White River State Park — Attraction in Indianapolis

THE SHOW We saw moe., Blues Traveler, and G Love & Special Sauce at the amphitheater tonight. Great show. Loud music.

WATCHING THE SHOW Folding chairs are provided, and are free to use during the show on the lawn. I did ask one of the ladies if you could bring your own chairs. She said "yes," but they must be chairs that are low to the ground. I'd recommend just using the chairs they have available there. They're pretty comfortable. Even my husband, at around 220 lbs., fit well and was comfortable.

CONCESSIONS There are concessions and a couple food trucks in the venue. They do sell beer, wine, and cocktails, all in different tents. The food and drinks are expensive, just like other venues. I've included two pictures of two different menus with their prices. This way you can see what you might spend. I'd recommend having a few pre show cocktails, and eating dinner before arriving. One of the ladies at the entrance said we could bring in our own bottled water, but the cap must be unopened and sealed.

SECURITY Upon entering, your bags are searched, and you need to empty your pockets and walk through a metal detector. A hand wand metal detector is used if need be. Hats must be removed and inspected. There was no pat down, which I like. I'm not comfortable with others touching me, especially men who are not my husband. They do a good job at making you feel safe though.

TICKET PRICES Ticket prices do go up if you wait till the day of the show to buy them. For this show, they went from $20 to $40 when you bought them at the box office.

PARKING We parked in the parking garage. We got there shortly after the venue opened, and there were plenty of parking spots still available close to the elevator. However, parking spots did fill up quick as it got closer to the show time. Lyft and Uber drivers are able to make their drop offs right at the front of the venue by the box office. You can also ride a scooter up to the front of the venue as well.

RIDESHARE $5 OFF For NEW Lyft riders, use this promo code to get $5 off your first ride. Promo code - MARY62491

DISABILITIES This venue is wheelchair accessible. I did see about 4 or 5 wheelchairs sitting by an entrance. If you need one, I believe you can use one. But I don't know this for certain.

WEATHER This is a rain or shine venue. So have lots of fun, and prepare for whatever weather you may experience.

EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER The staff is very helpful, and the lines tend to move quickly. Everyone is very nice, and they just want you to have a great time. So let down your hair, kick off those heels, and dance the night away. You're going to...

Lovely venue in the middle of downtown Indianapolis. Unfortunately, due to a lack of signage, issues with parking and closed off sections, our experience was less than ideal. Our first problem was parking. The signs for visitor parking directed us to an area that barricaded and restricted. We found our way to a parking garage that had posted rates. It was early on a Sunday morning, so we were sorry to see the cost would be $8 for one hour or less. We knew we would cut our trip short to stay under that limit. We never found a welcome center or official "entrance". It looked like many businesses, green spaces and walking trails near the river is the park. There may be more, but we found no real signage explaining that. We enjoyed walking the grounds, admiring the art, green spaces and buildings. There were several bikers and runners enjoying some early morning exercise. We noticed a huge section was blocked off with temporary barricades. When we found some signage on the barricade, we realized the barricade enclosed a concert venue that closed off one section of the park for about half the year. Is that area ever free to explore? After a walk over the bridge we saw an entrance to a zoo (closed), we realized there was little left to explore, so we headed back to our car in the garage. A kiosk started talking to us to insert our parking ticket. Fortunately, we had it with us and inserted it. It didn't ask for payment, but gave it back to us. We thought it might be broken. We wandered the parking garage for a while (no maps) but, we finally found the car. When we left, the parking ticket opened the gate. Again, no charge for parking. At that point we figured parking was free on a Sunday. Too bad we didn't know that initially. We would have spent longer in the park. Overall, this is a nice space to explore, I definitely would not pay $8 to park do that, but we may return on a future Sunday. I didn't see a playground, picnic area, no pets, and no public restrooms available. They need to update signs for those who are unfamiliar with this venue. Update 12/11/22: we returned for a long walk on a Sunday. This time it cost us $10 for parking. We won't be back. There needs to be better signage and an opportunity to park for free on weekends for...

White River State Park, located in the heart of Indianapolis, is a beautiful urban oasis offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. It’s an ideal destination for families, tourists, and locals looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

The park’s layout is thoughtfully designed, with clear signage and plenty of open spaces to relax. The serene environment offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

White River State Park boasts a variety of attractions that cater to diverse interests. Key highlights include the Indianapolis Zoo, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the Indiana State Museum, and the NCAA Hall of Champions. There are also numerous walking and biking trails, perfect for those looking to stay active.

The park is situated along the scenic White River, providing picturesque views and opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking and paddle boating. The lush gardens and meticulously landscaped areas add to the park’s charm, making it a delightful spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.

White River State Park frequently hosts concerts, festivals, and community events, adding vibrancy to the area. The facilities, including restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, are clean and well-maintained. There’s also a convenient parking area, making access to the park hassle-free.

My visit to White River State Park was incredibly enjoyable. The blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and recreational opportunities makes it a standout destination. Whether you’re looking to explore museums, enjoy a day with family, or simply relax in a beautiful setting, White River State Park has...