Having a river right in the city center is amazing! The amphitheater is beautiful, the landscaping is beautiful, and the walking paths and bridges are picturesque. I did NOT see any public restrooms, or food trucks, or little hot dog carts which surprised me. We walked the river promenade which is peaceful and you can sometimes hear the zoo animals! It's a bit isolated with the river on one side and the levee (limestone! As the signs will tell you!) on the other, so I was glad I wasn't alone. Especially when a guy stopped to tell us that doctors are all corrupt and will sell us to be eaten as food. We ended up taking the river walk all the way to the end and had to call an Uber ha ha. read more

White River State Park - End of the river walk looking back toward the state park and downtown - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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My husband and I love walking through White River State Park whenever we walk between the zoo and the rest of downtown. The green space is wonderful especially when it's warm. Our most recent visit was a little cold but the snow made it beautiful. This is also a great spot to enter the Indy Canal Walk! read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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For a park without much space and limited access to the nearby river, this park is amazing. There are festivals and concerts here. There is a state museum, a sports museum (NCAA), a western museum (Eiteljorg), a zoo and botanical garden, and a former pedestrian bridge that now hosts temporary art installations. Oh, and there is a beautiful canal that wanders through it designed for handling lots of folks using different modes of transportation. It has a large underground parking facility and is just a short walk from the IUPUI campus, the convention center, Victory Field, and downtown. Could there be a better location for this place? The only negative I have is that it doesn't really promote itself as being a collective park. There are lots of things to do here or very close by, but I don't see a lot of promotion saying "come to White River State Park". But people still come here for all the individual activities. Imagine if these activities/events all coordinated instead of doing their own thing. This could be a next level event! Review #1616 read more

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Wish we had more time to walk the whole three mile loop but we only made it half way n had to turn around because we were pressed for time. Started at the visitors center/gift shop to look around. If you have kids it's best to have them use the restrooms in there before you head out because I don't recall seeing any on our walk. Such a great place to site see on this river walk! From artwork to bridges, from fountains to shops, it had it all. Lots of joggers out sat. morn. You can rent paddle boats to ride along the river. They also do Gondola rides just like in Venice. But we didn't get to see any on our walk. There are stairs up to street level so you can exit the river walk at any street. Or cut cross to the other side on one of the many bridges. If we are ever back in Indianapolis, we will def finish that whole loop!! read more

Very pretty and well-kept park. We come here with friends and our dogs and sit on the lawn when there's a concert and it's so relaxing and fun. You have a great view of the Indians' stadium, NCAA, and the Marriott hotels. They have some nice trees that we like to throw our hammocks up on. read more

Loved walking and riding the rental bikes around the park during my recent visit to Indianapolis ( itself a revelation ). I love water features and the canal walk and surrounding areas have numerous waterfalls and sitting areas to enjoy. There is the Medal of Honor memorial to contemplate, a really beautiful and moving space. Additionally there is the NCAA facility and the zoo is nearby. You should definitely take the time to stroll around the park and canal any time you visit Indianapolis. It's relaxing, diverse and really just a nice time. A great feature to a really surprising city. I'm a fan. read more

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This River in Indianapolis is absolutely stunning. I love this place. We do not live in Indianapolis however we go up there a few times because my wives family lives there. We try to go to this river walk every time we are there. It is absolutely gorgeous and has many restaurants and business establishments that you can stop by and eat or get a drink. I really enjoy this it's a nice walk with the family on a beautiful day. I wish that Louisville had something like this. And I highly recommend that you try it I know that we will be going back up there shortly before summer is over and walking this river walk again. We are fed ducks and look at all the pretty flowers they have many different monuments and you can rent a paddle boat and go down the river. read more

White River State Park - Beautiful view - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

LOVE this park! I have been here before but this past time really sealed the deal for me. I was visiting for a concert, The National, and was so pleasantly surprised when the park staff offered free lawn chairs to use while enjoying the evening. YASSS! Such a great idea. I wish my local waterfront park would do that for concerts and such. Beautiful park, well laid out, super clean and large bathrooms, close to lots of things to do and see downtown, and free lawn chairs! If you haven't been, go. Also, you can connect yourself to some cool stuff at this park via walking, cycling, etc. read more

