creek Conservancy halfway to fundraising goal to purchase land for Sargent Road Nature Park |newspaper=Current |publisher=Current Publishing |access-date=January 17, 2022}}</ref>

===Flora and fauna===
[[File:Reminds me of the bridgestone commercial (2669256227).jpg|thumb|White-tailed deer in Indianapolis]]
Indianapolis is situated in the [[Southern Great Lakes forests]] [[ecoregion]] which in turn is located within the larger [[temperate broadleaf and mixed forests]] [[biome]], as defined by the [[World Wide Fund for Nature]].<ref name="ecoregion">{{cite web |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/ecoregions/na0414 |title=Southern Great Lakes forests |publisher=World Wide Fund for Nature |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> Based on the [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]]'s [[List of ecoregions in Indiana|alternative classification system]], the city is located in the [[Corn Belt|Eastern Corn Belt Plains]], an area of the country known for its fertile soil.<ref>{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://ftp.epa.gov/wed/ecoregions/in/OHINFront.pdf |server=U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |url-status=dead |title=Ecoregions of Indiana and Ohio |access-date=June 13, 2016}}</ref>

Much of the [[decidious]] forests that once covered 98% of the region were [[deforestation|cleared]] for agriculture and [[urban sprawl|urban development]], contributing to considerable [[habitat destruction|habitat loss]].<ref name="ecoregion"/><ref name="Holland, et al.">{{cite journal |vauthors=Holland, et al. |date=December 30, 2017 |title=Results of the 2016 Indianapolis Biodiversity Survey, Marion County, Indiana |url=https://journals.iupui.edu/index.php/ias/article/view/23763/22907 |journal=Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science |volume=126 |issue=2 |pages=166{{hyphen}}167 |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> Indianapolis's current urban tree canopy averages approximately 33%.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bonilla Muñiz |first=Leslie |date=September 30, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/thousands-of-new-city-trees-to-go-where-data-says-theyre-needed-most |title=Thousands of new city trees to go where data shows they're needed most |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref> A rare example of [[old-growth forest]] in the city can be found on {{convert|15|acres}} of [[Crown Hill Cemetery]]'s North Woods in the [[Butler–Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]] neighborhood.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bartner |first=Amy |date=May 5, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/05/05/va-crown-hill-reach-agreement-save-old-forest/101339254/ |title=VA, Crown Hill reach agreement to save old-growth forest |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> The cemetery's {{convert|555|acres}} represents the largest green space in [[Center Township, Marion County, Indiana|Center Township]], home to an abundance of wildlife and some 130 species of trees.<ref>{{cite news |last=Higgins |first=Will |date=October 25, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2017/10/25/crown-hill-stop-hunting-deer-our-cemetery/789979001/ |title=Crown Hill: Stop hunting deer in our cemetery |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref> Native trees most common to the area include varieties of [[Fraxinus|ash]], [[maple]], and [[oak]].<ref name="ecoregion"/> Several [[invasive species]] are also common in Indianapolis, including [[Ailanthus altissima|tree of heaven]], [[Euonymus fortunei|wintercreeper]], [[Lonicera maackii|Amur honeysuckle]], and [[Pyrus calleryana|Callery pear]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Ryan |date=September 8, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/09/08/indiana-invasive-plants-lurking-your-backyard/5413743001/ |title=What happens if you don't remove these invasive plants lurking in your Indiana yard |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson|first=London |date=April 6, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/04/06/council-considers-banning-invasive-bradford-pear-tree-indiana/6988023002/ |title=Bradford pear trees are highly invasive. This is why they aren't banned in Indiana. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 16, 2022}}</ref>

A 2016 [[bioblitz]] along three of the city's [[riparian corridor]]s found 590 [[taxon|taxa]].<ref name="Holland, et al."/> [[Urban wildlife]] common to the Indianapolis area include mammals such as the [[white-tailed deer]], [[eastern chipmunk]], [[eastern cottontail]], and the [[eastern gray squirrel|eastern grey]] and [[American red squirrel]]s.<ref name="ecoregion"/> In recent years, local [[raccoon]] and [[groundhog]] populations have increased alongside sightings of [[American badger]]s, [[North American beaver|beavers]], [[American mink|mink]], [[coyote]]s, and [[red fox]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |date=September 22, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2020/09/22/indianapolis-urban-wildlife-might-surprise-you/5580839002/ |title=Scrub Hub: Indianapolis has a ton of raccoons and we're not sure why |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Glusac |first=Elaine |date=May 2, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/02/travel/safari-city-guide-urban-wildlife-ecosystems-viewing.html |title=On Safari in the City: A Guide to Urban Wildlife Viewing |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> Birds native to the area include the [[northern cardinal]], [[wood thrush]], [[eastern screech owl]], [[mourning dove]], [[pileated woodpecker|pileated]] and [[red-bellied woodpecker]]s, and [[wild turkey]].<ref name="ecoregion"/> Located in the [[Mississippi Flyway]], the city sees more than 400 migratory bird species throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |year=2013 |url=https://www.amosbutleraudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/trailguide_2013.pdf |title=Indy Birding Trail Guide |publisher=Amos Butler Audubon Society |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |date=September 24, 2019 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2019/09/24/bird-watching-indiana-new-visitors-stopping/2286775001/ |title=Surprising birds are stopping in Indiana. Here's why — and where you can see them. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Stacey |first=Madison |date=April 15, 2022 |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/life/animals/bird-migration-collisions-indianapolis/531-b3bf35ed-43d2-4955-933d-56f46b556259 |title=As hundreds of birds migrate through Indy, group draws attention to bird collisions throughout city |publisher=WTHR |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref> Some 57 species of fish can be found in the city's waterways, including [[bass (fish)|bass]] and [[Centrarchidae|sunfish]].<ref name="White River"/> Some federally-designated [[endangered species|endangered]] and [[threatened species]] are native to the Indianapolis area, including several species of freshwater [[mussel]]s, the [[Bombus affinis|rusty patched bumble bee]], [[Indiana bat]], [[Myotis septentrionalis|northern long-eared bat]], and the [[Trifolium stoloniferum|running buffalo clover]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 9, 2020 |url=https://www.in.gov/dnr/nature-preserves/files/np_marion.pdf |title=Indiana County Endangered, Threatened and Rare Species List County: Marion |publisher=Indiana Department of Natural Resources |access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref>

In recent years, the [[National Wildlife Federation]] has ranked Indianapolis among the ten most wildlife-friendly cities in the U.S.<ref>{{cite press release |last=Vecchio |first=Anna |date=March 12, 2019 |title=National Wildlife Federation Honors Indianapolis, Indiana as one of America's Top 10 Cities for Wildlife |url=https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/03-12-19-Indianapolis-Top-Ten |location=Merrifield, VA |publisher=National Wildlife Federation |access-date=May 5, 2022}}</ref>

===Climate===
{{multiple image
| align             = 
| direction         = horizontal
| width             = 
| image1            = ButlerFall2014 08.JPG
| width1            = 
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = 
| image2            = Butler Winter 2015 04.jpg
| width2            = 
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = 
| header            = 
| header_align      = <!-- left/right/center -->
| header_background = 
| footer            = [[Autumn leaf color|Fall foliage]] and a late-winter snowfall on the [[Butler University]] campus
| footer_align      = <!-- left/right/center -->
| footer_background = 
| background color  = 
}}

Indianapolis has a [[hot-summer humid continental climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Dfa''), but can be considered a borderline [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cfa'') using the {{convert|-3|C|F|}} isotherm. It experiences four distinct seasons.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Kottek|first1=Marcus|last2=Greiser|first2=Jürgen|last3=Beck|first3=Christoph|last4=Rudolf|first4=Bruno|last5=Rubel|first5=Franz|display-authors=2|title=World Map of Köppen–Geiger Climate Classification|date=June 2006|journal=Meteorologische Zeitschrift|volume=15|issue=3|page=261|doi=10.1127/0941-2948/2006/0130|publisher=E. Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung|bibcode=2006MetZe..15..259K|url=https://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/files/40083/metz_Vol_15_No_3_p259-263_World_Map_of_the_Koppen_Geiger_climate_classification_updated_55034.pdf|archive-date=February 24, 2021|access-date=June 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224195637/https://opus.bibliothek.uni-augsburg.de/opus4/frontdoor/deliver/index/docId/40083/file/metz_Vol_15_No_3_p259-263_World_Map_of_the_Koppen_Geiger_climate_classification_updated_55034.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The city lies at the transition between [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] plant [[hardiness zone]]s 6a and 6b.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.plantmaps.com/hardiness-zones-for-indianapolis-indiana |website=plantmaps.com |title=Indianapolis, Indiana Hardiness Zone Map |access-date=March 23, 2024}}</ref>

Typically, summers are fairly hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The July daily average temperature is {{convert|75.4|°F|1}}. High temperatures reach or exceed {{convert|90|°F|0}} an average of 18 days each year,<ref name="NOAA Indianapolis Weatherbox"/><!-- defined by template:Indianapolis Weatherbox --> and occasionally exceed {{convert|95|°F}}. Spring and autumn are usually pleasant, if at times unpredictable. Midday temperature drops exceeding {{convert|30|F-change|disp=or}}<!--Convert template here is for a temperature change--> are common during March and April, and instances of very warm days ({{convert|80|°F|0|disp=or}}) followed within 36 hours by snowfall are not unusual during these months. Winters are cold, with an average January temperature of {{convert|28.1|°F|1}}. Temperatures dip to {{convert|0|°F|0}} or below an average of 3.7 nights per year.<ref name="NOAA Indianapolis Weatherbox"/><!-- defined by template:Indianapolis Weatherbox -->

The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest, with an average of {{convert|5.05|in|cm}} of rain.<ref name="NOAA Indianapolis Weatherbox"/><!-- defined by template:Indianapolis Weatherbox --> Most rain is derived from thunderstorm activity. There is no distinct dry season, although occasional droughts occur. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months. Indianapolis experiences an average of 20 thunderstorm days annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-days-thunderstorms-cities-summer.php|title=Total Days With Thunderstorms at US Cities in Summer|publisher=Current Results|access-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref>

Indianapolis's average annual rainfall is {{convert|42.4|in|cm}}. Snowfall averages {{convert|25.9|in|cm}} per season. Official temperature extremes range from {{convert|106|°F|0}}, set on [[1936 North American heat wave|July 14, 1936]],<ref name=IndyClimate>{{cite web| title=Indianapolis Climatological Information|publisher=National Weather Service, Weather Forecast Office|url=http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ind/?n=localcli#day|access-date=December 9, 2013}}</ref> to {{convert|-27|°F|0}}, set on [[1994 North American cold wave|January 19, 1994]].<ref name=IndyClimate/><ref name=TWC>{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/IND:9|title=Average Weather for Indianapolis International Airport, IN&nbsp;— Temperature and Precipitation|access-date=June 28, 2010|publisher=The Weather Channel|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234525/http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/IND:9|archive-date=June 28, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{Indianapolis weatherbox}}

==Demographics==
{{see also|History of the Irish in Indianapolis}}
{{US Census population
| 1840 = 2695
| 1850 = 8091
| 1860 = 18611
| 1870 = 48244
| 1880 = 75056
| 1890 = 105436
| 1900 = 169164
| 1910 = 233650
| 1920 = 314194
| 1930 = 364161
| 1940 = 386972
| 1950 = 427173
| 1960 = 476258
| 1970 = 744624
| 1980 = 700807
| 1990 = 731327
| 2000 = 781926
| 2010 = 820445
| 2020 = 887642
| estyear = 2024
| estimate = 891484
| estref = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana/PST045224 |title=Quickfacts: Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 23, 2025}}</ref>
| align-fn = center
| footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web |url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html |title=Census of Population and Housing |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=June 4, 2016}}</ref>
}}
The [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]] considers Indianapolis as two entities: the consolidated city and [[Indianapolis (balance)|the city's remainder, or balance]]. The consolidated city is coterminous with [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]], except the independent municipalities of [[Beech Grove, Indiana|Beech Grove]], [[Lawrence, Indiana|Lawrence]], [[Southport, Indiana|Southport]], and [[Speedway, Indiana|Speedway]].<ref name="2010 pop hh">{{cite web |title=Indiana: 2010 – Population and Housing Unit Counts – 2010 Census of Population and Housing |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-16.pdf |date=September 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2019}}</ref> The city's balance excludes the populations of ten semi-autonomous municipalities that are included in totals for the consolidated city.<ref name=StatsIndiana12 /> These are [[Clermont, Indiana|Clermont]], [[Crows Nest, Indiana|Crows Nest]], [[Homecroft, Indiana|Homecroft]], [[Meridian Hills, Indiana|Meridian Hills]], [[North Crows Nest, Indiana|North Crows Nest]], [[Rocky Ripple, Indiana|Rocky Ripple]], [[Spring Hill, Indiana|Spring Hill]], [[Warren Park, Indiana|Warren Park]], [[Williams Creek, Indiana|Williams Creek]], and [[Wynnedale, Indiana|Wynnedale]].<ref name="2010 pop hh"/><ref name="Unigov">{{cite web |title=Unigov Handbook: A Citizen's Guide to Local Government |publisher=League of Women Voters of Indianapolis |url=http://civicliteracy.iupui.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Unigov-Handbook-2016-LR-Single-Pages.pdf |access-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125701/http://civicliteracy.iupui.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Unigov-Handbook-2016-LR-Single-Pages.pdf |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> An eleventh town, [[Cumberland, Indiana|Cumberland]], is partially included.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=728}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Historic-church-at-heart-of-Unigov-fight-5324667 |work=The Journal Gazette |title=Historic church at heart of Unigov fight |date=March 16, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155436/http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/Historic-church-at-heart-of-Unigov-fight-5324667 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Brookings Institution|Brookings]] characterized the Indianapolis metropolitan area as a minor-emerging immigrant gateway with a foreign-born population of 126,767, or 6.4% of the total population, a 131% increase from 2000.<ref>{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Audrey |title=Metropolitan immigrant gateways revisited, 2014 |date=December 1, 2015 |url=https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Gateways-2014-update-1.pdf |access-date=December 12, 2020 |publisher=Brookings Institution}}</ref> Much of this growth can be attributed to thousands of Burmese-Chin refugees who have settled in Indianapolis, particularly [[Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana|Perry Township]], since the late 1990s.<ref>{{cite news |first=Fatima |last=Hussein |title=From Burmese to American: Profiles in assimilation |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/03/18/burmese-american-profiles-assimilation/97107262/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |date=March 18, 2017 |access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref> Indianapolis is home to one of the largest concentrations of [[Chin people]] outside of [[Myanmar]] (formerly Burma), with an estimated population ranging from 17,000 to 24,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indychins.org/about-us/ |work=Chin Community of Indiana |title=About Us |date=2017 |access-date=December 14, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Salaz |first1=Susan |last2=Raymer |first2=Steve |date=December 12, 2020 |title=Welcome To Chindianapolis |url=https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-and-culture/circle-city/welcome-to-chindianapolis |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Publishing, L.P. |access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Natalie |last=Contreras |title=How Indiana's Burmese community is leading a movement for democracy |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/indianapolis/2021/04/13/myanmar-coup-indiana-burmese-community-leads-efforts-help/4803320001/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |date=April 13, 2021 |access-date=June 18, 2021}}</ref>

The [[Williams Institute]] reported that the Indianapolis metropolitan area had an estimated 4.6% [[LGBT]] adult population in 2020, totaling about 68,000.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/MSA-LGBT-Ranking-Mar-2021.pdf |title=LGBT Adults in Large US Metropolitan Areas |date=March 2021 |work=[[Williams Institute]] |publisher=[[University of California, Los Angeles School of Law]] |first1=Kerith J. |last1=Conron |first2=Winston |last2=Luhur |first3=Shoshana K. |last3=Goldberg |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>

===Census and estimates===
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="font-size: 90%; text-align:center;"
|-
!scope="col"| Historical racial composition
!scope="col"| 2020<ref>{{cite web |url=https://data.indystar.com/census/race-ethnicity/total-population-change/indianapolis-city-balance-indiana/160-1836003/ |title=2020 Decennial Census}}</ref>
!scope="col"| 2010<ref name="census10">{{cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18/1836003.html |title=Indianapolis (city (balance)), Indiana |work=State & County QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807042256/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/18/1836003.html |archive-date=August 7, 2012}}</ref>
!scope="col"| 1990<ref name="census1">{{cite web |title=Race and Hispanic Origin for Selected Cities and Other Places: Earliest Census to 1990 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812191959/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0076/twps0076.html |archive-date=August 12, 2012}}</ref>
!scope="col"| 1970<ref name="census1"/>
|-
!scope="row"| [[White American|White (Non-Hispanic)]]
| 50.1% || 58.6% || 75.2% || 80.9%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American|Black or African American]]
| 27.6% || 27.2% || 22.6% || 18.0%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]]
| 13.1% || 9.4% || 1.1% || 0.8%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian American|Asian]]
| 4.2% || 2.1% || 0.9% || 0.1%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Multiracial American|Mixed]]
| 4.2% || 2.2% || – || –
|}

[[File:Ethnic Origins in Indianapolis.png|thumb|Ethnic origins in Indianapolis]]
[[File:Race and ethnicity 2010- Indianapolis (5560477952).png|thumb|A racial distribution map of Indianapolis, 2010 U.S. Census. Each dot is 25 people: {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#ff0000|White}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#0000ff|Black}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#00ffaa|Asian}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#ffa600|Hispanic}} {{legend inline|outline=white|white|text=⬤|textcolor=#ffff07|Other}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+'''Indianapolis, Indiana – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small>
!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small>
!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP008>{{Cite web|title=P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p004&g=160XX00US1836003&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1836003&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1836003&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>
!% 2000
!% 2010
!% {{partial|2020}}
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH)
|527,675
|480,960
|style='background: #ffffe6; |444,504
|67.49%
|58.62%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |50.08%
|-
|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH)
|198,252
|223,053
|style='background: #ffffe6; |245,279
|25.36%
|27.19%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |27.63%
|-
|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race)
|30,636
|77,352
|style='background: #ffffe6; |116,221
|3.92%
|9.43%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |13.09%
|-
|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH)
|11,046
|17,053
|style='background: #ffffe6; |37,588
|1.41%
|2.08%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.23%
|-
|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH)
|10,808
|17,870
|style='background: #ffffe6; |37,152
|1.38%
|2.18%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4.19%
|-
|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other race]] alone (NH)
|1,537
|2,123
|style='background: #ffffe6; |4,940
|0.20%
|0.26%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.56%
|-
|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH)
|1,648
|1,760
|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,627
|0.21%
|0.21%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.18%
|-
|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH)
|268
|274
|style='background: #ffffe6; |331
|0.03%
|0.03%
|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.04%
|-
|'''Total'''
|'''781,870'''
|'''820,445'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''887,642'''
|'''100.00%'''
|'''100.00%'''
|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%'''
|}

