Indianapolis is packed with fascinating tours for every interest. The must-see options start with the chilling ghost tours through historic downtown, where guides share authentic tales of the city’s spooky past. Active travelers will love the scavenger hunt-style adventure challenges that showcase hidden corners and local secrets. Food lovers can’t miss the tasty walking tours connecting the best local restaurants and food shops in Massachusetts Avenue and Fountain Square districts. For craft beer enthusiasts, the brewery circuit explores the booming local beer scene with generous samples and behind-the-scenes access. Each tour offers expert local guides who know their stuff and keep groups small. Let’s explore our favorite Indianapolis tours that are worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Indianapolis offers a variety of engaging tours, including ghost tours, adventure/exploration tours, culinary tours, and brewery/winery tours to cater to diverse interests.
- Ghost tours like the Indianapolis Ghosts Tour provide a spooky exploration of the city’s haunted history, with mixed reviews on guide performance and storytelling.
- Adventure and exploration tours, such as the Indianapolis Prowl Amazing Race & Tour, offer interactive experiences where participants solve clues and tackle challenges.
- Culinary tours, like the Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour, showcase the local food scene with guided tastings at various eateries in the city.
- Brewery and winery tours, including the Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour, provide immersive craft beverage experiences, catering to those interested in Indianapolis’ burgeoning alcohol scene.
Indianapolis Ghosts Tour
What better way to explore the haunting past of Indianapolis than by embarking on the Indianapolis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Phantoms Walking Tour?
This 2-hour walking tour takes guests through the heart of downtown Indianapolis, uncovering the city’s spooky history and alleged paranormal activity. Starting at 8 PM, the tour meets at 140 W Washington St and covers a maximum of 40 travelers.
While the tour boasts an overall rating of 4.1/5, some guests have complained about the performance of the guides, citing issues with preparation, audiovisual problems, and a lack of engaging storytelling.
However, the host has acknowledged these concerns and expressed a commitment to improvement.
Priced at $31 per person, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals allowed. Travelers can take advantage of the nearby public transportation and enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Indianapolis Ghosts Tour Review
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Indianapolis Prowl Amazing Race & Tour
This 2-hour Indianapolis Prowl Amazing Race & Tour offers participants an exhilarating adventure through the city’s hidden gems. Priced from €23.04 per person, the English-language experience is family and dog-friendly, with private or small group options available.
Guests can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour begins at a scenic local favorite, where a guide leads participants in solving clues and tackling quirky challenges. Travelers work together to score points and climb the leaderboard, interacting with locals to enhance the experience.
The activity alternates between indoor and outdoor checkpoints, providing opportunities to create memories while exploring Indianapolis’ vibrant culture.
Suitable for corporate groups, travelers, locals, and more, the Indianapolis Prowl Amazing Race & Tour is one of over 600 city adventures offered.
Custom-designed experiences and virtual team builders are also available for those seeking a tailored experience.
Read our full review: Indianapolis Prowl Amazing Race & Tour Review
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Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour
Exploring Indianapolis’ culinary scene, the Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour takes travelers on a delectable journey through the city’s bustling Massachusetts Avenue. This 4-hour walking tour showcases local eateries, offering samples of gourmet Midwestern classics, German fare, microbrews, and seasonal desserts.
Guests start at the historic Rathskeller, the oldest restaurant in Indianapolis, and visit various establishments along the avenue, learning about the city’s rich history along the way.
The tour includes all food tastings, lunch, and a local guide, providing a comprehensive experience for a maximum of 12 travelers. Reviewers praise the unique food offerings, though some note issues with tour guide engagement and group dynamics.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with confirmation provided within 48 hours of booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a fun and informative way to explore Indianapolis, the Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour is a delightful option.
Read our full review: Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour Review
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Indianapolis: Crossroads Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
Though Indianapolis might be known more for its sports and cultural attractions, the city’s haunted history takes center stage on the Indianapolis: Crossroads Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour.
