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Top 24 Hotels Near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
4790 West 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West - Speedway
At Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West - Speedway, being a simple drive from Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a core element that allows for a more dynamic daily schedule.
In Courtyard arrivals, infused water stations beside reception offer small courtesies that refresh guests and reinforce attentiveness. Guest rooms supply blackout drapes, pillow menus, and plush mattresses, creating restful conditions for reliable nightly comfort. Guests at the indoor pool encounter loungers, towels, and calm lighting, reliable details that create spaces for relaxation and recharge.
With 24/7 markets, fitness centers, pet-friendly policies, and breakfast, guests find practical amenities that simplify extended stays.
Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis West Speedway
The hotel's location is on a direct route to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is an easy drive away, allowing for a stress-free journey.
Hampton Inn receptions with sofa clusters give families intuitive regrouping points, allowing them to pause comfortably on arrival. Guest rooms provide sofa beds, televisions, and comfortable chairs, giving families shared spaces for evening relaxation and downtime. Indoor pools with spa tubs, towel service, and lounge chairs offer restorative spaces, helping guests recharge during busy travel days.
Complimentary internet, breakfast buffets, indoor pools, Pavilion Pantry markets, and business facilities give guests practical routines.
Wingate by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport-Rockville Rd.
Because Wingate by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport-Rockville Rd. Is a straightforward drive from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, guests can utilize a moment of quiet before their event.
Lobby seating areas at Wingate by Wyndham balance lounge chairs and communal tables, offering guests versatile arrival spaces. Guest rooms emphasize microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee stations, providing guests with consistent access to everyday essentials. Meeting spaces featuring breakout areas, AV systems, and movable tables offer professional travelers flexible setups for gatherings.
Complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking join with fitness facilities and laundry, ensuring convenience across all property stays.
Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Downtown Medical District by IHG
Reaching Indianapolis Motor Speedway from Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Downtown Medical District by IHG is a quick drive, a quality that enhances the overall guest experience with simplicity.
At check-in, Candlewood Suites clusters small tables and outlet seats, supporting plan checks while room details finalize at the desk. Every suite positions USB and standard outlets at desk and bedside, reducing adapter hunts and keeping multiple devices powered overnight. Lending Locker shelves organize borrowable appliances and tools with simple sign-out, so cooking, repairs, and extras happen without purchases.
With a 24/7 market, utensil sets, and microwaves plus Wi-Fi and seating, late arrivals still assemble warm meals in minutes.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
In Indianapolis, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport's location a short drive from Indianapolis Motor Speedway serves as a key asset for visitors who value efficiency.
Microtel posts 24/7 front desk coverage across many sites, smoothing late arrivals and resolving questions as itineraries lock into place. Every guest room places USB outlets by the bed with an HDTV and Wi-Fi, so charging and streaming stay easy during downtime between activities. Courtyard patios cluster chairs and planters in quiet corners, helping energy rebound gently between outings without leaving the hotel.
With Wi-Fi, breakfast, guest laundry, and a fitness room, both work trips and weekends maintain balance without cross-town stops.
Motel 6 Indianapolis IN - Airport
In Indianapolis, Motel 6 Indianapolis IN - Airport's location an easy drive from Indianapolis Motor Speedway lets guests move easily before their stay begins.
With 24-hour coverage, Motel 6 provides reliable late-night orientation, ensuring guests are never stranded without staff support. Guest rooms keep bathroom layouts consistent with showers or tubs, providing predictable hygiene conditions across different properties. Outdoor pools at many locations include loungers and clear depth markings, giving travelers simple relaxation or light exercise close to rooms.
Between accessible features, free coffee, vending, and Wi-Fi, amenities make daily routines smoother while keeping stays inclusive.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Indianapolis W- Airport Area by IHG
A key time-saving feature of Holiday Inn Express and Suites Indianapolis W- Airport Area by IHG in Indianapolis is the easy drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, leaving more room in the schedule for other activities.
Holiday Inn Express offers complimentary breakfast stations beside the lobby, providing day-start clarity with dependable predictability. Each guest room highlights branded bath amenities, soft towels, and showers, ensuring daily refreshment with predictable comfort. Meeting spaces arranged with breakout areas, projection screens, and flexible seating layouts give groups dependable support.
Complimentary breakfast, pet accommodations, and Wi-Fi combine with laundry and parking, keeping family travel smooth and simple.