At the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], Indianapolis had a population of 887,642 and a population density of {{convert|2455|/sqmi||adj=pre|people}}. The estimated population was 880,621 in 2022.<ref name="QuickFacts22">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana/PST040222 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref> By population, Indianapolis is the state's largest city and the country's 16th largest.<ref>{{cite web |first=Eva |last=Hallman |title=Fort Wayne now the 83rd largest American city |url=https://wowo.com/fort-wayne-now-the-83rd-largest-american-city/ |work=[[WOWO]] |date=May 18, 2023 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>

The [[Indianapolis metropolitan area]], officially the Indianapolis–Carmel–Greenwood, IN metropolitan statistical area (MSA), consists of Marion County and the surrounding counties of [[Boone County, Indiana|Boone]], [[Brown County, Indiana|Brown]], [[Hamilton County, Indiana|Hamilton]], [[Hancock County, Indiana|Hancock]], [[Hendricks County, Indiana|Hendricks]], [[Johnson County, Indiana|Johnson]], [[Madison County, Indiana|Madison]], [[Morgan County, Indiana|Morgan]], [[Shelby County, Indiana|Shelby]], and [[Tipton County, Indiana|Tipton]].<ref name="OMB Bulletin No. 23-01">{{cite web |title=OMB Bulletin No. 23-01 |pages=59, 138 |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/OMB-Bulletin-23-01.pdf |date=July 21, 2023 |website=[[White House]] |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref> In 2020, the metropolitan area's population was 2,111,040, the most populous in Indiana and home to 31% of the state's residents. In 2022, the estimated population was 2,141,779.<ref name="IBRC MSA">{{cite web |title=Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN Metro Area |publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business |url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=b&county_changer2=Rmetro:26900 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref> In 2020, the larger Indianapolis–Carmel–Muncie, IN combined statistical area (CSA) had a population of 2,492,514, home to nearly 37% of Indiana residents across 20 of Indiana's 92 counties.<ref name="OMB Bulletin No. 23-01"/> In 2022, the estimated population was 2,524,790.<ref name="IBRC CSA">{{cite web |title=Indianapolis-Carmel-Muncie, IN Combined Area |publisher=Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business |url=http://www.stats.indiana.edu/profiles/profiles.asp?scope_choice=b&county_changer2=Rcomb:294 |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref>

In the 2010 census, 97.2% of the Indianapolis population was reported as one race: 61.8% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 27.5% [[African American|Black or African American]], 2.1% [[Asian American|Asian]] (0.4% Burmese, 0.4% Indian, 0.3% Chinese, 0.3% Filipino, 0.1% Korean, 0.1% Vietnamese, 0.1% Japanese, 0.1% Thai, 0.1% other Asian); 0.3% [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]], and 5.5% as other. The remaining 2.8% of the population was reported as [[Multiracial American|multiracial]] (two or more races).<ref name=Factfinder2/> Indianapolis's [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] community was 9.4% of the city's population in the 2010 U.S. Census: 6.9% Mexican, 0.4% Puerto Rican, 0.1% Cuban, and 2% as other.<ref name=Factfinder2>{{cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table |archive-url=https://archive.today/20190521214830/https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |access-date=November 20, 2013}}</ref> Sometime between 2020 and 2023, Marion County became majority non-white.<ref name="nw">{{Cite news |newspaper=Mirror Indy |url=https://mirrorindy.org/marion-county-becomes-majority-nonwhite/ |title=Marion County becomes majority nonwhite |language=en-US |department=Government |author=Indianapolis Capital Chronicle |date=2024-07-21 |accessdate=2024-07-21}}</ref>

In 2010, the median age for Indianapolis was 33.7 years. Age distribution for the city's inhabitants was 25% under the age of 18; 4.4% were between 18 and 21; 16.3% were age 21 to 65; and 13.1% were age 65 or older.<ref name=Factfinder2/> For every 100 females, there were 93 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90 males.<ref>The U.S. Census for 2010 reports the female population for Indianapolis as 424,099 (323,845 were age 18 and over) and the male population as 396,346 (291,745 were age 18 and over). See {{cite web |title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data for Indianapolis city (balance), Indiana |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190521214830/https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_DP_DPDP1&prodType=table |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 21, 2019 |access-date=November 20, 2013}}</ref>

The 2010 census reported 332,199 households in Indianapolis, with an average household size of 2.42 and an average family size of 3.08.<ref name=Factfinder2/> Of the total households, 59.3% were family households, with 28.2% of these including the family's own children under the age of 18; 36.5% were husband-wife families; 17.2% had a female householder (with no husband present) and 5.6% had a male householder (with no wife present). The remaining 40.7% were non-family households.<ref name=Factfinder2/> {{As of|2010}}, 32% of the non-family households included individuals living alone, 8.3% of these households included individuals age 65 years of age or older.<ref name=Factfinder2/>

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2007–2011 [[American Community Survey]] indicated the median household income for Indianapolis city was $42,704, and the median family income was $53,161.<ref name=AmSurvey>{{cite web |title=Selected Economic Characteristics: 2007–2011 American Community Survey |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212211753/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_11_5YR_DP03 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=November 21, 2013}}</ref> Median income for males working full-time, year-round, was $42,101, compared to $34,788 for females. Per capita income for the city was $24,430. 14.7% of families and 18.9% of the city's total population lived below the poverty line. 28.3% of those in poverty were under the age of 18 and 9.2% were age 65 or older.<ref name=AmSurvey/>

===Homelessness===
In 2023, a [[Point-In-Time Count]] conducted by the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention identified 1,619 homeless individuals in Indianapolis. About 78% of the city's homeless population was sheltered, with 64% living in emergency shelters and 14% in transitional housing. The remaining 22% were unsheltered.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chipindy.org/uploads/1/3/3/1/133118768/2023_indianapolis_point-in-time_count_report_final.pdf |work=Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention |title=2023 Indianapolis Annual Point-In-Time Count |page=6 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003231920/https://www.chipindy.org/uploads/1/3/3/1/133118768/2023_indianapolis_point-in-time_count_report_final.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Religion===
{{Bar box|float=right|title=Religion in Metro Indianapolis (2016)<ref name=AVA>{{cite web |url=http://ava.publicreligion.org/#religious/2015/MetroAreas/religion/16 |work=[[Public Religion Research Institute]] |title=American Values Atlas |access-date=March 25, 2016}}</ref> |titlebar=#ddd|width=285px|left1=Religion|right1=Percent|bars={{bar percent|[[Protestantism]]|dodgerblue|31}}
{{bar percent|[[Evangelicalism]]|deepskyblue|23}}
{{bar percent|[[Catholic Church|Catholicism]]|#d4213d|15}}
{{bar percent|Other [[Christianity|Christian]]|indigo|4}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslim]]|orange|2}}
{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|No religion]]|grey|22}}}}
[[File:St John, Indianapolis, IN (14400587460).jpg|thumb|Interior of [[St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Indianapolis, Indiana)|St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church]], a parish of the [[Archdiocese of Indianapolis]] and the oldest Catholic congregation in the city.]]
Religion has played a central role in shaping the city's healthcare, political, and social service systems.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion and Health Care |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Lantzer |first=Jason |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/religion-and-healthcare/|access-date=February 13, 2025}}</ref><ref name=Lantzer>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion and Politics |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=2022 |year=2024 |last=Lantzer |first=Jason |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/religion-and-politics/ |access-date=February 13, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion and Social Services |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2022 |last1=Wind |first1=James P. |last2=Badertscher |first2=Kattherine |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/religion-and-social-services/ |access-date=February 13, 2025}}</ref> [[Christianity]] is the prevalent religion in the Indianapolis area. In 2016, the [[Public Religion Research Institute]] identified the largest groupings of [[Protestantism in the United States|Protestantism]] by faith tradition: 23% [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical Protestant]], 20% [[Mainline Protestant]], and 11% [[Black church|Black Protestant]], respectively. At 15%, the [[Catholic Church]] was the largest single denomination. Other predominant denominations include [[Baptist]]s (15%), [[Methodist]]s (8%), [[Disciples of Christ]] (5%), [[Pentecostal]]s (5%), [[Jehovah’s Witnesses]] (3%), and [[Lutheran]]s (2%). About 3% of the population adheres to non-Christian religions. Some 22% of residents identified as religiously "unaffiliated", consistent with the national average of 22.7%.<ref name=AVA/>

Indianapolis is home to roughly 1,200 congregations representing numerous faiths, including some 100 Christian denominations.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Religion Atlas |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |last1=Bodenhamer |first1=David J. |last2=Farnsley II |first2=Arthur E. |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/atlas/religion-atlas/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> Some of the city’s oldest congregations include [[Meridian Street United Methodist Church]] (1821),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Meridian Street United Methodist Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Lantzer |first=Jason |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/meridian-street-united-methodist-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> [[Central Christian Church (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Central Christian Church]] (1833),<ref name=Seay>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Christian Church (Disciples Of Christ) |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Williams |first1=D. Newell |last2=Seay |first2=Scott |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/christian-church-disciples-of-christ/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> [[Bethel A.M.E. Church (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Bethel A.M.E. Church]] (1836),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bethel-african-methodist-episcopal-a-m-e-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> [[Christ Church Cathedral (Indianapolis)|Christ Church Cathedral]] (1837),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Christ Church Cathedral |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Dalton |first1=William D. |last2=Little |first2=Lee |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/christ-church-cathedral/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> [[St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (Indianapolis, Indiana)|St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church]] (1837),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=St. John Catholic Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Markisohn |first=Deborah B. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/st-john-catholic-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> [[Second Presbyterian Church (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Second Presbyterian Church]] (1838),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Second Presbyterian Church |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2022 |last1=Isley Jr. |first1=William L. |last2=Farnsley II |first2=Arthur E. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/second-presbyterian-church/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> and the [[Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation]] (1856).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Spiegel |first2=Pauline |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-hebrew-congregation/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> Newer establishments reflect the city’s growing religious diversity, including [[Masjid Al Mu'mineen]] (2001), the [[Hindu Temple of Central Indiana]] (2006),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Hindu Temple of Central Indiana |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/hindu-temple-of-central-indiana/|access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> and the [[Indianapolis Indiana Temple]] (2015), located in [[Carmel, Indiana|Carmel]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Mormon Temple |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last1=Snideman |first1=Samuel S. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/mormon-temple/ |access-date=February 12, 2025}}</ref> The [[First Church of Cannabis]] was established in response to Indiana’s [[Religious Freedom Restoration Act (Indiana)|Religious Freedom Restoration Act]] in 2015.<ref name=Lantzer/>

Religious denominations headquartered in the Indianapolis area include the [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]],<ref name=Seay/> the [[Free Methodist Church]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Free Methodist World Ministries Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Little |first=Lee |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/free-methodist-world-ministries-center/ |access-date=October 22, 2023}}</ref> the [[Lutheran Ministerium and Synod – USA]], and the [[Wesleyan Church]].<ref name=Seay/> Indianapolis is the seat of two [[Diocese of Indianapolis (disambiguation)|dioceses]].

==Economy==
{{Main|Economy of Indianapolis}}
[[File:MD-10 taxi at KIND - panoramio.jpg|thumb|A [[FedEx Express]] cargo plane at [[Indianapolis International Airport]]]]
[[File:Eli Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.jpg|thumb|Indianapolis-based [[Eli Lilly and Company]], the city's largest private employer]]
[[File:Indiana Convention Center at Capitol and Georgia.jpg|thumb|[[Indiana Convention Center]] in 2020]]
Indianapolis anchors the [[List of U.S. metropolitan areas by GDP|28th largest]] metropolitan economy in the U.S., with a [[gross domestic product]] of US$199.2 billion in 2023.<ref name="FRED"/> The city's major exports include [[pharmaceuticals]], motor vehicle parts, medical equipment and supplies, engine and power equipment, and aircraft products and parts.<ref name="Indy Chamber"/> According to the [[United States Bureau of Labor Statistics|U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]], the largest industries by employment in the [[Indianapolis metropolitan area]] are trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; professional and business services; government; leisure and hospitality; and manufacturing, respectively. The area's unemployment rate was 3.7% in February 2024.<ref name="industries"/>

Three [[Fortune 500|''Fortune'' 500]] companies are based in the city: insurance company [[Elevance Health]];<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://fortune.com/company/anthem/fortune500/ |title=Anthem |magazine=Fortune |access-date=February 13, 2022 |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323220114/http://fortune.com/fortune500/anthem/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> pharmaceutical company [[Eli Lilly and Company|Eli Lilly]];<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://fortune.com/company/eli-lilly/fortune500/ |title=Eli Lilly |magazine=Fortune |access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref> and agrochemical company [[Corteva]].<ref name="Corteva">{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |title=Corteva names Indianapolis its new global headquarters |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/corteva-names-indy-its-new-global-headquarters |access-date=February 13, 2022 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |date=February 8, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://fortune.com/company/corteva/fortune500/ |title=Corteva |magazine=Fortune |access-date=February 13, 2022}}</ref> Other notable companies based in the city include [[AES Indiana]], [[Allison Transmission]], [[Barnes & Thornburg]], [[Calumet, Inc.]], [[CountryMark]], [[Elanco]], [[Emmis Corporation]], [[Finish Line, Inc.|Finish Line]], [[Herff Jones]], [[Klipsch Audio Technologies]], [[Lids (store)|Lids]], [[Lucas Oil Products]], [[OneAmerica Financial]], [[Republic Airways Holdings]], [[Simon Property Group]], [[Steak 'n Shake]], [[Sun King Brewing]], [[Wheaton World Wide Moving]], and [[Zipp]].

Indianapolis's central location and extensive highway and rail infrastructure have positioned the city as an important logistics center. According to the Indy Chamber, the region was home to some 4,300 establishments employing nearly 110,000 in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Logistics Indianapolis Region |url=https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Logistics_Print.pdf |date=2020 |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-date=September 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212403/https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Logistics_Print.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] has a major presence in the Indianapolis metropolitan area, employing 9,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Orr |first=Susan |title=Amazon's impact, influence grows in central Indiana |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/64979-amazons-impact-influence-grows-in-central-indiana |date=August 10, 2017 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=September 19, 2021}}</ref> [[FedEx]] employs 7,000<ref name="Logistics">{{cite news |title=Largest Logistics Providers |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/16/largest-logistics-providers |date=January 14, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=September 19, 2021}}</ref> workers across 35 facilities in the city, including [[FedEx Express]]'s National Hub, which employs 5,800 workers in sorting, distribution, and shipping at [[Indianapolis International Airport]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Shuey |first=Mickey |title=FedEx plans to move LA maintenance operations to Indianapolis |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/fedex-plans-to-move-la-maintenance-operations-to-indianapolis |date=March 27, 2023 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> Other logistics companies in the region with large workforces include [[Ingram Micro]] and Venture Logistics.<ref name="Logistics"/>

Indianapolis anchors one of the largest [[List of life sciences|life sciences]] clusters in the U.S., notably in the subsectors of drugs and pharmaceuticals and agricultural feedstock and chemicals.<ref name="BIO2020">{{cite web |title=The Bioscience Economy: Propelling Life-Saving Treatments, Supporting State & Local Communities |url=https://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/2020-06/BIO2020-report.pdf |date=2020 |publisher=TEConomy Partners, LLC and Biotechnology Innovation Organization |access-date=September 18, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=State Bioscience Jobs, Investments and Innovation |url=http://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/Battelle-BIO-2014-Industry.pdf |date=2014 |publisher=Battelle Memorial Institute and Biotechnology Innovation Organization |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014133933/http://www.bio.org/sites/default/files/Battelle-BIO-2014-Industry.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Life sciences employ between 21,200 and 28,700<ref name="TEConomy BioCrossroads">{{cite web |title=Essential: The Impact of the Healthcare and Life Sciences Sector in Central Indiana |url=https://biocrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TEConomy-BioCrossroads-Essential-fullreport-Final-August-2021.pdf |date=August 2021 |publisher=TEConomy Partners, LLC |access-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909193440/https://biocrossroads.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/TEConomy-BioCrossroads-Essential-fullreport-Final-August-2021.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> among nearly 350 companies located in the region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Life Sciences Indianapolis Region |url=https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LifeSciences_Print.pdf |date=2020 |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=September 18, 2021 |archive-date=September 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919010443/https://3odfep1y2phvonddy2b6d18t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/LifeSciences_Print.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Pharmaceutical company [[Eli Lilly and Company|Eli Lilly]] is the city's largest private employer, with a workforce of 11,000 in research and development, manufacturing, and executive administration.<ref name="Manufacturers">{{cite web |title=Largest Manufacturers |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/72/largest-manufacturers |date=August 5, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=September 19, 2021}}</ref> Other major employers include [[Corteva]],<ref name="Corteva"/> [[Fortrea]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/73768-drug-research-firm-covance-plans-175m-expansion-203-jobs |title=Drug research firm Covance plans $17.5M expansion, 203 jobs |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |date=May 14, 2019 }}</ref> and [[Roche]]'s North American headquarters.<ref>{{cite news |last=Russell |first=John |date=May 7, 2021 |title=In a lockdown, Roche pushes ahead with new, different diagnostic tests |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/in-a-lockdown-roche-pushes-ahead-with-new-different-diagnostic-tests |access-date=September 18, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rudavsky |first=Shari |date=May 7, 2021 |title=How COVID led to a business boom and big changes for Indianapolis-based Roche Diagnostics |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/health/2021/05/07/covid-19-indiana-roche-diagnositics-indianapolis/4874138001/ |access-date=September 18, 2021 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indychamber.com/files/9114/3990/6287/2015_Largest_Logistics_Companies.pdf |title=Largest Life Science Companies |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908150942/http://indychamber.com/files/9114/3990/6287/2015_Largest_Logistics_Companies.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2015}}</ref>

The city's [[hospitality industry]] has grown in importance in recent years due to an expanding convention business.<ref name="conventions">{{cite web |last=Schoettle |first=Anthony |title=Expand the Indiana Convention Center again? |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/54963-expand-the-indiana-convention-center-again |date=September 25, 2015 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Zeigler">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Expositions and Conventions |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/expositions-and-conventions/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> According to the city's [[destination marketing organization]], Indianapolis receives 29.2&nbsp;million visitors annually, generating US$5.6&nbsp;billion, and supporting 82,900 jobs.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Visit Indy |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Markisohn |first1=Deborah |last2=Snyder |first2=Morgan |last3=Blair |first3=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/visit-indy/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> The city's major hospitality facilities are clustered in [[downtown Indianapolis]], including the [[Indiana Convention Center]], [[Lucas Oil Stadium]], and some 8,500 hotel rooms. Major annual conventions include [[FDIC International]], the [[National FFA Organization]] Convention, [[Gen Con]], and the [[Performance Racing Industry]] Trade Show.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |title=Rebounding visitor stats generate optimism in hospitality industry |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/definitely-on-an-upswing |date=February 17, 2023 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=March 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Convention Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Markisohn |first1=Deborah |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-convention-center/ |access-date=March 3, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Zeigler"/>

