If you’ve never been to the Indiana State Museum then you don’t know what you’re missing. The reason I can tell you this with complete confidence is because until I visited the State Museum I had no idea what it was. I had seen it every time I walked the canal or checked out the Slow Food Garden, I knew it was called the Indiana State Museum so I figured it had something to do with Indiana. We had sooooo much fun there — you don’t know what you’re missing!
As I mentioned, the State Museum is located in White River State Park. There are many
parking options; you can park in the underground garage for only $3 (must present your parking stub at the ticket counter for validation) with your paid museum admission. If you are staying for an IMAX film, your parking will be free! We parked at the uncovered parking at the White River State Park entrance where parking is $3 for the first three hours. Of course there are many other downtown parking options but these are the best we’ve found.
You and your family will find highly interactive exhibits that please most of the senses. There are new exhibits quite often but you will 
love the permanent exhibits that showcase Indiana’s rich history through popular cultural items and natural findings. There are things to touch, things to listen too, things to play with, things to smell and so much to look at! My husband was most excited to show the giant swinging pendulum to our daughter. It demonstrates the rotation of the earth by knocking down domino-like blocks of wood throughout the day.
We didn’t have nearly enough time to explore all of the exhibits on the three floors of the museum but we were also working against the clock — the museum was closes at five and it was the final day for us to use our Groupon to get in. The museum hours are 9am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday, from 11am-5pm
on Sunday, and is closed on Mondays, major holidays and during special events downtown. Call before your visit to be sure!
Admission is $4 for children (ages 3-12) and $7 for ages 12-adult. You can get special IMAX/Museum pricing. Oh! And teachers get in for free with a valid school ID card!