Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
Indianapolis, IN
A tall limestone monument at the center of Monument Circle, ringed by shops and cafes in downtown Indianapolis. Climb or take the lift to the observation level for a view over the city's grid of streets.
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument stands in the middle of Monument Circle in Indianapolis. The Neoclassical obelisk by the German architect Bruno Schmitz is 284 feet 6 inches (86.8 m) tall and is made of oolitic limestone from Owen County. Construction began in 1888, and it was dedicated on May 15, 1902. According to the operators, it is the only Civil War monument in the United States dedicated to ordinary soldiers and sailors. The top is crowned by the 38-foot (11.6 m) bronze figure "Victory"; sculptures by Rudolf Schwarz stand at the base.
331 steps lead to the glass-enclosed observation deck, about 231 feet (70 m) up; there is also an elevator. According to the operators, the deck has limited opening times, most recently Fridays, and charges admission; check availability and access on the Indiana War Memorials website before you go (as of October 2026). Plan on about an hour, including the deck and a walk around the Circle. Downtown garages are suitable for parking; RVs will probably not find space there.
- Nearest town
- Indianapolis, IN
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.7684, -86.1581
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- VIP RV LotMotorhome stopover4 mi from Soldiers' and Sailors' MonumentMotorhomes
- Camp Dellwood Girl Scouts CampCampsite7 mi from Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
- Indy LakesMotorhome stopover8 mi from Soldiers' and Sailors' MonumentMotorhomes
- Jameson CampCampsite9 mi from Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
- Camp BelzerCampsite9 mi from Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
- Lake CampgroundMotorhome stopover23 mi from Soldiers' and Sailors' MonumentMotorhomes
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument?
Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is in Indianapolis, IN, at GPS 39.7684, -86.1581. It is about 39 mi from Nashville.
Can you camp near Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is VIP RV Lot, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 16 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (4 mi), Columbus Architecture Tour (41 mi), Brown County State Park (41 mi) and Shades State Park (51 mi).
When is the best time to visit Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)