Indianapolis ranks among the fastest high-tech job growth areas in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |last=Council |first=Jared |title=Report: Indy ranks fifth in tech-job growth |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/61140-report-indy-ranks-fifth-in-tech-job-growth |access-date=April 20, 2017 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Spivack |first=Miranda |title=How Indianapolis, Long Known as a Manufacturing Center, Is Luring Tech Talent |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/17/business/indianapolis-real-estate-tech.html?ref=business&_r=4 |access-date=April 20, 2017 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 17, 2017}}</ref> The metropolitan area is home to 28,500 information technology-related jobs at such companies as [[Angi]], [[Formstack]], [[Genesys (company)|Genesys]], [[Hubstaff]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |title=Working From Home When Your Boss is Watching |url=https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/news-and-opinion/business/working-from-home-when-your-boss-is-watching |access-date=June 19, 2020 |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Communications |date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> [[Infosys]],<ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Infosys Picks Indiana for new U.S. Education Center, an additional 1,000 New Jobs |url=https://www.indianapolisairport.com/about/media/media-releases/infosys-picks-indiana-for-new-u-s-education-center-an-additional-1-000-new-jobs |location=Indianapolis, Indiana |publisher=[[Indianapolis Airport Authority]] |date=April 26, 2018 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405120128/https://www.indianapolisairport.com/about/media/media-releases/infosys-picks-indiana-for-new-u-s-education-center-an-additional-1-000-new-jobs |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Ingram Micro]], and [[Salesforce Marketing Cloud]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indychamber.com/economic-development/digital-technology/ |title=Digital Technology |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919010446/http://indychamber.com/economic-development/digital-technology/ |archive-date=September 19, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indychamber.com/files/3214/0862/3818/2012_Largest_IT_Companies.pdf |title=Largest IT Companies |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921161856/http://www.indychamber.com/files/3214/0862/3818/2012_Largest_IT_Companies.pdf |archive-date=September 21, 2015}}</ref> Salesforce has the largest workforce of local tech firms, employing about 2,100 in Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burris |first=Alexandria |title='9-to-5 workday is dead': Salesforce won't require majority of workers to return to office |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2021/02/10/salesforce-indianapolis-remote-covid-workers-wont-return-office/6701985002/ |access-date=April 12, 2021 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=February 10, 2021}}</ref>

===Manufacturing===
Historically, manufacturing has been a critical component of Indianapolis's economy; however, [[deindustrialization]] since the mid-20th century has significantly impacted the city's workforce. Indianapolis is typically considered part of the [[Rust Belt]], a region of the [[Northeastern United States|Northeastern]] and [[Midwestern United States|Midwestern]] U.S. beleaguered by industrial and population decline.<ref>{{cite news |last=Groppe |first=Maureen |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126265149/?terms=%22rust%20belt%22%20%22indianapolis%22&match=1 |title=Indy Unbuckles the Rust Belt |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=May 9, 2010 |access-date=September 19, 2021 |page=A1, A10 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Between 1990 and 2012, approximately 26,900 manufacturing jobs were lost in the city as it continued diversification efforts and transitioned to a [[service economy]].<ref name="FastTrack">{{cite web |url=http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DMD/Planning/Documents/2014-IndyFastTrack.pdf |title=Indy FastTrack |date=2014 |access-date=March 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414034141/http://www.indy.gov/eGov/City/DMD/Planning/Documents/2014-IndyFastTrack.pdf |archive-date=April 14, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[RCA Corporation|RCA]] and [[Western Electric]] formerly employed thousands at their Indianapolis manufacturing plants.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schouten |first=Cory |title=Former RCA industrial site to get $20M rehab |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/13778-former-rca-industrial-site-to-get-20m-rehab |date=January 21, 2008 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Western Electric |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Johnson Taggart |first1=Charles |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/western-electric/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref>

Once home to 60 automakers, Indianapolis rivaled [[Detroit]] as a center of [[automobile manufacturing]] and design in the early 20th century.<ref name="automaker">{{cite news |title=Retro Indy: City came close to being "Motor City" |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/10/24/motor-city/3180615/ |access-date=April 27, 2016 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=April 24, 2016}}</ref> Indianapolis was home to several [[luxury car]] companies, including [[Duesenberg]], [[Marmon Motor Car Company|Marmon]], and [[Stutz Motor Company]]; however, the automakers did not survive the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]] of the 1930s.<ref name="automobile industry">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Automobile Industry |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Furlong |first1=Patrick |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/automobile-industry/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> Detroit's [[Big Three (automobile manufacturers)|Big Three automakers]] maintained a presence in the city and continued to operate in various capacities until the 2000s: [[Ford Motor Company]] (1914–1942, 1956–2008),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Ford Motor Company |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Johnson Taggart |first1=Charles |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ford-motor-company/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> [[Chrysler]] (1925–2005), and [[General Motors]] (1930–2011).<ref name="automobile industry"/>

Indianapolis is home to [[Allison Transmission]]'s headquarters and manufacturing facilities, employing 2,500 in the design and production of automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems.<ref name="Manufacturers"/> [[Rolls-Royce North America]] dates its local presence to the establishment of the [[Allison Engine Company]] in 1915. Its Indianapolis Operations Center has a workforce of 4,000 in aircraft engine development and manufacturing.<ref>{{cite news |last=Turner |first=Kris |title=Rolls-Royce celebrates 100 years in Indy |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/10/07/rolls-royce-celebrates-100-years-indy/73527466/ |date=October 8, 2015 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=May 15, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Manufacturers"/> Other major manufacturing employers include [[Allegion]] and [[RTX Corporation]].<ref name="Manufacturers"/> In 2016, [[Carrier Corporation]] [[Carrier Air Conditioner move to Mexico|announced the closure]] of its Indianapolis plant, moving 1,400 manufacturing jobs to Mexico.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Nelson |title=Carrier Workers See Costs, Not Benefits, of Global Trade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/20/business/economy/carrier-workers-see-costs-not-benefits-of-global-trade.html |access-date=March 30, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=March 19, 2016}}</ref> Carrier later negotiated with the incoming Trump administration to save some jobs. The company's local workforce numbers 800 in gas furnace production.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Carrier Corporation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Jyoti |first=Verderame |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/carrier-corporation/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref>

==Arts and culture==
===Visual arts===
[[File:IMA - All you need is rust! (2592098693).jpg|thumb|[[Robert Indiana]]'s ''[[Love (Indianapolis)|LOVE]]'' at the [[Indianapolis Museum of Art]]]]
With a permanent collection of 54,000 works, the [[Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields]] is the city's primary art museum. It is among the [[List of largest art museums|largest]] and oldest art museums in the U.S., tracing its roots back to the [[Art Association of Indianapolis]], which was founded in 1883.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Art Association of Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Duvall |first=Jeffery A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/art-association-of-indianapolis/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> The museum's {{convert|152|acre|ha|adj=on}} Newfields' campus includes [[Oldfields]] (Lilly House), the [[Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres]], eight gardens, and four performance spaces.

Established in 1902, the [[Herron School of Art and Design]]'s first core faculty included [[Impressionist]] painters belonging to the [[Hoosier Group]]. [[Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Hall|Eskenazi Hall]] at [[IU Indianapolis]] has been home to the school since 2005, hosting five public galleries and numerous programs throughout the year.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Herron School of Art and Design |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Cooney |first=John J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/herron-school-of-art-and-design/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>

Located in [[Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis|Broad Ripple]], the [[Indianapolis Art Center]] houses the Marilyn K. Glick School of Art, galleries, and a [[sculpture garden]]. The center hosts and manages art classes, exhibitions, art fairs, and outreach programs throughout the year.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Art Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Sommers |first1=Joyce A. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-art-center/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref> The [[Harrison Center]] in the [[Old Northside Historic District|Old Northside]] and the [[Murphy Art Center]] in [[Fountain Square, Indianapolis|Fountain Square]] house several galleries and artist studios and participate in [[First Friday (public event)|First Friday]] events.

Located in [[downtown Indianapolis]], the [[Eiteljorg Museum]] is home to a diverse collection of [[visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas]] and [[Western American Art]]. The museum hosts numerous lectures, artist residencies, special exhibitions, and events annually.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=2021 |last=Corbin |first=Bryan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/eiteljorg-museum-of-american-indians-and-western-art/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>

In 2021, there were more than 3,000 recorded works of [[List of public art in Indianapolis|public art in Indianapolis]]. More than one-third of those are concentrated in the downtown Indianapolis area, including dozens belonging to the [[Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis Public Art Collection]], the [[Indiana Statehouse Public Art Collection]], or the [[Indianapolis Cultural Trail]]. [[Mural]]s are the most popular medium of public art found in the city.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bowman |first=Anna |title=Nation's largest art census in Indy |url=https://indytoday.6amcity.com/nations-largest-art-census-indianapolis-in |date=July 8, 2022 |work=INDYtoday |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref>

Since 2020, [[Ganggang]] has been a prominent supporter of [[African-American art|Black artists]] in the city. Their annual art fair "BUTTER" is a multi-day art exhibition that takes place over [[Labor Day]] weekend.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bahr |first=Sarah |date=November 29, 2022 |title=2 Years After Racism Outcry, Indianapolis Embraces Black Artists |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/29/arts/design/ganggang-racism-indianapolis-artists-venable.html |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McGowan |first=Chloe |title=BUTTER artists talk art, equity and cultivating creativity |url=https://indianapolisrecorder.com/butter-artists-talk-art-equity-and-creativity/ |date=August 31, 2023 |work=Indianapolis Recorder |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Sarah Urist Green joins Butter team to help elevate Indianapolis artists |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/sarah-urist-green-joins-butter-team-to-help-elevate-indianapolis-artists |access-date=March 16, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Bongiovanni |first=Domenica |title=NBA All-Star Weekend will bring a special Butter art fair, food and music to downtown Indy |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2024/01/17/nba-all-star-game-2024-indianapolis-ganggang-butter-arts-and-culture/72194091007/ |date=January 17, 2024 |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=March 15, 2024}}</ref>

===Performing arts===
[[File:Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.jpg|thumb|The [[Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra]] performing at [[Hilbert Circle Theatre]]]]
[[File:Madame Walker Theatre Center.jpg|thumb|[[Madam Walker Legacy Center]] opened on [[Indiana Avenue]] in 1927 as a cultural center for the city's African American community.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NHLS/80000062_text |title=National Historic Landmark Nomination: Madam C.J. Walker Building |date=June 4, 1990 |author=Miller, Paige Putnam |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>]]

Several of the city's most prominent performing arts venues and organizations are located in the downtown area, including the [[Hilbert Circle Theatre]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Hilbert Circle Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/circle-theatre/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> (home to the [[Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra]])<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Snyder |first1=Suzanne G. |last2=Huber |first2=Jen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-symphony-orchestra-iso/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> and the [[Indiana Theatre (Indianapolis, Indiana)|Indiana Theatre]] (home to the [[Indiana Repertory Theatre]]).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Repertory Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Jensen |first1=Joyce K. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-repertory-theatre-irt/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> Other notable venues near the central business district include [[The Cabaret]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=The Cabaret |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Erickson |first=Norma |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/the-cabaret/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Indianapolis Artsgarden]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Artsgarden |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-artsgarden/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Phoenix Theatre (Indianapolis)|Phoenix Theatre]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2021 |title=Phoenix Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/phoenix-theatre/ |access-date=May 8, 2022 |last=Jensen |first=Joyce K. |orig-year=1994}}</ref> [[Slippery Noodle Inn]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Slippery Noodle Inn |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Carr Childs-Helton |first=Sally |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/slippery-noodle-inn/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> and Everwise Amphitheater at [[White River State Park]], the city's largest outdoor venue.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mickey |last=Shuey |date=April 13, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/tcu-to-sponsor-renovated-amphitheater-at-white-river-state-park |title=Parties keep amphitheater naming-rights deal details close to vest |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref>

The [[Mass Ave Cultural Arts District]] is home to [[Old National Centre]], the oldest stagehouse in Indianapolis, having opened in 1910.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Old National Centre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Darbee |first=Leigh |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/old-national-centre/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> The performing arts center features the 2,500-seat Murat Theatre, the 2,000-seat Egyptian Room, and the 600-seat Corinthian Hall. Mass Ave is also home to the [[Athenæum (Das Deutsche Haus)|Athenæum]], Basile, District, and IF theaters, all of which host the annual [[Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival]], or "IndyFringe".<ref>{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/new-indyfringe-leader-wants-to-add-to-the-energy-on-mass-ave |date=March 16, 2023 |title=New IndyFringe leader wants to add to energy on Mass Ave |publisher=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=IndyFringe Theatre Festival |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-theatre-fringe-festival/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> Hedback Community Theatre in [[Herron–Morton Place Historic District|Herron–Morton]] is home to Footlite Musicals<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Footlite Musicals |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Cones |first=Jean |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/footlite-musicals/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> and [[Epilogue Players]] theater companies.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Epilogue Players |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Destefano |first=Rann |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/epilogue-players/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref>

The [[Madam Walker Legacy Center]] opened in the heart of the city's [[African-American neighborhood]] on [[Indiana Avenue]] in 1927. The building's theater hosted [[vaudeville]] shows and anchored the Indiana Avenue jazz scene from the 1920s through the 1960s.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Madam Walker Legacy Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Gibbs |first1= Wilma |last2=Bundles |first2=A'lelia |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/madam-walker-legacy-center/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> "The Avenue" produced greats such as [[David Baker (composer)|David Baker]], [[Slide Hampton]], [[Freddie Hubbard]], [[J. J. Johnson]], [[James Spaulding]], and the Montgomery Brothers ([[Buddy Montgomery|Buddy]], [[Monk Montgomery|Monk]], and [[Wes Montgomery|Wes]]).<ref name="Montgomery">{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|pages=840–843}}</ref> Wes Montgomery is considered one of the most influential [[jazz guitarist]]s of all time,<ref name="Montgomery"/><ref>{{cite AV media |people=Tom Moon (Music Reviewer) |date=May 25, 2015 |title=Review: 'In The Beginning,' Wes Montgomery |medium=Radio |language=en |url=https://www.npr.org/2015/05/25/409531225/review-in-the-beginning-wes-montgomery |access-date=October 15, 2017 |publisher=National Public Radio (NPR) All Things Considered |quote=He was one of the most influential guitarists of all time.}}</ref> and is credited with popularizing the "Naptown Sound".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.patternindy.com/2016/08/31/wes-montgomery-and-the-indy-jazz-fest/|title=Wes Montgomery and the Indy Jazz Fest|date=August 30, 2016|author=Terri Procopio|publisher=Pattern|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016070743/http://www.patternindy.com/2016/08/31/wes-montgomery-and-the-indy-jazz-fest/|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Local performing arts organizations include the [[Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=IndyBaroque Music |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Gerber |first=Thomas |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indybaroque-music/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Elliott |first=Bill |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-chamber-orchestra/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Indianapolis Men's Chorus]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Men's Chorus |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Hanlin |first=George |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-men-s-chorus/ |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref> [[Indianapolis Opera]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Opera |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Snyder |first1=Suzanne G. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-opera/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> and [[Indianapolis Youth Orchestra]]. Other notable venues include Butler University's [[Clowes Memorial Hall]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Clowes Memorial Hall |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/clowes-memorial-hall/ |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref> and [[Melody Inn (nightclub)|Melody Inn]] in [[Butler–Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]], and the Frank and Katrina Basile Opera Center and the [[Jazz Kitchen]] in [[Meridian-Kessler, Indianapolis|Meridian–Kessler]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Jazz Kitchen |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=May 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/jazz-kitchen/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> The city's [[Broad Ripple Village, Indianapolis|Broad Ripple]] and [[Fountain Square, Indianapolis|Fountain Square]] neighborhoods are known for local live music, home to dozens of venues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Newberry |first=Laura |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/107931283 |url-access=subscription |title=Indy music store stands test of time |date=July 19, 2013 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=May 8, 2022 |page=A9 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=According to the association, 15 to 20 businesses have opened in the neighborhood in the past two years, some of which double as music venues. 'Now not only do we have White Rabbit and Radio Radio within a block of us that do music, there are little places popping up everywhere in people's basements,' said Amy England, Osborne's daughter and the store's service manager. 'There's live music every night.'}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=David |date=March 19, 2016 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/music/2016/03/19/fountain-square-virginia-avenue-thurston-kimya-joyful-noise-indianapolis-kopecky-pug/81146706/ |title=Tracking live music's migration to Fountain Square |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett |access-date=May 8, 2022}}</ref>

Indianapolis is home to a variety of national professional musical organizations, including the [[American Piano Awards]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=American Piano Awards |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/american-pianists-association/ |access-date=May 7, 2022 |last=Fuller |first=Milner |date=March 2021}}</ref> [[Bands of America]], [[Drum Corps International]], and the [[Percussive Arts Society]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Museums |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Cox |first1=Stephen L. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/museums/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kuzma |first=Gregory M. |url=http://halftimemag.com/articles/07-2008/07-2008-features/indianapolis.html |title=Indianapolis: The Center for the Music Arts? |date=July 14, 2008 |publisher=Muse Media, LLC |location=Cincinnati |website=halftimemag.com |access-date=May 7, 2022}}</ref> Annual music festivals and competitions held in the city include the [[Drum Corps International World Class Champions]]hips, [[Indianapolis Early Music|Indianapolis Early Music Festival]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Early Music |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-year=1994 |year=2021 |last=Vanderstel |first=David G. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-early-music/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}}</ref> and [[Indy Jazz Fest]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Jazz Foundation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-jazz-foundation/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}}</ref> The quadrennial [[International Violin Competition of Indianapolis]] is considered among the most prestigious of its kind in the world.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=International Violin Competition of Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/international-violin-competition-of-indianapolis/ |access-date=May 7, 2022}}</ref>

