Indiana State Police Museum :: CityMoms Report
Girl. You got your family stuff, your fun stuff, and your free stuff. And every once in a while, something comes along that hits on all three. This CityMoms Report today is just that: A look at the Indiana State Police Museum!
Wait, the Indiana State Police have a museum?
Yup, they totally do. It's located on the eastside of Indianapolis at 21st and Post Roads, and open to the public. It's housed in a non-descript, white building that's easy to miss - in fact you may have driven by it a number of times without realizing it! It's easy, one-story floorplan makes it a great stop to keep kids occupied, learn the history of the Indiana State Police force and be in/out in under an hour.
What will we find there?
The Museum offers a self-guided look at ISP's history through easy, interactive displays and exhibits. There's a nice mix of look-but-don't-touch exhibits and things kids can really get their hands into. We loved peeking the lineup of historic police cars, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles.This interesting display of police uniforms past and present helped us understand how they've evolved for the times - most especially how uniforms needed to support officers transitioning from motorcycle patrol to cars.
One of the real gems of the Museum is this incredible double-sided police car. To answer questions up front: It's the only vehicle open to explore the inside of, and no it is not street-legal. It's the result of two trooper cars that were damaged, then welded together for a fun display. {Best part mommas? Once the doors are closed, it's virtually sound-proof so let the kids climb in and scream all they want. You'll hardly hear them!}
But it isn't all vehicle displays and "how on earth could that have ever been used in a chase?" questions. The Museum also touches on the science behind working on the force. From explanations of crime scene investigations to polygraph how-tos to fingerprinting, my kiddos were fascinated by this section of the Museum:
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Communication is always key at our house, as it is with troopers out on a call or in the field. An entire section of the Museum is dedicated to the history and evolution of technology and communication, including a look at the 1940s walkie-talking to a tutorial on Morse code.
What was perhaps my kids' favorite part of the Museum though was the small area dedicated to famous criminals, including Indianapolis-area native John Dillinger. The Indiana State Police have a rich history with Dillinger's family and recovery, and sparked our crew to investigate this famous mob boss history more after we left. {Fun fact in case you didn't know: Dillinger's final resting spot is at the historic Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis!}
Overall this was a fabulous and educational visit for our family. A bonus find was a scavenger hunt on the front desk the kids enjoyed playing as we walked around. After we left, a friend asked if I'd recommend this for her family with younger littles so I'll share what I told her: I see this as more a spot to stop with school-aged children who can take some direction on what to/not to touch. But it would be absolutely fine for a stroller-kiddo too.
MORE INFORMATION: The Indiana State Police Museum is located at 8660 East 21st Street on the eastside of Indianapolis. Hours are Tuesdays-Fridays from 9am-3pm, and third Saturdays from 12-4pm. Admission is free but donations are accepted. {317} 899-8293 or visit their website for additional details.
