Free Attractions in Indianapolis
Exploring a town can get expensive, especially when on vacation! So we put together a list of free attractions in Indianapolis.
Our free attractions range from outdoor attractions to museums, local tours, and so much more. Check the list below to find your next adventure around Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indianapolis ArtsGarden
If you are an avid lover of art, then you may be interested in the Indianapolis Artsgarden.
It is located inside a gorgeous glass building adding to the overall artsy theme.
The Artsgarden offers public performances throughout the year, to enjoy.
In addition to performances, the interior cafe-style venue features different art exhibits allowing you to view the artwork of those in the area.
It’s a great way to take a break from exploring Indianapolis downtown and relax while enjoying local art and performances.
City Market
This is not your ordinary city market. The city market has handmade crafts, flowers, fresh food, and ethnic foods.
You can easily spend the day walking around viewing different venues, trying various foods, and talking with local vendors.
Stop and grab a wine, craft beer, or coffee, stroll around the City Market to explore the different food options, and pick up a keepsake of your City Market Adventure.
It’s a fun way to get out and explore the various small businesses around Indianapolis.
The fee to get into City Market is free, while purchases within cost extra.
Walk the Indy Canal
If you are looking for an adventurous day outside in Indianapolis, you may like the Indy Canal. The canal features a trail that is approximately 3 miles long.
Along the scenic route are views of downtown Indianapolis, beautiful buildings aside from the canal, and a 17-foot waterfall. All in all, it is considered to be a peaceful trail to walk or bike.
Another significant aspect of the Indy Canal is the vast number of outdoor activities. You can spend the entire day biking, boating, and dining alongside the canal. One popular activity is biking along the canal trail.
Bike rentals are available at Wheel Fun Rentals. They offer various bike rentals that include regular bikes, tandem bikes, choppers, and surrey, among many others.
Therefore, allowing you to pick the bicycle that best suits you! Rentals vary depending on the bike.
Some allow a full day, while others only allow you to choose half-day and/or hourly. All bike rentals include a helmet, basket, and bike lock.
In addition to bike rentals, non-motorized boat rentals allow you to paddle your way down the canal. Boats are available for rental through Wheel Fun Rentals.
Rentals include a kayak, a double kayak, and a paddle boat. All boat rentals are hourly and include a life jacket.
Suppose you look for a more romantic or relaxing way to view the canal. In that case, you may be interested in the Gondola Rides, which features a singing gondolier.
A gondola allows you to float down the river in peace. Rides range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Learn more about Old World Gondoliers’ pricing on their website!
Access and walking trail at the Indy Canal is free. Biking, boat rentals, Gondola Rides, and other activities cost an additional fee.
Virginia B Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
The Virginia B Fairbanks Art and Nature Park is a great way to head outdoors and spend some time in nature. The 100 acres park combines nature with art.
The park has woods, wetlands, and a 35-acre lake. One of the more exciting aspects of the park is the unique structures of art.
Some art exhibits are interactive, such as the not-so-ordinary basketball court that features an intertwining climbing structure with a basketball hoop in the middle.
Then you have a playground designed with branches and a skeleton balancing beam.
Therefore, allowing children to have a blast as they play on the different art structures throughout the park.
Virginia B Fairbanks Art and Nature Park are located on Newfield Property! While here, check out some of the other attractions that Newfield has to offer.
Tour the Indiana Statehouse
Another free attraction in Indianapolis is the Indiana Statehouse. This is an excellent tour if you are interested in architecture or learning more about how democracy works in Indiana.
The Indiana Statehouse was initially built in 1888 and designed with a Renaissance style in mind.
The gorgeous statehouse features a stained glass dome, adding to the overall elegance of the building.
Other aspects that make the building stand out are the marble and grand columns throughout the building.
The building’s architecture will leave you in awe!
Another significant aspect of the Indiana Statehouse is it’s a great way to educate yourself and your family about Indiana’s democracy.
Learn about government branches, where meetings are held, and how laws are created.
You may even meet with legislators and other state leaders if you get lucky.
Tours of the Indiana Statehouse are from Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. However, hours and times may change. Please call 1-800-457-8283 to book your tour ahead of time.
Tour the Governor's Mansion
Take a tour of the Governor’s Mansion in Indianapolis, Indiana. See this 10,500-square-foot home built in 1928. The home style is an English Tudor on 6 acres of land.
The tour includes a comprehensive look throughout the home, including viewing a formal dining room, library, foyer, office, and a large attic.
These are some of the many rooms throughout the house that you will get to explore.
Furthermore, a tour guide will take you through the formal gardens, where you will see the gorgeous landscaping at the Governor’s Mansion. The garden does include an active beehive.
Indiana State Police Museum
If you are fascinated by the history of Indiana’s police, then you must check out this museum!
The Indiana State Police Museum goes back from 1933 until modern-day giving an overview of the different changes.
The museum features actual police cars.
Allowing you to see the different styles of police cars used throughout time. In addition to their police cars, they also have different uniforms, photographs, and artifacts on display.
The museum features one-of-a-kind items, including a John Dillinger death mask, an old-school drunk meter, and much more.
The museum is accessible to the public and takes approximately 30 minutes to walk through.
However, expect to stay for a couple of hours if you take the time to read the different descriptions throughout the museum.
Holiday Park Nature Center
Nature Center is Open Everyday from Sunrise to Sunset
Nature Center is Open every day from Sunrise to Sunset.
The 94 acres of the park feature a hiking trail, a nature center, and a kid’s playground.
The Holiday Park Nature Center has a 3.5-mile path. Along the course, you may see wetlands, woods, the white river, wildflowers, and wildlife such as birds, rabbits, and deer.
Besides hiking trails, the park also features a nature center that is fun for individuals of all ages.
The nature center offers a great learning experience that features different exhibits, with some that are hands-on.
In addition to the nature center, the park also has a kid’s playground.
The playground is a great way to get your kids out of the house and enjoy nature while having a blast!
The playground features different slides, swings, and a climbing rope wall.
While here, be sure to stop by and see the ruins of an old building.
It’s pretty impressive and an excellent place for photos! Behind the ruins are fountains that add to the overall beauty of the park.
Full List of Free Attractions in Indianapolis
- Indianapolis ArtsGarden
- City Market
- Walk the Indy Canal
- Virginia B Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
- Tour the Indiana Statehouse
- Tour the Governor’s Mansion
- Indiana State Police Museum
- Holiday Park Nature Center
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
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