Indiana appreciates its veterans and the service they have done for this country. We would not be here without our veterans. To honor these heroes, there are many free military family attractions throughout the state of Indiana.
Blue Star Museums
The National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families present Blue Star Museums! These are free for all military families! Here is a list of 12 of them:
Studebaker National Museum
Cruise through 150 years of history! At the Studebaker National Museum, you can immerse yourself in one of the most compelling stories of the industrial era. Follow the arc of the Studebaker Corporation from its modest beginning as a small blacksmith shop to a producer of iconic automobiles known worldwide for their breathtaking design. The Museum is also home to the largest Presidential Carriage collection in the nation. Enjoy a treat from the Cafe. Play in the interactive children's exhibit. Shop for unique gifts in the Museum Store.
Indiana State Museum
Located in White River State Park in downtown Indianapolis, the Indiana State Museum is the place to explore Indiana's past, present, and future. Today, the Indiana State Museum continues to explore Indiana’s science and culture. Visitors come to celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of our broader world. Look around our website for a peek at what you can find today at the Indiana State Museum.
Fort Wayne Museum of Art
At the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, you will find exhibitions of American fine and decorative art, including exhibitions exploring the cross-cultural connections between artwork and artists from diverse ethnic and national backgrounds. You also will find the Early Learning Center, a hands-on learning environment for young children, and a Print and Drawing Study Center available for first-hand study of our vast collection of works on paper. Additionally, the Paradigm Gallery shop features the original art and fine craft of over 60 regional and national artists working in a variety of media.
Science Central
Spark your imagination at Science Central! As northeast Indiana's only hands-on science center, we provide inspiring and fun hands-on science education for all people of all ages! Make your hair stand on end with Science Central's static electricity demonstration, or watch as ordinary objects are frozen with liquid nitrogen! Explore exhibits on magnets, sound, light, optical illusions, live animals, and more! Come back throughout the year to visit new temporary exhibitions that feature world-class, interactive displays on physical, natural, and applied sciences. Only at Science Central can you experience gravity on a giant slide, meet a mastodon, see the Earth from space, and feel tornado force winds!
Conner Prairie
Conner Prairie is a destination for living history that invites guests to actively experience the connection between Indiana in the 1800s and today; highlighting the exciting intersections of history, nature, art, science, and technology. With 1,000 acres for curiosity to run wild, Conner Prairie offers adventure at every turn. Explore 11 distinct experience areas that highlight different historical time periods and experiences, through first-person interpretation of 19th-century life.
Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Explore this engaging museum and National Historic Landmark, an exquisitely restored Italianate mansion built by the 23rd president. What was once a ballroom on the third floor where the Harrison’s hosted parties, now contain rotating exhibits. From historic fashion to presidential pets, each year this space houses unique artifacts and stories from history. The Site also features a smaller exhibit space, located within the carriage house. The mission of the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site is to share the life stories, arts, and culture of an American President to increase public participation in the American system of self-government.
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Immerse yourself in the stories of Native Americans and the West. Experience art, history, and cultures through expansive exhibits & dynamic programs. The Eiteljorg tells the stories of the peoples of North America in all their diversity and complexity. It’s a place for historical context, artistic expression, new ideas, and individual perspectives. Here, visitors immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of the West and Native America, and sharing these amazing American stories is what we do at the Eiteljorg.
Harrison County Discovery Center
At a place where learning and fun go hand in hand, we seek to inspire discovery and understanding of Harrison County's importance in the development of Indiana. Walk through history, investigate the mysteries of our cave system and explore our interactive galleries. At the Discovery Center, expect the exceptional!
Lanier Mansion State Historic Site
Wander through this sprawling home located on the banks of the Ohio River, featuring Greek Revival architecture and beautiful gardens. Look at the beautiful architecture of the home. At the Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter, explore and experience history as it was when America was still young and the Ohio River was the gateway to the West.
Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site
Gene Stratton-Porter’s Cabin at Wildflower Woods is nestled on the shores of Sylvan Lake amongst 148 acres of fields, woods, and beautiful formal gardens. Stratton-Porter is Indiana’s most widely-read female author, as well as a gifted nature photographer and entrepreneur. Explore the Carriage House Visitor Center to learn about moths, wildflowers, woodpeckers, carnivorous plants, and other nature topics.
Parks with Military Discounts
Many parks around the state have discounts for military families. Here is a list of a few of them:
Big Oaks Wildlife Refuge
Big Oaks Refuge provides food and shelter for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Stream corridors and forested areas on Big Oaks Refuge provide excellent habitat for the federally-endangered Indiana bat, which uses the refuge for summer foraging, roosting, and rearing young. The refuge has been designated as a “Globally Important Bird Area” because of its value to Henslow’s sparrows and other migratory birds. Bald eagles and golden eagles are also known to use the refuge as a wintering site.
Indiana State Parks
There are 24 state parks across Indiana and each offers a beautiful and unique experience in nature. Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is proud to offer reduced rates for disabled veterans and gold star families on their annual passes. Check out DNR's annual pass on their website.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Need a day at the beach? There is a big one right in your backyard! Indiana Dunes National Park consists of primitive, beautiful, historic, and unique Hoosier landscape. For military members who have gotten their free America the Beautiful pass, this trip will make your wallet as happy as your family will be. Enjoy the dunes without worry.
