White River State Park

Overview

As America's only cultural urban state park, White River State Park (WRSP, to its friends) offers a unique blend of green space (Military Park, the Central Canal, White River itself) and cultural attractions - including the Indianapolis Zoo; White River Gardens; the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art; the NCAA Hall of Champions; the IMAX Theater; the Indiana State Museum; Victory Field and a premier outdoor concert venue, The Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park.

Visitors may elect to tour the park by pedal (bikes and other self-propelled vehicles may be leased from Wheel Fun Rentals), by boat (pedal boats and kayaks, also available at Wheel Fun Rentals), or by good-old-fashioned foot.

The park offers a variety of individual spaces to fit groups of all types:

• Bison Plaza
  Stroll west along the Old Washington Street Bridge and you’ll end up at Bison Plaza – an open, stone paved area named from it’s proud bison statue. Nestled up to the entrance of the Indianapolis Zoo and amongst seasonal foliage, this garden plaza is sure to create a unique environment for your next luncheon, formal dance, or reception with up to 200 guests.
• Celebration Plaza Amphitheatre
  Located at the west end of Celebration Plaza, this area can be used in conjunction with Celebration Plaza or by itself. This area is ideal for a wedding or concert of up to 1,000 people. A unique area on its own, this space offers a gorgeous view of the White River with its own private waterfall! Recently used for Heartland Art’s rendition of Shakespeare’s The Twelfth Night, the space is beautifully diverse for public and private events..
• Celebration Plaza
  Flanked on the west by Celebration Plaza Amphitheatre and on the north by the NCAA Hall of Champions, Celebration Plaza is the staple image of White River State Park. Its wide vista of green space includes an open area of walkways, lawns and the famous Indy sculpture entitled “Totem.” A hot spot for outdoor festivals, start locations for races and walks, Celebration Plaza reintroduces Park visitors to the White River and can be used with or without the Celebration Plaza Amphitheatre. An ideal space for receptions and festivals..
• Children's Maze
  Large limestone blocks in a series of concentric circles create an interesting event space..
• Locust Grove
  Locust trees provide one of the few shady locations on the northeast end of the park..
• Old Washington Street Bridge
  This unique location offers North and South views of the White River with modern sculptures by Indiana artists. Used frequently by the public as the perfect place to walk or enjoy the views downtown, this location can also be rented for private events – day or night! With walkways, grassy areas and unmatchable views of Indianapolis, this is an exceptional site for your next special event. Place tables around the bridge for an elegant corporate reception or host a ceremony with theatre styled seating. The possibilities are truly endless..
• Promenade Amphitheatre
  Often used as a small ceremony location for weddings or a viewing site for races, the Promenade Amphitheatre is located west of White River (just beyond the River Promenade). This area holds approximately 100 guests and is complete with terraced stonework to create your own elevated seating area. Location has beautiful views of the river and the Indianapolis skyline..
• Pumphouse Amphitheatre
  Located on the South side of the old Historic Pumphouse, this tiered location is perfect for presentations, movies or weddings! With the Pumphouse as your backdrop, this unique area can accommodate events for approximately 300 guests..
• Pumphouse Island
  Located in front of the Historic Pumphouse, this lush greenspace and artistically designed hard scape, is ideal for speaker presentations, fitness training, picnics or as an overflow space if you’re renting Celebration Plaza. Capacity is 150 guests..
• River Promenade
  Designed in the 1820’s when the first settlers built on the banks of the White River, this beautiful promenade, lined with evergreens and views of the river, is a half-mile paved walkway with 1,272 massive blocks made from Indiana limestone. This is the same limestone used in the building of the Biltmore Estate, The Empire State Building, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Located across the Old Washington Street Bridge and upriver from Bison Plaza, its location creates endless ideas for imagination..
• The Bridge
  A beautiful setting for a party in White River State Park with the downtown skyline serving as a backdrop..
• The Oval
  If your want to be in the center of it all – the Oval is for you. The Oval can be an overflow location, a place for event vendors or a perfect place for a picnic. This oval shaped space is centrally located between the Visitor’s Center Pavilion and the Historic Pumphouse. The Oval can accommodate approximately 400 guests. The Visitor’s Center Back Pavilion is a great “add on” space when renting with The Oval.
• Waterfront Pavilion
  Located across the White River, behind the Indianapolis Zoo, the covered Waterfront Pavilion can accommodate a picnic or special event for up to 100 guests. Getting married? Have your ceremony directly below the pavilion on its open patio lookout. With a gorgeous view of the Park, the White River and downtown, this location will create a memorable event for generations to come!.