Welcome to Indianapolis! This loop starts at the monument that anchors the city's center and visits the oldest church on the Circle, the state capitol, two museums on the Central Canal, the canal itself, one of the country's largest war memorials, and a record-breaking Masonic cathedral.
Each stop's audio starts by itself when you're within about 100 ft (free and unlocked stops only). Keep this page open with the screen on. Distances are straight-line, so follow the streets and watch for traffic.
Welcome to Indianapolis! We're starting at the Indiana State Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the centerpiece of Monument Circle and a symbol of the city. It's 284 feet tall, designed by the German architect Bruno Schmitz, and it took thirteen years to build, from 1888 to 1901. It was dedicated on May 15, 1902.
It was built to honor Hoosier veterans of the Civil War, but it also pays tribute to Indiana soldiers from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 era, and the Mexican-American and Spanish-American Wars. It was the first monument in the United States dedicated to the common soldier. Look above the bronze doors for the inscription: To Indiana's Silent Victors. The obelisk is built of oolitic limestone from Owen County, Indiana, and it rests on a base surrounded by pools and fountains.
If you're up for it, there's an observation deck at the top. The staircase has 331 steps, or you can take the elevator, which stops 31 steps below the top. In 2019, more than 369,000 people visited.
🚶 Walk to the next stop (480 ft · ~2 min walk): Walk around the circle to its northeast side, to the small Gothic stone church. About 2 minutes.
This is Christ Church Cathedral, the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. The parish was organized on July 13, 1837, as the first Protestant Episcopal parish in the city. In 1838 parishioners bought a lot on what was then called Governor's Circle, and built a small white wood-frame church here. The building you see replaced it in 1857.
It was designed by the architect William Tinsley in the English Gothic Revival style, and it's the oldest church building in Indianapolis and Marion County still in continuous use. It's also the oldest building on Monument Circle, older than the monument itself by decades. The church is known for its music, especially its pipe organs, one of them donated by Ruth Lilly, along with its Chancel Choir and its Coro Latinoamericano. It's also known for community service, including an annual strawberry festival fundraiser.
The cathedral joined the National Register of Historic Places on July 10, 1973. If a service or concert is on, listen for the organ.
🚶 Walk to the next stop (0.4 mile · ~9 min walk): Leave the circle heading west on Market Street and walk to the Statehouse, the domed building at the end of the street. About 9 minutes.
Enjoying this?
That was the last free stop. The full tour continues with 6 more stops: Indiana Statehouse, Indiana State Museum, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana Central Canal, Indiana World War Memorial Plaza, Scottish Rite Cathedral, each with narration, audio and walking cues.
🏁 Be the first!
The first person to use code FIRSTINDIA at checkout gets the full tour free.