Sleep Inn & Suites and Conference Center Downtown
The hotel's location is on a direct route to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is an easy drive away, allowing for a stress-free journey.
With an efficient desk setup and simple queue lanes, Sleep Inn keeps peak-time lines orderly, so the first minutes on property feel smooth. Each suite supplies a sofa seating area, a microwave, mini-fridge and a clear desk surface for planning or casual meetings. Club lounges offer quiet seating, beverage stations and light bites that let guests work or unwind with a sense of privacy and calm.
With free Wi-Fi, a hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, a fitness center, meeting rooms and laundry, both leisure and work stay covered.
Quality Suites
The quick drive from Quality Suites to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis keeps the connection between the two uncomplicated and fast.
Quality Suites often highlights compact front-desk setups, parking close to entry points, and vending machines to support quick check-in. Guest rooms often include hardwood finishes, rainfall showers, and tasteful décor, creating a setting that balances comfort and style. Facilities typically include compact business centers, vending access, and laundry rooms that offer functional spaces for routines.
Guests may encounter Wi-Fi, modest breakfast, guest laundry, and parking, reflecting the functional style of budget accommodations.
Travelodge by Wyndham Indianapolis Speedway
The journey from Travelodge by Wyndham Indianapolis Speedway to Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a simple drive, a perk that contributes to an effortless visit.
Communal seating areas in Travelodge lobbies offer versatile spaces for conversation, regrouping, or casual planning between guests. Guest rooms feature branded bath amenities, showers, and towels, giving guests clarity and consistency across daily personal routines. Breakfast areas with cereals, hot dishes, and coffee service provide clarity and predictability, helping travelers start mornings easily.
Pet-friendly rooms, complimentary breakfast, and Wi-Fi pair with parking and laundry, simplifying family travel with daily clarity.
Royal Inn
Guests at Royal Inn can rely on the short drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to set a relaxed and convenient tone for their stay.
At Royal Inn, arrivals may present straightforward reception, basic lobby seating, and nearby parking aimed at travel consistency. Accommodations may feature plush bedding, modest seating, and climate control, helping ensure rest and comfort during overnight stays. Shared spaces may present breakfast areas, vending machines, and modest lobbies that emphasize reliable convenience for travelers.
A stay often includes Wi-Fi, vending corners, laundry facilities, and breakfast areas, helping maintain practical clarity each day.
Studio 6 Indianapolis IN
The brief drive from Studio 6 Indianapolis IN to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis means guests a simple and reliable way to get to their destination.
Studio 6 posts clear arrival details at the desk, aligning expectations for check-in windows and removing surprises during busy periods. Each guest room includes flat-screen TVs with cable channels and Wi-Fi access, keeping travelers entertained and connected consistently. Pools at select properties include shallow sections and rails, making recreation accessible to families and guests of varying comfort levels.
From pet-friendly rooms and vending to Wi-Fi and parking, properties combine flexibility, refreshment, and logistics consistently.
Baymont by Wyndham Indianapolis West
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an easy drive from Baymont by Wyndham Indianapolis West, a layout that ensures travel plans are always straightforward.
Baymont aligns elevators, maps, and the desk across a short route, helping orientation land quickly for newcomers at busy times. Every guest room includes a microwave and coffee maker together, enabling warm snacks and early starts without leaving the floor. The lobby aligns desk, maps, and elevator ranges across a short route, shrinking first-walk learning curves during peak arrivals.
From guest laundry and vending to Wi-Fi, lounge chairs, and outlets, refreshes and refuel moments fit into a single roundtrip.
Executive Inn
A defining quality of the Executive Inn experience in Indianapolis is having Indianapolis Motor Speedway within easy reach, which adds reliability to logistics.
Guests at Executive Inn may encounter efficient desk service, vending access, and on-site parking that emphasize predictable arrivals. Rooms typically highlight compact layouts, premium bedding, and coffee stations, maintaining balance and convenience across guest visits. Public areas often include vending access, compact breakfast corners, and laundry facilities that maintain consistency for guest needs.
Accommodations may provide Wi-Fi, modest breakfast, vending access, and laundry rooms, sustaining straightforward travel routines daily.
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
In Indianapolis, Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI boasts a easy-to-navigate location to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, letting guests connect with the area before their stay begins.
Community tables throughout Hampton Inn lobbies support connection, helping colleagues or companions coordinate travel plans together. Each suite includes rainfall showers, premium toiletries, and soft towels, letting guests refresh comfortably after a day of activities. Lobby markets with snacks, beverages, and travel essentials reduce small stresses, ensuring travelers can handle daily needs easily.
