Falling in love at White River State Park

I’m in love. I’ve been here before, though I think I forgot a little bit about it. But thanks to a fabulous two days as a guest of the White River State Park Development Commission, I can definitely feel it again — I am in love with the city of Indianapolis and especially the southwest quadrant of downtown that is White River State Park.

Looking out from the Sky City Cafe onto the canal and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial

Once the vision of then-Mayor Richard Lugar, White River State Park is an urban park that boasts inviting greenspaces, waterfront views, and world class attractions. Over the next several weeks, I plan to share plenty of photos and details about each of the amazing venues the Park has to offer. But today, I want to tell you:

10 reasons I love White River State Park

1. Two words: Segway tour
2. The view from the Sky City Cafe at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
3. The creativity of thought that goes into Indiana State Museum exhibitions, such as the upcoming Odd Indiana
4. The focus on the “student” in “student-athletes” at the NCAA Hall of Champions
5. The versatility of the greenspaces to be able to host festivals, cultural celebrations and outdoor concerts on The Governor’s Lawn. (We saw the Moody Blues!)
6. Affordable family fun at Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians
7. The steam clock at the Indiana State Museum that is powered by steam from downtown buildings and plays “Back Home Again in Indiana” every 15 minutes
8. The passion for conservation displayed at every turn at the Indianapolis Zoo
9. Marriott Place, a hub of beautiful new hotels priced incrementally to fit every budget, which makes a perfect home base for enjoying Park activities and attractions
10. The walkability of the Park. I parked my car when I arrived on Tuesday morning and didn’t need it until it was time to leave this morning. Not only could we walk to every attraction in the Park, but we also walked to dinner at the Adobo Grill and to shopping at Circle Center Mall.

The steam clock at the Indiana State Museum