===Literary arts===
[[File:Mass Ave.jpg|thumb|A mural memorializing [[Kurt Vonnegut]] on [[Mass Ave Cultural Arts District|Mass Avenue]], completed by local artist Pamela Bliss in 2011]]
From about 1870 to 1920, Indianapolis was at the center of the [[Golden Age of Indiana Literature]]. Several notable poets and writers based in the city achieved national prominence and critical acclaim during this period, including [[James Whitcomb Riley]], [[Booth Tarkington]], and [[Meredith Nicholson]].<ref name="NPS" /><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Golden Age of Indiana Literature |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Calder |first=J. Kent |publisher=Libraries & Archives |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/golden-age-of-indiana-literature/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> Perhaps the city's most acclaimed twentieth-century writer was [[Kurt Vonnegut]], known for his darkly satirical and controversial bestselling novel ''[[Slaughterhouse-Five]]''.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=And so it goes: Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) |newspaper=Kitsap Sun |date=April 10, 2014 |url=https://www.kitsapsun.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2014/04/11/kurt-vonnegut/7547825/ |access-date=September 12, 2020}}</ref> Vonnegut became known for including at least one character in his novels from Indianapolis.<ref name="Vonnegut">{{cite web |url=http://www.indianahistory.org/our-collections/reference/notable-hoosiers/kurt-vonnegut#.VwH5PqQrLIU |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131116153542/http://www.indianahistory.org/our-collections/reference/notable-hoosiers/kurt-vonnegut#.VwH5PqQrLIU |url-status=dead|archive-date=November 16, 2013 |title=Kurt Vonnegut |publisher=Indiana Historical Society |access-date=April 4, 2016}}</ref> Upon returning to the city in 1986, Vonnegut acknowledged the influence the city had on his writings:{{cquote|All my jokes are Indianapolis. All my attitudes are Indianapolis. My adenoids are Indianapolis. If I ever severed myself from Indianapolis, I would be out of business. What people like about me is Indianapolis.<ref name="Vonnegut"/><ref name="Memorial Library">{{cite news|title=Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library Opens in Indianapolis|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/us/20vonnegut.html?_r=0|newspaper=The New York Times|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=April 4, 2016|first=Emma|last=Graves Fitzsimmons}}</ref>}}

A key figure of the [[Black Arts Movement]], Indianapolis resident [[Mari Evans]] was among the most influential of the twentieth century's black poets.<ref>{{cite news|last=Chen|first=Wei-Huan|title=Indiana poet Mari Evans receives lifetime achievement award|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=October 8, 2015|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2015/10/08/indiana-poet-mari-evans-receives-lifetime-achievement-award/73545482/|access-date=September 12, 2020}}</ref> Indianapolis is home to bestselling [[young adult fiction]] writer [[John Green]], known for his critically acclaimed 2012 novel ''[[The Fault in Our Stars]]'', set in the city.<ref>{{cite news|title=Indianapolis shows local love to author John Green|url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/movies/2015/07/16/green-paper-towns-dftba-wolff-delevingne-indianapolis-lost-found/30166091/|newspaper=The Indianapolis Star|date=July 16, 2015|access-date=April 4, 2016|first=David|last=Lindquist}}</ref> Notable sites in Indianapolis include the [[James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home]], the [[Ray Bradbury Center]] at [[IU Indianapolis]], and the [[Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library]].<ref name="Memorial Library" />

===Attractions===
{{See also|List of attractions and events in Indianapolis}}
[[File:Bucky the T. Rex 1.jpg|thumb|"[[Specimens of Tyrannosaurus#"Bucky": TCM 2001.90.1|Bucky]]", a juvenile ''[[Tyrannosaurus]]'' specimen at [[The Children's Museum of Indianapolis]]]]
[[File:COLISEUMedited.jpg|thumb|[[Indiana Farmers Coliseum]] during the 2015 [[Indiana State Fair]]]]
[[The Children's Museum of Indianapolis]] is the world's largest children's museum with {{convert|433000|sqft|m2|2}} of exhibit space and a collection of over 120,000 artifacts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.childrensmuseums.org/childrens-museums/about-childrens-museums|title=About Children's Museums|publisher=Association of Children's Museums|access-date=July 26, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613131739/http://childrensmuseums.org/childrens-museums/about-childrens-museums|archive-date=June 13, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43728979|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924000807/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/43728979|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2020|title=Delving into the world's largest children's museum|author=Eileen Ogintz|publisher=NBC News|date=July 13, 2011|access-date=September 6, 2011}}</ref> Due to its leadership and innovations, the museum is a world leader in its field.<ref>Sandler, p. 186</ref> In 2023, it was one of the region's most popular attractions, drawing about 1.2&nbsp;million visitors.<ref name="Attractions">{{cite web |title=Most Popular Attractions – Ranked by 2023 Indianapolis-area attendance |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/83/most-popular-attractions |date=August 29, 2024 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>

The [[Indianapolis Zoo]] houses more than 1,400 animals of 235 species while the adjoining [[White River Gardens]] contains more than 50,000 plants of nearly 3,000 species, respectively.<ref name="2020 Annual Report">{{cite web |title=2020 Indianapolis Zoo Annual Report |publisher=Indianapolis Zoo |url=https://online.fliphtml5.com/npqq/zzqp/?1625771088656 |pages=18, 28 |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and research, recognized for its biennial [[Indianapolis Prize]] award.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Prize|encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Hillier-Geisler |first=Megan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-prize/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> It is among the largest privately funded zoos in the U.S.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Zoo |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hurst |first1=Richard M. |last2=Hillier-Geisler |first2=Megan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-zoo/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> and one of the city's most visited attractions, with 1.1&nbsp;million guests in 2023.<ref name="Attractions"/>

Located inside the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]], the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum]] exhibits an extensive collection of [[auto racing]] memorabilia showcasing various motorsports and automotive history.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Chenoweth |first1=Shelly |last2=Davidson |first2=Donald |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-motor-speedway-hall-of-fame-museum/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> Daily grounds and track tours originate from the museum. Located at the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] headquarters, the [[NCAA Hall of Champions]] contains exhibits on [[College athletics in the United States|collegiate athletics in the U.S.]]<ref name="Opsahl Verderame">{{cite encyclopedia |title=NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last1=Opsahl |first1=Sam |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ncaa-headquarters-and-hall-of-champions/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>

The [[Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site]] includes the archives and restored home of the 23rd president of the U.S., [[Benjamin Harrison]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Capps |first2=Jennifer |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/benjamin-harrison-presidential-site/ |access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref> Harrison is buried about {{convert|3|mi|km}} north of the site at [[Crown Hill Cemetery]]. Other notable interments at the cemetery include three [[List of vice presidents of the United States|U.S. vice presidents]] ([[Charles W. Fairbanks|Fairbanks]], [[Thomas A. Hendricks|Hendricks]], and [[Thomas R. Marshall|Marshall]]), notorious American gangster [[John Dillinger]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Crown Hill Cemetery |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Sanford |first1=Wayne L. |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/crown-hill-cemetery/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> and [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] [[Caroline Harrison]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Caroline Lavinia Scott Harrison |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last1=Badertscher |first1=Katherine |last2=Capps |first2=Jennifer |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/caroline-lavinia-scott-harrison/ |access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref> State-specific historical institutions based in Indianapolis include the [[Indiana Historical Society]], [[Indiana Humanities]], the [[Indiana Jewish Historical Society]], [[Indiana Landmarks]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Landmarks |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Rollins Stanis |first=Suzanne T. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-landmarks/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> the [[Indiana Medical History Museum]], and the [[Indiana State Museum]].

The [[Indiana World War Memorial Historic District]] in downtown Indianapolis is home to more than a dozen memorials and monuments to United States veterans, including the national headquarters of the [[American Legion]], the [[Indiana War Memorial Museum]], and the [[Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument (Indianapolis)|Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana World War Memorial Plaza |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Rollins Stanis |first1=Suzanne T. |last2=Glass |first2=James A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |format=website |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-world-war-memorial-plaza/ |access-date=September 16, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170751/https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-world-war-memorial-plaza/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Combined, it is the largest war memorial project in the United States,<ref name=macleod>{{cite web |last=MacLeod |first=James |date=22 May 2015 |title=World War I's Heart Is Kept in the Heartland |website=What It Means to be American |publisher=The Smithsonian Institution |url=https://www.whatitmeanstobeamerican.org/artifacts/world-war-is-heart-is-kept-in-the-heartland/ |access-date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203504/https://www.whatitmeanstobeamerican.org/artifacts/world-war-is-heart-is-kept-in-the-heartland/ |url-status=live }}</ref> encompassing {{convert|24|acres}}.<ref name=Mitchell>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Dawn |date=May 25, 2015 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/05/25/monumental-indianapolis/27909621/ |title=Monumental Indianapolis: Touring Indianapolis memorials |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 16, 2022 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403102905/https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/05/25/monumental-indianapolis/27909621/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Other notable sites in the city include [[Crown Hill National Cemetery]], the [[Indiana 9/11 Memorial]], the [[Medal of Honor Memorial (Indianapolis)|Medal of Honor Memorial]], and the [[USS Indianapolis (CA-35)#Memorials|USS ''Indianapolis'' National Memorial]].

Indianapolis hosts numerous annual fairs, festivals, and parades.<ref name="festivals">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Festivals |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/festivals/ |access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref> The largest is the [[Indiana State Fair]], regularly drawing more than 800,000 attendees each August. Held during the "[[Month of May (Indianapolis 500)|Month of May]]", the [[500 Festival]] features over 30 programs and events leading up to the [[Indianapolis 500]].<ref name="Attractions"/> Other notable events include the [[Indy Pride Festival]] and the [[Marion County Fair (Indiana)|Marion County Fair]] in June,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indy Pride |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indy-pride/ |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Marion County Fair |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/marion-county-fair/ |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> the [[Indiana Black Expo]] Summer Celebration in July,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Black Expo |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadzekpo |first=Audrey S. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-black-expo-ibe/ |access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> the [[Historic Irvington Halloween Festival]] in October,<ref>{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |date=October 20, 2022 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/in-irvington-the-thrills-of-halloween-are-back |title=In Irvington, the thrills of Halloween are back |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref> and the [[Circle of Lights]] during the [[holiday season]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Tufts |first=John |date=November 20, 2023 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2023/11/20/circle-of-lights-2023-is-back-in-indianapolis-how-to-go-or-watch/71657571007/ |title=Circle of Lights 2023 is happening earlier this year in Indianapolis: What to know. |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=March 28, 2024}}</ref>

===Cuisine===
[[File:Indianapolis City Market interior - 2021.jpg|thumb|[[Indianapolis City Market]], founded in 1821]]
Indianapolis has an emerging food scene as well as established eateries.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haas |first=Matt |date=February 16, 2016 |url=http://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/pop-culture/article/brooklyn-is-everywhere |title=How Every City Became Brooklyn |work=Bon Appétite |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> Founded in 1821 as the city's [[Marketplaces#Types|public market]], the [[Indianapolis City Market]] has served the community from its current building since 1886. Before [[World War II]], the City Market was home to meat and vegetable vendors. As consumer habits evolved and residents moved from the central city, City Market transitioned from a traditional marketplace to a [[food hall]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia|editor1-last=Bodenhamer|editor1-first=David|editor2-last=Barrows|editor2-first=Robert|title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis|year=1994|publisher=Indiana University Press|location=Bloomington & Indianapolis|page=432}}</ref> The AMP and The Garage food halls opened in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |date=December 30, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/2021-year-in-review-garage-amp-food-halls-lead-restaurant-resurgence |title=2021 Year in Review: Garage, AMP food halls lead restaurant resurgence |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=April 20, 2022}}</ref>

Situated in the [[Corn Belt]], Indianapolis has maintained close ties to farming and food production. [[Urban agriculture]] in the city dates to the 1930s, when [[Flanner House]] began teaching Black arrivals how to farm on vacant lots during the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]]. Within a few years, more than 200 families were tending 600 garden plots on nearly {{convert|100|acre|ha}} of land on the city's near north side.<ref>{{cite web |last=Perry Abello |first=Oscar |date=August 4, 2020 |url=https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/generations-of-black-leaders-watching-over-this-indianapolis-neighborhood |title=Generations of Black Leaders Watching Over This Indianapolis Neighborhood |work=Next City |access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref> Urban agriculture has made a comeback in recent years in an effort to alleviate [[food deserts]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Hopkins |first=Emily |date=September 4, 2018 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2018/09/04/indianapolis-food-deserts-farm-table-restaurant-trend/1111620002/ |title=Indianapolis food deserts could be alleviated by farm-to-table trend |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=December 23, 2018}}</ref> According to the city's Office of Sustainability, there were 129 community farms and gardens in 2020.<ref name="Thrive"/> {{As of|2020}}, several [[farmers' market]]s have been established throughout Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite web |last=Simpson Holloway |first=Rebecca |title=Farmers' Market Locations in the Indy Area 2020 |url=https://indywithkids.com/farmers-markets-indianapolis/ |work=Indy with Kids |access-date=August 11, 2020}}</ref>

Distinctive local dishes include [[pork tenderloin sandwich]]es,<ref>{{cite web |last=Pang |first=Kevin |date=April 3, 2014 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/04/03/hoosier-tenderloin/ |title=Breaded Pork Tenderloin sandwiches: An Indiana institution |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=March 10, 2018}}</ref> [[sugar cream pie]], and [[beef Manhattan]], invented in Indianapolis.<ref>Stuttgen, J.R. (2007). Cafe Indiana: A Guide to Indiana's Down-Home Cafes. University of Wisconsin Press. p. 178. {{ISBN|978-0-299-22493-6}}. Retrieved November 7, 2015.</ref> [[Wonder Bread]] and [[Choc-Ola]] also originate in the city. Longstanding local eateries include [[Long's Bakery]], [[Mug-n-Bun]], Shapiro's Deli,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Shapiro's Delicatessen |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Blackwell |first=Carolyn S. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/shapiro-s/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> [[The Workingman's Friend]], and [[St. Elmo Steak House]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=St. Elmo Steak House |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Markisohn |first=Deborah B. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/st-elmo-steak-house/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> St. Elmo was recognized with the [[List of James Beard America's Classics|America's Classics]] award by the [[James Beard Foundation]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ketzenberger |first=Jolene |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126356758 |url-access=subscription |title=St. Elmo Steak House on Forbes' list of 10 classic restaurants |date=July 13, 2012 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 15, 2022 |page=D6 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=St. Elmo Steak House, established in 1902, was recently included in a Forbes.com gallery of 10 classic restaurants around the world. (...) St. Elmo was honored earlier this year with an America's Classic award from the James Beard Foundation.}}</ref> In 2008, the Indianapolis metropolitan area had the highest concentration of [[chain restaurants]] per capita in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Deborah |date=August 2008 |title=Chain Reaction |work=Indianapolis Monthly |pages=89–99}}</ref> Locally based chains include [[MCL Restaurant & Bakery]], [[Noble Roman's]], and [[Steak 'n Shake]]. The city's growing immigrant population has contributed to a rise in [[global cuisine]], with some 800 ethnic restaurants opening in recent years.<ref>{{cite web |last=Edge |first=John |date=February 22, 2011 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/23/dining/23united.html?_r=1 |title=In Indianapolis, the World Comes to Eat |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref>

In 2016, ''[[Condé Nast Traveler]]'' named Indianapolis the "most underrated food city in the U.S.", while ranking Milktooth as one of the best restaurants in the world.<ref>{{cite web |last=Biro |first=Liz |date=September 21, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2016/09/21/milktooth-best-restaurants-world-list/90773996/ |title=Milktooth is on a best restaurants in the world list |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Allison |date=May 23, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/05/23/indy-called-most-underrated-food-city-us-cond-nast-traveler/84810698/ |title=Indy called 'most underrated food city in the U.S.' by Condé Nast Traveler |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> ''[[Food & Wine]]'' called Indianapolis the "rising star of the Midwest".<ref>{{cite web |last=Quigley |first=Annie |date=April 12, 2016 |url=http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/rising-star-midwest-indianapolis |title=Rising Star of the Midwest: Indianapolis |work=Food & Wine |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Allison |date=April 13, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/life/2016/04/13/four-indy-restaurants-recognized-food-wine/82995494/ |title=4 Indy restaurants recognized by 'Food & Wine' |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> Several Indianapolis chefs and restaurateurs have been semifinalists in the [[James Beard Foundation Award]]s in recent years.<ref>{{cite web |last=Biro |first=Liz |date=March 15, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2016/03/15/no-james-beard-awards-indy-chefs/81808522/ |title=No James Beard Awards for Indy chefs – but why? |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 27, 2019 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/72702-three-from-indianapolis-named-james-beard-semifinalists |title=Three from Indianapolis named James Beard semifinalists |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=February 28, 2019}}</ref> [[Microbreweries]] have become a staple in the city, increasing fivefold since 2009.<ref>{{cite web |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=May 3, 2016 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/58391-more-filling-craft-brew-craze-adds-body-to-real-estate-market |title=More filling: Craft brew craze adds body to real estate market |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> There are now about 50 craft brewers in Indianapolis, with [[Sun King Brewing]] being the largest.<ref>{{cite web |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=January 16, 2013 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/39024-sun-king-brewery-lands-tax-breaks-for-expansion |title=Sun King brewery lands tax breaks for expansion |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref>

===Film and television===
{{main category|Films set in Indianapolis}}
{{main category|Television shows set in Indianapolis}}
[[File:The Hilbert Circle Theatre, pictured at dusk, in Indianapolis, Indiana's capital city.jpg|thumb|[[Hilbert Circle Theatre]], the first purpose-built [[movie palace]] in Indianapolis<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Hilbert Circle Theatre |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/circle-theatre/ |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref>]]
Indianapolis natives have left a mark on the entertainment industry, most notably during the [[Classical Hollywood cinema]] era. [[James Baskett]] received an [[Academy Honorary Award]] in [[20th Academy Awards|1948]] for his role in [[Walt Disney]]'s ''[[Song of the South]]'', becoming the first Black male Oscar recipient. [[Sid Grauman]], one of the founders of the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]], received an Academy Honorary Award in [[20th Academy Awards|1949]], recognized for raising the standard for film exhibition. Perhaps the most famous actor from the Indianapolis area is Academy Award-nominee, [[Steve McQueen]], who was born in [[Beech Grove, Indiana|Beech Grove]]. Other Academy Award nominees from the city include costume designer [[Gloria Gresham]], actress [[Marjorie Main]], and actor [[Clifton Webb]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Dawn |date=January 15, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2020/01/15/oscar-goes-hoosier/80844918/ |title=The Oscar goes to ... a Hoosier |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref>

