As FFA members across the country get ready to head to Indianapolis for the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, they are planning how to make the most out of their time. FFA members will take over downtown Indianapolis from No. 1 through 5 to learn more about their organization while learning how to become the next generation of leaders in agriculture.
This is going to be the second in-person National FFA Convention since the pandemic, and there will be fan favorites to enjoy during the the event. There is going to be a rodeo, an exclusive concert, the opening session, many informative break-off sessions, late nights filled with memories, and so much more! While FFA members will be moving non-stop to make as many memories as possible at the Indiana Convention Center, there is also a lot going on outside of the convention walls.
Read more: Guide to the National FFA Organization — its traditions and convention
Indianapolis has a lively downtown area where FFA members can eat, kill time until the next session, build a stronger chapter dynamic, and just have some fun. After visiting the National FFA Expo, the National FFA Shopping Mall, and the *free* Culver’s custard stand, FFA members should check out downtown Indianapolis for some added fun.
For those members who are looking for additional activities to do while in Indianapolis, check out the list below.
1. The Escape Room USA Indianapolis — Escape rooms are a fun team building exercise that might have you questioning everything. Pick a themed room where you and your team have 60 minutes to find clues, solve puzzles, and discover keys and combinations to escape the room before your time is up.
2. The Traders Point Creamery — Who doesn’t love some fresh ice cream?! Traders Point Creamery is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Indianapolis. This creamery was Indiana’s first USDA-certified organic dairy farm. Although they do things differently than the dairy farms we grew up on, it could make for fun conversations for FFA members. The creamery has three historic barns, packages their milk in glass bottles, and has a restaurant on site.
3. Indianapolis Zoo — With more than 3,800 animals of more than 320 species and subspecies, the Indianapolis Zoo is a must see. With everything from elephants to dolphins, there is so much to do at the zoo including fun learning opportunities for FFA members.
4. Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by Crazy Dash — If you are arriving at Indy a day early, try doing a scavenger hunt in the city! The Crazy Dash scavenger hunt app gives you a list of fun and crazy tasks to complete, as well as some fun things to look for and find around Indianapolis.
5. Rocket Fizz — If you have a sweet tooth during National FFA Convention or want to bring something home for your family and friends, check out a candy store classic — Rocket Fizz. It is located near the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (more on that below) and stays open late. They have classic candies and unique soda flavors — like sweet corn!
6. Get a photograph at Monument Circle — This spot is the heart of downtown Indy, and every night during convention, it will be surrounded by people in FFA jackets. Many come for the photos at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which was constructed between 1887 and 1902 in tribute to Indiana’s Civil War veterans, while others use the location to catch up and socialize. The monument has a 330-foot high observation tower, and throughout the year features a multi-media Signature Salute light show.
Although there is so much to do when you get to Indianapolis, don’t forget to make the most out of your trip to Indiana! Oftentimes, FFA chapters that have a long journey will try and break up the drive and visit farms along the way. For example, an FFA chapter from Connecticut broke up their drive to the 91st National Convention & Expo by visiting a pumpkin farm where they breed pumpkins to make new hybrids. They also visited a dairy farm. This allows the students to see a vast majority of farms and how important agriculture is in every state.
Although there is so much to do during the National FFA Convention & Expo, it is also nice to get out and explore downtown Indianapolis. However, remember that you represent one of the largest student-led organizations in the country and that is something to be proud of!
