District Summary:
The Canal and White River State Park is one of Indianapolis' six cultural districts. Located along the historic Central Canal, it's one of the city's most beautiful and popular attractions.
You'll find the canal's three miles of walking paths and waterways are surrounded by the gorgeous, 250-acre White River State Park, all of which is dotted with the city's finest street cafes, museums, and cultural landmarks.
Fitness enthusiasts should not miss their chance to run or walk along the glassy surface of the canal at sunrise or sunset, and families looking for fun can check out the paddle boat and gondola rentals.
Location:
The canal is one of the main veins in Downtown Indianapolis, and it's located conveniently near some of the city's premiere destinations. So if you're downtown, you probably won't miss it.
Click here to take a walking tour of The Canal and White River State Park.
Directions:
Find detailed directions from every angle on the park's website.
Map:
See a map of White River State Park and the Canal here
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Parking:
Parking for access to both White River State Park and the Canal can be achieved in several ways. The Indianapolis Zoo has a massive parking lot, and the city encourages park visitors to use their lot when visiting White River State Park.
Parking is also available at Victory Field and the Indiana State Museum, both of which are situated along the canal.
The Lawn:
The Lawn is Indianapolis' world class outdoor concert venue, located in White River State Park and set with the canal as a backdrop. Some of the biggest national acts that tour through Indiana can be seen at The Lawn.
Since its opening, The Lawn has consistently set attendance records in consecutive years, and last year was no different. The Lawn was also named one of the top 100 outdoor concert venues by Pollstar music magazine.
For tickets, check the official website.
History:
Even Indianapolis natives have a tendency to think that the Canal is relatively new to the city, and although it's true that the canal has recently undergone major renovations, the "Central Canal" has actually been a part of the city for more than a century.
It began in 1839 as the centerpiece of Governor Noah Noble's Internal Improvements Act, with the idea for a Central Canal being modeled after the Erie Canal in New York. The goal was to provide a waterway to allow ships to move through Indiana, but it was scrapped just three years later after the state went bankrupt.
Visit the Canal Society to learn more.