Wheelchair Accessible Guide to Indianapolis

Indianapolis is known as the racing capital of the world, but there’s much more going on here than the Indy 500. You’ll find major museums, a huge urban state park, sports venues, monuments, and a growing food scene. It’s also a city that works well for visitors with disabilities.

Indianapolis offers multiple ways to get around and a solid mix of accessible things to do. Even better, many spots here are Accessibility Verified through Wheel the World. That means hotels, attractions, and restaurants have been assessed and mapped for accessibility, with real details you can review ahead of time to decide if they actually meet your needs.

This guide walks through it all: how to get around, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, with accessibility.

Getting Around Indianapolis

Getting around Indy is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re staying downtown. A lot of the main attractions, hotels, and restaurants are clustered together, which means fewer long transfers and less back-and-forth planning.

Public transportation is a great, affordable option to consider if you don't want or need to rent a vehicle. IndyGo operates several Bus Rapid Transit lines like the Red Line, Purple Line, and the Blue Line (still in progress). These routes connect key areas of the city and are designed with accessibility in mind, including level boarding and designated wheelchair spaces.

If you prefer door-to-door options, accessible taxis and adapted vehicle rentals are available. zTrip offers wheelchair-accessible taxi service, and companies like AutoFarm Mobility and Superior Van have adapted vehicle rental options.

Staying downtown is a convenient decision since you'll be close to it all, and you can always walk to different places or use public transport for quick rides.

Where to Stay in Indianapolis

The Bottleworks District / Mass Avenue

The Bottleworks District is built around a former Coca-Cola bottling plant that dates back to the early 1930s and was once one of the largest bottling facilities in the world. For years, the massive Art Deco building sat mostly unused. Instead of tearing it down, the city began restoring it in 2017, turning it into one of Indianapolis’s most active districts today.

Today, the Bottleworks District is one of the most active areas in Indianapolis and sits on the edge of downtown. The original bottling plant anchors the neighborhood, but it’s now surrounded by restaurants, bars, a food hall, entertainment venues, and public gathering spaces. The historic structure gives the area a distinct look, but the layout is modern and easy to move through. Everything is close together, streets are wide, and sidewalks are smooth, which makes it a practical place to stay if mobility is a concern.

Right in the middle of the district is Bottleworks Hotel, located inside the original Coca-Cola building. The hotel kept much of the building’s original design, including high ceilings and terrazzo floors, while updating the interiors for modern use.

From an accessibility standpoint, it’s a strong option. Accessible rooms include roll-in showers with grab bars and a shower seat, wide doorways, and more than 60 inches of turning space in both the bedroom and bathroom. Common areas throughout the hotel are step-free and onsite there’s a cocktail lounge for evenings and Blue Collar Coffee to get your mornings started right.

Central Downtown & White River State Park Area

Central Downtown is where many of the city’s biggest attractions are clustered, and it’s a practical area to stay if you want to limit the need for transportation. You’re close to sports venues, museums, the convention center, and the Canal Walk, and many of the sidewalks and crossings here are newer and easier to navigate.

White River State Park sits right on the edge of downtown and connects several major attractions in one place. It’s a large urban park with paved paths that lead to the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, concert venues, and museums. The Central Canal runs through this area as well, giving you a flat, scenic stretch that works well for getting between activities without needing to drive.

A strong hotel option here is InterContinental Indianapolis. It’s centrally located near Monument Circle and within easy reach of White River State Park. Accessible rooms include roll-in showers with grab bars and a shower seat, wide doorways, and plenty of turning space in both the bedroom and bathroom. Common areas are step-free, and there’s an onsite restaurant and bar if you want to keep things simple in the evening.

Top Accessible Things to Do in Indianapolis

There is no shortage of things to do and see when in Indianapolis. There are several things that have been assessed and verified, so we will highlight the top five.

Get Outside at White River State Park

White River State Park is a 250-acre urban park located just west of downtown Indianapolis. It’s one of the main hubs for attractions in the city and includes paved paths that connect several popular stops in one area.

Running through the park is the Central Canal, a flat, paved walkway that stretches about three miles. Along the canal, you’ll pass the Indianapolis Zoo, NCAA Hall of Champions, museums, concert venues, and open green spaces. The path is wide and mostly level, making it easy to move through at your own pace. You'll find accessible restrooms near several of the attractions.

Because everything is clustered together, it’s a practical place to spend a few hours without needing to hop back in the car to drive. Park once, explore the canal area, and choose how much ground you want to cover.

White River State Park is adjacent to downtown, so depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to roll in directly. If you’re driving, there are multiple parking garages and surface lots around the park and near the main attractions.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Experience Racing History at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway isn’t just another racetrack, it’s one of the most famous sports venues in the world. It opened in 1909, holds more than 250,000 people on race day, and hosts the Indianapolis 500, which is considered one of the most prestigious motorsport events globally.

The museum sits inside the Speedway and walks you through that history in a very tangible way. You’ll see original Indy 500-winning cars, historic pace cars, trophies, and exhibits that show how racing (plus safety, speed, and car design) have evolved over more than a century.

The museum is fully indoors with a step-free entrances, elevators, and all exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair. Accessible restrooms are available. They also have services or features for visual/hearing disabilities, including information in print and assistive listening devices.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Explore College Sports at the NCAA Hall of Champions

The NCAA Hall of Champions sits inside White River State Park, right along the Central Canal, which makes it an easy stop if you’re already spending time in that area. It focuses on college sports across all divisions, not just the big-name football and basketball programs.