The city's sports venues have served as backdrops for such films as ''[[Hoosiers (film)|Hoosiers]]'' (1986) and ''[[Eight Men Out]]'' (1988).<ref>{{cite news |last=Naughton |first=Keith |url=https://indystar.newspapers.com/image/312910869 |url-access=subscription | title=Hoosierwood: Indiana a rising star to some in film industry |newspaper=The Indianapolis News |date=October 6, 1987 |access-date=October 31, 2021 |pages=C1, C8}}</ref> The city's largest contribution to [[popular culture]], the [[Indianapolis 500]], has influenced entertainment for decades, [[Indianapolis 500 in film and media|referenced in film, television, video games, and other media]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Benbow |first=Dana |date=May 11, 2016 |url=https://www.courierpress.com/story/sports/2016/05/11/indy-500-has-impacted-pop-culture-for-decades/87181330/ |title=Indy 500 has impacted pop culture for decades |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref> Three motion pictures filmed at the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] include ''[[Speedway (1929 film)|Speedway]]'' (1929), ''[[To Please a Lady]]'' (1950), and ''[[Winning (film)|Winning]]'' (1969).<ref>{{cite web |last=Davidson |first=Donald |url=https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/news/2020/05/14/hollywood-movies-and-the-indy-500 |date=May 14, 2020 |title=Hollywood and the Indianapolis 500 |publisher=Indianapolis Motor Speedway |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref> Other motion pictures at least partially filmed in the city include ''[[Going All the Way]]'' (1997), ''[[Palindromes (film)|Palindromes]]'' (2004), ''[[Saving Star Wars]]'' (2004), ''[[Amanda (2009 film)|Amanda]]'' (2009), ''[[Walter (2015 film)|Walter]]'' (2015), ''[[The MisEducation of Bindu]]'' (2019),<ref>{{cite news |last=Bongiovanni |first=Domenica |date=September 29, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/movies/2021/09/29/miseducation-bindu-stream-fuse-and-has-many-indiana-ties/5849902001/ |title=You can soon stream 'MisEducation of Bindu,' filmed at former Broad Ripple High School |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Athlete A]]'' (2020), and ''[[Our Father (2022 film)|Our Father]]'' (2022). ''Hoosiers'' and ''[[Ringling Brothers Parade Film]]'' (1902) were added to the [[National Film Registry]] in 2001 and 2021, respectively.<ref>{{cite news |last=Britton |first=Bonnie |url=https://indystar.newspapers.com/image/107979539 |title='Hoosiers' gets spot on national list |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |date=December 23, 2001 |access-date=December 26, 2021 |page=14 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |title=1902 movie made in Indianapolis added to National Film Registry |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/1902-movie-made-in-indianapolis-is-new-addition-to-the-national-film-registry |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media Corp. |date=December 23, 2021 |access-date=December 26, 2021}}</ref>

Television programs that have been shot on location in the city include ''[[100 Days to Indy]]'', ''[[American Ninja Warrior]]'',<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |title=IndyCar star Scott Dixon to try skills on 'American Ninja Warrior' |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/68476-indycar-star-scott-dixon-to-try-skills-on-american-ninja-warrior |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |agency=Associated Press |date=April 20, 2018 |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Antiques Roadshow (American TV program)|Antiques Roadshow]]'',<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=January 14, 2016 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/56634-antiques-roadshow-to-pull-into-indy-this-summer |title='Antiques Roadshow' to pull into Indy this summer |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 1, 2022}}</ref> ''[[College GameDay (football TV program)|College GameDay]]'',<ref>{{cite press release |last=Margolis Siegal |first=Rachel |date=November 29, 2016 |title=College GameDay at Site of Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2016/11/college-gameday-site-big-ten-championship-indianapolis/ |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 10, 2024}}</ref> ''[[Cops (TV series)|Cops]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Benjamin |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/106424005 |url-access=subscription |title=Spotlight to shine again on IPD |date=June 20, 1999 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 1, 2022 |page=B3 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=They're using ''COPS'' to do it. This spring, IPD media relations director Sgt. Paul Ciesielski sought out TV producer Murray Jordan, a veteran of Fox's hit show ''COPS''. He reminded Jordan that ''COPS'' had successfully shot a 'reality-based' segment with Indianapolis police in 1994. (...) In September, IPD will share ''COPS'' season premiere with the Marion County Sheriff's Department and the Speedway Police Department.}}</ref> ''[[Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives]]'',<ref name="Film">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=December 9, 2015 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/56150-groups-seek-to-amp-up-indys-star-power-with-tv-film-initiative |title=Groups seek to amp up Indy's star power with TV, film initiative |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Extreme Makeover: Home Edition]],''<ref>{{cite news |last=Ketzenberger |first=John |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/126715027/ |url-access=subscription |title=Developer's hope: Makeover home is transformative event |date=May 3, 2009 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=May 6, 2022 |publisher=Gannett |pages=D1{{hyphen}}D2 |via=Newspapers.com |quote='Extreme Makeover' has chosen Indianapolis to finish its season and Estridge to build the house.}}</ref> ''[[Gaycation (TV series)|Gaycation]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine |first1=Melany Joy |last1=Beck |first2=Janelle |last2=Beck |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Hit Series Gaycation Heads Home With United We Stand |url=https://www.curvemag.com/blog/tv-show/hit-series-gaycation-heads-home-with-united-we-stand/ |magazine=Curve |publisher=The Curve Foundation |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Ghost Hunters (TV series)|Ghost Hunters]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=David |date=September 27, 2019 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/arts/2019/09/27/ghost-hunters-tv-series-will-feature-athenaeum-in-october-episode/3786319002/ |title='Ghost Hunters' TV series will feature Athenaeum in October episode |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref> ''[[Good Bones (TV series)|Good Bones]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Fernandez |first=Megan |date=March 30, 2016 |title=First Impressions of ''Good Bones'' on HGTV |url=http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-culture/first-impressions-good-bones-hgtv/ |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Communications |access-date=November 15, 2016}}</ref> ''[[Good Morning America]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Lindquist |first=Dave |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/caitlin-clark-and-fellow-fever-highlight-good-morning-america-telecast |date=July 18, 2025 |title=Caitlin Clark and fellow Fever highlight 'Good Morning America' telecast |publisher=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=July 19, 2025}}</ref> ''[[Hard Knocks (documentary series)|Hard Knocks]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Erickson |first=Joel A. |date=November 16, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2021/11/16/hbo-shows-hard-knocks-colts/8640356002/ |title=Colts excited to get their showcase when "Hard Knocks In Season" premieres Wednesday |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=June 30, 2022}}</ref> ''[[House Hunters]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Li |first=Anne M. |date=July 25, 2015 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/life/2015/07/24/indy-couple-hopes-dream-home-hgtvs-house-hunters/30629469/ |title=Indy couple hopes for dream home on HGTV's 'House Hunters' |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 24, 2023}}</ref> ''[[Late Night with Jimmy Fallon]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Kightlinger |first=Cathy |url=https://indystar.newspapers.com/image/126364890/ |url-access=subscription |title=A little something for Fallon from Indy |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |date=January 19, 2012 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |page=A4}}</ref> ''[[Man v. Food]]'',<ref name="Film"/> ''[[Parks and Recreation]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Hayden |first=Maureen |date=January 14, 2013 |url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/community/parks-and-rec-episode-shot-in-indianapolis-airs-thursday/article_54293db0-a63c-5d86-a511-80b6317a015b.html |title='Parks and Rec' episode shot in Indianapolis airs on Thursday |work=The Herald Bulletin |access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindquist |first=David |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/106834851 |url-access=subscription |title='Parks and Rec' is headed back to Indianapolis |date=September 28, 2013 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=July 1, 2022 |page=A2 |via=Newspapers.com |quote=According to NBC, cast and production crew of ''Parks and Recreation'' will be in Indianapolis next week to shoot scenes at Lucas Oil Stadium. (...) In 2010, the sitcom shot scenes at the Indiana Statehouse, but no cast members were present.}}</ref> ''[[Say I Do (TV series)|Say I Do]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Briana |date=July 15, 2020 |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2020/07/15/five-cincinnati-couples-featured-netflix-show-say-i-do/5443072002/ |title=You can see a lot of Cincinnati in Netflix's new surprise wedding show 'Say I Do' |newspaper=Cincinnati Enquirer |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref> ''[[SportsCenter]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Olson |first=Scott |date=February 3, 2012 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/32445-espn-pleased-with-pan-am-plaza-broadcast-decision |title=ESPN pleased with Pan Am Plaza broadcast decision |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 1, 2022}}</ref> ''[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]'',<ref>{{cite news |last=Shuey |first=Mickey |date=May 23, 2019 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/73913-today-show-broadcast-at-ims-carries-on-despite-rain |title='Today Show' broadcast at IMS carries on despite rain |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=November 3, 2021}}</ref> and ''[[What Would You Do? (2008 TV program)|What Would You Do?]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/WhatWouldYouDo/video/friends-reject-young-man-coming-bisexual-72889768 |title='What Would You Do?': Friends reject young man for coming out as bisexual |date=September 9, 2020 |website=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |access-date=November 1, 2021}}</ref>

Annual [[film festival]]s held in Indianapolis include the Circle City Film Festival, [[Heartland International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Heartland International Film Festival |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=April 2021 |last=Van Allen |first=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/heartland-international-film-festival/ |access-date=July 1, 2022}}</ref> [[Indy Film Fest]],<ref name="festivals"/> the [[Indianapolis Jewish Film Festival]], and the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival. Founded in 2018, the Indy Shorts International Film Festival is one of 34 film festivals in the world used to qualify for the Academy Awards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Markus |date=July 19, 2021 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/indy-shorts-film-festival-continues-growth-as-standalone-event |title=Indy Shorts film festival continues growth as standalone event |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 31, 2021}}</ref>

Film Indy was established in 2016 to support local visual artists, filmmakers, and aspiring filmmakers; recruit film and television-related marketing opportunities to the region, and provide resources for producers interested in filming in the city.<ref name="Film"/> Since 2016, more than 350 film and media projects have been produced in the Indianapolis region with a collective economic impact of $24.1 million and the creation of 1,900 local jobs.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Film Indy |url=https://www.filmindy.com/about |publisher=Visit Indy |access-date=October 30, 2021}}</ref>

==Sports==
{{Main|Sports in Indianapolis}}

===Professional===
{{multiple image
 |align = right
 |direction = vertical
 |image1 = Super Bowl-6 (6833620123).jpg
 |caption1 = [[Lucas Oil Stadium]], home of the [[Indianapolis Colts]], during [[Super Bowl XLVI]]
 |image2 = Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianápolis, Estados Unidos, 2012-10-22, DD 02.jpg
 |caption2 = [[Gainbridge Fieldhouse]], home to the [[Indiana Pacers]] and [[Indiana Fever]]
}}
The [[Indianapolis Colts]] of the [[National Football League]] have been based in the city since [[Baltimore Colts relocation to Indianapolis|relocating from Baltimore]] in 1984. The Colts' tenure in Indianapolis has produced 11 division championships, two conference titles, and two [[Super Bowl]] appearances. [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] inductees [[Tony Dungy]] and [[Peyton Manning]] led the team to win [[Super Bowl XLI]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Colts |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Ogden |first1=R. Dale |last2=Wilson |first2=Philip |last3=Opsahl |first3=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-colts/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> [[Lucas Oil Stadium]] replaced the team's first home, the [[RCA Dome]], in 2008.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Lucas Oil Stadium |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Blair |first=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/lucas-oil-stadium/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref>

Founded in 1967, the [[Indiana Pacers]] began in the [[American Basketball Association]] (ABA), joining the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) when the leagues [[ABA-NBA merger|merged]] in 1976. Before joining the NBA, the Pacers won three ABA division titles and three ABA championships ([[1970 ABA Playoffs|1970]], [[1972 ABA Playoffs|1972]], [[1973 ABA Playoffs|1973]]), led by [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]] inductees [[Mel Daniels]], [[Roger Brown (basketball, born 1942)|Roger Brown]], and [[George McGinnis]]. Since the merger, the Pacers have made 10 appearances in the [[NBA Eastern Conference finals]]. In [[1999–2000 Indiana Pacers season|2000]], Hall of Fame inductees [[Larry Bird]] and [[Reggie Miller]] led the team to its first [[2000 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]] appearance.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Pacers |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Ogden |first1=R. Dale |last2=Lopez |first2=Danny |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-pacers/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> The team returned to the NBA Finals in [[2025 NBA Finals|2025]], led by [[Rick Carlisle]] and [[Tyrese Haliburton]].

Since their debut in 2000, the [[Indiana Fever]] of the [[Women's National Basketball Association]] (WNBA) have won three conference titles, made three appearances in the [[WNBA Finals]], and won one championship. Hall of fame inductees [[Lin Dunn]] and [[Tamika Catchings]] led the Fever to their first championship title in [[2012 WNBA Finals|2012]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Fever |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Lopez |first=Danny |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-fever/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> The Fever and Pacers share [[Gainbridge Fieldhouse]], which replaced [[Market Square Arena]] in 1999.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Gainbridge Fieldhouse |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Opsahl |first1=Sam |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bankers-life-fieldhouse/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref>

The [[Indianapolis Indians]] are a [[Minor League Baseball]] team of the [[International League]] and the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] affiliate of the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Indians |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Bjarkman |first1=Peter C. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-indians/ |access-date=July 1, 2025}}</ref> Established in 1902, the Indians are among the oldest teams in Minor League Baseball.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hill |first=Benjamin |date=January 18, 2018 |url=https://www.milb.com/news/the-oldest-unique-team-names-in-minor-league-baseball-264833948 |title=Minor League Baseball's oldest team names |work=[[Minor League Baseball]] |access-date=July 1, 2025}}</ref> The Indians have won 26 division titles, 14 league titles, and seven championships, most recently in 2000. [[Victory Field]] replaced [[Bush Stadium]] as the team's home in 1996.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Victory Field |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/victory-field/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref>

[[Indy Eleven]], a professional soccer team in the second-division [[USL Championship]], play their home matches at [[IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium|Carroll Stadium]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indy Eleven |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indy-eleven/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> The [[Fishers Event Center]] in the suburb of [[Fishers, Indiana|Fishers]] is home to the [[Indy Fuel]] (a minor league ice hockey team in the [[ECHL]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indy Fuel |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indy-fuel/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> [[Indy Ignite]] (a member of the [[Pro Volleyball Federation]]), and [[Fishers Freight]] (a member of the [[Indoor Football League]]). The [[Noblesville Boom]] of the [[NBA G League]] will begin playing at [[The Arena at Innovation Mile]] in 2025.<ref>{{cite web |last=Robinson |first=Angelica |url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/local/construction-new-noblesville-event-center-underway/531-6ff9efbb-f811-4976-a8ee-641839f3dffb |title=Construction for new Noblesville Events Center underway |work=[[WTHR]] |date=November 7, 2023 |access-date=November 28, 2024}}</ref>

===Amateur===
[[File:Austin Etherington reverse layup.jpg|thumb|[[Butler Bulldogs men's basketball]] at [[Hinkle Fieldhouse]]]]
Indianapolis has been called the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World".<ref name="Britannica"/><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Slogans and Nicknames |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Markisohn |first=Deborah |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/slogans-and-nicknames/ |access-date=March 11, 2022}}</ref> The [[National Collegiate Athletic Association]] (NCAA), the main governing body for U.S. collegiate sports, and the [[National Federation of State High School Associations]] are based in the city.<ref name="Opsahl Verderame"/> Indianapolis is home to two [[List of NCAA conferences|NCAA athletic conferences]]: the [[Horizon League]] ([[NCAA Division I|D-I]]) and the [[Great Lakes Valley Conference]] ([[NCAA Division II|D-II]]). The city is also home to three national sport governing bodies, as recognized by the [[United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee|U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee]]: [[USA Football]]; [[USA Gymnastics]]; and [[USA Track & Field]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Amateur Sports Governing Bodies |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/amateur-sports-governing-bodies/ |access-date=March 11, 2022}}</ref>

Two NCAA D-I athletic programs are based in Indianapolis: the [[Butler Bulldogs]] of the [[Big East Conference]] and the [[IU Indy Jaguars]] of the Horizon League.<ref name="IUPUI"/> The [[University of Indianapolis]] is a D-II school; the [[Indianapolis Greyhounds|Greyhounds]] compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. [[Marian University (Indiana)|Marian University]] athletics compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics's [[Crossroads League]].

Traditionally, Butler's [[Hinkle Fieldhouse]] was the hub for [[Hoosier hysteria]], a general excitement for the game of basketball throughout the state, specifically the [[Indiana High School Boys Basketball Tournament]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Beck |first=Bill |date=December 12, 2015 |url=http://www.ibj.com/articles/56069-bicentennial-architects-designers-engineers-builders-leave-imprint-on-region |title=BICENTENNIAL: Architects, designers, engineers, builders leave imprint on region |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=July 4, 2016}}</ref> Hinkle, a [[National Historic Landmark]], opened in 1928 as the world's largest basketball arena, with seating for 15,000.<ref>{{cite news |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=March 16, 2014 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/basketball/2014/03/14/how-indiana-fell-in-love-with-basketball/6415971/ |title=History of our Hysteria: How Indiana fell in love with basketball |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=July 4, 2016}}</ref> It is regarded as "Indiana's Basketball Cathedral".<ref>{{cite news |last=Cohen |first=Kelly |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/30929532/the-storied-indiana-venues-hosting-2021-ncaa-tournament |title=Indiana's hallowed hardwoods |work=ESPN |access-date=April 22, 2021}}</ref> The [[Indiana High School Athletic Association]] is based in Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana High School Athletic Association |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-high-school-athletic-association-ihsaa/ |access-date=March 24, 2024}}</ref>

===Motorsports===
[[File:Defense.gov photo essay 120527-A-MG757-086.jpg|thumb|An [[open-wheel car]] crossing the Yard of Bricks during practice for the [[2012 Indianapolis 500]]]]
Indianapolis is a global center for [[auto racing]], home to numerous motorsports facilities and events, two sanctioning bodies ([[INDYCAR]] and [[United States Auto Club]]), and more than 500 motorsports-related companies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indychamber.com/files/3914/3990/6100/2015_Indianapolis_Region_-_Motorsports_Industry.pdf |title=Motorsports Industry |publisher=Indy Chamber |access-date=January 17, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908084834/http://indychamber.com/files/3914/3990/6100/2015_Indianapolis_Region_-_Motorsports_Industry.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2015}}</ref> Indianapolis, or Indy, is a [[metonymy|metonym]] for auto racing, particularly when referring to [[American open-wheel car racing]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=August 28, 2013 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/08/28/indianapolis-motor-speedway/2723017/ |title=RetroIndy: Indianapolis Motor Speedway |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=November 12, 2022}}</ref>

Completed in 1909 as an automotive test track, the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway]] is a [[National Historic Landmark]] and the world's largest [[List of sports venues by capacity|sports venue by capacity]], with 235,000 permanent seats.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/69197-largest-stadium-overall-capacity |title=Largest stadium (overall capacity) |website=guinnessworldrecords.com |publisher=Guinness World Records Limited |access-date=May 27, 2022}}</ref> Since 1911, the {{convert|2.5|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} rectangular oval has hosted the [[Indianapolis 500]], an open-wheel automobile race. It is contested as part of the [[IndyCar Series]] and traditionally held over [[Memorial Day]] weekend. Steeped in [[Indianapolis 500 traditions|tradition]], the race is considered the world's largest single-day sporting event and part of the [[Triple Crown of Motorsport]].<ref name="Keefer"/><ref name="Davidson"/> The track also hosts the [[Grand Prix of Indianapolis]] in May and NASCAR's [[Brickyard 400]] and [[Pennzoil 250]] in July.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Motor Speedway |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Davidson |first=Donald |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-motor-speedway/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>

