Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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These are notes from the perspective of a hiker, visiting this Park for free. * A good hiking/bicycling 🚶🚴♀️ trail entrance is around 4200 Michigan, between the White River and the Central Canal. You can also cross underneath Michigan Road here, avoiding traffic worries; on the other side of Michigan, the trail becomes the Central Canal Connector Trl on the canal's west bank, essentially ending near N. Meridian and 56th Street. * The Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion 🚻🐦🏡 isn't far from the Michigan Road entrance. The surrounding trails are beautiful, and the Pavilion "sanctuary" is amazing, too. * You can head down to the Pacers Bike Station. 🚲 Although I'd currently expect the bridge crossing the Central Canal there to be gated and locked. 🔒 * Funky Bones 🦴💀 is one place to visit on the trails, and Stratum Pier another. But the best part aren't those specific destinations, but walking the lovely hiking trails themselves. 🏞️ (Women especially seem to enjoy walking the paths with their large dogs. 🐕🦺) * The other logical way to hike would be starting from "Free Basket" 🏀, where there is also parking and an entrance from 38th Street. * You may be best off entering from a different nearby location on 38th Street to get to this different section; but Sutphin Fountain ⛲ is pleasant, as are the areas by the Newfields main building. * I don't remember seeing a single ugly piece of litter anywhere in this park. 🚮 🏞️ So if you start messing that up, you're probably going to stick out here, and not in a good way.
Mark PetrisonMark Petrison
00
This is by far a beautiful nature park to just get away. Walking a dog around the lake, seeing the wild animals, nature in its glory - all wonderful. Every time I go I see something either new or that I missed on my previous visit. The other visitors and dogs have also always been very friendly. I do recommend that you bring some doggy poop bags as I always do, just in case they’re out like they were today. A word to the visitors - clean up after your dogs. Some people are disrespectful of the park and let their dogs do whatever without cleaning up but the park staff work hard to keep it the beautiful place that it is. Also, parents/guardians let the young ones be destructive. This is why it’s so hard to have beautiful things. Again - my hats off to the fantastic and ultra hard work that the park staff does to keep this place a beautiful attraction. I highly recommend this place - and give the Labrynth a walk through with the Indiana Grass. It’s definitely mind calming if you allow it to be. I can’t give this place enough stars.
Thomas DruryThomas Drury
00
It makes me sad to write one star... We were here from out of town. Before we headed back, we wanted our kids to experience such a great interactive park, and the park was great! We arrived on a Sunday around 11:30 with several other visitors parked around us. Unfortunately, after only being away from our car for less than an hour, we came back to our drivers side window being busted out and my purse stolen. We reported it but from the response of the police and the museum “security” they were less than surprised. There is a camera very close but security wasn’t interested in digging any further. Thankfully the thieves didn’t get much but made many attempts at local gas stations with our credit cards. Too bad that such a great park has to be overshadowed by selfish people. Visitors beware!
Jessica ClareJessica Clare
00
The four of us (wife, son, beagle, and I) first came here on a sunny Saturday afternoon and were utterly charmed by this lush gem of a nature preserve within Indianapolis. So much so that we returned there Sunday morning for a longer visit prior to returning home. On both days, we saw the beauty of it expressed through a harmonious integration of natural features, thoughtful design, and inviting scenery. The trails are well kept and provide a light to moderate exercise for walkers and joggers. Animals are welcome too. Parking capacity can max out on a Saturday so consider visiting on other days. There are porta potties not too far from the entrance. Our best sightings were of a bald eagle soaring high over the pond, a snake that darted quickly into the grass, and a red-tailed hawk on the hunt.
Roberto SabasRoberto Sabas
00
My prior memories of 100 acres before this renewal were of a quiet, peaceful, and secluded area to run and relax by the lake. It was my secret garden of sorts. Now I'm a bit miffed by the 'renewal' taking place. A large section of dense trees have been removed to open the view to the IMA mansion...I'm not sure why. This takes away from the seclusion of, and my personal attraction to, 100 Acres. On especially hot days running under the canopy of trees through 100 Acres made it bearable. Also some of the trails have been closed off. I'm unsure if they'll reopen. Maybe the finished product will help me to reconcile with my memories of what was but as of now my opinion is that this change is detracting from the serene beauty that was 100 Acres.
Michelle EMichelle E
00
I highly recommend adding this to your day if you are visiting the art museum. There are plenty of off-the-path art installations to go explore and discover throughout! Watch the schedule for special events like group yoga. Many visitors come to fish, jog, bike, play, or have a picnic. Make sure to explore the paths that branch off the main path, as you might find your new favorite spaces! There is a route with a bridge to enter the museum property as well. Keep in mind that the museum bridge does not open until 11:30am.
Heather PolkHeather Polk
00
Nearby Attractions Of Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
Newfields
Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens
Funky Bones
Bertha Ross Park
Major Taylor Velodrome
Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion
Major Taylor Skatepark
Newfields
4.7
(2.8K)Click for details
Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens
4.8
(386)Click for details
Funky Bones
4.7
(214)Click for details
Bertha Ross Park
4.4
(189)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
Beer Garden at Newfields
IMA Cafe
Beer Garden at Newfields
4.5
(78)Click for details
IMA Cafe
4.1
(46)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
1850 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46228
Map
Phone
(317) 923-1331
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Website
discovernewfields.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(966 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
pet friendly
Description
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres, also referred to as the 100 Acres or Fairbanks Park, is a public interactive art park located on the Newfields campus in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States.
attractions: Newfields, Oldfields–Lilly House & Gardens, Funky Bones, Bertha Ross Park, Major Taylor Velodrome, Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion, Major Taylor Skatepark, restaurants: Beer Garden at Newfields, IMA Cafe
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