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TIME
Central Standard Time


STATE
Indiana

REGION
Great Lakes States


Indianapolis: What's a Hoosier?

That's the question most asked by Indiana visitors. No one seems to know exactly where the word "Hoosier" (hoo-zhur) came from but there are plenty of stories on its origin – 30 at last count. Here are some of the more popular theories:

• Hoosiers are well-known for their questioning and it is possible the nickname originated because they could not pass a house without pulling the latchstring and crying out "Who's yere (here)?"

• In 1851 Amelia M. Murray reported that she heard the name Hoosier originate when settlers shouted "Huzza!" when gaining victory over a marauding party from a neighboring state.

• Kentucky contractor Samuel Hoosier hired Indiana workers to build the Portland canal at Louisville. These superior laborers became known as "Hoosier's Men" or "Hoosiers" and carried the nickname back north with them. Unfortunately, no one has ever been able to prove the existence of Mr. Hoosier.

• Today the word is used to denote an Indiana native or resident.



Motorsports has put Indianapolis on the national and international fast track.

By hosting the two largest single-day sporting events in the world and the largest Formula One race in the world, the city of Indianapolis has made a name for itself as the "Racing Capital of the World." Fast cars, famous speedways and celebrity legends carve the Circle City's historical motorsports roots.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest spectator sporting facility in the world with more than 250,000 permanent seats. The speedway plays host to the Indianapolis 500, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the United States Grand Prix.

Some 75 cars are always on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, representing a widely diversified collection of early-day passenger cars, European sports cars, motorcycles and other special interest vehicles, plus more than one third of all the Indianapolis 500 winners, including the 1911-winning Marmon "Wasp".

There is also the Indianapolis Raceway Park, one of the top 12 racing venues in the world, the Indianapolis Speedrome which provides edge-of-your-seat motor action, and the Indiana State Fairgrounds which is used once a year for auto racing.

Indianapolis has a flourishing performing arts culture with many major performing arts groups and facilities. Six designated cultural districts represent and reflect the character and diversity of the community.

Walkers, runners and bikers can enjoy the entire three-mile Central Canal walk, taking in memorials, historical markers and a variety of fountains and other water features, without ever having to cross a busy street. White River State Park, as the cultural anchor of the Central Canal, offers a unique urban greenspace and growing collection of public art and gardens, along with an assortment of cultural venues such as the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field and the Eiteljorg Museum of Native Americans and Western Art.

Fountain Square, the historic commercial district,has more than 200 antique dealers in specialty stores and art galleries.

About 20 minutes from downtown, the Broad Ripple Village neighborhood features eclectic shops and vintage boutiques, a variety of restaurants, artists and art galleries, bars, pubs and taverns with live entertainment and parks all connected by the nationally-recognized Monon Trail.
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Massachusetts Avenue, the five-block downtown area known simply as "Mass Ave," has emerged with renovated art galleries, theatres, businesses, restaurants and bars.

The Wholesale District is, for many, synonymous with downtown, containing or adjacent to such regional venues as the RCA Dome, Circle Centre mall and Conseco Fieldhouse. Combined with Monument Circle and Washington Street, the district offers countless theaters, museums, historic resources and other arts and cultural opportunities.

Historically, Indiana Avenue "The Avenue" was the center of African-American social life. Today, Indiana Avenue stands as a symbol and reflection of African-American culture and pride. Visitors can tour historic buildings such as the Madame Walker Theatre Center and Crispus Attucks Museum, and dine in unique restaurants.

With an enormous variety of attractions and entertainment for kids of all ages (and for the young-at-heart), Indianapolis is an ideal destination for a family getaway trip.

Some of the attractions are The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the largest children's museum in North America, Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater, and Conner Prairie where you can journey through the re-created village of 1836 Prairietown.

INDIANAPOLIS HOTELS


Photo courtesy Indianapolis CVA

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