Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

Natural Landscape

Wander through 100 acres of pure Indiana beauty, where woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and a 35-acre lake create a constantly evolving canvas. Nestled between the gentle flow of the White River and the historic Indiana Central Canal, this place feels worlds away from city life, although you're still very much in Indianapolis.

Lace up your walking shoes and hit the trails that meander through this diverse landscape. The main loop trail around the lake stretches about 1.4 miles - nothing too challenging - with crushed gravel and packed dirt underfoot as you move between sun-drenched meadows and cool, shaded woods.

Art Installations

What we find unique about this park is how art and nature intertwine. These aren't your typical museum pieces - they're meant to be experienced, not just observed. Kids (and let's be honest, plenty of adults too) love climbing on Funky Bones, a giant skeleton-like sculpture by Atelier Van Lieshout. Jeppe Hein's Bench Around the Lake offers quirky seating with unexpected twists, while Los Carpinteros' Free Basket reimagines a basketball court in delightfully surreal ways.

There's a whimsical rooftop house that beckons climbers of all ages, and a serene green pier that's fantastic for catching those golden-hour lake views. Many installations invite physical interaction - climbing, sitting, exploring - making art accessible even to those who might normally skip the museum.

Mother and Child sculpture by artist Dora Gordine

Facilities

The Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion is a marvel in itself. Designed to mimic a fallen leaf, this eco-friendly building offers restrooms, a multipurpose room, and quiet spaces to catch your breath after exploring. The architect, Marlon Blackwell, created a structure that's both beautiful and LEED-certified - proof that practical can also be poetic.

Nature lovers should make time for the Wild Birds Unlimited Native Pollinator Meadow, where Indiana's native plants create a vibrant tapestry that shifts with the seasons. Spring and summer bring an explosion of wildflowers that attract butterflies, bees, and birds - bring your camera, especially if you enjoy wildlife photography.

You can find picnic tables near the entrance and around the grounds, plus plenty of grassy spots fantastic for spreading out a blanket. The park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, so consider bringing binoculars if that's your thing.

Stone pillars frame the entrance pathway into the gardens

Access Information

Situated within the Newfields campus, this park is one of America's largest art and nature parks, and it welcomes visitors daily from 8:30AM to 7:30PM.

Getting here is easy via the Central Canal Towpath, which connects to Indianapolis's broader trail network. There's an expanded parking lot if you're driving, bike racks for cyclists, and even an Indiana Pacers Bikeshare station if you want to combine your visit with a city bike tour.

As for facilities, you'll come across portable toilets near the parking area and seasonal restrooms along the trail. Dogs are welcome but must stay leashed, and there are waste bag stations throughout to help keep the grounds pristine.

Perhaps the best part? Admission is completely free. This urban park offers a place to disconnect from city life while experiencing art and nature - all for free. You can spend anywhere from an hour to a whole day exploring the grounds.