Priced at $32 per person, this 1-hour guided tour explores some of the city’s most notorious haunted sites, from the Indiana Repertory Building, where the spirits of past actors linger, to the iconic Monument Circle, known for restless spirits and phantom voices. Guests will also visit the Winners Circle Sports Pub, which has a tragic past and rumored lingering spirits.
Highlights of the tour include tales of race day tragedies, an infamous turkey, and a presidential curse, as well as learning about the USS Indianapolis sinking and how a young boy saved the city from a ghost.
Participants can also try to capture evidence of infamous apparitions. While some reviewers found the tour fun and informative, others expected more spooky elements.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or unable to walk more than a mile.
Read our full review: Indianapolis: Crossroads Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour Review
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Fountain Square Food Tour
If you’re seeking to learn about Indianapolis’ vibrant Fountain Square neighborhood, the 3-hour Fountain Square Food Tour offers a delightful culinary experience.
The tour explores this funky, culturally diverse area, sampling globally inspired cuisine ranging from French and Greek to Thai and local favorites like small-batch mead and savory barbecue. Throughout the small-group adventure, you’ll learn about Indianapolis’ rich history from your knowledgeable local guide.
The tour includes food tastings and lunch, with accommodations available for dietary needs. Starting at 2 PM, the experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a meeting point near public transportation.
With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 12 reviews, the Fountain Square Food Tour consistently receives praise for its excellent customer service and the guide’s informative historical insights.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking to discover a unique Indianapolis neighborhood, this tour promises an engaging and delicious adventure.
Read our full review: Fountain Square Food Tour Review
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Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour
For those seeking a more comprehensive brewing experience in Indianapolis, the Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour provides an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Priced at $599 for up to 14 passengers, this 6-hour tour is available from June 2023 through February 2026, operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. Guests will embark on an air-conditioned journey, enjoying bottled water and gratuities, with the freedom to make purchases at the featured stops.
The tour departs from and returns to the iconic Monument Circle, allowing for convenient pickups around Indianapolis. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals. Infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate in this private group experience.
With a 5.0-star rating from 3 reviews, the Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour promises an immersive and memorable exploration of Indianapolis’ thriving craft beer scene.
Read our full review: Top Shelf 14-Passenger Brewery Tour Review
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Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour
The Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour offers a captivating exploration of Indianapolis’ vibrant wine scene. Priced at $599 for up to 14 guests, this air-conditioned tour provides a hassle-free way to visit top local wineries.
With a 5.0 rating from Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour boasts rave reviews from previous participants. The tour departs from Monument Circle, with the option to customize pickup locations across Indianapolis.
Along the way, guests will enjoy complimentary bottled water and gratuity, ensuring a seamless experience. The tour concludes at the iconic Soldiers & Sailors Monument, making it easy for guests to continue their Indianapolis adventures.
Flexible scheduling, with operating hours from June 2023 to December 2025, allows travelers to conveniently fit the tour into their itinerary. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
With a private tour format, guests can expect an intimate and personalized winery exploration.
Read our full review: Top Shelf 14-Passenger Winery Tour Review
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Indy Walking Tours
Indy Walking Tours offers guided walking excursions that showcase the captivating history, architecture, and local insights of Indianapolis.
With an impressive 4.9-star rating from 38 reviews and 97% of travelers recommending the tour, it’s a must-do activity for visitors. Priced at $55 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tours accommodate up to 20 guests and provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The guided walks depart from the Taco Bell Cantina, where participants look for the tour guide in an orange jacket and hat.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tours are suitable for most travelers and conveniently located near public transportation. During the experience, guests enjoy breaks, such as a bathroom and beverage stop at Tavern on the Point, as the knowledgeable and personable guides share their passion for the city.
Positive reviews highlight the informative and engaging nature of the tours, making them an excellent choice for those interested in Indianapolis’ history without a sports or alcohol focus.
Read our full review: Indy Walking Tours Review
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Recap
Indianapolis offers a diverse range of tours, from ghostly haunts to culinary adventures. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history and vibrant neighborhoods. Whether one’s interest lies in the paranormal, food, or drinks, there’s a tour to suit any taste. These guided experiences provide an engaging and insightful way to discover the best of what Indianapolis has to offer.