Recently, I got to visit a unique gem in Indianapolis, Indiana: the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. On my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee), I shared about my recent visit to Indianapolis, Indiana (see last year’s here) to visit my fellow influencer bestie Lindsay! Lindsay is an Indianapolis native and has been an incredible tour guide for me when visiting Indiana’s State Capitol and Chicago, too, since she frequents there often. However, even Lindsay was in for a surprise when we climbed (or took the elevator!) ALLLLLL to the top.
For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.
About:
The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis literally in the center of its well-known Monument Circle. Originally built to honor Indiana’s Civil War Veterans with its construction starting in 1888 and opening on May 15, 1902, now the Soldiers and Sailors Monument honors all of Indiana’s Veterans who served prior to World War 1, including the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812. The Soldiers & Sailors Monument is well-known for its 360-degree view of downtown Indianapolis via its observation deck 275 feet up. See more information on planning your visit here.
The best part about the Soldiers & Sailors Monument?!?!? It has FREE admission to all guests during its hours of operation which are “from dawn to dusk”, as listed on the Indiana War Memorials Foundation’s website. I truly admire how accessible this monument is to all who come to visit, just like other fellow monuments in the United States such as the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. To find the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, its address is: 1 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Upon admission inside, which is spectacular on the outside, too (!!!!!), you have the option to either climb to the top or take the elevator to the top to reach the observation deck. Lindsay and I ended up climbing up about half of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument *before* we climbed back down and took the elevator up the rest of it – LOL! However, we were in for a TREAT when we reached the observation deck (!!!). We were able to see MUCH of the Indianapolis skyline (and beyond!), including the Indiana State Capitol, the stadium where the Indianapolis Colts play, and the well-known Salesforce Tower. I had a GREAT time getting to see Indianapolis literally from up in the sky!
Accessibility Note:
To reach the top of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument to the observation deck, one must climb a few flights of narrow and twisty stairs even if you take the elevator up most of the way, which may not be the most accessible to all. There are railings on each side of the stairs. The elevator is also pretty narrow and can fit up to four people in it at a time, which may be nerve-wracking for some people.
Wrap-Up:
I truly enjoyed getting to visit the this monument and getting in a half a tower climb in while at it. Lindsay and I had never experienced something neat and free like the Soldiers & Sailors Monument before and it was a REAL treat! While this monument is fun to visit and explore Indianapolis in a unique way like never before (and free to do so!!), it is also important to remember who it honors: our pre-World War 1 Veterans.
XOXO – Katie <3
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