[[Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park]] (in nearby [[Brownsburg, Indiana|Brownsburg]]) contains a {{convert|2.5|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} road course, a {{convert|4400|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} [[dragstrip]], and a {{convert|0.69|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} [[Oval track racing#Short track|oval short track]]. Each [[Labor Day]] weekend, the facility hosts the [[NHRA U.S. Nationals]], the largest and most prestigious [[drag racing]] event in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hembree |first=Mike |date=September 3, 2015 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/motor/nhra/2015/09/03/chevrolet-performance-us-nationals-drag-racing-prestigious-event/71667052/ |title=Drag racing stars are made at NHRA U.S. Nationals |newspaper=USA Today |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=May 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Raceway Park |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Watson |first=Michael |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-raceway-park/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> The city's [[Indianapolis Speedrome]] is believed to be the oldest operating [[figure 8 racing]] venue in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schoettle |first=Anthony |date=March 2, 2017 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/62796-storied-racetrack-revved-for-a-restart-under-new-owner |title=Storied racetrack revved for a restart under new owner |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=October 27, 2023}}</ref>

===Events===
Beyond its many auto races, Indianapolis hosts numerous other sporting events throughout the year, including the [[NFL Scouting Combine]] in February, the [[500 Festival Mini-Marathon]] in May,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=500 Festival |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/500-festival/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref> the [[Circle City Classic]] in September,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Circle City Classic |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/circle-city-classic/ |access-date=May 30, 2022}}</ref> the [[Indianapolis Monumental Marathon|Monumental Marathon]] in November, and the [[Big Ten Football Championship Game]] and [[Indy Classic]] in December. Indianapolis also regularly hosts the [[NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|NCAA Division I men's]] and [[NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament|women's basketball]] Final Fours, most recently in [[2021 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|2021]] and [[2016 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament|2016]], respectively.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=NCAA Basketball Finals |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last1=Ogden |first1=R. Dale |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ncaa-basketball-finals/ |access-date=May 29, 2022}}</ref>

Notable past events hosted in the city include the [[U.S. Clay Court Championships]] (1969–1987), the [[U.S. Olympic Festival|National Sports Festival]] (1982), the [[NBA All-Star Game]] ([[1985 NBA All-Star Game|1985]] and [[2024 NBA All-Star Game|2024]]), the [[Pan American Games]] ([[1987 Pan American Games|1987]]), the [[Indianapolis Tennis Championships]] (1988–2009), the [[World Artistic Gymnastics Championships]] ([[1991 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships|1991]]), [[WrestleMania VIII]] (1992), the [[World Rowing Championships]] ([[1994 World Rowing Championships|1994]]), the [[United States Grand Prix]] (2000–2007), the [[World Police and Fire Games]] (2001), the [[FIBA Basketball World Cup]] ([[2002 FIBA World Championship|2002]]), [[Super Bowl XLVI]] (2012), the [[College Football Playoff National Championship]] ([[2022 College Football Playoff National Championship|2022]]), and the [[WNBA All-Star Game]] ([[2025 WNBA All-Star Game|2025]]).

==Government==
{{Main|Government of Indianapolis}}
{{See also|List of mayors of Indianapolis}}
{{multiple image
 |align = right
 |direction = vertical
 |image1 = City County Building of Indianapolis.jpg
 |caption1 = [[City-County Building (Indianapolis)|City-County Building]]
 |image2 = IndianaStateHouse1.jpg
 |caption2 = [[Indiana Statehouse]]
 |image3 = Sculptures "Industry," "Science," "Agriculture" and "Literature" at the Birch Bayh Federal Building, Indianapolis, Indiana LCCN2010720547.tif
 |caption3 = [[Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse]]
}}
Indianapolis—officially the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]]—has a [[consolidated city-county]] form of government, a status it has held since 1970 under [[Indiana Code]]'s [[Unigov]] provision. Many functions of the municipal and county governments are consolidated, though some remain separate.<ref name="Unigov"/> The city has a [[Mayor–council government|strong mayor–council]] system of government which oversees six administrative departments. Marion County also contains some 60 taxing units, nine separate [[civil township]] governments, and seven special-purpose [[municipally owned corporation|municipal corporations]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Structure of Unigov |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/structure-of-unigov/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Unigov and Public Finance |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Kirk |first1=Robert |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/unigov-and-public-finance/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref>

The executive branch is headed by an elected mayor who serves as the chief executive of both the city and county.<ref name="Mayor">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Office of the Mayor |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Whitham |first1=John |last2=White |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/office-of-the-mayor/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> [[Indianapolis City-County Council]] is the legislative body and consists of 25 members, all of whom represent geographic districts. The mayor and council members are elected to unlimited four-year terms.<ref name="Mayor"/><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=City-County Council |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William |last2=White |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/city-county-council/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> Executive and legislative functions are based from the [[City-County Building (Indianapolis)|City-County Building]]. The judiciary consists of a circuit court and superior court with four divisions and 32 judges.<ref name="Unigov"/> Each of the county's nine civil townships elects its own [[Indiana township trustee|township trustee]], three-member board, assessor, and a constable and small claims court judge, all of whom serve four-year terms.<ref name="Townships"/>

Since its move from [[Corydon, Indiana|Corydon]] in 1825, Indianapolis has served as the [[List of capitals in the United States|capital]] and seat of Indiana's state government. The [[Indiana Statehouse]] houses the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government, including the office of the [[Governor of Indiana]], the [[Indiana General Assembly]], and the [[Indiana Supreme Court]]. Most state departments and agencies are headquartered in the neighboring [[Indiana Government Center North|Indiana Government Center]] complex.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Government Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Zeigler |first=Connie |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-government-center/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> The [[Indiana Governor's Residence]] is on [[Meridian Street (Indianapolis)|Meridian Street]] in the [[Butler-Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]] neighborhood, about {{convert|5|mi|km}} north of downtown. In the [[Indiana House of Representatives]], Indianapolis is split between 16 districts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://media.graphassets.com/eaz7fJqiQye03ha1htsa |title=Indiana State House Districts – Marion County |author=IndyGIS, D. S. |date=March 2022 |website=indy.gov/activity/election-district-maps |publisher=City of Indianapolis |access-date=November 18, 2022}}</ref> In the [[Indiana Senate]], the city is split between nine districts.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://media.graphassets.com/m6Cc1ghQzmwThKsfFNbJ |title=Indiana State Senate Districts – Marion County |author=IndyGIS, D. S. |date=March 2022 |website=indy.gov/activity/election-district-maps |publisher=City of Indianapolis |access-date=November 18, 2022}}</ref>

The [[Birch Bayh Federal Building and United States Courthouse|Birch Bayh Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse]] houses the [[U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana]]. Most federal field offices are located in the [[Minton-Capehart Federal Building]]. From 1906 to 1991, the [[U.S. Army]] operated [[Fort Benjamin Harrison]] in neighboring [[Lawrence, Indiana|Lawrence]]. About 5,000 federal employees work for the [[Defense Finance and Accounting Service]], headquartered near the former base.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=M. B. Emmett J. Bean Finance Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Carnes |first1=William |last2=Hankins |first2=Melanie |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/m-b-emmett-j-bean-finance-center/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> Indianapolis is split between two of Indiana's nine [[congressional district]]s: [[Indiana's 7th congressional district]], represented by [[André Carson]], and [[Indiana's 6th congressional district]], represented by [[Jefferson Shreve]].

===Politics===
{{further information|Marion County, Indiana#Politics}}
[[File:Indianapolis Mayor 2023.svg|thumb|[[2023 Indianapolis mayoral election]] by precinct:<br/>'''[[Joe Hogsett|Hogsett]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]]):''' {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} {{legend0|#6674de|60–70%}} {{legend0|#584cde|70–80%}} {{legend0|#3933e5|80–90%}} {{legend0|#0D0596|>90%}}<br/>'''[[Jefferson Shreve|Shreve]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]):''' {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}}<br/>'''Tie:''' {{legend0|#ae8bb1|50%}}<br/> {{legend0|#808080|No votes}}]]

Until fairly recently, Indianapolis was considered one of the most [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] major cities in the U.S.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Unigov and Political Participation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Blomquist |first1=William |last2=Vanderstel |first2=David |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/unigov-and-political-participation/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="politics"/> According to 2014 research published in the ''[[American Political Science Review]]'', the city's policy preferences are less conservative than the national mean when compared with other large U.S. cities.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Tausanovitch |first1=Chris |last2=Warshaw |first2=Christopher |date=August 2014 |title=Representation in Municipal Government |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/american-political-science-review/article/abs/representation-in-municipal-government/924BDD2C2ECD0CC9B42E5A19776BC9C3 |journal=American Political Science Review |volume=103 |issue=3 |pages=605–641 |doi=10.1017/S0003055414000318 |hdl=1721.1/96162 |s2cid=1838661 |access-date=January 15, 2022|hdl-access=free |url-access=subscription }}</ref> While Indianapolis as a whole leans Democratic, the southern third of the city, consisting of [[Decatur Township, Marion County, Indiana|Decatur]], [[Perry Township, Marion County, Indiana|Perry]], and [[Franklin Township, Marion County, Indiana|Franklin]] townships, trends Republican.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Park |first1=Alice |last2=Smart |first2=Charlie |last3=Taylor |first3=Rumsey |last4= Watkins |first4=Miles |date=February 2, 2021 |title=An Extremely Detailed Map of the 2020 Election |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/upshot/2020-election-map.html |access-date=January 23, 2022|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]s held the mayor's office for 32 years (1967–1999), and controlled the City-County Council from its inception in 1970 to 2003.<ref name="politics"/> In the [[2000 United States presidential election]], Marion County voters narrowly selected [[George W. Bush]] over [[Al Gore]] by a margin of 1.3%, but voted in favor of [[John Kerry]] by a margin of 1.9% in the [[2004 United States presidential election]]. Presidential election results have increasingly favored Democrats, with Marion County voters selecting [[Joe Biden]] over [[Donald Trump]] in the [[2020 United States presidential election]], 63.3–34.3%.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ |title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections |website=uselectionatlas.org}}</ref> Incumbent mayor [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Joe Hogsett]] faced Republican State Senator [[Jim Merritt (American politician)|Jim Merritt]] and [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] Doug McNaughton in the [[2019 Indianapolis mayoral election]]. Hogsett was elected to a second term, with 72% of the vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indystar.com/elections/results/local/2019-11-05/18097/ |title=Marion County Election Results for November 5, 2019 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=November 5, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2020}}</ref> The [[2019 Indianapolis City-County Council election|2019 City-County Council elections]] expanded Democratic control of the council, flipping six seats to hold a 20–5 [[supermajority]] over Republicans.<ref>{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Ryan |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/elections/2019/12/01/republican-jim-merritt-campaign-handed-indianapolis-election-joe-hogsett-democrats/4296200002/ |title='Worst day': Republicans say failed Merritt campaign handed election to Hogsett, Democrats |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=December 1, 2019 |access-date=June 19, 2020}}</ref>

===Public safety===
{{multiple image
 |align = right
 |direction = vertical
 |image1 = IFD Engine 7.jpg
 |caption1 = [[Indianapolis Fire Department]] Engine 7
 |image2 = Indiana Metropolitan Police Department Dodge Charger - June 2022 - Sarah Stierch.jpg
 |caption2 = [[Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department]] vehicle
}}
The [[Indianapolis Fire Department]] (IFD) comprises seven battalions with 44 fire stations.<ref>{{cite web |title=IFD Battalions |publisher=City of Indianapolis and Marion County |url=https://www.indy.gov/activity/fire-department-battalions |access-date=August 19, 2020}}</ref> IFD provides [[mutual aid (emergency services)|mutual aid]] to the excluded municipalities of [[Lawrence, Indiana|Lawrence]] and [[Speedway, Indiana|Speedway]], as well as [[Decatur Township, Marion County, Indiana|Decatur]], [[Pike Township, Marion County, Indiana|Pike]], and [[Wayne Township, Marion County, Indiana|Wayne]] townships (all of which operate separate fire departments). IFD directs operations for Indiana Task Force 1 (IN-TF1), one of 28 [[FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force]] teams in the U.S.<ref name="IFD">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Fire Department |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Doherty |first1=William |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-fire-department-ifd/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref>

The [[Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department]] (IMPD) is the city's primary [[law enforcement agency]]. IMPD's jurisdiction covers Marion County, excluding the municipalities of [[Beech Grove, Indiana|Beech Grove]], Lawrence, [[Southport, Indiana|Southport]], and Speedway (all of which operate separate forces). In 2020, IMPD had 1,700 sworn police personnel and 250 civilian employees across six districts.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Doherty |first1=William |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-metropolitan-police-department-impd/ |access-date=January 21, 2022}}</ref> In 2022, the Community Justice Campus opened, housing the Marion County Sheriff's Office, a new courthouse, jail, and mental health and substance abuse clinic.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dauphinais |first=Sydney |title=Community Justice Campus officially opens in Twin Aire neighborhood |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/community-justice-campus-opens-in-twin-aire-neighborhood |work=WFYI |date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2022}}</ref>

The [[Indiana National Guard]]'s major command units and joint headquarters staff are based at the former [[Stout Army Air Field]] on the city's southwest side.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana National Guard |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Fischer |first1=Robert T. |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-national-guard/ |access-date=March 17, 2024}}</ref>

Unlike other major Midwest cities like [[Detroit]] and [[Chicago]], the homicide rate for Indianapolis remained below the national average throughout the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-01-24-9401240116-story.html | title=Teen Violence Jolts Indianapolis into Action | website=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=January 24, 1994 }}</ref> Homicides hit a spike in 1998 when the city reached 162 murders. Murders drastically decreased in the following years but spiked again in 2006 with 153 murders.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wthr.com/article/news/homicide-rates-jump-in-2006/531-6c1b91d7-1b28-47ad-a215-befd33b257db | title=Homicide rates jump in 2006 | date=December 29, 2006 }}</ref> Until 2019, annual criminal homicide numbers had grown each year since 2011, reaching record highs from 2015 to 2018.<ref name="criminal homicides">{{cite news |last=Mack |first=Justin |date=January 10, 2020 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2020/01/08/homicides-indianapolis-down-but-there-no-time-celebrate/2793754001/ |title=Indianapolis homicides down for the first time in years. Here's why no one is celebrating. |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=June 19, 2020}}</ref> With 144 criminal homicides, 2015 surpassed 1998 as the year with the most murder investigations in the city. With 159 criminal homicides, 2018 stands as the most violent year on record in the city.<ref name="criminal homicides"/> [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] data showed a 7% increase in violent crimes committed in Indianapolis, outpacing the rest of the state and country.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mack |first=Justin |date=December 31, 2017 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2017/12/31/woman-killed-new-years-eve-shooting/993210001/ |title=Woman killed in New Year's Eve shooting |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=February 2, 2018}}</ref> Law enforcement has blamed increased violence on a combination of root causes, including poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hays |first1=Holly |last2=Mack |first2=Justin |last3=Ryckaert |first3=Vic |date=December 22, 2016 |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2016/12/22/latest-killing-makes-2016-deadliest-year-citys-history/94722218/ |title=Latest killing makes 2016 deadliest year in city's history |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |access-date=January 11, 2017}}</ref>

==Education==
{{See also|List of schools in Indianapolis}}

===Primary and secondary schools===
[[File:Shortridge High School Indianapolis Aug 2016.jpg|thumb|Established in 1864, [[Shortridge High School]] is Indiana's oldest free public high school.<ref>{{cite web |last=Herron |first=Arika |title=Shortridge named state's 'most beautiful' public high school |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2017/09/18/shortridge-named-states-most-beautiful-public-high-school/678804001/ |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=September 18, 2017 |access-date=March 13, 2024}}</ref>]]
Nine [[K–12]] public [[school district]]s serve residents of the consolidated city as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau (which includes the balance and included cities, and does not include the excluded cities):<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st18_in/schooldistrict_maps/c18097_marion/DC20SD_C18097.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Marion County, IN|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=2024-06-13}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st18_in/schooldistrict_maps/c18097_marion/DC20SD_C18097_SD2MS.txt Text list].</ref>
*[[Franklin Township Community School Corporation]]
*[[Indianapolis Public Schools]]
*[[Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township]]
*[[Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township]]
*[[Metropolitan School District of Pike Township]]
*[[Metropolitan School District of Warren Township]]
*[[Metropolitan School District of Washington Township]]
*[[Metropolitan School District of Wayne Township]]
*[[Perry Township Schools]]
[[Beech Grove City Schools]] and [[Speedway School Town]] only include sections of excluded cities.