My husband and I have an Indiana Parks Pass so I made good use of it at the White River State Park. It doesn't seem there is a fee here like at other states parks, but in lieu of that you get free downtown parking in a convenient lot. The visit was during the afternoon with my son and I found the grounds to be just lovely. Being downtown I knew it wouldn't be a traditional park but I was still surprised at the lay out. It has a series of paths and walkways along the White River and a system of canals. It's quite expansive and very quiet during the week day. At the end of our walk we stopped in the visitor's center and gift shop. They have candy and a freezer of Nicey Treats, of course I indulged. The lady was very helpful, too. While I was there she got a phone call about camping and I heard her explain about three times how they don't have camping because they are in an urban setting. She smiled and told me she gets up to ten calls a day like that during peak camping times. I can't wait to visit again. read more

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White River State Park is one of my favorite downtown locations. There's lots of green space and I've seen a lot of cool events happening there (at least pre-COVID). I went to a farmers market here over the weekend and enjoyed the views of the canal and downtown. It's right next to the Canal Walk and several museums; you could probably spend all day exploring the area. I've spent a lot of time around White River State Park since moving here in 2017, and I look forward to more visits to come! read more

Visitors to Indy, here's what you should consider doing: -Rent a bike and first get a lay of the land by biking the path along the Canal. -I'd also recommend biking the Cultural Trail if there's time. -After working up that appetite, I'd suggest stopping by Burgerhaus for a bite to eat. Sit outside if weather permits. Ask about the Burger of the Month. Don't forget to try a local beer. -Sit and just people watch. It's a busy thoroughfare with ducks and kids and dogs and adults walking and running and biking all over. Something entertaining is bound to happen. -Then, you'll need a snack, so find some Italian Ice at Fresco (just east of the Michigan & Indiana Ave. intersection over the Canal). -Be sure to check out The Indiana State Museum's outdoor area around the building to see if you can find the marker for all of Indiana's 92 counties. Some are high up! read more

My boyfriend and I took a trip to Indianapolis this past weekend and came here for the Wizards Unite Festival. It was an amazing experience! The park is huge and extremely well-kept. Coming here and enjoying the scenery was definitely the highlight of our trip! read more

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My boyfriend and I had rented a canopy bike to ride along the canal walk. Since the walk is only 1.5, I would of prefer to walk. Renting the bicycles literally only gives you enough time to ride around once and stop a couple times to take pictures. They also have where you can rent paddle boats, canoes...those would probably be worth it vs the bike. The same price too depending on how many people are in your party. We wanted to do the gondola but it was closed. Like a previous reviewer said...if you've been to San Antonio's river walk. It's similar. Although the one I'm Texas is a lot better but this one is a lot cleaner. I wish the canal walk had more restaurants or gift shops but it's more housing. read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I was staying at the hotel across the street, needed a little escape and time alone to think and stretch my legs. This was such a cool little park and memorial. Got to listen to some history, read some memorial information and take a jog along the river. This took me over to the NCAA hall of game which I didn't know was here. Unfortunately I was leaving the next day and didn't get to check it out. This park and path was great, ran into and passed many single people and groups of people out enjoying the day. This has a little something for everyone to enjoy. read more

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Being a small town girl, I absolutely love and appreciate any green space in the city. White River State Park is one of my favorite places to run downtown. This three mile loop is busy enough to feel secure, but not so crowded that you're fighting copious strollers and dog walkers to keep your pace. Along the way, you'll pass art sculptures, the Indianapolis Zoo, a cute stone amphitheater, the back side of IUPUI's campus and field where Indy Eleven plays, and in my opinion, the best view of the city - all while running along White River. The course ends next to the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Canal River Walk, in case you want to go another 3. Their lawn is also one of my favorite outdoor concert venues in the city. With smaller acts, you're able to see the stage/performers from wherever you're at. Plus, it's located near so many restaurants and bars that it's easy to grab dinner before and/or keep the party going after! read more

