The Central Canal is the quiet, landscaped waterway that slides through the western side of downtown Indianapolis, and the Canal Walk beside it is one of the most pleasant free things to do in the city. The refurbished walk stretches north through White River State Park to 11th Street, serving walkers, runners, cyclists and strollers as a car-free path through the middle of the city. It begins near the Indiana State Museum, passes the Eiteljorg Museum and runs alongside bridges, memorials and public art, with the city skyline closing in as you head north. Pedal boats are available to rent on the canal west of the State Museum, and in the warm months they turn the water into a small holiday scene of families in brightly coloured boats. In winter the walk is quieter and more reflective, and the lights and the cold air make a short loop from the museum district a good stretch of the legs between indoor stops. It is not a long or demanding walk, which makes it ideal for fitting into a day of museums.
Access and cost
The Canal Walk is a public path open to walkers, runners and cyclists, so there is no entry cost for walking it. It lies in White River State Park, at around 801 West Washington Street, close to the State Museum, the zoo and the Eiteljorg Museum. Pedal boats are rented separately and run in the warmer part of the year; hours and prices change, so check with the operator, Wheel Fun Rentals, for the current season rather than assuming they are running.
Where it fits
The Canal Walk links the places visitors want to see in one corridor. Walk from the State Museum north to the war memorial area, or use the canal as the pleasant route between the zoo and your downtown hotel, which is a twenty-minute walk. Cyclists can combine it with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which loops through downtown and out to Mass Ave and Fountain Square.
Making the most of it
Go on a clear morning or in the golden hour before dusk, and bring a camera for the skyline reflections. The walk is flat and step-free for much of its length, so it suits strollers and visitors who tire easily. If you come in summer, a pedal boat is a good change for children after a morning in a museum. In the evening, choose a well-lit stretch near the museums and the Washington Street end, and keep to the busier sections after dark.
What to expect
The experience
A landscaped, car-free waterside path past museums and public art, with seasonal pedal boat rentals.
Best time
A clear morning or the hour before dusk, and the warm months for pedal boats.
How long
Thirty minutes to an hour and a half.
Tips
Pedal boats are seasonal, so check before you plan around them, and stay on the busier stretches after dark.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants a free, easy stroll between museums.
- Families
- Flat and stroller-friendly, with pedal boats for children in the warm months.
- Couples
- An unhurried walk along the water at the end of a museum day.
- Pair with
- The Indiana State Museum, the Eiteljorg Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo.
- Time needed
- Under two hours.
Good questions
Is the Indianapolis Canal Walk free?+
Yes, walking the canal path is free and it is open to walkers, runners and cyclists. Only pedal boat rentals are paid.
Where does the Canal Walk start and end?+
It runs north through White River State Park to 11th Street, beginning near the Indiana State Museum.
Can you rent pedal boats on the Indianapolis canal?+
Yes, pedal boats are available to rent west of the Indiana State Museum, in the warmer part of the year. Check the operator for current dates and prices.
How long does the Canal Walk take?+
A stroll takes thirty minutes to an hour, longer if you add the museums or a boat ride.
Can you walk from the canal to the zoo?+
Yes, the zoo is in White River State Park beside the canal and is a short walk from the State Museum.
