White River State Park

#1 in Best Things To Do in Indianapolis

All Things To Do

white-river-state-park

Key Info

801 W. Washington St.

Price & Hours

Free
5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily

Details

Museums, Free, Parks and Gardens, Recreation, Sightseeing
Time to Spend: Half Day to Full Day

Overview of White River State Park

Anchoring the west side of Indianapolis, White River State Park offers 250 acres of green space dotted with memorials and museums. The Central Canal and the White River provide scenic waterways throughout the park, with the White River bisecting it from north to south.

Attractions

Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo, located on the west side of the river, is easily accessible via the White River Pedestrian Bridge.

Museums and Military Park

On the east side, visitors can explore the Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum, and Military Park. These cultural institutions offer a rich array of exhibits and educational experiences.

Victory Field

Victory Field, situated within White River State Park, provides an opportunity for visitors and locals to relax and enjoy a baseball game.

Recreational Activities

If you're looking for physical activities, the park boasts five walking and biking trails. Notable trails include the Canal Walk, Cultural Trail, River Promenade, and Waterfront Trail.

As the central park in Indianapolis, it is conveniently located near many activities and hotels. Recent visitors have praised White River State Park, with one calling it a "treasure." Some explored the park on foot, while others rented bikes or kayaks. Be aware that parking entrances can be challenging to find, according to past visitors.

Location and Parking

White River State Park is situated less than a mile from downtown Indianapolis.

Parking Options

There are two main parking areas:

  • An underground parking garage located between the Indiana State Museum and Eiteljorg Museum at 650 W. Washington St., with rates starting at $10.
  • A surface lot near the entrance of White River State Park and Victory Field on West Washington Street.

Hours and Fees

Access to the park is free, and the grounds are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Note that individual museums and attractions within the park may have their own hours and fees.

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