WHITE RIVER STATE PARK AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS

I had later found out that you can purchase a pass to see six attractions at the White River State Park. It includes the Indiana State Museum, the IMAX theatre at the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, Victory Field - home to the Indianapolis Indians, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the NCAA Hall of Champions. Adult price is $42.

The only place I hadn't visited was Victory Field. I had to take in the NCAA Hall of Champions as I heard that there was a large exhibit devoted to women's sports. Women in Athletics Historic Timeline is on their main floor showcasing women dated back to the 1800's and the adversity they overcame. This place is just fab for anyone interested in just about any sport. There are loads of interactive exhibits that include allowing you to virtually shoot hoops and kick a soccer ball. Check out how it feel to ski, test your knowledge or do some research. The NCAA Hall of Champions is not just about Indiana and I believe that I saw a statue of a player wearing a New York Sharks jacket.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art just about abuts the Indiana State Museum. It gave me a lesson or two on both the history and art of American Indians. There are three levels with both permanent and temporary exhibits and collections.

Not part of the package deal but still worth experiencing are the Rhythm Discovery Center, Indianapolis Children's Museum and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Rhythm Discovery Center is located just below the Arts Garden in downtown Indy. It's all about percussion instruments. Along with being able to test out a few, there are two rooms for you to play in. One has a set of drums and the other has an xylophone. Close the door and just go to it! The Arts Garden is a great indoor spot that bridges across giving you a great view of downtown Indy and local art as well.

I believe that the Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the largest children's museum in the country. It sure seemed that way. The museum has enough floors and space to give a workout to just walking around.

If you love art then the Indianapolis Museum of Art has to be put on your itinerary. I personally, am not an "art" person. I visit by going into a room, looking around, glancing the art work and then move on to another room. But that's me.

INDY DAY2, PART 1 IT'S A LONG DAY

How best to tour White Water State Park than with Executive Director Bob Whitt and on segway. The Segway Hut is located just near the parking, along side of the Dr. Frank P. Lloyd, Sr. Visitors Center...how convenient. Although the park is 250 acres of urban greenspace we did not tour all.

The most prominent are the cluster of museums and abutting Indy Zoo, which I later visited all. There are also two outdoor entertainment spaces. One is called the Celebration Plaza and Amphitheater. The other is The Governor's Lawn where major concerts are held. No events were scheduled during my visit. I guess I'll have to return to Indy. I absolutely loved the segway and it becomes easier each time I ride one. You can get lots of info on the park by going to www.inwhiteriver.wrsp.in.gov.

One of the attractions is the Indiana State Museum, where the IMAX theatre is located. I saw one of the best movies called Born To Be Wild and in 3D to boot! It is about orphaned baby elephants and orangutans being brought to areas to grow up and go back into the wild.

Time for lunch and just right there at the Tea Room. Had to indulge in the Velvet Chicken Soup, a salad and tea, of course as we spoke with Kathy Moore. Aside from Indianapolis tourism there is one devoted to downtown Indy as well.

I took a quick tour of the museum to see one entranceway exhibit of women from the Indy 500 and the facade of a public school that was formerly on this location.