White River State Park, Indianapolis

AfarJul 9

This Midwestern Capital Wants to Be America’s Newest River City

After 200 years as one of the most polluted waterways in the country, Indianapolis's White River is clean enough to kayak, fish, and paddleboard—and the city is building a whole new identity around it ...

250-acre oasis in the heart of the city

20 things in this story

White RiverSightriver in Indianapolis
Frank’s Paddlesports LiveryPlaceoffers water sports rentals on White River
Rocky RippleNeighborhoodThe population was 655 at the 2020 census.
White River Canoe CompanyPlaceoffers paddle and tubing trips
Town Run Trail ParkParkspot to fish for bass and bluegill
White River State ParkPark250-acre oasis in the heart of the city
Indianapolis Museum of ArtMuseumlargest public collection of neo-impressionist paintings
Indy Art CenterMuseumblends art and nature, reimagining riverfront
Indianapolis Motor Speedway MuseumMuseumreopened in 2025 after renovation
Eiteljorg MuseumMuseumfeatures Indigenous and western history
Eiteljorg Museum CaféRestaurantserves bison burgers on patio overlooking river
Rick’s Cafe BoatyardRestaurantseafood-focused menu, dine dockside
NewfieldsParkcampus with parks, gardens, and art museum
Friends of the White RiverPlacenonprofit working on river cleanup
Eagle's NestRestaurantrevolving restaurant atop Hyatt Regency
JW Marriott IndianapolisHotelluxe property with floor-to-ceiling views
Hotel Broad RippleHotelintimate property between river and trail
Riverside Regional ParkNeighborhood
Park AlliancePlace
RiversideNeighborhood

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White River State Park

In the coverage1 story

This Midwestern Capital Wants to Be America’s Newest River City