White River State Park

801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
250 acres | 101 hectares

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About the Location

Urban Oasis

White River State Park is a sprawling 250-acre urban park located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, along the banks of the White River. It serves as a vibrant hub of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural attractions, making it one of the country's most unique urban parks.

The park integrates lush green spaces, trails, and waterways with cultural and educational institutions. With its seamless mix of natural beauty, recreation, and culture, White River State Park provides a multidimensional experience, appealing to families, history buffs, art enthusiasts, and sports fans alike.

Landscaped green space with storm clouds gathering over NCAA Hall of Champions
Landscaped green space with storm clouds gathering over NCAA Hall of Champions
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)

Cultural Attractions

Prominent attractions within the park include the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the NCAA Hall of Champions, all offering visitors a deep dive into history, science, and art.

Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians baseball team, and the IMAX Theater, housed inside the State Museum, add further dimensions of entertainment.

Blue-lit dolphin dome at Indianapolis Zoo looks spectacular
Blue-lit dolphin dome at Indianapolis Zoo looks spectacular
Photo: Sean Molin x Photographer (CC0)

Outdoor Recreation

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy various activities such as walking, jogging, or biking along scenic paths like the White River Greenway and the Cultural Trail. The park's proximity to the White River allows for kayaking, pedal boating, and gondola rides, providing a unique perspective of Indianapolis.

The Everwise Amphitheater hosts open-air concerts and cultural festivals, while the expansive lawns create spaces for community events and picnics.

Indianapolis skyline view towards east
Indianapolis skyline view towards east
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)

Gardens and Art

White River Gardens, part of the Indianapolis Zoo, offers stunning horticultural displays and a picturesque conservatory. Visitors can also explore public art installations, including the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial and The Tent sculpture.

Relaxing water features such as fountains and ponds enhance the park's tranquility. Accessibility is a key feature, with ADA-compliant pathways and numerous rental options like bicycles and boats to facilitate exploration of the park.

All Features & Facilities

Active Recreation

Baseball Field

Nature & Wildlife

Botanical GardenOpen Grassy AreaWalking TrailWildlife Viewing

Water Features & Activities

Boat LaunchBoat RentalsFishingLakeRiver

Visitor Services

AmphitheaterMemorialParking LotPaved PathsRestroomsVisitor Center

Food & Gathering

Picnic Area

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Pedestrian bridge offers scenic crossing point over White River
Pedestrian bridge offers scenic crossing point over White River
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
NCAA Hall of Champions surrounded by autumn trees and open green space
NCAA Hall of Champions surrounded by autumn trees and open green space
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
Cascading water feature with stone walls creates a peaceful atmosphere
Cascading water feature with stone walls creates a peaceful atmosphere
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
Landscaped green space with storm clouds gathering over NCAA Hall of Champions
Landscaped green space with storm clouds gathering over NCAA Hall of Champions
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
Blue-lit dolphin dome at Indianapolis Zoo looks spectacular
Blue-lit dolphin dome at Indianapolis Zoo looks spectacular
Photo: Sean Molin x Photographer (CC0)
Brick pathway alongside historic building in afternoon light
Brick pathway alongside historic building in afternoon light
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
Indianapolis skyline view towards east
Indianapolis skyline view towards east
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
Modern metal sculpture with Lucas Oil Stadium visible in the background
Modern metal sculpture with Lucas Oil Stadium visible in the background
Photo: Serge Melki (CC BY 2.0)
Zebra grazing peacefully in its habitat at Indianapolis Zoo
Zebra grazing peacefully in its habitat at Indianapolis Zoo
Photo: jimbowen0306 (CC BY 2.0)

Park Size

250 acres | 101 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:5AM-11PM
Tuesday:5AM-11PM
Wednesday:5AM-11PM
Thursday:5AM-11PM
Friday:5AM-11PM
Saturday:5AM-11PM
Sunday:5AM-11PM

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