The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is a memorial and a museum located in downtown Indianapolis. It combines educational activities with Victorian era exhibits, so visitors can learn more about President Benjamin Harrison. In addition to being able to tour the former president's home and gardens, you can watch actors portray Benjamin and Caroline Harrison on special event days.
Best and worst time to go to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
One of the worst times to visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is on weekdays during the morning or afternoon because the home is crowded with school tours. One of the best times to visit the site is on the weekend during May, June or July because many of the plants will be in bloom.
Must see/do at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
One of the most popular activities is to take a guided tour of the Benjamin Harrison home to see the Victorian artifacts and president's personal belongings. The gardens are another popular attraction and include roses, lilacs, boxwood shrubs and other plants. You also do not want to miss the gift shop that features books, china, ornaments, souvenirs and other items.
Admission to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Admission for children who are 4 years old and younger is free. Admission for adults is in the $10 range. Admission for students between the ages of 5 and 17 is in the $5 range.
Parking and public transportation to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Free parking is available along Delaware Street. Free parking is also available in the lot on 13th Street.
Food at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Food is not available for purchase at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. However, if you decide to participate in the Civil War dinners or Coffee with the Curator events, then food and beverages are included in the price of the ticket. The cost for the Civil War dinner is in the $150 range and includes a full Victorian era meal with hand-churned garlic butter. The Coffee with the Curator event is in the $6 range and includes coffee and doughnut holes.
Insider tip for visitors to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
You do not want to miss the Caroline Harrison Herb Garden at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. It is a small garden filled with herbs that were commonly used in the Victorian era.
Author's bio: Lana Bandoim is a freelance writer and editor who lives in Indianapolis. Her work has been published on websites ranging from Examiner to Technorati.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the Indianapolis 500, the Brickyard 400, and the United States Grand Prix. The Brickyard Crossing golf course is also located on its grounds, featuring four holes inside the famous oval track. Also on-site is the Hall of Fame Museum, dedicated to automobiles, auto racing and the history of the Indianapolis 500. The museum houses the Borg-Warner Trophy, commemorating each year's winner of the Indianapolis 500, when it is not traveling.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Parking
Numerous lots are available for parking inside and just outside of the Motor Speedway track. A fee is associated with all parking options. Various lots offer options for overnight parking, RV parking, camping, and tailgating. During major racing events, local residents and businesses open their property to provide parking to visitors for a fee, with prices increasing the closer you get to the IMS. During non-racing times,parking is available at the museum free of charge.
Hotels Near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Dozens of hotels are located within a 10 mile distance of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Prices are typically in the range of $125-$300 per night. During major racing events, rooms fill quickly so book well in advance.
Seating at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Seating high in the Northwest Vista offers views of both turns 3 and 4 and can be an exciting location toward the end of a race. Seating across from Pit Row allows visitors to see the frequent team races during pit stops. Seating in the Paddock offers coverage from the weather. Most other seats are open to the weather, so if inclement weather or harsh sun is in the forecast, come prepared.
Food at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A wide variety of concession stands are available at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During racing events, numerous concession stands are located both inside the track as well as on the major streets surrounding the track.
Beer at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Beer and other alcoholic beverages are available for purchase inside the track. Visitors are permitted to bring their own alcohol to racing events; however, glass bottles are not permitted and coolers must not exceed a size of 18" x 14" x 14".
Parking Alternatives at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
During the Indianapolis 500, shuttle service is available from areas including downtown, the Indianapolis International Airport, and the IUPUI campus. Shuttle service fees are approximately $25 per person. Shuttle service continues to run for approximately two hours after the conclusion of the race.
What to Bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Because most seating options are open to the weather, packing for the season is advised. Summer events can be hot and sun-filled, so sunscreen is advised. Seating at this outdoor events typically consists of metal bench seating. If you have a cushion, you may want to bring it. Regardless of where you park, a trip to the expansive Indianapolis Motor Speedway involves a lot of walking, so wear shoes that comply.
Insider Tip for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
If you are attending the Indianapolis 500 and plan to bring your own alcohol, be aware that the sale of take-out alcohol on Sunday is not permitted in Indiana. Alcohol sales by vendors are permitted inside the track on Sundays, but if you plan to bring your own, make sure you purchase it prior to race day.
Author's bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She has visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for almost two decades of Indianapolis 500 racing.