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I lived downtown on the canal at an exciting time, when everything was bustling and new. It seemed as if something new were being built or remodeled at every turn. White River State Park adjoins the Central Canal, where you'll find Victory Field, the zoo, an amphitheater, the NCAA headquarters, the State Museum, and more. We used to love riding the paddleboats and taking a quick spin around the Canal and park on our bikes. Concerts at the Park are a hit ... including a recent Wilco concert that attracted a fairly decent crowd on a warm, sunny night. The New York Times calls White River State Park "Indianapolis' version of the Mall in Washington." read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

A must see/do when you go to Indy. Super chill, excellent location, well kept, and surrounded by excellent museums and other Indy institutions. It's a great place to spend the afternoon, watch a sunset, hang out, whatever. read more

We came here for the earth day festival. They had six tents set up with vendors and food trucks were on hand as well. Many free trees were being offered and lots of. information about everything green. Whenever we go to an event at White River State Park I like to park at the north end of the canal and walk the canal to the park. Parking can usually be found for free off of Senate Avenue. Even though it rained all day we still had fun and found lots of places to get out of the rain. read more

Great concert venue!! Beautiful park! They even give you free chairs to use if you have lawn seats. It is very convenient to get in and out and it is a wonderful location downtown Indianapolis! It's on a slight slant/ hill, so it's easy to see the stage even if you are towards the back! read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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WRSP has improved the concert experience with the new Live Nation VIP area. The food menu is amazing as it features something for just about every taste. Veggie platters, taco and flat bread to slider and shareable pretzel platters. The portions are a good size not to mention very tasty. We tried everything at the VIP preseason party and was very pleased with everything including the Live Nation and the White River State Park staff. Everyone was very friendly and inviting with clean facilities and lots to do whether you are coming for a concert either on the lawn or in the new CIP area. This venue is a great place in beautiful downtown Indy. You don't have to drive to Noblesville to enjoy a great concert experience. read more

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A great park just west of Downtown. Easily accessible via food, bike, and anything on wheels, this park serves a lot of purposes. During the warmer months, you'll find outdoor theatre shows along the river. You'll find outdoor festivals such as the March Madness Final Four Fest a couple years back. You'll find lots of people enjoying the weather or walking over the bridge from the zoo / across the river. It's home to the Lawn for summer/warmer weather outdoor concerts too. It's a great little green area to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown. It's easily accessible and a great little place to get a breath of "fresh" air. Great views, lots of green space, fun activities around, what more could you ask for for an urban, downtown park? read more

We were at the state park last weekend and it did feel like summer there. We got a hybrid bike and a chopper. The price was reasonable and rental also comes with an annual pass ($12) that gives you 50 percent off on all future rides. A stroll through the lush green park just felt so good! Can't wait to go back soon! read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Who is that person that plays the drums all night? He is horrible! In addition to the canal experience being boring, the paddle boats and other canal amenities are too expensive. Theres no restaurants, coffee shops, or anything else. It's simply a place to walk. read more

This is a very cool and very large area. Concerts bring many people here and they sit on the lawn and have a great time. I also enjoy coming here when it's not so packed on a normal sunny day and doing some photography. The views of downtown Indianapolis and it's skyline are great. Walking along the trails to the zoo you also discover cool almost hidden pathways that can make excellent backdrops for pictures too. It's just an overall nice place to hang out for a while, take a date here and walk and talk, and just take in the nice views of the city. Hit up the museum, catch a baseball game, walk the canal, and enjoy the day. read more

I just went to a concert here (Judah and the Lion) and wow the venue is amazing!! It was my first time seeing a concert here and they make the place amazing. Tents are set up, they hand out chairs for you if you're sitting on the lawn. You can park at the zoo. Love it! Beautiful venue. Will definitely see another concert here. read more

