For many it is a morning routine that keeps them healthy. For others, it’s a way of life that drives them to compete. Whatever your motivation, Indianapolis has an experience that will keep you moving during your visit to the city.
Exploring on foot or by bicycle not only keeps you on pace for fitness goals, it is also the best way to connect and uncover the places and spaces you might otherwise miss out on. The city was recently named a 'Top 15 Biking City' by Bicycling Magazine and earned the 'National Runner Friendly City of the Year Award' by the Road Runners Club of America.
Indianapolis and the surrounding communities are home to 800+ miles of connected trails. The Greater Indy Trailways is your guide navigating all that the system has to offer. With the Indianapolis Cultural Trail acting as a central node, the system fans out to cover and connect the region. Use The Trailways website to uncover curated itineraries and discover the signature trails that define cycling in Central Indiana.
For urban exploration there is not a more connected trail in the country. The Cultural Trail makes a loop in and around the urban core of the city. Most of the trail includes split walking and biking lanes, lush landscaping, storm-water bioswells that provide buffer between the trail and road, and an amazing collection of public art. The trail connects downtown to several Cultural District including Mass Ave, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Market East, and White River State Park. The trail also connects to the Monon Trail opening up access to Broad Ripple and Carmel.
The Monon is the rail trail that started it all. The trail extends out of downtown and runs through Mapleton-Fall Creek, Meridian-Kessler, Broad Ripple, and Nora. The northern stretch is called the Monon Greenway and stretches north to Carmel and Westfield and Sheridan. The Monon is one of the busiest urban greenways in the country and offers connections to the Fall Creek Trail, Nickel Plate Trail, Canal Towpath, and the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
MONON TRAIL
Indy's newest rail trail connect to the Monon near the Indiana State Fairgrounds and takes visitors north. Eventually, riders will connect with the fast growing cities of Fishes and Noblesville. Riders will enjoy smooth, scenic miles that blend shaded corridors with easy access to vibrant downtown stops.
NICKEL PLATE TRAIL
This crushed limestone path extends from Broad Ripple Village in the north to 30th Street south. Along the way runners, walkers, and bikers will follow the Central Canal, a major source of drinking water for the city of Indianapolis. Pass through the campus of Butler University (go Dawgs!) and intersect with the Indianapolis Museum of Art and their 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. TIP: Be on the lookout for turtles.
Fall Creek Greenway features scenic creekside views along Central Indiana’s second-largest waterway, Fall Creek. Stretching from near the IU and Purdue Indianapolis campuses, past the Indiana State Fairgrounds, and on to Fort Harrison State Park, the trail offers a satisfying rhythm of bridges and bends as the trail moves between natural areas and lively neighborhoods. It’s an easy choice for an out-and-back ride, a relaxed weekend stroll, or a longer point-to-point that lets you cover a lot of Indy without constantly battling traffic
Following the bends of Pleasant Run Creek, the trail feels tucked away from the bustle of the city, yet it threads together three of the city’s classic parks. Start in Ellenberger Park in the charming Irvington neighborhood and head southwest through Christian Park and eventually head into the city or continue westward to Indy's oldest city park, Garfield Park. Make sure to take in the Conservatory and sunken Gardens in the eastern portion of the park.
The White River Greenway (Central) follows the scenic White River through the heart of Indianapolis, connecting Riverside Park to White River State Park. Ideal for walking, running, or cycling, this urban oasis offers skyline views, riverside overlooks, and access to downtown’s parks and cultural attractions.
Located a short 15-minute drive from downtown Indy lies a state park with geography that is uncharacteristically hilly for Central Indiana. Fort Harrison offers riders three flowy singletrack trails that range from beginner-friendly to challenging for intermediate riders. Trails offer multiple creek crossings with log crossings and some rock.
In the southwest corner of the city, just outside of the 465-loop, lies Southwestway Park. Within the second largest park in the Indy Parks system there is a multiuse trail (watch out for hikers and horses) that makes a figure eight through the park. The trail combines new quality mountain bike trails with older trails. Plans for expansion are in the works and more trails will be coming soon.
Travel across 96th Street on Indy’s north side and it’s easy to miss the entrance to Town Run, but if you find it you’ll discover Indy’s original home for mountain biking. Situated on 127 acres of parkland, Town Run is a natural oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the Castleton corridor. The singletrack course offers a variety of terrain for mountain bikers with beginner and intermediate skill levels.
“The Mini” is the country’s largest half marathon with 35,000 annual participants. The race is tied to a month-long build up to the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race course extends from the heart of the city to the famed oval and includes a trek around the legendary track before turning back to the city. Feel free to stop and kiss the bricks at the start/finish line.
The heart of downtown pulses with speed as Momentum Indy brings the best cyclists in the world to compete for an opportunity to qualify for the American Criterium Cup. This weekend-long celebration of bicycles includes the Mass Ave Crit on Friday and the Indy Crit on Saturday. The Mass Ave Crit takes two blocks of the cities hottest cultural district and sets loose some of the nation’s best cyclists as they loop at top speeds, diving into corners and providing a thrilling viewing experience. Races span a wide range of skill levels, run all day, and culminate as the pros run under streets lights. The Indy Crit is a family-fun day in University Park, just north of Monument Circle. The festival features delicious food and drink, kids and family activities, and expo among thousands of cheering fans!
Now one of the 20 largest marathons in the US, the Monumental Marathon is the ideal fall marathon for everyone from the first time marathon runner to elite athletes. Starting and finishing at the Indiana State Capitol, the course highlights landmarks and historical neighborhoods throughout Indianapolis. Nationally recognized as flat and fast, this event has hosted Olympians, PR seekers, and thousands of Boston Marathon qualifiers. If you're not ready for a full marathon the events includes a half marathon, 5k, kids fun run, and events for the entire family.