Inside, the space is laid out as one long, open museum rather than a series of tight rooms. You’ll move through exhibits that cover the history of college athletics, championship moments, and standout athletes, with interactive displays mixed in throughout. There are areas where you can test reaction time, learn about different sports, or just take in the memorabilia and videos.

The entrance is step-free, paths are wide, and everything is on one level, so you’re not dealing with elevators or backtracking. Exhibits viewable from a wheelchair, and accessible restrooms are available onsite.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Learn the Story of Indiana at the Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Historical Society sits just north of downtown, close to the canal and White River State Park, so it’s easy to pair with other stops in that area. It’s a good indoor option if you want something slower-paced or need a break from being outside.

The museum focuses on Indiana’s history through rotating exhibits. Topics change, but you’ll usually find displays on Indiana’s role in sports, industry, music, civil rights, or everyday life. The exhibits lean visual and story-driven, with artifacts, photos, and videos rather than long walls of text.

It’s fully indoors with wide paths, step-free entrances, and elevators connecting floors. Exhibits are laid out so you can move through without tight turns or bottlenecks, and everything is viewable from a wheelchair. Accessible restrooms are available on site.

Good to know: there’s a café inside if you want a quick lunch or coffee, and seating throughout the museum if you need to take breaks.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Catch a Game at Victory Field (Indianapolis Indians)

You're in Indianapolis, right? Catching a game is a must. Victory Field is the home of the Indianapolis Indians, the city’s minor league baseball team, and it sits right along the White River near downtown. It’s a classic ballpark experience without the scale or chaos of a major league stadium.

The stadium opened in 1996 and is known for good sightlines from almost anywhere. Games are affordable, crowds are manageable, and it’s an easy way to experience Indy sports culture without committing to something massive.

From an accessibility standpoint, Victory Field is well set up. There are step-free entrances, ADA seating areas spread throughout the stadium, elevators to upper levels, and accessible restrooms. They have sensory-friendly spaces, too.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Where to Eat in Indianapolis

Indianapolis has a better food scene than people expect. You’ll find classic Midwest comfort food, steakhouses, and a growing mix of newer spots. If you’re staying downtown or near Bottleworks, most of these are easy to get to without a long trek.

Try a Local Classic at St. Elmo Steak House

If you’ve heard of one restaurant in Indy, it’s probably St. Elmo. It’s been around for over a century and is best known for its shrimp cocktail, specifically the sinus-clearing cocktail sauce that everyone warns you about (they’re not exaggerating).

Beyond the shrimp, this is a traditional steakhouse with big cuts of beef, seafood options, and classic sides. It’s a good choice if you want something iconic and don’t mind a more old-school dining room. The entrance is step-free, tables are well spaced, and restrooms are accessible.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Eat Your Way Through Options at The Garage Food Hall

Located in the Bottleworks District, The Garage is one of the easiest dining stops if you’re traveling with a group or want a variety of options. It’s a large food hall inside a renovated Coca-Cola warehouse, with everything from burgers and pizza to tacos, ramen, and desserts.

The layout is wide and open, with plenty of seating and step-free access throughout.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Grab Breakfast or Lunch at Café Patachou

Café Patachou is a local favorite for breakfast and brunch, and there are multiple locations around the city. Expect things like omelets, pancakes, avocado toast, and good coffee.

The downtown location is an easy stop if you’re near Monument Circle or heading toward White River State Park. It tends to get busy on weekends, but there's a reason for that – it's a hot spot! The seating and restrooms are accessible.

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Go Big at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

If St. Elmo feels a little too traditional, Del Frisco’s is the modern alternative. It’s still a steakhouse, but with a more contemporary feel, a big bar, and a menu that leans slightly broader with classic steaks, seafood, salads, and shareable sides.

It’s a good pick for a nicer dinner without feeling stiff. The space is large, step-free, and easy to move through, with accessible restrooms and seating options that don’t feel cramped.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Casual Food and Games at Punch Bowl Social

If you want dinner with something to do afterward, Punch Bowl Social is an easy win. It’s part restaurant, part bar, part activity space, with things like bowling, arcade games, and shuffleboard.

The menu leans casual with things like burgers, tacos, and shareables, and a range of cocktails and beers. It’s a good spot if you’re with friends or want a low-pressure night where you want to have some fun.

View more photos and accessibility details.

Annual Events You Might Like

Indianapolis does events well. If your trip lines up with one of these, it’s worth leaning into it.

Indianapolis 500 (May)

This is the big one. The Indy 500 isn’t just a race, it’s a citywide event. Race weekend brings parades, concerts, and packed restaurants, and the Speedway itself is massive. The venue offers accessible seating, parking, and restrooms, but this is something you want to plan early. Hotels book up fast, and transportation takes extra thought. If you’re even slightly interested in racing, this is the time to visit.

Indiana State Fair (Late Summer)

Held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, the State Fair is a classic Midwest fair with food, concerts, exhibits, and people-watching. The grounds are large and mostly flat, with paved paths connecting the main areas. You’ll find accessible restrooms throughout and plenty of space to move around. It’s easy to spend a full day here without feeling rushed.

Indy Pride (June)

Indy Pride takes place downtown and brings a parade, festival, music, and vendors to the city center. Events are typically held in open, paved areas with accessible routes and viewing areas. It’s a fun time to be downtown, with a lot of energy and community involvement, and nearby hotels make it easy to get back and rest when needed.

Visit Indianapolis With Peace of Mind

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