During the semester, some Ball State students feel trapped by their studies and campus commitments. They don’t venture away from Muncie unless it’s a campus-closing break.
Entertainment of all types is scattered throughout Indiana, and some of the best places are within a 90-minute drive from campus. The next time you are in need of an escape from the shadow of the bell tower, consider visiting these locations.
1. Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
4000 Parnell Ave. in Fort Wayne, Ind.
260-483-1111
Indianapolis is not the only city in Indiana that hosts big name acts. Since 1952, Fort Wayne’s Allen County War Memorial Coliseum has welcomed everything from professional wrestling matches to singing sensations. The Coliseum can hold up to 13,000 people and is the current home to the Fort Wayne Komets hockey team, Mad Ants basketball team and Derby Girls roller derby team. These teams are all in season, contributing to the venue’s active calendar. During Spring Semester, it will host events such as the Mizpah Shrine Circus from Jan. 23 until Jan. 26, Brad Paisley’s Beat This Winter Tour on Feb. 27 and Disney On Ice from March 6 until March 9. For more information on the venue and a complete list of upcoming events, visit memorialcoliseum.com.
2. Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
10080 E. 121st St. in Fishers, Ind.
317-572-2999
Sky Zone is the perfect place to bounce off the wall. The indoor trampoline park is one massive trampoline surface and has various courts for open jump, dodgeball, fitness and more. The high-flying activities are for all ages. In order to use the courts, Sky Zone requires jumpers to wear socks and Sky Zone shoes. Shoe rental is included in jump fees. For more information, visit skyzone.com.
3. 8 Seconds Saloon
111 N. Lynhurst in Indianapolis
317-486-1569
Music awaits at this bar and concert venue. Every weekend, 8 Seconds Saloon hosts country and rock artists. Past performers include Colt Ford, Jackyl and Sevendust. The bar has a mechanical bull, space for line dancing and a variety of food and drinks. Bring your student ID on Wednesday nights and get in for free. For more information and a list of upcoming performances, visit 8secondssaloon.com.
4. Chocolate Trail in Richmond and Wayne counties
Old National Road Welcome Center at 5701 National Road in Richmond, Ind.
765-935-8687
One food that never goes out of season is chocolate, and Wayne County has a free year-round attraction dedicated to the favorite sweet. The tour begins at the Old National Road Welcome Center in Richmond, Ind., which is where visitors stop to get their free Chocolate Trail Passport and Chocolate Trail Bucks. From there, they are sent to bistros, candy factories and shops, a winery and more to sample chocolate in various forms. If they enjoy the sample, visitors can use their Chocolate Trail Bucks for discounts and coupons. For more information, visit visitrichmond.org or contact the welcome center.
5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum
4790 W. 16th St. in Indianapolis
317-492-6784
On May 25, Indianapolis will be full of racing fans for the Indy 500. Can’t wait until then? Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum located on the grounds of the iconic race. The museum, which is listed as a national historic landmark, is known worldwide for its devotion to automobiles and auto racing. Visitors will be able to see 75 vehicles including The Marmon “Wasp” that won the first Indy 500 race and more than 30 winning cars. Equipment, rare video footage and trophies are on display, as well. For more information, visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com/facility.
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