Fitness studios, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, outdoor pools, and laundry services support everyday balance for both leisure and business.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
The benefit of a simple drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway renders Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI into a great anchor point before the main on-site experience begins.
Lobby coffee stations at Homewood Suites ensure travelers have a reliable detail to reset quickly and begin their visit with comfort and ease. Guest rooms feature ergonomic desks, Wi-Fi, and task lighting, allowing professionals to stay productive while traveling for work. An outdoor grill area with picnic seating and shaded tables offers guests flexibility to prepare meals and dine in a casual setting.
An indoor pool, fitness center, breakfast buffet, and Suite Shop® create variety and balance, covering essentials for long visits.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
This uncomplicated drive to Indianapolis Motor Speedway from SpringHill Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown lets guests to feel oriented and comfortable in the Indianapolis area.
The partnership with west elm introduces stylish furniture and accents to SpringHill Suites, shaping modern arrivals that feel fresh and inviting. Guest rooms contain branded bath amenities, bright mirrors, and tub/shower setups, letting guests maintain dependable care routines each day. The fitness room includes ellipticals, mats, and free weights, ensuring consistent wellness options that support energy and balance on the road.
Amenities include a 24/7 Market, self-parking, fitness room, and complimentary breakfast, helping guests manage routines without stress.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Guests at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown can enjoy Indianapolis Motor Speedway being within easy reach as a defining feature of a well-located stay.
At the lobby, Fairfield Inn places tall work tables and outlet banks close to reception allowing short work sessions without hunting for power. Every guest room offers Marriott bedding, blackout curtains, and adjustable climate, helping guests prepare for restful nights and refreshed days. Lobby lounges contain couches, flexible chairs, and communal tables, serving as gathering hubs where social connection feels effortless.
Amenities like fitness centers, breakfast service, indoor pools, and meeting space simplify travel and help guests remain flexible across needs.
JW Marriott Indianapolis
This convenient location means Indianapolis Motor Speedway is an easy drive from JW Marriott Indianapolis, allowing for a smooth start to the day.
JW Marriott greets travelers with turndown touches such as chocolates, gestures that reflect comfort and highlight daily reliability. Each guest room includes plush mattresses, blackout drapes, and espresso machines, providing comfort and reliable morning routines. Guests using the pool encounter cabanas, towel service, and lounge seating, finding reliable spaces for relaxation and leisure daily.
Amenities such as executive lounges, rooftop terraces, spa access, and breakfast buffets highlight luxury while supporting routines.
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
The hotel offers a well-connected position, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway an easy drive away, allowing for a flexible itinerary.
Guests entering Courtyard notice The Bistro visible from the desk, signaling convenience through food and beverage options nearby. Suites feature rainfall showers, hardwood finishes, and bright lighting, offering spa-like refreshment alongside consistent style. At the lobby lounge, modular seating, bright lighting, and community tables provide inviting hubs for conversation and casual work.
Amenities include indoor pools, valet parking, meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi, ensuring balanced routines for both business and leisure.
Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal
In Indianapolis, Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal boasts a accessible location to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, letting guests connect with the area before their stay begins.
Hydration stations paired with communal tables in Residence Inn lobbies give guests water and shared space, easing arrival flow naturally. Each suite provides sofa beds, televisions, and lounge chairs, creating flexible living spaces where families can relax comfortably together. Atrium spaces with open sightlines, sofa clusters, and community tables create orientation points that welcome and connect travelers.
Fitness centers, complimentary breakfast, indoor pools, valet parking, and internet access ensure reliable balance across guest purposes.
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol
Because Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol keeps Indianapolis Motor Speedway within easy reach, guests can choose on the travel method that best suits their needs.
Courtyard situates reception with open layouts and bold signage, helping guests orient clearly and complete check-in without confusion. Each guest room provides smart TVs, coffee makers, and ergonomic chairs, helping travelers blend comfort and productivity daily. In the meeting rooms, ergonomic chairs, AV setups, and flexible layouts allow professionals to stay productive during gatherings.
Guests benefit from Starbucks® coffee, outdoor pools, conference facilities, and free Wi-Fi, daily conveniences that remain dependable.
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
When the primary destination in Indianapolis is Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Marriott Indianapolis Downtown's location a direct run away allows the focus to remain on the visit.
