There’s more than just the famous speedway in Indianapolis, IN. You can select from a number of fun and interesting activities that include educational tours, exciting racing stories, and culinary delights.
By renting an RV, you give yourself the most flexible and easygoing way to enjoy two days in Indianapolis. It’s a nice feeling to come back to your RV to eat, sleep, or have family time without having to worry about all the hustle and bustle in a busy hotel. Being able to take your accommodations with you is a nice perk as well.
Search RV rentals in the Indianapolis area.
Preparing for Your Indianapolis RV Trip
To begin your Indianapolis itinerary, you can choose from among more than 700 RVs in the area. With a big family or a large group, choosing the extra space afforded by a Class A motorhome makes sense. If it’s just two of you, or you happen to be traveling alone, then something like a Class B motorhome or Class C campervan would be a better choice. Remember, too, that different RV parks will only accommodate rigs of a certain size, so when you use RVshare’s user-friendly website, be sure to check the size of your RV against the maximum of the campsite you plan to reserve.
Learn from these tips regarding renting an RV:
• Renting the RV
• Picking an RV of the Right Size
• What to Pack
• Parking Tips for Your RV
Reserving your RV campsite at least a couple of months before your trip will make it easier for you to find an appropriate place. Once you’ve paid for everything, when you arrive, things will just go smoothly. Some examples of popular area RV parks include the Indianapolis KOA, the Heartland RV Resort, and the Glowood Campground and RV Park.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Indianapolis.
Day 1: The Adventure Begins
Morning: First Nations Art
The Eiteljorg Museum maintains an extensive and exceptional collection of First Nations art. The exhibits include both pieces by contemporary First Nation artists and traditional art from various tribes. It’s an educational place to learn about the first cultures on the North American continent.
Lunch: Sauerbraten, Schweineschnitzel, and Rinder Rouladen
The Rathskeller specializes in German dishes, and it also serves American, Greek, and Italian entrees for lunch. The braised beef, port cutlets, and beef-and-bacon rolls with sour pickles are all outstanding, and if you’re of age, the imported German beers are well worth a sampling.
Afternoon: Racing History
Indianapolis is integral to the history of motor sports around the world, and you can currently tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The attached museum is closed for renovations until April 2025, but on your tour, you’ll still experience an educational narration provided by the experienced and knowledgeable guides. You can even kiss the famous bricks at the starting line, which remain from when the track was constructed in 1909.
Setting Up Camp
When you get to your chosen campground, proceed to the office to check in, which should be smooth sailing if you’ve already made your reservation and paid for it in advance. The campground host will show you to your campsite so that you can begin setting up. Generally, there will be a pad of some sort on which you will park your RV. Your RV will have leveling equipment on board, so adjust it until the RV is level. The last thing you need to do to set up is to put chocks around the wheels to keep your RV in one place. While choosing your RV, check the listing to see if the renter offers delivery and/or setup service at your campsite.
Dinner: AAA Four-Diamond Goodness
Vida is an award-winning restaurant that serves gourmet fare. It is prix fixe, which means that you pay one price for a dinner per person or table. Depending on what’s on the menu on any given day, that price might vary, so check with the restaurant before you decide to go.
Day 2: Education and Excitement
Morning: From Nelson Mandela to Dinosaurs
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis opens at 10 a.m., and both you and your kids can explore exhibits dedicated to dinosaurs, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the International Space Station. Some exhibits, such as Create-a-Saurus and Playscape, are for children under 5 years of age, so if you have offspring of different ages, then there’s something for everyone.
Lunch: Burgers Galore
Burger Theory has house burgers, specialty burgers, and even “build-your-own” burgers available. The restaurant also serves breakfast all day, wraps, and soups for both adults and children.
Afternoon: Walk Among the Animals
Exploring the Indianapolis Zoo is a great family-friendly activity where the whole family can learn about the animals at the zoo. You can also learn about the conservation efforts around the world regarding the species that live at the zoo.
Evening: Whodunit?
Join in to solve a murder at The Dinner Detective, a murder mystery theater production in downtown Indianapolis. The cast of the murder mystery provides comedy sketches throughout the evening, too.
Day 3 and Beyond in Indianapolis
Do you feel like staying a few more days in the capital of Indiana? There’s still plenty to do before you ride off into the Midwest sunset in your rented RV.
• White River State Park is a popular attraction right in the city of Indianapolis. It’s got miles of hiking trails, animals to see, an IMAX theater, and special events throughout the year.
• The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site comprises a 10,000-square-foot Victorian home and grounds where the Harrison family lived from 1875 onward. Monday through Thursday, there are tours every two hours, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, there are tours every hour.
Seasonal Activities
For two-and-a-half weeks every year from the end of July through the beginning of August, you can visit the Indiana State Fair. There are thrilling rides and fair food aplenty to enjoy. This is an especially good destination for RVers because there’s an RV campground attached to the fairgrounds. Be sure to book early.
Hogan Farms hosts a corn maze every fall, and you can take hayrides, pick your own pumpkins, and shop at the farmer’s market as well as navigating the maze with your whole family.
Indoor Activities
If the weather turns bad, one of the best places to spend an afternoon is the Indianapolis Museum of Art Galleries at Newfields. The galleries showcase neo-impressionists, cubists, abstract expressionists, and more.
If you’d like to do some indoor shopping in Indianapolis, then it’s hard to beat the Circle Centre Mall in the heart of the downtown area. You can shop, dine, and see films and comedy shows all under its one roof.
When you rent an RV for your excursion to Indianapolis, you’ll enjoy nearly all the comforts of home while feeling like you are away. Make these two days ones to remember fondly for the rest of your lives.