I don't have too much more to add about White River State Park, but it is definitely a centerpiece attraction about Indianapolis and is still evolving over time. I think that the people who originally opposed using this previously underutilized green space to build museums and beautify the river had doubts about Indy's government getting it right, but the painstaking process has been thorough, and it is still ongoing. The Indy Zoo, The Eiteljorg, The Indiana State Museum, the Canal Walk and the NCAA Headquarters/Hall of Champions have turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to this area. It is a destination that is educational and interactive and gives the city a clean, green venue for various events and activities. Also, it is just a nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city without having to go to far. One thing that other reviewers haven't mentioned as much is the Eiteljorg Museum of Native American and Western Art. It is one of the premier museums of Native American Art in the world with art by T.C. Cannon, N. C. Wyeth, Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keeffe, Allan Houser, Frederic Remington, Charles Russell and Kay WalkingStick. They are the largest exhibitor in the Midwest (east of the Mississippi River) although it is pretty far from what most people think was the frontier, Indiana has quite a history of interaction between European Americans, free African Americans, and Native Americans. So, a museum of this caliber in a city whose name means "city of the Indians" is not far fetched. The Eiteljorg is a great guardian that protects an almost lost history of the West. Also the Indiana State Museum next door is just as interesting and has a lot of entertaining exhibits. It also has an IMAX theater which usually plays movies that are more educational than pure entertainment. There is also history built into the sides of the museum. Each one of Indiana's 92 counties has one of the limestone "bricks" decorated with items that highlight that county's history, culture, and unique identity. It's also great that the paper mill on White River that was dilapidated beyond eyesore stage is finally gone as the slow transformation of this green space continues. Hopefully one day soon, we will be able to remove more of the older factories from the river and expand our city's crown jewel. read more

Beautiful park in downtown with so much to do! Start at IUPUI and walk south along the canal, you'll pass restaurants and museums (art and NCAA), and end up in white river state park. The trail continues with a great view of downtown, or also takes your to the zoo. At the entrance of the park, there are bike rentals, the visitors center, and a snack stand. Closer to the canal is a paddle boat and kayak rental. read more

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This park has it all. Concert venue, across the street from the Indians ball park, the cultural trail, the NCAA hall of fame, next to the Zoo and White River Gardens, connects to the Canal, the Cultural Trail, White River Trail (north and south), IUPUI campus, NIFS ( a cool gym), Natatorium, Stadium, Art Museum....wow. It has sculpture, a huge green, bike rentail, demonstration garden, wild flower garden, a terrific plaza to watch the sunset, a huge green space....see, I wasn't kidding. This city park packs a punch. read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I love White River State Park! I can not say enough good things. I particularly love coming to this venue for concerts. They provide chairs (at no cost I think), you can upgrade to VIP to have an elevated seat and your own bar, and they typically have food and food trucks. There is on site parking or many other options downtown. Being in the park it self with out an event is great as well. It's peaceful and a great place to walk. It is right near the canal which offer many activities. This isn't a park that has hiking trails so if you're looking for that I would suggest some where else. But how great is it that Indy has this large park in the middle of downtown! read more

This is one of the best spots in Indianapolis to get a feel for the city. The skyscrapers, art, and green space are all midwest warm and welcoming. In the summer you'll see paddle boarders, dogs, and people galore enjoying the warm weather. However, it never is overwhelmingly crowded. Kudos to city planners for including this green space. You can park cheaply under the Indiana State Museum and easily spend a lazy afternoon here. I definitely take out of town friends here to enjoy Indy vibes. read more

A beautiful park that I have played Thanksgiving day football with about 20 family members and I get my miles in when I run. Walking distance from just about any hotel downtown. Also, a stones throw from The Indianapolis Zoo. Pretty quiet in the winter but gets pretty busy once the weather's nice. Very pretty and great skyline views read more

White River State Park - On my bike ride to the gym today. The snow has GOT to stop!! - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Beautiful park. It is well maintained which is especially apparent during the winter months. The streets by my house may not be cleared of snow but these running/walking paths always are! If you are ready to brave the cold outside, these paths are perfect for winter runs! read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

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Lovely park! My fiancé and I took our English bulldog with us to the park. They are not the most athletic dogs but we walked for quite a bit. We actually even got lost but still managed to have a great time. There were certain spots where we had to climb up ladders over huge rocks. Definitely made me nervous but it was a true ADVENTURE! We went at the onset of the spring and didn't stumble upon any snakes or varmints which was pleasing to me. Upon our exit, we ordered food from the restaurant which was decent. If you're in the area, definitely a top at this park for a nice hike. read more

