10 Things to Do Outside in Indianapolis, IN
There’s more than corn in Indiana, and Indy can prove it.
Indianapolis, IN, might be one of the largest landlocked cities in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s without outdoor activities. Here, you can explore the woods, cruise the river and discover hidden gems by foot, boat or bicycle. Whether you live in Indy or its suburbs – or just want to get outdoors while in town for a conference or sporting event – we’ve compiled a list 10 things to do outside in Indianapolis.
In This Article
1. Walk – or Paddle – Along the Canal Walk in Indianapolis, IN
Built in the 1800s and refurbished in 2001, the Canal Walk along the Indiana Central Canal weaves through the heart of the city, from 11th Street to White River State Park.
The paved, 3-mile promenade is the perfect spot to take in the downtown sites, grab lunch at Black Leaf Vegan or Fat Dan’s, and visit local attractions like the Indianapolis Colts Canal Playspace, IUPUI, the Indiana State Museum and the TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park.
If cruising the canal by water is more of your thing, rent a giant swan-shaped pedal boat or book a romantic gondola ride. For pedal boat rentals, visit Wheel Fun Rentals. To book a gondola ride, visit Old World Gondoliers.
2. Run, Bike, Walk or Skate Along the Monon Greenway in Indianapolis, IN
The Monon Greenway, a former rail line converted to a 27-mile paved path for biking, walking and running, is no doubt one of the most popular trails in Indy. Plus, it offers a unique way to explore the city.
“It’s a fantastic asset for the city,” says Isabel Ramsey, public information officer for Indy Parks and Recreation. “It goes through several parks and takes you right through Broad Ripple, so you can stop along the way and get some ice cream.”
The Monon begins in northern Hamilton County and travels south into downtown. Once downtown, the trail connects with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which heads south to Fountain Square and west toward the Indianapolis Zoo. The Monon also connects to Fall Creek Trail – another paved path – just south of the Indiana State Fairgrounds and runs 7 miles east along Fall Creek to Fort Harrison State Park.
3. Enjoy the Beach at Geist Waterfront Park near Indianapolis, IN
Just a short drive north of Indy, Geist Waterfront Park in Fishers provides a rare opportunity to spend a Midwest day at the beach. The 70-acre park includes a sandy beach for swimming, a concession stand, picnic shelters, a pirate-themed playground, and a non-motorized boat launch for kayaks and canoes.
Geist Waterfront Park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and the swimming season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
One thing to note: A one-day parking pass for nonresidents costs $50. However, nonresidents may enter the park for free by walking, biking or taking a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.
4. Hit the Pavement with Indiana Pacers Bikeshare in Indianapolis, IN
Downtown Indianapolis is widely regarded as a walkable city and has several premier trails. Tourists and residents alike can rent a bike from one of many Indiana Pacers Bikeshare kiosks around town.
“The Pacers Bikeshare makes it super easy to explore downtown via the Cultural Trail and pop around to different parks,” says Alex Cortwright, chief communications officer at Indy Parks. “You can connect to the Canal Walk, White River State Park and so many fun places to eat and drink.”
Rides cost $1 plus $0.15 per minute, or you can purchase an annual pass for $125.
5. Explore the Urban Wilderness Trail in Indianapolis, IN
Indy’s Urban Wilderness Trail is a 250-acre nature park and wildlife habitat that snakes along the White River downtown.
According to the Discover White River organization, the Urban Wilderness Trail “connects you with a diverse array of native Indiana plants and animals, like beavers and bald eagles. It is also home to Indy’s first Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary and was designated the first Certified Sustainable Trail by the Indiana Wildlife Federation.”
The trail begins in White River State Park, near the NCAA Hall of Champions, and follows the east bank of the White River up to 10th street. The Urban Wilderness Trail also connects to the Fall Creek Trail, a 7-mile trail that runs north to Riverside Park and offers stunning views of the downtown skyline.
6. Play Pickleball at Cyntheanne Park near Indianapolis, IN
Pickleball continues to sweep the nation, and parks like Cyntheanne in Fishers have certainly taken notice. Located in north Fishers, Cyntheanne Park provides pickleball enthusiasts with eight dedicated concrete courses, complete with permanent lines and nets. The wheelchair-accessible facility also offers picnic tables, a paved 1-mile trail, restrooms and water stations.
All of Cyntheanne’s courts operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, so make sure to arrive early. The park doesn’t allow users to reserve courts.
Never played pickleball? No sweat! Fishers Parks offers pickleball lessons via Team Witsken, a local tennis and pickleball instructor.
7. Go Vertical at Koteewi Adventure Park near Indianapolis, IN
If climbing through a tree canopy, walking on tightropes and cargo nets, and zooming down zip lines sounds like fun, make sure to stop by Noblesville’s Koteewi Adventure Park.
The aerial park includes five different courses, multiple zip lines and over 60 different challenges. Each of the five courses increase in difficulty as you move through the trees at heights ranging between 16 to 60 feet.
Koteewi Adventure Park sells 3-hour and full-day passes, allowing you to complete the various courses and challenges at your own pace.
8. Golf (or Hike) at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, IN
Located on Indy’s westside, Eagle Creek Golf Club includes two 18-hole courses built by Pete Dye, a famous course designer. The Pines Course caters to beginners and amateur players, while the Sycamore Course proves far more challenging.
If golf isn’t really your thing, Eagle Creek Park also offers some of the best hiking trails around Indianapolis, including West Side Trail, which has 7 miles of trails meandering past old growth trees. The rich forestland will make you forget you’re only a few miles from downtown.
9. Hike Brown County State Park near Indianapolis, IN
Brown County State Park is one of Indiana’s premier parks for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking and camping. The beautiful park, located 50 miles south of Indianapolis, offers 18 miles of hiking trails, including the easy Friends Trail and the rugged Taylor Ridge Trail.
Brown County State Park is best known for leaf-viewing during the fall. The park features several lookouts where you can see miles of rolling hills and forests.
It’s worth spending a few days in the park, and Brown County offers several options for on-site lodging, including the modern Abe Martin Lodge, rustic cabins and tons of sites for tent camping. If you’d rather stay in a modern cabin, hotel or short-term rental, check out nearby Nashville, Indiana.
10. Ride the White River with Frank’s Paddlesports Livery in Indianapolis, IN
Exploring a city by water provides a unique perspective, not to mention the perfect opportunity to view wildlife, like turtles, blue herons and bald eagles, up close. Frank’s Paddlesports Livery, based in Riverside Park, offers watercraft rentals and float trips along the White River.
“This is their first location, and they’re the only livery in Indianapolis,” Cortwright says. “You used to have to go much further north to rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard.”
The livery offers two excursions: a 4-mile trip from Rocky Ripple to Riverside Park, and a 7-mile journey from the Indianapolis Arts Center in Broad Ripple to Riverside Park. Park at Frank’s, and the shuttle will take you to either starting point.
And if you’d rather explore the river on your own terms, you can schedule shuttle service with Frank’s to bring you back to your car after a fun day on the water.
This article was sponsored by Life in Indy.