Let’s be honest: no other city in America is quite like Indianapolis. Indy has an incredible history, a welcoming small town vibe, several truly underrated places, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. In case you still need convincing, here are 11 reasons why Indianapolis is the most unique city in the country.

1. We're home to the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
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The Indy 500 is a huge all-day event, bringing in hundreds of thousands of spectators every year. Every city has football or baseball, but this sporting event is as unique as it gets.
2. You can navigate downtown without touching the ground.
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Sure, Indy may have a smaller downtown area than most cities, but with skywalks connecting hotels, our mall, the movie theater, restaurants, and more, we don't mind the size (especially in winter!)
3. Our art museum has the most whimsical gardens in the country.
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Where else can you find a concession stand and swing combination crafted from a 100 foot poplar tree? With other eclectic exhibits like the Funky Bones statue, floating aluminum rings, and the bright bench around the lake statue that seems to pop in and out of the ground throughout the park, there's no denying that we're a creative bunch.
4. We have the largest children's museum in the world.
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This massive museum covers over 472,000 square feet and sits on 29 acres of land. With year round and rotating exhibits, special events, and shows, you'll fall in love with this legendary museum, not matter your age.
5. We're home of mouthwatering tenderloin.
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This incredible, huge sandwich is an Indiana staple, with thinly pounded pork that is hand-breaded, seasoned, and fried. You'll find hundreds of incredible places to try this beloved sandwich in Indy.

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6. We have pretty awesome ruins to explore.
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Holliday Park is home to these incredible ruins, which were originally torn down from an NYC skyscraper built in 1898. They enjoy their new home in the middle of this stunning park, surrounded by gorgeous nature.
7. We have beautiful outdoor exercise options.
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Our famous Cultural Trail makes it easy to walk to shops, eateries, and downtown attractions. The trail's separate lanes also make it safer to bike or jog around the city.
8. We have duckpin bowling.
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Duckpin bowling was popularized on the east coast in the early 1900s. While you'll still find some duckpin bowling alleys on the coast, the duckpin bowling alley in the Fountain Square district of Indy is the closest one you'll find in the Midwest.
9. We have the coolest office buildings.
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The Pyramids were designed by famous architect Kevin Roche and completed in 1972. These stunning abstract buildings sit along a 25-acre lake and are easily some of the most unique structures in the world.
10. We have secrets beneath our streets.
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Few are aware that beneath the city lie catacombs that were constructed in the 1880s. These interconnected tunnels are both spooky and intriguing, and are some of the best preserved catacombs in the world.
11. We clearly live in the most beautiful city in the world.
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Our little city may not have the largest skyline or the biggest population, but with a gorgeous mix of nature and skyscrapers, you can't deny it's one of the most beautiful cities you've ever seen.

What other reasons do you think make Indianapolis the most unique city in the country? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more reasons to love Indy, check out these 10 ways our little city was nationally recognized in 2017.

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More to Explore

Food, Festivals, and Foliage. The Things That Make Indianapolis Unique

Will Suphan | October 05, 2022

Indianapolis is a beautiful Midwestern city with a lot to offer. It's also a lot more than the Indy 500. Let's explore the things you can find only in Indianapolis.

What foods is Indianapolis known for?

Every city has it's quirky and unique foods and Indianapolis is no different. When it comes to donuts, they're ahead of the curve as they may them square so they fit better into the box. While much of the Midwest is all about berry and other fruit pies, Indianapolis likes to keep it simple with a sugar cream pie. However, when it comes to popcorn, it's not just butter and salt. They have flavors like turtle, barbecue, and bacon!

What festivals should not be missed in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis isn't exactly on the charts as a foodie town, yet its food and drink festivals are something to behold. You shouldn't miss the Hendricks County Rib Fest where local chefs make their best ribs and you get to sample them. They top it off with games for the kids and fireworks at night. Greekfest will have you saying "Opa!" when you try out the delectable baklava and experience Greek culture and music. Harry Potter isn't just for kids. In fact, the Butterbeer Festival is aimed at adults. Get in your best Potteresque cosplay and try out some delicious Butterbeer as you celebrate everything Harry Potter.

What are the most beautiful nature spots in Indianapolis?

It may be a big city, but Indianapolis makes sure to set aside plenty of places for people to get into nature. Eagle Creek Park is the largest nature park you'll find in this city and the creek is more of a river. There are hiking trails all over these 3900 acres and birders love it. For truly lush, green surroundings, go to Fern Cliff Nature Preserve where mossy rocks and tall trees make for a peaceful getaway. You'll find all sorts of rare foliage at Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve as well as nine hiking trails to explore. You'll likely be greeted by a few deer.

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