As one of the largest cities along the entire Historic National Road and in the nation, byway travelers will find themselves able to park the car at Monument Circle and walk the thriving downtown area of Indianapolis.  From the canal in White River State Park, to shops and restaurants along Washington Street (the Historic National Road), a visit to the Artsgarden's glass dome just above the byway and a museum and theater, one may enjoy the urban life along the nation's oldest interstate highway.  Even just a short drive east will bring a visitor to Irvington, a Preserve America Community of winding residential streets of impressive architecture with a unique commercial corridor on the Road, and home to the Bona Thompson Center.  Readers of "Devil in the White City" may recall the haunting scene that took place in Irvington.

Irvington Historic District, Indianapolis
Named for the 19th Century writer Washington Irving and founded in 1870, Irvington is a quaint little village of winding streets on Indianapolis’ east side. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, it is the largest historic district on the Historic National Road in Indiana. Today the area is filled with beautifully preserved homes and several unique shops.
Irvington Historical Society 5350 University Ave, Indianapolis Hours: Sun 2-4, Tues 9-11 am, Wed 1-3 pm and by appt. 317.353.BONA. www.historicirvington.com

Bona Thompson Memorial Center, Indianapolis
You’ll find this beautifully restored 1903 landmark just a few blocks south of the Historic National Road in Irvington. Originally constructed as the library for Butler University, which was located in Irvington from 1875–1928, it is now a cultural center featuring fine art exhibits from Hoosier artists. Although the university has been gone for more than 70 years, its impact on the area can still be felt today as reflected by the Bona Thompson Memorial Center.
Irvington Historical Society 5350 University Ave, Indianapolis Hours: Sun 2-4, Tues 9-11 am, Wed 1-3 pm and by appt. 317.353.BONA. www.historicirvington.com

Washington Street–Monument Circle Historic District, Indianapolis
Encompassing the central portion of Indianapolis’ original Mile Square plat, the Washington Street–Monument Circle Historic District is the very heart of the city. Even before the National Road reached Indianapolis, Washington Street was planned as the town’s “main street.” So when surveyors reached the city in 1827, it was only natural that they use Washington Street for the road through Indianapolis. By 1834 with the road extending across the state, Indianapolis and Washington Street were thriving. Today, the Washington Street–Monument Circle Historic District is still thriving with a multitude of cultural and historical attractions, restaurants and shopping.

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Indianapolis
Located one block north of the Historic National Road on Meridian Street, this limestone memorial was built in 1902 as a tribute to armed services personnel who died in the Civil War. At 284 feet, it is a mere 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty. Today, visitors to the monument can explore the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War museum or climb the 330 steps to the monument’s observation deck for a panoramic view of Indianapolis from Victory’s perspective (the 38-foot bronze statue that adorns the top of the monument).
Monument Circle, Indianapolis 317.631.6735 www-lib.iupui.edu/kade/soldiers.html

Indiana State Capitol Building, Indianapolis
Located on the Historic National Road in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State House was completed in 1888 at a cost of just under $2 million. In 1998, for its one hundred year anniversary, the building underwent a complete restoration. For more than 115 years the State House has served as the seat of state government. In 1916 the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a fountain and marker memorializing the road. The marker still sits on the south lawn of the State House facing Washington Street (the Historic National Road). Tours are available showcasing the building and the important events that occurred here.
www.indygov.org/home.htm www.enjoyindiana.com

White River State Park, Indianapolis
This spectacular 250-acre park stretches around the White River in downtown Indianapolis. Although the park was not created until 1979, several historic landmarks can be found on its grounds including the old Washington Street bridge, an 844-foot concrete arched span. Built in 1916, it was the second bridge constructed on the National Road across the White River, replacing the original covered bridge that was built in the 1840s. The bridge has been restored as a beautiful pedestrian walkway. Other attractions in the park include the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, the Indiana State Museum and IMAX Theater, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art, Victory Field and the NCAA Hall of Champions.
www.in.gov/whiteriver/index.html