The Easy Breezy Urban Trail In Indiana That Is Positively Delightful
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published October 11, 2018
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
A beautiful hike doesn’t have to be deep in the forests of some remote state park. Even the overcrowded city of Indianapolis has some lovely paths to walk. The best streets and neighborhoods in Indiana are connected by this unique urban trail that loops through our Hoosier State capital.
Enjoy art, restaurants, stores, and other incredible sights along this one-of-a-kind trail. Scroll on to learn more.
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is an eight-mile pedestrian and bike path that passes through six vibrant neighborhoods in and around downtown. It took about seven years to complete but is now a vital asset to life in the Circle City.
Tasked with finding a way to promote the city's amazing, cultural communities, the city started raising money for the project in 2001. Donors and federal transportation funding made this tax-free attraction possible, and it officially opened in 2013.
In total, the project cost $63 million, much of which came from Eugene and Marilyn Glick in the form of a $15 million gift.
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The six districts that are connected on this urban trail are Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, The Canal & White River State Park, and the Wholesale District. This wonderful path connects many other trails around the city as well, including the Monon Trail, which is a huge greenway that goes to Carmel, White River Trail, and Pleasant Run Parkway.
There is much to enjoy along this urban trail. Between April and October, guided tours begin at 10 a.m. every Saturday at the trail's main office. There are also food tours and bikeshare stations to make your experience diverse and exciting.
Some of the funding for this amazing city path was set aside for artistic endeavors. Pieces from new and established artists as well as pieces that promote connectivity and innovations while engaging the senses were also chosen for this space.
You will find the Talking Wall that tells the history of African Americans in Indianapolis. There's also a giant, colorful looking glass, a digital dancing woman, and the Glick Peace Walk, which honors people who have made contributions to humanity, such as Martin Luther King Jr.
You can hop on this trail at any point along its eight-mile route. Whether you just want to walk the dog, hike the neighborhoods, or enjoy some unique art, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is the perfect urban experience to help you fall back in love with this beautiful city.
