Things to Do in Lawrence

The piercing timbre of a well-struck drive and the satisfying rattle of a putt that found its hole grace golfers’ ears year-round at Golf 365, an indoor facility that fosters on-course excellence. PGA Tour credentialed instructor Sam Foley promotes straight-hitting swings in lessons that utilize the facility’s technological refinements, including V1 video swing analysis, golf simulator practice modes, and holographic Phil Mickelsons. The spacious center facilitates independent practice on its 2,000 square-foot putting green and within hitting bays with automated tee-up technology.

Chronic clubbers can enjoy an immersive golf experience with a round in a PGA Golf simulator, where vast screens conjure up the character of nearly 50 PGA Tour courses, letting players drive over the windswept mounds of the Old Course at St. Andrews or the seaside vistas at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. A twosome can play 18 holes in about two hours, leaving plenty of time to address other practice needs or start training their toddlers to read putts for them.

Mark Weghorst knows a thing or two about developing a sound golf game—the Carmel native played golf at Brebeuf Jesuit and went on to win the Mid-American Conference tournament as an individual while playing at Ohio's Miami University. After competing on several professional mini tours, Mark has returned to the Indianapolis area to help other golfers fine-tune their games. During lessons, golfers correct any flaws in their swings from Mark’s feedback, aided with V1 Pro video swing analysis and the trackman launch monitor . His lessons put to use all of the amenities at Zionsville Golf Practice Center, which has a driving range with heated stalls, a wedge range for short-game practice, and a plane board—a training device that helps golfers break the habit of slicing a shot into another dimension.

The staff at Hanna Haunted Acres knows that there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all nightmare. That's why they've curated a lineup of six different haunts, each with their own spine-tingly style. Four different haunted houses prey on deep-set childhood fears, including the Carnevil haunted house––a twisted, circus-themed fright, perfect for murderous clowns who are tired of blind dates. Other attractions include haunted hayrides around the farm and a twisty corn maze designed by a vengeful scarecrow. Those whose greatest fears including standing in line can skip straight to the screaming with a VIP pass, while snacks and mugs of steaming hot chocolate keep patient patrons warm between haunts.

At any given time, the rowers making their synchronized strides across the Eagle Creek Reservoir could be adults or youths, Olympic-level competitive athletes or recreational paddlers out for exercise and sun. This variation in ages, backgrounds, and skill levels is in keeping with the Indianapolis Rowing Center's mission of popularizing the sport regardless of socioeconomic status or past experience. Upon opening the center in 1982 at Eagle Creek Park, the founders began to instill their nonprofit, Olympic-level training and competition knowhow unto rowers of all levels. Oarsmen buzz about the boathouse March–November, getting tips and taking lessons from a staff that includes a 2008 Beijing Olympian as well as collegiate-level competitors. Over time, the IRC has created a regional hub for rowing with its many programs for high-school, collegiate, and adult athletes as well as hosting collegiate rowing championships.

Old National Centre was originally built in 1909 as the Murat Shrine, which housed Indianapolis’ growing population of Freemasons. The building has seen been restored and has become an eye-catching display of diverse architectural influences. Outside of the venue, spindly towers topped with light-blue domes rise above the street, beckoning passersby to enter the theater and enjoy a show. The classic, opulent Grand Lobby opens up to a wealth of concert venues, exhibition halls, and ballrooms that astound visitors with Middle Eastern and Victorian designs.