Communal lounge spaces inside Marriott lobbies encourage natural social interaction, creating a bridge between arrival and relaxation. All guest rooms feature branded bath amenities, walk-in showers, and soft towels, helping travelers feel refreshed and restored. The fitness center is equipped with treadmills, weights, and fresh towels, making it easy to keep personal routines intact while traveling.
Valet parking, fitness centers, and Wi-Fi pair with breakfast service and meeting spaces, ensuring stays remain balanced and efficient.
Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Airport by IHG
For a stay that depends on reliable car travel, Candlewood Suites Indianapolis Airport by IHG offers a direct run to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, making it a solid foundation for your trip.
Candlewood Suites may display the Lending Locker® by reception, signaling borrowable appliances and tools within easy lobby reach. Each guest room features bright mirrors, good water pressure, and shelving, keeping toiletries staged and routines smooth and unhurried. Guest laundry rooms place washers, dryers, and a folding counter beside detergent vending, keeping wardrobes in rotation across longer stays.
Airport shuttle at select locations, Wi-Fi, and parking pair with the market, smoothing curb-to-room moves and last-minute grabs.
Book as a group & pay separately.
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Indianapolis Motor Speedway Local Area Guide
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is not just a race track; it is a colossal monument to speed that creates its own weather patterns and holds a permanent spot in American mythology. Known globally as "The Brickyard," this 2.5-mile oval is the largest sports venue in the world by capacity, capable of hosting over 300,000 souls on race day—more than the population of many mid-sized cities. It is the hallowed ground of the Indianapolis 500, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," where traditions like the winner drinking a bottle of milk and kissing the Yard of Bricks are observed with religious fervor. The facility has evolved significantly, now featuring a high-tech Pagoda control tower and a road course that hosts NASCAR and IMSA events. Visitors will find themselves in a venue where the scale is almost incomprehensible, the noise is visceral, and the history is palpable in every corner. This guide helps you navigate the sheer magnitude of the Speedway, from parking in the legendary "Coke Lot" to surviving the traffic on 16th Street.
Area contextNeighborhood Overview – Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Speedway, IN)
The track is the pulsating heart of Speedway, Indiana, an independent town completely surrounded by the city of Indianapolis. This unique "enclave" status means the neighborhood exists entirely because of the track, creating a community deeply intertwined with motorsports culture. The area is defined by 16th Street and Georgetown Road, which teem with vendors and fans during the month of May. The focal point of local life is Main Street in Speedway, a rapidly revitalized corridor just south of the track that features wide, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, craft breweries, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory. Access is primarily via I-465 and Crawfordsville Road, though the local gridlock on race mornings is legendary. Public transit is limited, but the track's proximity to downtown Indianapolis (about 15–20 minutes southeast) makes it accessible via shuttle or rideshare. The vibe is blue-collar and welcoming, transforming into a massive, week-long festival atmosphere during the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400.
Lodging contextWhere to Stay Near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For the most immersive experience, staying in the town of Speedway is the gold standard, though inventory is incredibly limited. The Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis West - Speedway is located directly on the corner of Crawfordsville Road and Main Street, placing you within walking distance of the track and the best local dining. If you cannot secure a room there, Downtown Indianapolis is the strategic alternative. The JW Marriott Indianapolis and the Omni Severin Hotel offer luxury accommodations connected to the city's skywalk system and are the primary hubs for race-day shuttles. For a boutique experience, the Bottleworks Hotel on Mass Ave offers a stunning Art Deco stay in a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, surrounded by the city's best nightlife. Camping is also a massive part of the culture; the "Coke Lot" (Lot 1C) offers a rowdy, party-centric atmosphere, while the glamping options inside the oval provide a quieter, high-end experience.
View nearby hotels Quick Plan EssentialsQuick-Plan Overview
- Closest airport is Indianapolis International (IND), just 15 minutes away.
- Park in the "North 40" lot for the easiest exit after the 500.
- Main Street Speedway is the walkable hub for food and entertainment.
- The IMS Museum recently reopened after a massive $61M renovation.
- Regroup at Big Woods Speedway for a "Quaff ON!" beer and pulled pork nachos.
