Developer planning resort waterpark in Hamilton County
Developer Monarch Ventures LLC, which has submitted plans to build Skylake Adventure Park on 126 acres of agricultural land, expects the park to attract about 500,000 visitors per year.
Tourist Attractions
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Newfields board issues first statement since Nov. 10 announcement of CEO’s departure
The board said “there is no change in our strategy, mission and values” but it provided no additional details about Colette Pierce Burnette’s departure.
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Punk Rock Night founder envisions museum for the fast and loud
A storefront near the Melody Inn is to become home to Punk Rock Night Foundation and a sizable stash of band memorabilia.
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Zoo announcing $53M campaign to fund chimp exhibit, welcome center and more
Already, the zoo has raised 60%, or $31.8 million, of its goal, with gifts from several institutions, including the Lilly Endowment.
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New CEO says Newfields has a role to play in cultural renaissance
Colette Pierce Burnette sees her hiring as the new president and CEO of Newfields as an example of the difference between equality and the more modern progress toward equity, or the practice of providing fair access and opportunities.
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Articles
State tourism agency adds workforce needs to its goals for promoting Indiana
The agency tasked with this growing responsibility is the Indiana Destination Development Corp., a quasi-government entity formed in 2019—in the mold of the Indiana Economic Development Corp.—to replace the Office of Tourism Development.
Updated Eiteljorg galleries reframe the context of Native art
The $6 million upgrade of the Eiteljorg’ second floor exhibition space focuses on themes of Relation, Continuation and Innovation.
IBJ Podcast: Children’s Museum CEO talks dinos, COVID and the price of admission
CEO Jennifer Pace Robinson, who took on the museum’s top job about a year ago, talks with Mason King about the importance of the exhibit, the logistics of hanging all those bones, and what makes the experience different than visitors might find at other museums.
Dispute troubles Greenfield museum honoring Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley
Greenfield city officials argue that a local not-for-profit group can’t provide proof of ownership for much of the collection of writings, furniture, paintings and other items stored at the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum.
Fan Central is hub for those looking for ‘unique vibe,’ shelter from cold
The convention center is home to Playoff Fan Central—a free event featuring obstacle courses, photo opportunities, a store, food and drink and various other activities.
Editorial: Give Irsay museum a serious look
Whatever the approach, it will take the cooperation of city leaders, the philanthropic community, developers and Irsay to come up with a proposal that accomplishes the Colts’ owner’s primary goal and is beneficial to the city and its taxpayers.
The outdoor activities you must do in Indianapolis
If you’re looking for some of Indy’s best outdoor activities, which are great for social distancing if you’re still waiting for your vaccine, we’ve got you covered.
In town for the tourney? Here are the attractions you should check out
Indianapolis is home to several must-do attractions, including special restaurants, the Speedway, several museums and more. Here’s a list of attractions the IBJ staff recommends checking out.
IMS Museum selling dozens of vehicles to help upgrade collection
The basement of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is jam-packed with hundreds of vehicles that never go on display. Some of those cars are going on the auction block.
Casino in Terre Haute will feature outdoor ‘smoking patio’ with slots
The Rocksino—a partnership between Hard Rock Casino and Terre Haute development firm Spectacle Jack LLC—will be the first in the state to have a smoke-free interior. Casinos are an exception to the state’s smoking ban.
Q&A: Digging for dinosaur fossils
Jenn Anné, lead paleontologist and manager of the Natural Science Collections at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, recently returned from Wyoming where she and her team dug for fossils to bring back to the museum. The trip garnered more than two tons of findings.
Vonnegut Museum shifts gears on Bluebeard-managed cafe plans
Fletcher Place restaurant Bluebeard, which was the museum’s original choice of cafe operator, says it can’t tackle the project right now because of uncertainty around the pandemic.
Indy-area museums, attractions will restart in phases—often with members-only events first
Though the city will allow museums and cultural institutions to operate at 50% occupancy starting June 19, many are planning to wait a few days or test the waters with a select group of members.
New Noblesville mayor makes push to restore Hobbs Station, 10-acre railyard
A planned $1.5 million investment in Noblesville’s historic railyard is designed to draw visitors into downtown, but it also might put the city’s rocky relationship with rail back on track.
Museums, performance venues expect to withstand closures
Facing millions of dollars in lost revenue from the COVID-19 outbreak, major arts and cultural attractions throughout Indianapolis are slashing budgets, cutting staff and dipping into reserves or endowments to make ends meet.
Children’s Museum prepares to invest millions on new programs, exhibits, upgrades
Three temporary exhibits will open this year, and a handful of existing spaces will receive substantial upgrades—including the popular Dinosphere space.
Brown County State Park, lodge to stay closed through Sunday
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says Brown County State Park and its Abe Martin Lodge will remain closed because of a lack of a potable water supply caused by recent heavy rainfall.
UPDATE: Vonnegut museum tops fundraising goal for new building
The museum, which is currently homeless, signed a purchase agreement in February for a building at 543 Indiana Ave. It needed to raise $1.5 million to buy and rehab the building, and it passed that goal with hours to spare Wednesday.
Conner Prairie reports second-highest attendance in its history
Museum officials announced the latest attendance mark Thursday in a public meeting that unveiled the newly renovated Chinese House and the brand new Bluffs at Conner Prairie event venue.