White River State Park Tours

White River State Park showing city views, modern architecture and signage
White River State Park showing a river or creek and a bridge
White River State Park showing a park, a city and autumn leaves
White River State Park featuring a garden and autumn leaves
White River State Park showing a garden and interior views as well as a family


Museums, galleries, a world-class zoo and an award-winning sports stadium are all packed into Indianapolis’ favorite park.

The cultural and recreational heart of Indianapolis, the White River State Park, is 250 acres (100 hectares) of beautifully designed urban space straddling both banks of a picturesque river. You’ll find museums, art galleries, a world-class zoo, green spaces, public art and sporting facilities — all just a short stroll from the downtown area. Explore the region’s past in the Indiana State Museum. There are more than 500,000 artifacts on display, from fossils to retro consumer goods from the 1950s. Right next door you’ll find the state’s largest IMAX theater offering educational films and the latest blockbusters.Learn about Indiana’s indigenous history at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art. It houses one of the best collections of Native American art in the country, and includes artifacts such as jewelry, saddle blankets, clothing and weaponry. Sports fans should visit Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians baseball team. The 14,500-seat stadium ranks as one of the best minor league ballparks in America. Travel through the animal kingdom at the Indianapolis Zoo, where five biomes replicate climates from the desert to the forest and house over 1,500 animals. The zoo includes an aquarium and botanic gardens.Be sure to check the park website for a schedule of the many events that occur throughout the year. Sit back on the lawn and enjoy a concert at the White River Park Concert series, held from May to September. In July, catch a free Shakespearean play performed alongside the canal, or dance to the sound of a Celtic drum at the Indianapolis Irish Festival in September. White River Park is also a great place to come and just take it easy. Many walking trails and picnic areas provide the perfect place for a quiet getaway.The park is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day.

Plan a trip to see White River State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Grant Street Inn
Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Airport
Holiday Inn Indianapolis Airport by IHG

Reviews of White River State Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
74
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
54
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

After visiting the zoo, we walked along White River as well as the canal. We really enjoyed walking through White River Park and seeing so many people out and about taking advantage of the late summer day.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure to do the peddle bike or peddle boats down the canal. Fun experience!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

We were disappointed. We asked which way would be the best way to walk and we weren't directed to the walk at all. The map given was useless. We were quite upset to pay for parking and the lady in the visitor center had no clue of helping out-of-staters.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Went looking for Eagles.. didn’t see any

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near White River State Park

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
Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN
Omni Severin Hotel
Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
515 S West St, Indianapolis, IN
Holiday Inn Indianapolis Downtown by IHG
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

4 out of 5
350 W Maryland St, Indianapolis, IN
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
130 South Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN
Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown
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
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Indianapolis Dtn-Conv Ctr by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Indianapolis Dtn-Conv Ctr by IHG

3 out of 5
410 S Missouri St, Indianapolis, IN
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Indianapolis Dtn-Conv Ctr by IHG
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 White River State Park

At White River State Park in Indianapolis, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including sports, baseball games, and vibrant entertainment options. Major attractions include the Indianapolis Zoo and the Eiteljorg Museum. For those seeking outdoor experiences, the park offers excellent campsites and scenic sightseeing opportunities. As evening falls, explore the lively nightlife and cultural events that showcase the city's rich heritage and creative spirit.

Shopping

Circle Center Mall, located 1 mile away, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and shopping. Similarly, the Indianapolis City Market is also 1 mile away, providing unique local goods. If you're up for a drive, the Twin Aire Shopping Center, 4 miles away, features family-friendly shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

At the Indiana Convention Center, immerse yourself in energetic sports events just 0.9 miles from White River State Park. Enjoy live music and entertainment at the Old National Centre, located 2 miles away. For a serene outdoor experience, visit Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, 3 miles from the park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located 4 miles from White River State Park, or head to Mid-America Motorcycle Speedway, 8 miles away, for more adrenaline-pumping action. For a different type of adventure, visit the UIndy Tennis Center, situated 5 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of White River State Park with a visit to 8 Seconds Saloon for a lively nightclub scene. For a cultural touch, enjoy performances at the Celebration Plaza and Amphitheater or the Indiana Repertory Theatre, both offering family-friendly entertainment and romantic atmospheres.

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

Find the best attractions near White River State Park

White River State Park in Indianapolis offers a variety of attractions including entertainment venues, monuments, and modern universities, making it ideal for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Visitors can explore the park's scenic beauty while enjoying nearby points of interest that highlight the vibrant city experience. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in local culture or simply relax in nature, White River State Park has something for everyone.

  • Lucas Oil Stadium: Experience the excitement of live sports and entertainment at Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts and major events. Its state-of-the-art design and retractable roof create an electric atmosphere for fans and families alike.
  • Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis: Explore the vibrant campus of IUPUI, where education meets urban life. This modern university fosters a lively atmosphere with cultural events, art exhibitions, and engaging student activities, all set against the backdrop of city life.
  • Monument Circle: Visit the iconic Monument Circle, a symbol of Indianapolis’ rich history and culture. Surrounded by stunning architecture, this gathering place hosts events and festivals, making it a perfect spot to soak in local culture.

Best time to go to White River State Park

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

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January28.4°F (-2.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly 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 SunnyHighAverage
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly 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 SunnyLowAverage
December34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for White River State Park

To save money on your trip to White River State Park, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and September, and aim for a stay on Mondays for the best rates. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices, filter for eco-friendly options, and look for package deals that bundle flights and activities. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Additionally, explore free activities in the park to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around White River State Park 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 White River State Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around White River State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can easily sort the results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, making it simple to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at White River State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • 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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