The cultural and recreational heart of Indianapolis, the White River State Park, is 250 acres (100 hectares) of beautifully designed urban space straddling both banks of a picturesque river. You’ll find museums, art galleries, a world-class zoo, green spaces, public art and sporting facilities — all just a short stroll from the downtown area. Explore the region’s past in the Indiana State Museum. There are more than 500,000 artifacts on display, from fossils to retro consumer goods from the 1950s. Right next door you’ll find the state’s largest IMAX theater offering educational films and the latest blockbusters.Learn about Indiana’s indigenous history at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art. It houses one of the best collections of Native American art in the country, and includes artifacts such as jewelry, saddle blankets, clothing and weaponry. Sports fans should visit Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians baseball team. The 14,500-seat stadium ranks as one of the best minor league ballparks in America. Travel through the animal kingdom at the Indianapolis Zoo, where five biomes replicate climates from the desert to the forest and house over 1,500 animals. The zoo includes an aquarium and botanic gardens.Be sure to check the park website for a schedule of the many events that occur throughout the year. Sit back on the lawn and enjoy a concert at the White River Park Concert series, held from May to September. In July, catch a free Shakespearean play performed alongside the canal, or dance to the sound of a Celtic drum at the Indianapolis Irish Festival in September. White River Park is also a great place to come and just take it easy. Many walking trails and picnic areas provide the perfect place for a quiet getaway.The park is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day.
White River State Park Tours
Visit White River State Park
Plan a trip to see White River State Park
Motel 6 Fishers, IN - Indianapolis
Reviewed on 21 May 2024
Reviews of White River State Park
4/5 - Good
After visiting the zoo, we walked along White River as well as the canal. We really enjoyed walking through White River Park and seeing so many people out and about taking advantage of the late summer day.
5/5 - Excellent
Make sure to do the peddle bike or peddle boats down the canal. Fun experience!
3/5 - Okay
We were disappointed. We asked which way would be the best way to walk and we weren't directed to the walk at all. The map given was useless. We were quite upset to pay for parking and the lady in the visitor center had no clue of helping out-of-staters.
5/5 - Excellent
Went looking for Eagles.. didn’t see any
Popular places to visit
Indianapolis Zoo
Much more than an animal park, this downtown attraction also features an aquarium and botanic garden.
White River Gardens
With its famous glass conservatory and its green displays of unusual and creative designs, this riverside park is an idyllic and intriguing setting.
Indiana State Museum
A blend of local and natural history, as well as the largest IMAX theater in the state, make for an engaging outing.
NCAA Hall of Champions
A celebration of 24 types of college sport, this museum pays homage to student competitors, while its simulators provide a taste for pace.
Victory Field
One of the nation’s best minor league baseball parks provides insights into the local passion for sports in downtown Indianapolis.
The Lawn At White River
Catch an event at The Lawn At White River during your trip to Indianapolis. Discover the area's acclaimed theater scene and notable monuments.
Best Lodging Options Near White River State Park
Check availability on hotels close to White River State Park
- Vacations and getaways similar to White River State Park
- Other Hotels near White River State Park, Downtown Indianapolis
- Hotels near popular Indianapolis Attractions
- More Hotel Options in White River State Park
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Lucas Oil Stadium
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Indiana Convention Center
- Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Zoo
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
- Fashion Mall at Keystone
- Butler University
- Indiana State Fairgrounds
- Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
- Grand Park
- Old National Centre
- Eagle Creek Park
- Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
- Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown
- Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
- Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
- Staybridge Suites Indianapolis Downtown - Convention Center, an IHG Hotel
- Conrad Indianapolis
- The Westin Indianapolis
- Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
- Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown Across from Circle Centre
- Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol
- Hotels near Indianapolis Zoo
- Hotels near Eiteljorg Museum
- Hotels near Indiana State Museum
- Hotels near Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn
- Hotels near White River Gardens
- Hotels near Celebration Plaza and Amphitheater
- Hotels near Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Hotels near Lucas Oil Stadium
- Hotels near Indiana Convention Center
- Hotels near Gainbridge Fieldhouse
- Hotels near Children's Museum of Indianapolis
- Hotels near Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- Hotels near Fashion Mall at Keystone
- Hotels near Butler University
- Hotels near Indiana State Fairgrounds
- Hotels near Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
- Hotels near Old National Centre
- Hotels near Eagle Creek Park
- Hotels near Circle Center Mall
- Hotels near Monument Circle