The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is the best way to understand how the city fits together. Completed in 2012, the trail is an eight-mile paved path for walkers and cyclists that loops through downtown and connects six cultural districts: Mass Ave, Fountain Square, the Canal and White River State Park, Indiana Avenue, the Wholesale District and Market East. It is separated from traffic, planted with trees and gardens and dotted with public art, so it feels more like a linear park than a bike lane, and it passes many of the city's restaurants, theaters, galleries and bars. You can walk a short stretch from your hotel to dinner on Mass Ave, cycle the whole loop in a morning or hop between neighborhoods you would otherwise reach by car. The trail cost about $63 million, funded by local philanthropy including a major gift from Gene and Marilyn Glick and a federal transportation grant, and more than a million people use it each year. The Pacers Bikeshare offers bikes for short rides along the route, which makes it easy to try without bringing your own.
Getting started
There is no entrance and no fee, so you can join the trail at any point. Mass Ave, Fountain Square, the canal near White River State Park and Indiana Avenue are all natural starting places, and many downtown hotels are within a couple of blocks of the route. Pick up a route map online before you set off, since the trail makes several turns through the street grid and the signage is easiest to follow with a plan.
Choosing a section
For food and nightlife, take the stretch along Mass Ave and into Fountain Square, which is where the best dining and the arts district sit. For museums, parks and water views, follow the canal and White River State Park. For music history, Indiana Avenue is the historic jazz corridor and links to the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library. Walking the full eight miles takes several hours, so most visitors cover one or two sections and use bikeshare for longer legs.
Timing and comfort
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with cool air and good light. Summer afternoons can be hot with limited shade on some stretches, and winter walks are bracing but pleasant on dry days. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and keep to the marked path, remembering that cyclists share it. Food tours operate along the trail if you would like a guide, and the route makes an easy backbone for a self-guided day of sightseeing.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided eight-mile paved trail for walkers and cyclists, passing public art, gardens and six cultural districts.
Best time
Spring or autumn, in the morning or late afternoon light.
How long
One hour for a short stretch, up to half a day for much of the loop.
Tips
Download a route map, wear comfortable shoes, carry water and use bikeshare for longer sections.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see several neighborhoods on foot or by bike.
- Families
- Good for families with confident cyclists, as the path is separate from traffic.
- Couples
- A scenic walk from downtown to dinner on Mass Ave.
- Pair with
- Dinner on Mass Ave, or the Fountain Square Food Tour.
- Time needed
- One to four hours.
Good questions
How long is the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?+
It is about eight miles long, looping through downtown and connecting six cultural districts.
Is the Cultural Trail free?+
Yes, the trail is free to walk or cycle at any time. Bikeshare bikes are rented separately.
Where can I join the Cultural Trail?+
You can join anywhere. Mass Ave, Fountain Square, the canal at White River State Park and Indiana Avenue are good starting points.
Can I rent a bike for the Cultural Trail?+
Yes, the Pacers Bikeshare has stations along the route, so you can rent a bike for a short ride.
Which neighborhoods does the Cultural Trail connect?+
It links Mass Ave, Fountain Square, the Canal and White River State Park, Indiana Avenue, the Wholesale District and Market East.
