Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

My children love imaginative play and the Eiteljorg Museum has a whole area dedicated to imaginative fun for families.

Children will be greeted by a totem pole at the top of the stairs. Come on down to the RB Annis Western Family Experience on the museum’s canal level, – and raise your own large replica totem pole.

Check out some of these amazing family friendly exhibits and experiences the Eitlejorg has to offer:

R. B. Annis Western Family Experience

Everything Cart: This hands-on cart holds items related to most of the galleries in the museum, including a copy of a Remington bronze you can touch, pot chards and a devil’s claw pod from the Southwest, polar bear fur, snow goggles and porcupine quills.

Totem pole: In the stairwell at the north end of the museum’s main level, you’ll spot a totem pole named The Legend of Wasgo. It is a traditional Haida totem pole that tells the story of Wasgo the Sea Monster. A pole much like this one stood in Indianapolis’ Golden Hill neighborhood in the early 1900s. Learn about our totem pole, then follow the stairs down to find out more about the Northwest Coast and raise a totem pole yourself.

Stagecoach: In the RB Annis Western Family Experience on the museum’s canal level, you can have a seat in a true-to-life stagecoach; try on clothing inspired by the 1800s; build a sod house wall; play a tune on a hammered dulcimer; try your hand at weaving and more, as you explore diverse family stories of the historic and modern West.

Wigwam: Snuggle on a real bear skin in the birch bark wigwam. The second floor Native American Galleries contain objects you might expect- amazing beaded shirts, cradleboards and baskets. But look out for the unexpected!

Theresa Webb (Potawatomi): Meet Teresa Webb (Potawatomi) and hear about Native American culture through stories and songs, accompanied by flute, drum and rattle. Most Saturdays at 1:00 in the Native American gallery on the second floor. Check out our calendar for specific dates.

Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure

Experience this amazing holiday tradition from November 23 to January 20, 2020.  Jingle Rails is a truly awesome G-scale (garden scale) train adventure comprised of over 1,200 feet of track.  Nine trains race their way through famous Indiana landmarks as well as well known places throughout the United States.  Wind your way through the wintery worlds following the train past Lucas Oil Stadium, One America Tower, Mt. Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, The Las Vegas Strip and more!  New this year is a really cool rendition of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway complete with real racing cars and a collection of Spanish Colonial Missions including the Alamo.

This special exhibit is such an amazing experience for train lovers young and old.  Kids will love following the trains through tunnels, near buildings, and even above their heads.  Adults will appreciate the attention to detail that went into every building and town.  Jingle Rails is also a really great way for Homeschooling families to learn about geography while they follow the train through national parks and historic locations.  Informational signs accompany each area providing interesting facts and deepening the learning experience.  Families can access additional content and info by scanning the QR codes on the labels.  There are even fun scavenger hunt cards at the entrance to the exhibit that families can use to hunt for hidden objects throughout the Jingle Rails world.

Jingle Rails is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from noon to 5 pm.  Get tickets here!

 

Address
500 West Washington Street
Indianapolis
Indiana

Visit Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art

Upcoming Events

No events in this location