Creativity, engineering and friendly competition will take center stage later this month as the annual Pinewood Derby® returns to the Indiana State Museum.
Known as Indiana’s smallest spectacle in racing, the popular event will take place March 25–29 and is supported by the American Dairy Association Indiana. The museum has hosted the Pinewood Derby since 2008, and it has grown into one of its most beloved traditions, connecting visitors of all ages with the racing heritage of Indianapolis.
During the five-day event, participants will race hundreds of hand-built miniature cars down a two-story, 125-foot-long track, the longest Pinewood Derby track in the state. Visitors can participate in fun runs throughout the event, either by bringing their own cars or borrowing one from the museum to test their racing skills.
The excitement will build toward the Pinewood Derby Championship Race Day on March 28, when racers of all ages will compete to see whose car is the fastest. Winners in each age division will receive trophies along with a celebratory milk chug courtesy of the American Dairy Association Indiana.
Participants can also enter a best-in-show competition, where vehicles will be judged on creativity and design. In honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, a special category will recognize cars that incorporate the America’s 250th birthday theme.
Families visiting the museum during the event can also enjoy hands-on activities, including designing race team flags, testing cars against wind and other conditions, building vehicles designed to withstand collisions and exploring fun facts about milk. Guests will also have the chance to see a full-size cardboard replica of the Marmon Wasp, the car that won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911.
Pinewood Derby activities are free for museum members and included with general admission, which is $23 for adults, $17 for youth ages 3–17 and $21 for seniors. Families involved with Scouting America and the Girl Scouts of the USA will receive 50% off admission.
To make future visits more affordable, the museum is also offering $10 off a new membership to the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites through April 12 with the promo code SPRINGFUN.
More information and admission details are available at IndianaMuseum.org.