On Memorial Day Weekend 2025, about 350,000 racing fans attended the Indy 500. As Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles revealed to ESPN, that comes out to nearly 1 in every 1,000 people who live in the U.S., making it one of the world's largest organized events. The Speedway is also the largest racing track in the country, just a short drive from one of the biggest malls in the state. You don't have to be there for the big race to enjoy the venue, or the suburb of Speedway, Indiana, which
has it's own eclectic, race-themed Main Street.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway only has races from May to October, but the museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Tours of the track are also available with open Golf Cart Tours from March to October and closed bus tours throughout the year. On the narrated lap around the track, you can even choose an experience that allows you to "kiss the bricks," a tradition that started with NASCAR winners Dale Jarrett and Todd Parrott in 1996. ADA buses are available for tours, and the museum is also wheelchair accessible, with ramps everywhere and a large elevator that goes between the three floors.
As interesting as the tour is, the Indianapolis Speedway Museum itself is a must-visit. You'll find an enormous amount to see after a $60 million renovation, including the history of the speedway and displays of uniforms and cars of drivers going back to the first race there in 1909. Among the other exhibits to see is the tribute to the four-time winners (A.J. Foyt, Al Unser, Rick Mears, and Helio Castroneves) and the interactive area where you can do a virtual drive of a race car or have a chance to change a tire during a race.
Read more: The Best Vacation Destinations Where The US Dollar Goes Furthest
What To See And Do In Speedway, Indiana
The eclectic town of Speedway, Indiana, is more than the racetrack that bears its name. It is 4.5 square miles and home to more than 13,000 residents. The city has 25 acres devoted to public parks with baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and trails, but the center of Speedway is Main Street, which is just around the corner from the racetrack.
A sign at the beginning of Main Street reads, "Welcome to Speedway." You'll find some hints of the town's origins as you walk through, such as Three Sisters & A Trunk, a store that sells checkered clothing; Santa's Pitstop, which combines Christmas and racing paraphernalia; and Speedway Indoor Karting, where you can take your turn go-karting or bowling. You'll also find a selection of spots to eat. Charlie Browns Pancake and Steak House is a favorite among locals, but you can't go wrong with Tacos & Tequila Mexican Restaurant or a Reuben at O'Reilly's Irish Pub — especially if it's topped off with a stop at Fundae's for ice cream (you can even bring your furry friend for a pup cup).
Speedway, Indiana, is less than 5 miles from Downtown Indianapolis and about 20 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport. Consider staying in the capital, where there are many more varied hotel options, including the Crowne Plaza Union Station train cars. Sports lovers will have opportunities to see the Indiana Pacers, Colts, or Fever teams play downtown. Or, for something artsy, check out Indianapolis' hidden sanctuary for art and music. However, if you want to go to the Indy 500, you better plan long in advance, as tickets may sell out.
Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets.
Read the original article on Islands.
