Indianapolis offers many miles of scenic trails, pathways, and public parks for outdoor enthusiasts, and taking advantage of them is free. Get active (bike, run, rollerblade), explore scenic trails, visit a nature center, or simply while away an afternoon on a blanket under a big tree. Watch the sun set. Walk your dog. But whatever you do, don’t let these opportunities for free fun pass you by.
- The Monon Trail - Walk, run, bike, or rollerblade on the scenic Monon Trail, a 16.7-mile asphalt, north-south trail that runs from 10th Street in Indianapolis to 161st Street in Westfield. The trail traverses the State Fairgrounds, the White River, and several popular neighborhoods, including Nora and Broad Ripple, where you can find drinking fountains, restaurants, ice cream shops, and bicycle shops.
- Garfield Park - located on the near south side of Indy at 2505 Conservatory Dr. (phone 317-327-7183), is a relaxing retreat from city life. The highlight of the 136-acre park is the Sunken Garden, 3 acres of classic European gardens known as the Sunken Garden. Garfield Park also includes pavilions with picnic tables, an Arts Center, and an outdoor theatre.
- Holliday Park - Get up close and personal with Indiana wildlife at Holliday Park, on Indy’s north side at 6363 Spring Mill Rd. (phone 317-327-7180). A 13,000-square-foot nature center includes bird and wildlife observation and feeding stations and a sound system to amplify birdcalls.
- Oldfields Gardens - Located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), it surround the Lilly House and are part of a 26-acre American Country place estate that has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The entrance to the gardens is located at 4000 Michigan Rd., (phone 317-923-1331). Pets are welcome.
- Indianapolis Canal Walk - Take a scenic leisurely walk through the heart of Indianapolis by strolling along the Indianapolis Canal Walk, which runs from 11th Street to West Washington Street.
- Flowing Well Park - Take some empty jugs along with you on this trip, because at Carmel’s Flowing Well Park, you can fill them for free with the artesian water that flows from the well. The park is located at 5100 E. 116 Street in Carmel. Adopted From http://indianapolis.about.com/
Indianapolis offers many miles of scenic trails, pathways, and public parks for outdoor enthusiasts, and taking advantage of them is free. Get active (bike, run, rollerblade), explore scenic trails, visit a nature center, or simply while away an afternoon on a blanket under a big tree. Watch the sun set. Walk your dog. But whatever you do, don’t let these opportunities for free fun pass you by.
