Central Canal Tours

Indianapolis
Central Canal as well as an individual male
Central Canal showing street scenes and a pond
Central Canal
Central Canal


Running past some of the city’s principal attractions is a scenic 19th-century canal. Take a paddleboat, kayak or gondola out onto the water.

Bordered by walking trails and leafy parks, the Central Canal is a scenic waterway decorating the center of Indianapolis. Take a boat out on the water, allowing you to see some of the city’s main attractions in style. Stroll along the banks of the canal and enjoy picturesque views of the water.

Rent a pedal boat or kayak with your family at Wheel Fun Rentals, toward the southern end of the canal. Stop at some of the sites beside the water, such as the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State House and the Indiana State Museum. Beside these iconic institutions is Military Park, with a layout resembling a military badge.

Stop at the Frank and Katrina Basile Theater and the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center. As you continue north along the canal, spot deluxe apartment blocks lining both sides.

Back on land, embark on the Indianapolis Canal Walk and relax under shade trees along the way. The impressive USS Indianapolis National Memorial here pays tribute to a cruiser from World War II.

Reach the scenic circular basin near the Indiana University School of Medicine. Cycle along the paths lining the waterway or join the joggers and runners. The canal and its trail create a serene setting, away from the hubbub of the city center. Relax with your feet dangling over the side of the canal and read a book on a warm, sunny day. Let your kids frolic in the play area. The canal trail is free and open to the public at all times.

The Central Canal stretches across the central district of Indianapolis in the heart of Indiana. Walk northwest for a few minutes from the city’s railway station to reach the Canal Walk. While in the area, make sure to visit nearby areas such as the Wholesale District, Fountain Square and West Indianapolis.

Plan a trip to see Central Canal

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Comfort Inn & Suites North at the Pyramids
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Indianapolis Carmel
InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Central Canal

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
JW Marriott Indianapolis

JW Marriott Indianapolis

4 out of 5
10 S West Street, Indianapolis, IN
JW Marriott Indianapolis
Bottleworks Hotel

Bottleworks Hotel

4.5 out of 5
850 Massachusetts Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
Bottleworks Hotel
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

2.5 out of 5
414 West Vermont Street, Indianapolis, IN
Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI

3 out of 5
414 West Vermont Street, Indianapolis, IN
Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
130 South Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN
Omni Severin Hotel
Aloft Indianapolis Downtown

Aloft Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
136 East Market Street, Indianapolis, IN
Aloft Indianapolis Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol

3 out of 5
320 N Senate Ave, Indianapolis, IN
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Central Canal

At Central Canal in Indianapolis, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as wakeboarding, leisurely walks, and stunning sunsets. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic canal walk, along with shore excursions and trail reviews that highlight the beauty of the area. Additionally, you'll find diverse shopping options nearby, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near Central Canal, visit Circle Center Mall, just 1 mile away, offering a lively atmosphere with entertainment options. The Indianapolis City Market, also 1 mile away, features local vendors. If you're up for a drive, check out Twin Aire Shopping Center, located 3 miles away.

Recreation

At Indiana Convention Center, immerse yourself in vibrant sports activities and events, just a mile from Central Canal. For a musical escape, head to Old National Centre, also a mile away, where entertainment and lively performances await. For outdoor enthusiasts, Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, located 4 miles away, provides a serene golf experience amidst nature.

Adventure

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located 4 miles from Central Canal, offers thrilling motor racing experiences with a vibrant sports atmosphere. For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Mid-America Motorcycle Speedway, 8 miles away, provides an adrenaline-pumping racing environment. Enjoy tennis at the UIndy Tennis Center, situated 5 miles from Central Canal, surrounded by adventure vibes.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Central Canal is vibrant and diverse. Catch a show at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, just a mile away, for a cultural experience. For dancing and fun, head to 8 Seconds Saloon, located 5 miles away, where the city vibes and entertainment come alive.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Central Canal

When visiting Central Canal in Indianapolis, be sure to explore the Indianapolis Canal Walk, where you can enjoy scenic views of the historic canal and its waters. Families will appreciate nearby attractions like the Children's Museum and various monuments that reflect the city's culture. This vibrant area offers a perfect blend of city experiences and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.

  • Lucas Oil Stadium: Experience the excitement of this state-of-the-art arena, home to the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. With its family-friendly atmosphere, you can catch a thrilling game or concert, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike.
  • Children's Museum of Indianapolis: Dive into a world of wonder at the largest children's museum in the world. With interactive exhibits and a focus on culture, this museum is perfect for families looking to spark curiosity and creativity in their children.
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: Explore this vibrant urban campus that seamlessly blends education and city life. Enjoy the beautiful architecture and nearby parks, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or cultural exploration.

Best time to go to Central Canal

The best time to visit Central Canal can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Central Canal falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Central Canal falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Central Canal

To save money on your visit to Central Canal in Indianapolis, consider traveling during the cheaper months of January, February, or September. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, and avoid Saturdays when prices peak. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for your budget and combining flights with hotel stays for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Take advantage of free activities along the canal and use public transport for affordable travel around the city.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Central Canal are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Central Canal is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Central Canal is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay along the Central Canal with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia