What is it about Indianapolis that doesn't make it a major tourists destination???

the only tourists that come here are white midwesterners from neighboring states.

the biggest attraction in Indy is the track... most race fans are white midwesterners or white southerners.

FOR A CITY OF ITS SIZE I FOUND IT REMARKABLY FLAT000NO BUILDINGS TO SPEAK OF...

Essentially, Indianapolis doesn't have anything that's a draw--no world-class museums, theatre, shopping, etc. Yes, it has museums, theatre, and shopping, but nothing outstanding except to your "white midwesterners from neighboring states." It lacks the multicultural vibrancy of Chicago, the international feel of East Coast and West Coast cities, the chic of Houston or Phoenix...

Indianapolis doesn't have:
large lakes
mountains
casinos
large amusement parks (ex. 6 flags)
caves
national forests
beaches


They do have:
Indianapolis 500
great children's museum
OK zoo
NBA team
NFL team
unique downtown...when I was in Indy it was called the circle
crossroads of the Midwest. How many Interstates go through or around Indy?
mixture of industry so it is not hurt by a down turn in the economy compared to tourist destinations

The weather doesn't help any.

thats funny because during the U.S Grand Prix last year, I'm sure I saw more then just white midwesteners from neighboring states
I also see alot of out of state vehicles that are not from Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky
Indianapolis is a wonderful city...and I love living here

I think being close to Chicago may not help, though it should because it's an easy drive to Indy. I live near Chicago but I grew up in Kokomo. Indy is a very clean city that has really grown up a lot in the past 30 years. The Chicago Tribune's travel section articles have written very positive things about Indy so we can hope that will help things out. But yeah, weather doesn't help, though it is a great place to visit in the spring and early fall. Even summer is great if you don't mind a little heat and humidity. If I had to move back I would be cool with that -- I love Massachusetts Ave, Rathskellar and Bazbeaux, The Metro, and just the very cool culture there. And Broad Ripple. And all of the great museums and landmarks, Children's Museum, State Museum, Eiteljorg...all world class places.

I know some are complaining about the new stadium cost, and I personally feel the RCA Dome should be preserved as part of the covention center and not torn down before it is even paid for! But the Colts games allow the world to see what a great city it looks like, and helps encourage people to visit. Getting the big conventions is a great way to get people here, too, and get the word out.

If there is one disadvantage it is the lack of any real ethnicity, just a German English mash of generic Americanism. I suppose you have German with the Rathskellar, but you go to Chicago and you think Polish, Hispanic, Indian on the north side, a great Chinatown, a Puerto Rican Section, and zillions of other cultures. And the demographic you mention might be the most comfortable with that.

They have a U.S Military Army Base there, (Fort Benjamin Harrison).

The weather eliminates anyone that is looking for a scenic getaway. It's not a hot spot because it wasn't really built for it. Its really a city meant for living, rather than visiting. Indy holds some of the best sporting events in the world, which is their only real tourist attraction. The convention center downtown holds quite a few large gatherings, but nothing aside from those 2 things. The buildings aren't impressive. You won't be that impressed with the zoo, or museums (aside from the children's museum). I think that in the next 20 years, Indianapolis will be looking to make themselves more like cities such as Atlanta, or Chicago. Remember that accross the midwest, there are only a few cities that tourists are attracted to. Cities like Columbus, OH; Cincinnatti, OH; Lousville, KY; Cleveland, OH; Pittsburgh, PA; St. Louis, MO; and Des Moines, IA are all large cities with virtually no tourism. Compared to Indy, those cities have very little to offer in terms of tourism. Indy is a climber, which is pretty positive. When the new Colts stadium is built, it will become even larger among sports tourists by hosting NFL Super Bowls. Sports just may be Indianapolis' nitche in the tourism game

Property taxed and crime - both are steadily on the rise, especially the violent crime. Sad but true.