The Indiana State Museum will transform into a hub of creativity and competition during the Pinewood Derby® supported by the American Dairy Association Indiana.
Known as Indiana’s smallest spectacle in racing, this year’s event will take place from March 25-29. A tradition at the museum since 2008, the Pinewood Derby has become one of its most beloved annual events, helping visitors of all ages create personal connections to Indianapolis’ racing heritage.
During the five-day event, children and adults watch and join in as hundreds of hand-built, miniature cars zip down the two-story, 125-foot-long track — the longest Pinewood Derby track in the state. Fun runs will be offered on most days, allowing all visitors to experience the thrill of racing by borrowing cars from the museum’s lineup or bringing their own creations to test and fine tune prior to race day.
All the excitement will build toward the Pinewood Derby Championship Race Day on March 28, when racers young and old will compete to see who has the fastest car. Winners in each age division will receive a trophy and a milk chug from the American Dairy Association Indiana. Participants can also enter the best-in-show contest, with awards based on a car’s visual style and design. As part of the museum’s celebration of the country’s semiquincentenary, a special design category will recognize cars that creatively incorporate the America’s 250th birthday theme. Competitions are open to the public, and full rules are available at IndianaMuseum.org.
With engaging activities happening daily throughout the museum, families can also try to build a car to withstand a collision, race against the wind and other conditions on the test track, design their own race team flag, discover milk fun facts, vote for their favorite milk and more. Plus, visitors can see a full-size cardboard replica of the 1911 Marmon Wasp, the car that won the first Indianapolis 500.
Hundreds of families come back year after year to take part in the Pinewood Derby. To help make their next visit easier and more affordable, the museum is offering everyone $10 off a new Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites membership through April 12, using promo code SPRINGFUN.
Pinewood Derby is free for members and included with admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth ages 3-17 and $21 for seniors. Families with Scouting America and Girl Scouts will also save 50% on admission. Visit IndianaMuseum.org to find more information and purchase admission.
