Visit Indy reports sixth straight year of rising visitor spending
The number of tourism and hospitality jobs in Indianapolis also grew—from 77,800 in 2015 to 80,600 in 2016, according to the report.
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Articles
Madame Walker Theatre to get $15M renovation, operational help
An initiative involving Indiana University and the Lilly Endowment is set to provide a $15 million renovation to the historic Madame Walker Theatre Center while ensuring the historic landmark’s viability into the future.
Noblesville ends lease agreement with Indiana Transportation Museum
The Noblesville Parks and Recreation Board voted Wednesday to not renew its lease with the museum, ending a strained relationship after years of feuding.
Report shows state tourism has increasing economic impact
A report released Monday by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development says travel, tourism and hospitality generated a record $2.9 billion in taxes in 2016, up 5.6 percent from 2015.
Train museum revives Polar Bear Express on different set of tracks
The Noblesville-based Indiana Transportation Museum recently lost a court battle that would have allowed it to revive the annual Polar Bear Express from Fishers to Indianapolis. But the museum has found a new route for the holiday excursion.
Kentucky businessman puts Indiana amusement park idea on hold
A businessman who proposed building an amusement park in Indiana featuring an aquarium, a water park and a dinosaur museum has put that project on hold.
Former Conner Prairie exec set to raise profile of Indiana State Museum
Cathy Ferree is trying to usher in an era of change for the Indiana State Museum that will include new permanent exhibits, increased marketing and perhaps most importantly, new programming at the museum meant to increase attendance through repeat visitors.
Northern Hamilton County hopes to cash in on tourism with new train excursions
Trains might be permanently stalled on the Nickel Plate Railroad in southern Hamilton County, but officials in the northern communities are embracing the idea of getting passenger trains moving.
Kroger to replace Marsh as title sponsor for Symphony on the Prairie
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra has quickly found a new title sponsor for its Symphony on the Prairie summer concert series after Marsh Supermarkets ended its 35-year run.
Competing interests debate future of Nickel Plate Railroad
The fate of the historic Nickel Plate Railroad could be decided this summer—but there’s no consensus on what the corridor should look like or on the impact or costs of projects.
Flooding from rains prompts closure of Indianapolis monument
Days of heavy rainfall have forced the temporary closure of downtown Indianapolis’ historic Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
Check out what’s new in attractions across Indiana
A mascot museum, a hydroplane race and new sections of an existing southern Indiana cave are among the newest adventures awaiting tourists.
Longtime Lucas Oil Stadium director departing for speedway
Mike Fox, who spent 33 years as stadium director at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Hoosier Dome, will now oversee facility operations at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Group business has historic French Lick Resort on a roll
At a time when revenue from its work horse—a casino that opened in late 2006—remains unpredictable, French Lick Resort is rolling the dice on a new strategy: one built on pursuing group sales to increase bookings at the resort and build exposure that will bring guests back for leisure visits. It’s already paying dividends.
Fair train likely to be idle again; new operator sought
An agency that oversees the Indiana State Fair train is looking for a new partner to operate the 37-mile route.
Hamilton County sees jump in visitor spending
Visitors spent nearly $681 million in the county in 2015, with most of the dollars used for food and beverages. That’s a 12 percent boost over 2014, nearly double the increase for the overall metro area.
UPDATE: Indiana State Museum announces $17.8M renovation project
The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites plans to pump more than $10 million into the Indianapolis museum in White River State Park and more than $7 million into 11 historic sites it manages around the state.
Cash-strapped Indiana zoo could lose nearly half its animals
The national association that accredits zoos and aquariums has given Mesker Park Zoo one year to fix maintenance concerns. Mesker Park is only one of four accredited zoos in Indiana.
Aviation event hoping to make a comeback
Organizers involved with the popular Indianapolis Air Show, which ended a 16-year run in 2012, are returning this year with a remodeled event called the Indy Air Expo, set for Sept. 17-18.
Indiana State Fair attendance sinks almost 20 percent
This year’s attendance was hampered by excessive heat and nine days of precipitation that brought more than 4 inches of rain, officials said. Sunday, however, brought a record final-day crowd.