Indianapolis Public Schools is the largest district in the city, enrolling about 23,000 students across 60 schools.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Public Schools (5385) |url=https://inview.doe.in.gov/corporations/1053850000/school-list |publisher=Indiana Department of Education |access-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-date=December 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208155304/https://inview.doe.in.gov/corporations/1053850000/school-list |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2015, the district began contracting with [[charter school|charter organizations]] and nonprofit managers to operate failing schools.<ref>{{cite news |first=Hayleigh |last=Colombo |title=IPS chooses struggling School 103 as Phalen 'innovation' school |url=https://in.chalkbeat.org/2015/3/4/21092789/ips-chooses-struggling-school-103-as-phalen-innovation-school |work=Chalkbeat Indiana |publisher=[[Chalkbeat]] |date=March 4, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref> About 63% of the district's students attend traditional neighborhood or [[magnet school]]s, while the remaining 37% are enrolled in independently managed schools.<ref name="Weddle">{{cite news |first=Eric |last=Weddle |title=More IPS Students Attend Innovation Schools As District Enrollment Dips During Pandemic |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/more-ips-students-attend-innovation-schools-as-district-enrollment-dips-during-pandemic |work=WFYI |publisher=Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media, Inc. |date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first1=Dylan |last1=Peers McCoy |first2=Stephanie |last2=Wang |title=How Lewis Ferebee forged peace with charter competitors to reshape Indianapolis schools |url=https://in.chalkbeat.org/2019/2/7/21106738/how-lewis-ferebee-forged-peace-with-charter-competitors-to-reshape-indianapolis-schools |work=Chalkbeat Indiana |publisher=[[Chalkbeat]] |date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref> About 18,000 students are enrolled in tuition-free charter schools sponsored by the Indianapolis Mayor's Office of Education Innovation and Indianapolis Charter School Board.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Office of Education Innovation |url=https://www.indy.gov/agency/the-office-of-education-innovation |publisher=City of Indianapolis and Marion County |access-date=December 12, 2020}}</ref>

Indianapolis is home to two state-supported [[Boarding school|residential school]]s, the [[Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired]] and [[Indiana School for the Deaf]]. According to the [[Indiana Department of Education]], about 75 private, parochial, and independent charter schools operate throughout Marion County. Roman Catholic and Christian parochial primary and secondary schools are most prevalent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Largest Private Primary Schools |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/56/largest-private-primary-schools |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 13, 2021 |date=May 27, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Largest Private Secondary Schools |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/55/largest-private-secondary-schools |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=June 13, 2021 |date=May 26, 2021}}</ref> Notable independent private schools include the [[International School of Indiana]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=International School of Indiana |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last=Kaiser |first=Kristen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/international-school-of-indiana/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}}</ref> the [[The Orchard School (Indianapolis)|Orchard School]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=The Orchard School |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McClelland |first=Helen Jean |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/orchard-school/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}}</ref> and [[Park Tudor School]]<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Park Tudor School |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McClelland |first=Helen Jean |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/park-tudor-school/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}}</ref> in [[Meridian Hills, Indiana|Meridian Hills]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Meridian Hills |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Donnelly |first=Cathleen F. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/meridian-hills/ |access-date=July 9, 2024}}</ref>

===Colleges and universities===
[[File:Campus Center - IUPUI - DSC00526.JPG|thumb|The [[IUPUI Campus Center|Campus Center]] at [[Indiana University Indianapolis]]]]
The city is home to two four-year [[public university]] campuses: [[Indiana University Indianapolis]] and [[Purdue University in Indianapolis]]. The two institutions jointly operated [[Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis]] (IUPUI) until its dissolution in 2024.<ref name="IUPUI">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=2021 |last=Towne |first=Stephen |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-university-purdue-university-indianapolis-iupui/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> IU Indianapolis is an [[List of research universities in the United States|R1]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Kaufman |first=Michelle |title=Indiana University Indianapolis receives Research 1 designation |url=https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/iu-indianapolis-receives-research-1-designation |work=Inside Indiana Business |access-date=February 14, 2025 |date=February 13, 2025}}</ref> [[urban university|urban]] [[research university]] that enrolls about 25,000 students in 330 different bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs. It is home to 17 degree-granting schools, including the main campus of the [[IU School of Medicine]], the largest medical school by enrollment in the U.S.<ref name="AAMC">{{cite web |title=Table B-1.2: Total Enrollment by U.S. MD-Granting Medical School and Sex, 2017-2018 through 2021-2022 |url=https://www.aamc.org/download/321526/data/factstableb1-2.pdf |publisher=Association of American Medical Colleges |access-date=August 14, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Kirchhoff">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana University School of Medicine |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Kirchhoff |first1=Stephen |last2=Schneider |first2=William |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-university-school-of-medicine/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> Purdue University in Indianapolis is considered an extension of [[Purdue University|its flagship campus]] in West Lafayette.

[[Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana|Ivy Tech]], Indiana's statewide [[community college]] system, enrolls some 21,000 full-time students at its Downtown Indianapolis campus.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Ivy Tech Community College |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Titus |first1=Charles |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/ivy-tech-community-college/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> Other public institutions with [[satellite campus]]es in the city include Ball State University's [[Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bsu.edu/academics/centersandinstitutes/cap-indy/about |title=About CAP: INDY |website=www.bsu.edu |publisher=Ball State University |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> [[Purdue Polytechnic Institute]], and [[Vincennes University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vinu.edu/web/atc |title=Indianapolis Aviation Technology Center |website=www.vinu.edu |publisher=Vincennes University |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref>

Two [[secularity|secular]] [[private universities]] are based in Indianapolis. Founded in 1855, [[Butler University]] serves an enrollment of about 5,000 from its [[Butler–Tarkington, Indianapolis|Butler–Tarkington]] campus.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Butler University |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Waller |first1=George |last2=McKee |first2=Megan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/butler-university/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Largest Colleges and Universities">{{cite web |title=Largest Indiana Colleges And Universities |url=https://www.ibj.com/data?/d/120/largest-indiana-colleges-and-universities |date=October 25, 2021 |newspaper=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media Corp. |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> [[Martin University]], Indiana's only [[Minority-serving institution|Predominantly Black Institution]], was founded in 1977 and is located in the [[Martindale–Brightwood, Indianapolis|Martindale–Brightwood]] neighborhood.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Martin University |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Schwartz |first1=Robert |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/martin-university/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> [[Indiana Institute of Technology|Indiana Tech]] maintains a branch campus in the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hlcommission.org/component/directory/?Itemid=&Action=ShowBasic&instid=1190 |title=Indiana Institute of Technology |website=www.hlcommission.org |publisher=Higher Learning Commission |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> Two [[seminaries]] are located in the city: [[Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary]] and [[Christian Theological Seminary]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Christian Theological Seminary |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Becker |first1=Edwin |last2=Seay |first2=Scott |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/christian-theological-seminary/ |access-date=December 29, 2021}}</ref> Three religiously affiliated universities based in the city are [[Indiana Bible College]], the [[University of Indianapolis]],<ref name="Largest Colleges and Universities"/> and [[Marian University (Indiana)|Marian University]].<ref name="Largest Colleges and Universities"/> The [[College of Biblical Studies]] and [[Indiana Wesleyan University]] operate satellite sites in Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indwes.edu/adult-graduate/locations/indianapolis-north/ |title=Indianapolis (North) Ed. Center |website=www.indwes.edu |publisher=Indiana Wesleyan University |access-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-date=December 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229194921/https://www.indwes.edu/adult-graduate/locations/indianapolis-north/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Libraries ===
{{Main|Indianapolis Public Library}}
[[File:Indianapolis, October 2, 2024 - 021.jpg|thumb|The Simon Reading Room at [[Central Library (Indianapolis)|Central Library]]]]
Founded in 1873, the [[Indianapolis Public Library]] (IndyPL) consists of the [[Central Library (Indianapolis)|Central Library]] and 24 branches throughout Marion County.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2021 |title=Libraries & Archives |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/libraries-and-archives/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |orig-date=1994 |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |last1=Pumroy |first1=Eric L.}}</ref> Central Library's special collections include the Center for Black Literature & Culture, the [[Chris Gonzalez Collection]], and the [[Nina Mason Pulliam Indianapolis Special Collections Room]]. The library collection contains nearly 1.7 million materials staffed by 410 full-time employees and has a circulation of 14.6 million, making it the ninth largest library by circulation in the U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Library |first=A. L. A. |title=LibGuides: Library Statistics and Figures: The Nation's Largest Public Libraries |url=https://libguides.ala.org/librarystatistics/largest-public-libs |access-date=March 15, 2024 |website=libguides.ala.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |date=January 1, 2021 |title=Annual Report 2021 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.30875/b75dea7e-en |journal=Annual Report |doi=10.30875/b75dea7e-en |isbn=978-92-870-5131-8 |issn=2519-3082|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Indianapolis is also home to the [[Indiana State Library and Historical Bureau]], the state's largest public library.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |year=2021 |title=Indiana State Library |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-state-library/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |orig-date=1994 |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |last1=Logsdon |first1=Robert L.}}</ref> Notable academic libraries in the city include IU Indianapolis's [[IUPUI University Library|University Library]] and Butler University's [[Irwin Library]].

==Media==
{{Main|Media in Indianapolis}}

===Print===
Indianapolis's primary daily newspaper is the ''[[The Indianapolis Star|Indianapolis Star]]''.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Star |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Murphy |first1=Beth |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-star/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> Defunct major newspapers include the ''[[Indianapolis News]]'', an evening publication which printed its last edition in 1999;<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis News |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Murphy |first=Beth |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-news/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> and the ''[[Indianapolis Times]]'', which ceased publication in 1965.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Times |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Sherman |first=John |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-times-1888-1965/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> Additional publications include ''[[Indianapolis Monthly]]'', a regional lifestyle publication;<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Monthly |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=McKay |first1=Christy |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-monthly/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> ''[[Indianapolis Business Journal]]'', a weekly business newspaper;<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Business Journal |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Harton |first1=Thomas A. |last2=Verderame |first2=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-business-journal/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> and ''[[NUVO (newspaper)|NUVO]]'', an [[Alternative newspaper|alternative weekly]] that became digital-only in 2019.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=NUVO |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Burgess |first=Robert |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/nuvo/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref>

Indianapolis's [[ethnic media]] include the ''[[Indianapolis Recorder]]'', a weekly newspaper that primarily serves the city's African American community;<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=The Indianapolis Recorder |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=December 2021 |last=Perry |first=Brandon |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/the-indianapolis-recorder/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> ''[[Indiana Minority Business Magazine]]'', a quarterly publication;<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana Minority Business Magazine |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Perry |first=Brandon |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-minority-business-magazine/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> and ''La Voz de Indiana'', a biweekly newspaper printed in English and [[Spanish language|Spanish]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=La Voz de Indiana |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Gonzalez Parodi |first=Jose |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/la-voz-de-indiana/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref>

===Broadcast===
[[File:WYXB-WIBC-Offices.jpg|thumb|The studios of [[WYXB]] and [[WIBC (FM)|WIBC]] at [[Emmis Communications]] in 2006]]
The Indianapolis [[television market area]] is served by 11 full-power stations, including [[WTTV]] 4 ([[CBS]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WTTV |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Smith |first1=David L. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wttv-channel-4/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WRTV]] 6 ([[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WRTV |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Fletcher |first1=Stephen J. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wrtv-channel-6/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WISH-TV]] 8 ([[The CW]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WISH-TV |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Smith |first=David L. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wish-tv-channel-8/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WTHR]] 13 ([[NBC]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WTHR |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Fletcher |first1=Stephen J. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wthr-channel-13/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WFYI (TV)|WFYI-TV]] 20 ([[PBS]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFYI Public Television |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Schwartz |first1=Judy |last2=Reid |first2=Christos |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfyi-public-television/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WNDY-TV]] 23 ([[MyNetworkTV]]), [[WHMB-TV]] 40 ([[Univision]]), [[WCLJ-TV]] 42 ([[Bounce TV]]), [[WXIN]] 59 ([[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WIXN |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Fletcher |first=Stephen J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wxin-channel-59/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WIPX-TV]] 63 ([[Ion Television|Ion]]), and [[WDTI]] 69 ([[Daystar (TV network)|Daystar]]). Indianapolis natives [[Jane Pauley]] and [[David Letterman]] launched their [[Emmy Award]]-winning broadcasting careers in [[local programming|local television]], Pauley with WISH-TV and Letterman with WTHR, respectively.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |editor1-last=Bodenhamer |editor1-first=David |editor2-last=Barrows |editor2-first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=1994 |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington & Indianapolis |page=22}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Allan |first1=Marc |last2=Comiskey |first2=Daniel |last3=Wren |first3=Adam |date=April 25, 2015 |title=Goodbye, David Letterman: An Oral History |url=http://www.indianapolismonthly.com/arts-culture/goodbye-david-letterman/ |magazine=Indianapolis Monthly |publisher=Emmis Communications |access-date=October 10, 2016}}</ref> Sports talk program ''[[The Pat McAfee Show]]'' broadcasts from the city, airing weekdays on [[ESPN]].<ref>{{cite press release |last=McKay |first=Julie |date=August 17, 2023 |title=''The Pat McAfee Show'' on ESPN Platforms Launches Sept. 7, Part of ESPN's Personality-Packed Programming Lineup |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/08/the-pat-mcafee-show-on-espn-platforms-launches-sept-7-part-of-espns-personality-packed-programming-lineup/amp/ |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 4, 2024}}</ref>

Dozens of [[commercial broadcasting|commercial]] [[AM broadcasting|AM]] and [[FM broadcasting|FM]] [[radio broadcasting|radio stations]] serve the Indianapolis area, including [[WCBK-FM|WCBK]] ([[Country music|country]]), [[WEDJ]] ([[Regional Mexican]]), [[WFBQ]] ([[classic rock]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFBQ |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last=Zeigler |first=Connie J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfbq-94-7-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WFMS]] (country),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFMS |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfms-95-5-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WHHH]] ([[Urban contemporary music|urban contemporary]]), [[WIBC (FM)|WIBC]] ([[All-news radio|news]]/[[Talk radio|talk]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WIBC |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wibc/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WJJK]] ([[classic hits]]), [[WLHK]] (country), [[WNTS]] (classic Regional Mexican), [[WNDX]] ([[mainstream rock]]), [[WNTR]] ([[Adult contemporary music|adult contemporary]]), [[WOLT]] ([[classic alternative]]), [[WSYW]] ([[Spanish language|Spanish]] adult contemporary), [[WTLC-FM|WTLC]] ([[urban adult contemporary]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WTLC |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Blair |first2=Lyndsey D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wtlc-106-7-fm-1310-am/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WYXB]] (adult contemporary), [[WZPL]] ([[Contemporary hit radio|contemporary hits]]), and [[WZRL]] (mainstream urban). Since 1983, WFBQ has been the [[flagship (broadcasting)|flagship]] station for the popular nationally [[radio syndication|syndicated]] radio program ''[[The Bob & Tom Show]]''.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Bob & Tom Show |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2021 |last1=Verderame |first1=Jyoti A. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/bob-tom-show/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref>

[[Sports radio]] stations include [[WFNI]] ([[ESPN Radio]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFNI |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Opsahl |first=Sam |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfni-1070-am-107-5-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WNDE]] ([[Fox Sports Radio]]),<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WNDE |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Zeigler |first1=Connie J. |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wnde-1260-am/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> and [[WXNT]] ([[Infinity Sports Network]]).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WXNT |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |date=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wxnt-1430-am/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> WFNI (formerly WIBC, currently broadcasting on WIBC-HD3 and its FM translators) is the flagship of the [[Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=February 2021 |last=Donald |first=Davidson |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-motor-speedway-radio-network/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[Religious broadcasting|Religious]] stations include [[WBRI]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WBRI |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wbri-1500-am-and-96-7-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[WGNR-FM|WGNR]], [[WWDL]], and [[WYHX]]. [[WICR]] is the [[campus radio]] station at the [[University of Indianapolis]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WICR |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=McKay |first=Christy |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wicr-88-7-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref> [[Classical Music Indy]] produces and syndicates [[classical music]] programming for WICR.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Classical Music Indy |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Neuss |first1=Norbert |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/classical-music-indy/ |access-date=January 16, 2024}}</ref> [[Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media]] operates [[WFYI-FM]], the region's [[National Public Radio|NPR]] affiliate.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=WFYI-FM |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=June 2022 |last=Van Allen |first=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/wfyi-fm/ |access-date=December 27, 2023}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==

=== Transportation ===
{{Main|Transportation in Indianapolis}}
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Interstates 65 and 70 Indianapolis.jpg
| caption1          = [[Interstate 65 in Indiana|Interstates 65]] and [[Interstate 70 in Indiana|70]] run concurrently on the eastern perimeter of [[downtown Indianapolis]].
| image2            = IndyGo 2496 on Red Line at Julia M. Carson Transit Center.jpg
| caption2          = An [[IndyGo]] bus at the [[Julia M. Carson Transit Center]]
| image3            = Indianapolis International Airport Civic Plaza.jpg
| caption3          = [[Indianapolis International Airport]] Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal Civic Plaza
}}

Indianapolis's transportation infrastructure consists of a complex network that includes a local public bus system, several private intercity bus providers, [[Amtrak]] passenger rail service, four freight rail lines, [[List of Interstate Highways in Indiana|four primary and two auxiliary Interstate Highways]], two airports, a heliport, bikeshare system, {{convert|115|mi|km|0}} of bike lanes,<ref name="Thrive">{{cite web |url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b4ead40c3c16a711ae78401/t/6080db514fbe6204af2d7c9e/1619057500716/FinalThriveAnnualUpdate2020.pdf |title=Thrive Indianapolis Annual Report 2020 |publisher=City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability |access-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422205527/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b4ead40c3c16a711ae78401/t/6080db514fbe6204af2d7c9e/1619057500716/FinalThriveAnnualUpdate2020.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> and {{convert|110|mi|km|0}} of trails and greenways.<ref name="transport">{{cite web |url=https://citybase-cms-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/56f6ad08f77141ae88fd3dc6ca182cbf.pdf |title=Indy Moves Transportation Integration Plan |publisher=Metropolitan Development Commission of Marion County, Indiana |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Thrive"/> Private [[ridesharing companies]] [[Lyft]] and [[Uber]] as well as [[taxicabs]] operate in the city.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Haneline |first1=Amy |last2=Tuohy |first2=John |title=Uber, Lyft, Yellow Cab: We compare ride services |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2018/03/15/uber-lyft-yellow-cab-dryver-indygo-limo-compare-ridesharing-rates-pros-cons-reduce-drunk-driving/427587002/ |access-date=August 21, 2019 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> Launched in 2018, electric [[scooter-sharing system]]s operating in Indianapolis include [[Bird Global|Bird]], [[Lime (transportation company)|Lime]], and Veo.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dwyer |first=Kayla |title=There's a new scooter company in town: Veo comes to Indianapolis |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/08/11/veo-electric-scooters-bikes-indianapolis-company-bird-lime-transportation/65400106007/ |access-date=August 13, 2022 |work=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=August 11, 2022}}</ref>

[[Urban sprawl]] and the absence of a comprehensive regional public transit system have contributed to Indianapolis residents driving more vehicle miles per capita than any other U.S. city.<ref name=Gibson>{{cite news |last=Gibson |first=London |title=Scrub Hub: What's the future of bike lanes in Indianapolis? |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/environment/2021/05/04/indianapolis-bike-lanes-could-future-indy-cyclists-national-bike-month/7375041002/ |access-date=January 15, 2022 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=May 4, 2021}}</ref> According to the 2016 [[American Community Survey]], 83.7% of working residents in the city commuted by driving alone, 8.4% carpooled, 1.5% used public transportation, and 1.8% walked. About 1.5% used all other forms of transportation, including taxicab, motorcycle, and bicycle. About 3.1% of working city residents worked at home.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Census Reporter |access-date=July 22, 2018 |title=Means of Transportation to Work by Age |url=https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B08101&geo_ids=16000US1836003&primary_geo_id=16000US1836003}}</ref> In 2015, 10.5 percent of Indianapolis households lacked a car, which decreased to 8.7 percent in 2016, the same as the national average in that year. Indianapolis averaged 1.63 cars per household in 2016, compared to a national average of 1.8.<ref>{{cite web |last=Maciag |first=Mike |title=Car Ownership in U.S. Cities Data and Map |url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/car-ownership-numbers-of-vehicles-by-city-map.html |access-date=January 15, 2022 |newspaper=Governing |date=December 9, 2014}}</ref>

Four primary Interstate Highways intersect the city: [[Interstate 65 in Indiana|Interstate 65]], [[Interstate 69 in Indiana|Interstate 69]], [[Interstate 70 in Indiana|Interstate 70]], and [[Interstate 74 in Indiana|Interstate 74]]. The metropolitan area also has two auxiliary Interstate Highways: a [[beltway]] ([[Interstate 465]]) and [[connector (road)|connector]] ([[Interstate 865]]). The [[Indiana Department of Transportation]] manages all Interstates, [[United States Numbered Highway System|U.S. Highways]], and [[List of state roads in Indiana|state roads]] within the city. The city's Department of Public Works maintains more than {{convert|3400|mi|km}} of local streets in addition to alleys, sidewalks, curbs, and 510 bridges.<ref name=Dwyer>{{cite web |last=Dwyer |first=Kayla |title=Indianapolis should spend 5 times what it currently does on infrastructure, study says |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2022/03/16/indianapolis-infrastructure-billion-dollar-gap-roads-bridges-sidewalks/7006898001/ |access-date=September 7, 2023 |work=The Indianapolis Star |date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>