What can I say? I love parks! After moving to Indy, I had heard about the canal, but I didn't realize how great it was until I visited and saw everything in full swing. Gondola rides, paddle boats, museums, and a great space to spend an afternoon. I hope it gets further developed to include a few more restaurants and shops. I know I would love to enjoy something delicious while taking in a few of the canal and watching people passing by. Zoo, movie nights outside, concerts. So many great things happen here! read more

This place has about all of my favorite things in the world. The canal, the river, the nature and the zoo. My favorite thing in the world about this place though is that I pretty much met what I think was the love of my life at some of the free concerts held here during the NCAA Final Four. I don't know if I'll ever see him again, but good heavens me, what a memory to have. This place is perfect for making memories. It does a great job of hosting events and there are so many things you can do in this area just to hang out at. I'm going to pretend that I'm transforming my body to something magical this summer by attempting to take some jogs around the canal here. I just find White River State Park to be the most romantic place on earth. I would definitely call this a hot date location at all hours of the day and definitely a hot place to make out (well appropriately that is). Who doesn't want to go on a hot date with a stroll along the canal and playing around the fountains and what not? Maybe go hang out in the Eiteljorg and the State Museum earlier in the day? I don't even know anyone who wouldn't want to. Also, there is this new Burgerhaus restaurant down the canal that I can't wait to try. It's almost so ridiculous how many of my favorite things in the world are located here. I absolutely love cheeseburgers. I love burgers, I love parks, I love zoos, museums, trails, romance, and rivers. This place is legitimately my personal heaven. The only thing I don't like are geese, but that's just a personal problem of mine. read more

Our family really enjoyed the canal walk, but why aren't there any restrooms or drinking fountains? read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

I rented a paddle boat here with a group of friends, and it was for the most part a good time. People here are generally quite pleasant, and if you say hi they'll say hi back. Sometimes. It is kind of hard, though, and maybe this is true of paddle boats generally but if you paddle normally it doesn't seem like you go very fast, and if you try to speed it up it gets tiring very quickly. I was pretty gross afterward, and I only paddled a little over half the trip. It's $25/hour for a boat that seats 4 (but only 2 can paddle). We made the trip in an hour, but it was a little stressful in the last 15 minutes or so whether we'd have to pay $50. If we did, this would get like 2 stars, but it worked out well, and the sites along the way are very nice. read more

I really enjoy taking my boys here for walks. We enjoy feeding the fish and the ducks. My only complaint is the fact that there is a smoking section on the canal however it is not off of the canal it is directly on it. It is like running through a smoke cloud. I wouldn't care too much accept I always have the babies with me. read more

White River State Park - Color run!!!!! - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

This place is nice I must say I'm impressed it's decorated and design is so cool plenty of people strolling by the canal with their children dogs friends some riding bikes skating a cool place to go on a hot day there's ice cream stands and the museum and sometimes they have concerts and events and statues private picnic areas you can get a paddle boat or get a ride on this canoe thing by this guy that sings to you in Italian along with a glass of wine I am definitely going here again read more

White River State Park - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

Wow... honestly... this is one of the better urban parks I've been to in a long time. We did not make it into the zoo or the native american art museum or the indiana state museum or the NCAA museum but every one of those places looks interesting to visit and we will be back. This is soley a review of the outdoor spaces of White River State Park. An easy walk from any hotel downtown, if you are looking to drive in they have cheap parking for a few bucks right by the visitors center as well as an underground lot. In the Military Park on the other side of the canal from the Indiana state museum you can see a quite and beautiful memorial to medal of honor soldiers. It is worth the 15 minutes to quitely wander and read the names of the men and women that have honorably went above and beyond the call of duty for our freedom. They have an extensive running trail system with very clear markers for distance and the bridges and paved spaces are clear and clean and there is modern art to look at everywhere. There are bikes for rent and segway tours that start here. There is a very nice visitors center with maps of things todo or see all over Indy and they have a great restroom facility. If you wander across the bridge toward the zoo you get a great view of the white river and of the end of the canal system that runs through the north end of the park. You can see IUPUI and the outer edges of the conservatory inside the zoo. I recommend this space to anyone passing through and looking for a break or for anyone downtown looking for something to do. Again I say this is one of the better urban parks I've ever been to. read more