Indianapolis Offers Great Attractions

There's something about a man in uniform. The silver-haired Calvary officer was quite dashing in his dark blue jacket with gold trim.

His competition for my hand came from a ruggedly handsome cowboy. His well-worn Stetson hat and deer-skin jacket had seen many adventures.

Shoot! Why grapple with decisions?

I accepted both offers and happily permitted each gentleman to lend assistance as I unceremoniously hopped aboard the stagecoach.

My adventure in the 1860s wild west was experienced at Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis.

At the Eiteljorg, visitors experience America's early years through the eyes of Native Americans and cowboys. Along with climbing aboard the stagecoach, visitors can listen to storytellers, view the Indianapolis Totem Pole and participate in activities that range from crafting works of art to learning the Miami language from a member of the tribe.

In the museum's spacious galleries, collections of artwork feature pottery, basketry, sculpture, jewelry, clothing and artifacts from all 10 North American native cultural areas. Western paintings and sculpture by world-renown artists including Frederic Remington and Georgia O'Keeffe are also on display.

Eiteljorg Museum is located at the entrance of White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis. The 250-acre park is also home to the country's only accredited combined zoo, aquarium and botanical garden.

Other attractions at White River State Park include Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions Museum, IMAX 3D Theater, Military Park and the Medal of Honor Memorial.

The Canal Walk with pedestrian bridges connects the park with downtown Indianapolis. The canal is graced with retro street lamps, fountains, murals and sculptures.

Additional masterpieces can be enjoyed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Since its beginning in 1883, the museum has collected over 50,000 works that represent a wide range of cultures.