Event Day Flow
Arrival & Pre-Event
Arrival times at IMS are unique; for the Indy 500, the "cannon" sounds at 6:00 AM, and traffic begins building well before dawn. If driving, pre-paid parking passes are essential, and you must know exactly which gate leads to your lot, as police strictly enforce traffic patterns that can force you miles out of your way. Many fans choose the "Park and Ride" shuttles from downtown or the airport to avoid the stress of driving. Security at IMS is famously fan-friendly regarding food: you are allowed to bring coolers (up to 18" x 15" x 15") with your own food and beer (no glass containers), which is a rarity in modern sports.
During the Event
The sheer size of the track means you cannot see the entire oval from a single seat; rely on the massive video boards and the PA system to track the action. The Pagoda Plaza behind the control tower is the central social hub, featuring sponsor activations, concert stages, and premium food vendors. If you are in the infield (General Admission), the "Snake Pit" in Turn 3 is a massive EDM festival that runs during the race, offering a completely different, high-energy party environment. Hydration is critical; the aluminum grandstands reflect the sun, and temperatures on the track often exceed the ambient air by 20 degrees.
Post-Event & Departure
Leaving IMS after a sellout event is an exercise in patience; expect to wait 1 to 3 hours to clear the parking lots. Local police reverse the traffic lanes on 16th Street and Georgetown Road to flow outward, so do not rely on GPS—follow the officers' hand signals. Many fans choose to stay at their cars and grill for a few hours while the traffic dissipates. If you took a shuttle, the lines to board can be long but move consistently. Rideshare pickups are usually designated at the Main Street roundabout or further east near the shopping centers, requiring a significant walk from the gates.
Things to Do Near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Walkable
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Located directly inside the oval between Turns 1 and 2, this world-class museum recently completed a comprehensive $89 million renovation that has completely transformed the visitor experience. The new layout features immersive "Qualifying Zones" and interactive exhibits that explain the engineering behind the speed, moving far beyond a static car display. Visitors can see a rotating collection of winning cars, including the very first winner, the 1911 Marmon Wasp. Track tours are also available, taking you on a lap of the famed 2.5-mile oval (at safe speeds) and stopping at the "Yard of Bricks" for a photo opportunity that is a bucket-list item for any racing fan.
4790 W 16th St · On siteDallara IndyCar Factory
Just a short walk down Main Street, this facility is the only place in the United States where the chassis for every IndyCar series team is manufactured. The interactive visitor center allows you to sit in a real race car, learn about the carbon fiber manufacturing process, and test your skills on full-motion racing simulators that replicate the forces of driving at IMS. For the ultimate thrill, they offer a "Street Legal IndyCar" ride where you can buckle into a two-seater and be driven around the town of Speedway by a professional driver, feeling the raw power of the engine on public roads.
1201 Main St · 0.8 mi5–15 Minutes Away
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Consistently ranked as the best children's museum in the country, this massive facility is just a short drive east of the track. It features five floors of interactive exhibits, including the "Dinosphere" where you can walk among real fossils, and a dedicated "Sports Legends Experience" with outdoor mini-sports fields. It is an essential stop for families visiting for the race, offering a full day of entertainment that balances the loud engine noise of the weekend. The "Power of Children" exhibit provides a deeply moving historical context that engages adults as well.
3000 N Meridian St · 5.0 miWhite River State Park
Located in downtown Indianapolis, this urban park is the cultural hub of the city and a perfect escape from the track crowds. It connects the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the NCAA Hall of Champions via scenic canal walkways. You can rent a paddleboat to navigate the canal or simply walk along the riverfront trails. It offers a green, serene environment that showcases the best of the city's urban planning and is easily accessible from the downtown hotels.
801 W Washington St · 4.5 miBeyond the Event: Downtown Indianapolis offers the iconic Monument Circle and the Mass Ave cultural district, both about 15 minutes away. For a unique sporting history detour, the Hinkle Fieldhouse (from the movie Hoosiers) is located on the Butler University campus about 20 minutes northeast.
Dining & nightlifeFood & Drink Near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Inside & Adjacent
Dawson's on Main
Located in the heart of the revitalized Main Street district, Dawson's is the quintessential local spot for drivers, team owners, and fans alike. The menu is classic American comfort food executed perfectly, featuring standout dishes like the breaded pork tenderloin and their famous horseradish-crusted sirloin. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, with racing memorabilia lining the walls without feeling like a tourist trap. It is incredibly popular during race weeks, so reservations or a willingness to wait at the bar are absolutely necessary to get a table.
1464 Main St · 0.8 miBig Woods Speedway
This expansive brewpub anchors the south end of Main Street and is famous for its outdoor beer garden and "Quaff ON!" craft beers. The menu features hearty, beer-friendly food like their signature pulled pork nachos (served on house-made chips) and artisan pizzas. The rustic, timber-frame building offers a great contrast to the industrial vibe of the track, and the patio is often packed with fans enjoying live music. It serves as a major gathering point for post-qualifying and pre-race celebrations.
1002 Main St · 0.9 miNearby Gathering Spots
Mug-n-Bun
A true Indianapolis institution, Mug-n-Bun is a classic drive-in that has been serving the west side since 1956. You park your car and turn on your headlights for service, ordering their legendary breaded pork tenderloin sandwich—a massive, crispy cutlet that hangs comically far off the bun. Pair it with their homemade root beer (served in a frosted mug) and hand-dipped onion rings for the ultimate Hoosier meal. It is a nostalgic, cash-only experience that transports you back to the golden age of American motoring.
5211 W 10th St · 1.5 miSt. Elmo Steak House
While located downtown, St. Elmo is inextricably linked to the Indy 500 experience and is a mandatory pilgrimage for visiting VIPs. Famous for its world-renowned shrimp cocktail, the dish features four jumbo shrimp smothered in a sinus-clearing, tear-inducing cocktail sauce loaded with fresh horseradish. The 1902-era steakhouse retains its original turn-of-the-century charm with dark wood and professional waiters. If you can't get a reservation, the upstairs "1933 Lounge" serves the same menu in a speakeasy atmosphere.
127 S Illinois St · 5.0 miLocal & Elevated Picks
Working Man's Friend
This legendary dive bar is often cited as having the best smash burger in the entire state of Indiana. It is a cash-only, 21-and-over establishment that has served the local factory workers and race fans for decades. The "double cheeseburger" is a masterpiece of crispy edges and melted cheese, served with no frills on a paper plate. It is the perfect antidote to the overpriced stadium food and offers a gritty, authentic slice of Indianapolis culture that few tourists find.
234 N Belmont Ave · 2.5 miUnion 50
Located in the Mass Ave district, Union 50 is a chef-driven restaurant and bar that offers a more modern, sophisticated dining experience. The menu features creative small plates, charcuterie boards, and wood-fired entrees in a sleek, industrial space. It often hosts live music and has a late-night kitchen, making it a great spot for post-race dinners. The extensive whiskey list and craft cocktails are top-tier, appealing to a more urban crowd.
620 N East St · 5.5 miLocal Tips & Year-Round Info
- You can bring your own cooler (18x15x15) with beer; no glass allowed.
- The "cannon" signals the gates opening at 6:00 AM on race day.
- Traffic patterns are strictly enforced; download your route map beforehand.
- Sunscreen is vital; the aluminum seats act as a reflector oven.
- Visit Main Street the night before the race for a massive block party.
Weather & Seasons at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Winter: The track is largely dormant from November to March. Indianapolis winters are cold and gray, with snow often covering the yard of bricks. The museum remains open, but the outdoor track tours may be weather-dependent.
- Spring (The Month of May): May is the holy month at IMS. Weather is notoriously unpredictable; you might need a parka for practice in early May and just a tank top for the 500 on Memorial Day weekend. Rain delays are a constant threat, so bringing a poncho is mandatory.
- Mid-summer: July and August are hot and humid, with highs in the 80s and 90s. The Brickyard 400 (NASCAR) takes place in this window. Hydration is a safety issue for fans sitting in the exposed grandstands.
- Fall season: September and October offer beautiful, crisp weather for the IMSA sports car races. It is arguably the most comfortable time to visit the track, with lower humidity and clear skies.
- Rain & snow: Rain stops all oval racing immediately. The track drying process can take 2 hours, so patience is key. The road course events run rain or shine (unless there is lightning), which changes the strategy for fans and drivers alike.
Venue Facts & Trip Essentials
Venue facts
- Primary events: Indy 500 / Brickyard 400.
- Neighborhood: Speedway (Enclave).
- Nearest airport: Indianapolis International (IND).
- Parking: Lot 1C (Coke Lot) / North 40.
- Walkable district: Main Street Speedway.
Trip essentials
- Groceries & supplies: Kroger (Crawfordsville Rd).
- Pharmacy: CVS (Crawfordsville Rd).
- Urgent care: IU Health Urgent Care (Speedway).
- Downtime: Dallara IndyCar Factory.
- Pro tip: Bring a cooler.