Sidewalks are absent from nearly {{convert|2000|mi|km}} of the city's roadways,<ref name=Dwyer/> contributing to Indianapolis's low [[walkability]] among peer U.S. cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.walkscore.com/IN/Indianapolis |title=Living in Indianapolis |publisher=Walk Score |access-date=February 7, 2016}}</ref> However, city officials have increased investments in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in recent years.<ref name=Gibson/> About {{convert|110|mi}} of trails and greenways form the core of the city's [[active mobility|active transportation]] network, connecting into {{convert|115|mi}} of on-street bike lanes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tuohy |first1=John |title=Indy inhospitable to bikers, survey says |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/04/15/indy-inhospitable-bikers-survey-says/25841087/ |access-date=April 1, 2016 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=April 15, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Thrive"/> Popular routes include the [[Fall Creek Greenway]], [[Monon Trail]], and [[Pleasant Run Greenway]].<ref name="transport"/> The privately managed [[Indianapolis Cultural Trail]] operates [[Indiana Pacers Bikeshare]], the city's [[bicycle-sharing system]], which consists of 525 bicycles and 50 stations.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Cultural Trail |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti A. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-cultural-trail/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref>

[[IndyGo]] operates and manages the city's [[public transport bus service|public bus system]], including [[bus rapid transit]], [[microtransit]], and [[paratransit]] services. The [[Julia M. Carson Transit Center]] serves as the downtown hub for 27 of its 31 [[Transit bus|fixed routes]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Tuohy |first=John |title=IndyGo transit center passes rush-hour test |url=http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2016/06/27/transit-center-passes-rush-hour-test/86243528/ |access-date=July 1, 2016 |newspaper=The Indianapolis Star |publisher=Gannett Co. |date=June 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name="transport"/> In 2020, IndyGo's fleet of 212 buses provided about 4.8&nbsp;million passenger trips (compared with pre-[[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public transport|COVID-19 pandemic]] ridership of 9.2&nbsp;million in 2019).<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=IndyGo |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Sheff |first=Jeff |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indygo/ |access-date=July 7, 2023}}</ref> The [[Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority]] is a quasi-governmental agency that organizes regional [[carpool|car]] and [[vanpools]] and operates three public [[shuttle bus]]es connecting Indianapolis to employment centers in suburban [[Plainfield, Indiana|Plainfield]] and [[Whitestown, Indiana|Whitestown]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Christian |first=Kurt |title=Whitestown approves community funding for workforce shuttle |url=https://www.ibj.com/blogs/north-of-96th/north-of-96th-whitestown-approves-community-funding-for-workforce-shuttle |date=December 19, 2019 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |access-date=July 7, 2023}}</ref>

[[Indianapolis International Airport]]'s Colonel H. Weir Cook Terminal contains two concourses and 40 gates.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis International Airport |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Marlette |first1=Jerry |last2=Opsahl |first2=Sam |last3=Van Allen |first3=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-international-airport/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref> In 2024, the airport served 10.5 million passengers and offered nonstop service to 53 domestic and international destinations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Guffey |first=Alysa |title=53 routes, 10 million passengers: How the IND airport hits records, captures the hearts of travelers |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/transportation/2025/06/25/indianapolis-international-airport-keeps-hitting-record-flights-destinations-airlines-indiana-travel/83744141007/ |date=June 25, 2025 |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=June 28, 2025}}</ref> As home to the second largest [[FedEx Express]] hub in the world, it ranks among the [[List of the busiest airports in the United States#10 busiest airports in the U.S. by total cargo throughput (2017)|ten busiest U.S. airports]] in terms of air cargo throughput.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=FedEx Express National Hub |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |year=2021 |last=Verderame |first=Jyoti |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/fedex-express-national-hub/ |access-date=January 23, 2022}}</ref> The [[Indianapolis Airport Authority]] oversees operations at five additional aviation facilities in the region, two of which are located in the city: [[Eagle Creek Airpark]] and the [[Indianapolis Downtown Heliport]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis Airport Authority |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Hale |first=Michelle D. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-airport-authority-iaa/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref>

[[Indianapolis Union Station]] is the state's primary [[intercity bus service|intercity bus]] transfer hub, served by seven carriers operating 12 routes.<ref>{{cite report |author=RLS & Associates, Inc. |date=March 2022 |title=Indiana Intercity Bus Needs Assessment and Service Evaluation 2021 |url=https://www.in.gov/indot/files/2021-INDOT-Intercity-Bus-Needs-Assessment-and-Service-Evaluation-Final.pdf |publisher=Indiana Department of Transportation, Office of Transit |pages=11, 58 |access-date=July 7, 2023}}</ref> [[Amtrak]]'s ''[[Cardinal (passenger train)|Cardinal]]'' passenger rail service operates three weekly roundtrips between [[New York City]] and [[Chicago]]. Located in the enclave of [[Beech Grove, Indiana|Beech Grove]], the [[Beech Grove Shops]] serve as Amtrak's primary heavy maintenance and overhaul facility.<ref name="Bogle">{{cite encyclopedia |title=Beech Grove Railroad Shop |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Bogle |first=Victor M. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/beech-grove-railroad-shop/ |access-date=August 30, 2024}}</ref> About {{convert|282|mi|km|0}}<ref name="transport"/> of freight rail lines traverse the city, including one [[Railroad classes#Class I|Class I]] railroad ([[CSX Transportation]]), one [[Railroad classes#Class II|Class II]] railroad ([[Indiana Rail Road]]), and two [[shortline railroad]]s ([[Indiana Southern Railroad]] and [[Louisville and Indiana Railroad]]).

=== Utilities ===
[[File:Aerial view of Geist Reservoir and surrounding housing developments in Indianapolis suburb of Fishers, Indiana.jpg|thumb|[[Geist Reservoir]] in northeast Indianapolis is one of the region's four reservoirs.]]
[[AES Indiana]] supplies electricity to more than 500,000 Indianapolis customers<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Applied Energy Service Corporation |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Woods |first1=Marcus Eugene |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/applied-energy-service-corporation-aes/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref> and maintains 90,000 street lights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ppidb.iu.edu/Uploads/PublicationFiles/Street%20Light%20Placement%20Analysis_%20Full%20report.pdf |title=Street Light Placement Analysis in Marion County, IN |page=4 |date=August 2017 |work=Public Policy Institute |publisher=[[Indiana University]] |first1=Joti |last1=Kaur |first2=Drew |last2=Klacik |access-date=October 22, 2023 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023050017/https://ppidb.iu.edu/Uploads/PublicationFiles/Street%20Light%20Placement%20Analysis_%20Full%20report.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities are provided by Citizens Energy Group.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Citizens Energy Group |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=March 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/citizens-energy-group/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref> The company's thermal division operates the [[Perry K. Generating Station]] which produces and distributes steam for heating and cooling to about 160 customers in downtown Indianapolis.<ref>{{cite web |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=April 22, 2016 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/58240-citizens-seeks-rate-reduction-for-downtown-steam-customers |title=Citizens seeks rate reduction for downtown steam customers |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref> The city's water supply is sourced from the [[White River (Indiana)|White River]] and its tributaries as well as [[aquifer]]s via four surface water treatment plants, four reservoirs, and five groundwater pumping stations throughout the region.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://info.citizensenergygroup.com/water/supply-and-sources |title=Supply and Sources |website=citizensenergygroup.com |publisher=Citizens Energy Group |access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>

[[Area codes 317 and 463]] are telephone [[area code]]s in the [[North American Numbering Plan]] assigned to Indianapolis and seven surrounding counties in Central Indiana. Established in 1947, 317 is the original area code for the Indianapolis area, while 463 is an [[overlay plan|overlay code]] for the same area that was added in 2016, making [[ten-digit dialing]] mandatory for all calls in the region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Russell |first=John |date=April 8, 2015 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2015/04/08/new-area-code-mandatory-digit-dialing-come-central-indiana/25472009/ |title=New 463 area code coming to Central Indiana |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref> Telecommunications, including cable television, internet, telephone, and wireless services, are provided by [[AT&T Communications]], Metronet, [[Spectrum (brand)|Spectrum]], [[Verizon Communications]], and [[Xfinity]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Rafford |first=Claire |date=July 19, 2021 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/money/2021/07/19/indianapolis-internet-providers-area-wi-fi-speed-xfinity-att-spectrum/7908225002/ |title=What to know about Indianapolis' main home internet providers |work=The Indianapolis Star |access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>

[[Waste collection]] services in Indianapolis are provided by the city's Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division, [[Republic Services]], and [[Waste Management (corporation)|WM]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Schoettle |first=Anthony |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/pandemics-messy-side |title=Sheltering at home has produced loads more residential trash |date=May 22, 2020 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=May 28, 2020}}</ref> Solid waste disposal in the city is processed by [[landfill]] and [[incineration]]. [[Reworld]] operates a [[waste-to-energy]] plant in the city. About 11% of residents subscribe to private [[curbside recycling]] services;<ref name=Russell2023>{{cite web |last=Russell |first=John |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/managing-waste |title=Pilot project to boost Marion County's low recycling rate getting mixed reviews |date=March 31, 2023 |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=April 7, 2023}}</ref> however, free public recycling drop-off sites are available throughout the city.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indy.gov/activity/find-a-recycling-drop-off-location |title=Find a Recycling Drop-Off Location |publisher=City of Indianapolis and Marion County |access-date=September 15, 2020}}</ref> Of U.S. cities, Indianapolis is the largest without a universal curbside recycling program, resulting in one of the lowest [[landfill diversion]] rates.<ref name=Russell2023/><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Recycling |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Fischer |first=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/recycling/ |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref>

=== Healthcare ===
{{see also|List of hospitals in Indianapolis}}
[[File:Eskenazi Hospital.jpg|thumb|[[Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital]], the city's flagship [[safety net hospital]]]]
Healthcare in Indianapolis is provided by about 20 hospitals, most belonging to the [[private hospital|private]], [[non-profit hospital|non-profit]] [[hospital network]]s of [[Ascension (healthcare system)|Ascension]] [[St. Vincent Health]], Community Health Network,<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Community Health Network |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Dehoff |first1=Beth A. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/community-health-network/ |access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> and [[IU Health]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |date=July 2021 |last=Rowe |first=Alan |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indiana-university-health-methodist-hospital/ |access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> Several are [[teaching hospitals]] affiliated with the [[IU School of Medicine]] or Marian University's [[Tom and Julie Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine]]. Four hospitals are [[Trauma center|Level I trauma centers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Trauma Centers in Indiana |url=https://www.in.gov/dhs/files/IDOH-Verified-In-Process-Trauma-Centers-09172021.pdf |work=Indiana Department of Health, Division of Trauma & Injury Prevention |publisher=State of Indiana |date=September 17, 2021 |access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref>

Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County oversees the city's public health facilities and programs, including the Marion County Public Health Department, Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, and Eskenazi Health.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Hale |first1=Michelle D. |last2=Van Allen |first2=Elizabeth J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/health-and-hospital-corporation-of-marion-county-hhc/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref> Eskenazi Health operates ten [[primary care]] sites across the city, including the [[Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Mandusic McDonell |first1=Katherine |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/sidney-lois-eskenazi-hospital/ |access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> Other [[public hospital]]s include the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center (managed by the [[Veterans Health Administration]])<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last1=Damon |first1=Bradley Kent |last2=Fischer |first2=Jessica Erin |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/richard-l-roudebush-veterans-administration-medical-center/ |access-date=August 13, 2022}}</ref> and the [[NeuroDiagnostic Institute]] (managed by the State of Indiana).<ref>{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Jill |title=NeuroDiagnostic Institute Opens, First New Psychiatric Hospital In Decades |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/neurodiagnostic-institute-opens-first-new-psychiatric-hospital-in-decades |work=WFYI |publisher=Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Media |date=March 15, 2019 |access-date=June 13, 2021}}</ref>

IU Health [[Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital|Methodist]], [[Indiana University Health University Hospital|University]], and [[Riley Hospital for Children]] are affiliated with the IU School of Medicine. Riley is among the nation's foremost [[children's hospital]]s, recognized in all ten pediatric specialties by ''[[U.S. News & World Report]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/in/riley-hospital-for-children-at-iu-health-PA6420020 |title=Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=June 13, 2021}}</ref> IU Health is consolidating and replacing Methodist and University hospitals with a new $4.3&nbsp;billion [[academic medical center]] which is slated to open in 2027.<ref name="Methodist">{{cite web |first=John |last=Russell |date=June 12, 2023 |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/iu-health-readies-for-large-bond-sale-on-major-hospital-projects |title=IU Health readies for large bond sale on major hospital projects |work=Indianapolis Business Journal |publisher=IBJ Media |access-date=February 17, 2024}}</ref> Other major hospitals include [[St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital|Ascension St. Vincent Hospital - Indianapolis]], [[Community Hospital East]], [[Community Hospital North]], and [[Franciscan Health Indianapolis]].

==Sister cities==
Indianapolis has 11 [[sister cities]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Padilla |first=Noe |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2025/05/24/indiana-indianapolis-le-mans-france-sister-cities-indy-500-24-hours-racing-race-indycar/83838343007/ |title='We are making history': Indianapolis and Le Mans, two auto racing giants, now sister cities |date=May 24, 2025 |work=The Indianapolis Star |accessdate=May 25, 2025}}</ref>{{efn|Indianapolis has one former sister city, [[Scarborough, Toronto|Scarborough]], Ontario, Canada. The relationship was formally established in 1996 but dissolved following the 1998 [[amalgamation of Toronto]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.digitalindy.org/digital/collection/isci/id/700/rec/1 |title=Scarborough, Canada Formal Documents — 2. Friendship Agreement (Memorandum Of Understanding) |author=Indianapolis-Scarborough Sister City Committee |date=1996 |website=digitalindy.org |publisher=Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia |title=Indianapolis/Scarborough Peace Games |encyclopedia=Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |orig-date=1994 |year=2021 |last=Wright |first=Delores J. |publisher=Indianapolis Public Library |url=https://indyencyclopedia.org/indianapolis-scarborough-peace-games/ |access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>}} Listed alphabetically, they are:
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Campinas]], Brazil
* {{flagicon|GER}} [[Cologne]], Germany
* {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Hangzhou]], China
* {{flagicon|IND}} [[Hyderabad]], India
* {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Le Mans]], France
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Monza]], Italy
* {{flagicon|GBR}} [[Northamptonshire]], United Kingdom
* {{flagicon|NGA}} [[Onitsha]], Nigeria
* {{flagicon|SLO}} [[Piran]], Slovenia
* {{flagicon|MEX}} [[Querétaro (city)|Querétaro]], Mexico
* {{flagicon|TWN}} [[Taipei]], Taiwan
{{div col end}}

==See also==
*[[Eleven Park]]
*[[Indianapolis Catacombs]]
*[[List of people from Indianapolis]]
*[[List of U.S. cities with large Black populations]]
*[[Nicknames of Indianapolis]]
*[[USS Indianapolis|USS ''Indianapolis'']], 4 ships

==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin|35em}}
* {{cite book |url=http://ulib.iupuidigital.org/cdm/ref/collection/EOI/id/4848 |last1=Bodenhamer |first1=David |last2=Barrows |first2=Robert |last3=Vanderstel |first3=David |title=The Encyclopedia of Indianapolis |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington, Indiana |date=November 1, 1994 |isbn=978-0253312228| access-date=September 13, 2020 |archive-date=May 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529112903/http://ulib.iupuidigital.org/cdm/ref/collection/EOI/id/4848 |url-status=dead}}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/08/indianapolis-school-districts/496145/ |title=Racial Bias and the Crumbling of a City |last=Cavazos |first=Shaina |date=August 17, 2016 |magazine=The Atlantic |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Group}}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/07/the-end-of-busing-in-indianapolis/489962 |title=The End of Busing in Indianapolis |last=Cavazos |first=Shaina |date=July 5, 2016 |magazine=The Atlantic |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Group}}
* {{cite book |last=Eisenberg Sasso |first=Sandy |title=Urban Tapestry: Indianapolis Stories |publisher=Indiana University Press |location=Bloomington, Indiana |date=September 13, 2002 |isbn=978-0253215444}}
* {{cite book |last=Gadski |first=Mary Ellen |title=Indianapolis Architecture: Transformations Since 1975 |publisher=Indiana Architectural Foundation |location=Indianapolis, Indiana |date=1993 |isbn=978-0963630018}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Levathes |first=Louise |date=August 1987 |title=Indianapolis: City on the Rebound |magazine=National Geographic |volume=172 |issue=2 |pages=230–259 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=National Geographic Society}}
* {{cite book |last1=Owen |first1=Carroll |last2=Willbern |first2=York |title=Governing Metropolitan Indianapolis: The Politics of Unigov |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley, California |date=1985 |isbn=9780520051478}}
* {{cite magazine |url=https://beltmag.com/undemocratic-indianapolis-unigov-poletika/ |title=The Undemocratic Making of Indianapolis |last=Poletika |first=Nicole| date=March 29, 2019 |magazine=Belt |location=Cleveland, Ohio |publisher=Belt Publishing}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|voy=Indianapolis|d=Q6346|species=no|v=no|b=no|s=no|n=no|mw=no|m=no}}
* {{official website|http://www.indy.gov/}}
* [http://www.indychamber.com/ Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.digitalindy.org/ Digital Indy] from the [[Indianapolis Public Library]] Digital Collections
* [http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/collections/sanbornjp2 Indianapolis Sanborn Map and Baist Atlas Collection] from the University Library at [[Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis|IUPUI]]

{{Indianapolis}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Articles relating to Indianapolis and [[Marion County, Indiana|Marion County]]
|list=
{{Marion County, Indiana}}
{{Indianapolis Metro}}
{{Indiana}}
{{County Seats of Indiana}}
{{United States state capitals}}
{{Midwestern United States}}
{{Pan American Games host cities}}
{{Great Lakes Megalopolis}}
}}
{{USPopulousCities}}
{{authority control}}

{{Portal bar|Indiana|United States|North America|Cities|Geography}}
<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->

[[Category:Indianapolis| ]]
[[Category:1821 establishments in Indiana]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Cities in Indiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Marion County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Consolidated city-counties]]
[[Category:County seats in Indiana]]
[[Category:Indianapolis metropolitan area| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:National Road]]
[[Category:Planned capitals]]
[[Category:Planned communities in the United States]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1821]]
[[Category:State capitals in the United States]]