Indianapolis – The Crossroads of America

It had been quite some time since I was last sent on the road for work, so it was crossing my mind to fly in a couple days early to check Indianapolis out.  If you've never been, then Indianapolis is literally located right in the heart of America.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

It’s your typical Midwest American city – one that had previously thrived on the yesteryears of the Manufacturing boom only to have bottomed out and try to find itself again.  Pittsburgh is a classic example, but I digress.  Here are five quick facts about Indianapolis if you plan to visit.

(1.)   It has a thriving Sports scene.

Indianapolis is world renowned for its annual Indy 500 race every Memorial Day Weekend, but did you know that it also has two professional sports teams (Indianapolis Colts and the Indianapolis Pacers), hosted several significant sports events (Super Bowl XLVI, 2002 FIBA World Basketball), and is home to the NCAA – America’s top Collegiate sports governing body?

Al Unser's 1972 Parnelli Indy Car

In addition to this, Indianapolis has a thriving cycling and soap box derby community.  The Monon Trail allows for many locals and tourists to run, cycle or walk along a former train track that goes right through the heart of the city.

(2.)   International Art & Culture play a big part in the local economy.

More than 150 international and cultural associations can be found in this Midwestern city as surprising as it may seem.  Throughout the course of the year, visitors can expect such exciting events as Irish Fest, the Chinese Festival, Oktoberfest, Fiesta, and the annual International Violin Competition, which attracts over 165 applications from 32 countries.

Even former Pop Stars tour Indianapolis!

Furthermore, if you fancy the local food markets, then check out the International Marketplace on the west end where more than 70 languages are spoken and the variety of ethnic restaurants and grocery stores are plentiful!

(3.)  It’s the “Education Capital of America.”

With more than 40+ Colleges and Universities located across Indiana, Indianapolis is one of the largest Colleges towns within the country.  Calling it the “Education Capital of America” might be over exaggerating a little I admit, but with over 20,000 foreign students attending Indiana’s Higher Education institutions, and with over 200 languages being spoke across the Indianapolis Public School District, it is safe to say the Indy is one of the fastest growing Education markets in America.

Hostel Indy 

(4.)   #1 Place in America for Foreign Business Investment

Indiana currently ranks #1 in North America for attracting production jobs through foreign direct investment.  It has more than 500 foreign companies representing 36 different countries, such as Bayer (Germany), Rolls Royce (Great Britain), and Roche Diagnostics (Switzerland).

Flying to Indy via Chicago's O'Hare International Airport

Locally-based Eli Lilly & Co. employees more than 20,000 employees worldwide and more than 50% of locally-based Dow AgroScience’s revenue comes from outside the United States.

(5.)  Indianapolis has 8 Sister Cities.

As with every major city in the world, Indianapolis has its fair share of “Sister Cities” to cross-promote cultural understanding and tourism.  As of October 2015, Indianapolis has 8 Sister Cities:  Taipei (Taiwan), Cologne (Germany), Piran (Slovenia), Hangzhou (China), Campinas (Brazil), Northamptonshire County (United Kingdom), and Hyderabad (India).

Downtown Indianapolis

As I sit here at my hotel desk reflecting on my past few days here in Indianapolis, I must say that I am more impressed than I thought I would be about this city and by the people that I have met here.  It is super clean, super friendly, and revitalization of Indy has been taking off a lot in the past 10 years from what I have been hearing talking with the locals.  But, I will save those stories later for another day as I must get ready to head back home soon.