The Kile Oak — Attraction in Indianapolis

The Kile Oak is a lesser-known landmark in the Irvington area. It is, according to what I hear, the oldest remaining tree in Indianapolis. Tucked away on a small residential street next to ordinary houses, it would be easy to miss this sight even if you live nearby but that would be a shame, in my opinion.

I find a solace and almost a spiritual reverence in the presence of mighty trees. They give us a chance to think of what events the tree might have lived through and to consider the impermanence and randomness of life. If we want to get philosophical or just have a more pedestrian picnic, there is a bench and table under the tree. But this is where things go awry, sadly.

The small garden area around the tree has been permanently sealed off, rendering the bench and table pointless. I understand that this is being done to promote native growth which I support in theory but in this case, it deprives us of communion with the mighty oak tree.

Furthermore, it deprives this location of two of the five stars.

Pro Tip There is a sign on the Irvington public library showing the way to Kile Oak and other landmarks.

I recommend you turn off Google Maps and follow this sign.... if you want to get hopelessly lost, wander around for hours and never find the Kile Oak. If, oddly enough, you actually want to visit the Kile Oak area, please turn Google...

We’ve seen some recent reviews regarding the property being closed, and we want to take a moment to explain. The closures have been necessary due to safety concerns after two trees on the property fell—one of which also damaged our signage.

The Kile Oak property is owned and managed by the Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation, the same nonprofit that cares for The Benton House. As a small, volunteer-driven organization, it can take time to raise the funds needed for repairs and replacements, as well as to coordinate work that ensures the property remains safe for all who visit.

We deeply appreciate the community’s love for this special place. Please know that whenever temporary closures are needed, they are done with the health and safety of both our visitors and the historic Kile Oak in mind. Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to preserve and protect...

I believe the hours for this location is as any other Indy park & you're able to go in from dusk til dawn. It's a small quiet area, very peaceful & tranquil. It's a good place to sit & think, when your mind won't turn off. Although it isn't a traditional "Child friendly" park, the kids can have fun, while learning. You can tell them about the tree's history & the reason behind it being fenced in & named "The Kile Oak" or talk about the way one can tell a trees age by the rings & because it's so big could have them guess, yet I am not sure the correct age, so we would be guessing along with them. 🍁This place is almost like a lil Irvington secret, due to its location & difficulty spotting it, even when driving by, unless you are looking for it. Anytime you're in or around the outskirts of Irvington, this is a place...