Indiana Hiking & Outdoor Recreation

Hiking and mountain biking trails are in great abundance in the Indianapolis, Indiana region. Fall Creek Trail at Fort Harrison State Park is a 2.2 mile loop trail that winds along Fall Creek. Three Lakes Loop and Low Gap Trail in Martinsville, Indiana (20 miles south of Plainfield) both offer tempting 10-mile trails through the magical Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Central Canal Towpath is ideal for mountain biking. Formerly the Indianapolis Water Company Canal, Central Canal Towpath is pretty much flat for its entire 5.5 miles and takes you past such sights as the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Butler University.

Fishing in Indiana

If you’re into fishing, you’ll be glad you’re situated in the greater Indianapolis, Indiana area. Travel just minutes from downtown Indianapolis and only half an hour from Indianapolis International Airport and you’ll discover the White River, where the smallmouth bass are biting big-time. You’ll have no trouble reeling in largemouth bass and crappie from Geist Lake, Morse Lake, and Lake Monroe, Indianapolis’ largest reservoir. Twenty miles from Indianapolis in Plainfield, IN, the Plainfield Fishing Resort is known for its largemouth bass and trout in the spring and fall. All year-round you can catch everything from bullheads, channel catfish, and bluegill to perch, walleye, and northern pike.

Golfing in Indiana

Pack your golf clubs on your next visit to the Indianapolis, Indiana vicinity because there is no shortage of great courses. The city itself boasts several award-winning courses, including the Southern Dunes Golf Course, the Fort Golf Course, Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, and the Legends of Indiana Golf Course. For those golfers who don’t have time for a full round, there are several 9-hole courses in Indianapolis, including Cypress Run Golf Course, the Sunrise Golf Course, A.J. Thatcher Golf Course, and the Brendonwood Golf Course. Just 10 minutes west of the Indianapolis International Airport in Plainfield, Indiana, Oak Tree Golf Course presents a spectacular Pete Dye layout.

Indiana Boating

There are many rivers and reservoirs that are perfect for boating in Indianapolis. Check out Indy Parks, which boasts great boating opportunities via their Fall Creek and White River canoe trails. Boat rentals are available at Broad Ripple Park and Eagle Creek Reservoir. In addition, boat launches can be found on the White River, Eagle Creek Reservoir, Geist Reservoir, and Lake Indy. Nearby Plainfield, Indiana also offers up the chance to spend a relaxing afternoon on the water. The Plainfield Fishing Resort is situated on 122 acres and features a crystal clear lake that’s ideal for boating. The resort also offers boat rental at a reasonable price.

Shopping in Indiana

Indiana will treat you to some heart-stopping shopping. Castleton Square Mall ranks as one of the largest indoor shopping centers in Indianapolis. It features major stores like JC Penney and Sears, a movie theater, and a top-floor restaurant. The County Line Mall draws crowds to its large factory-style shops like Kroger, OfficeMax, Old Time Pottery, and Sofa Express. In Plainfield, Indiana (20 miles from Indianapolis), the place to shop is Metropolis, which features name-brand stores like Ann Taylor, Barnes and Noble, Chico’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Dining options include great Irish cuisine at The Claddagh Irish Pub and steaks, seafood and pasta at the Stone Creek Dining Co.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Get your excitement level in high gear at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Home of the famed Indianapolis 500, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway also hosts many other special NASCAR events. These include the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix. While you’re there, check out the Hall of Fame Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Take a look at over 75 racing cars that include past Indy winners along with many from other well-known worldwide motor sports events.

Conseco Fieldhouse

Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana is the place to go for sporting events, concerts, and family entertainment. Two professional basketball teams play their home games there. The Indiana Pacers of the NBA have been a fixture in the Hoosier State since 1967, winning three American Basketball Association championships in the 1970’s. The WNBA’s Indiana Fever, which made its debut in 2000, can be seen scoring up a storm from May through September. Other events include World Championship Wrestling, the Indianapolis Ice of the Central Hockey League, Disney on Ice, and rock concerts featuring John Mellencamp, Taylor Swift, and American Idols LIVE!

Indianapolis Zoo

Situated in downtown’s White River State Park, the Indianapolis Zoo will impress both young and old alike with its exceptional collection of animals and special attractions. Discover Dolphin In-Water Adventure where you’ll get to feed a dolphin, learn how to signal a dolphin to carry out a behavior, and engage in many hands-on interactions. Delight in Dragons of Komodo, a cool exhibit that features amazing lizards from Southeast Asia. Don’t miss White River Gardens, a gorgeous 3-acre botanical garden on the zoo’s grounds. Take a stunning stroll along nearly two miles of flower-covered pathways.

Indianapolis Museum of Art

Surrounded by first-rate landscaping, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is a treasure trove of African, European, and Asia artwork that span centuries. The Asian Art Gallery is home to over 400 works of art, covering more than 4,000 years of work from China, Japan, Korea, India, and Tibet while the European galleries boast paintings, sculptures, prints, and decorative arts from the 12th century. Enjoy Native American and South Pacific art as well, including textiles, rugs, contemporary art, prints, drawings and photography. What’s more, the museum features the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and Oldfields-Lilly House & Gardens.

Chateau Thomas Winery

Located about 20 miles outside of Indianapolis in Plainfield, Indiana, the Chateau Thomas Winery got its start in 1984 when Dr. Charles R. Thomas gave up his practice and turned to winemaking full time. The winery is known for a wide variety of award-winning wines. Dry white wines include Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. Dry red wines range from Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir. They also produce such sweet white wines as Riesling and Gew?rztraminer. In addition, Chateau Thomas has taken home four Governor's Trophies at the Indy International Wine Competition, crowning it the best winery in Indiana.