The 49 best views in Indianapolis

Decided to celebrate our 10 year anniversary here. We had a great experience, the food was delicious. The view was phenomenal. Service was great, our server was amazing ! She went out of her way to write us a card & gifted us dessert! Thank you Rene & Jape for the great service.

★★★★★ Love It Here – Just Missing a Water Park! Eagle Creek is one of our favorite places — we’ve been going almost every Saturday or Sunday since 2023. The hiking trails are beautiful, the nature is peaceful, and it’s a great place to relax. The only thing that would make it even better is if they built a beautiful, amazing water park with pools and fun features for families. It would make Eagle Creek an even more exciting destination, especially in the summer. We already love it, but that would take it to the next

This place is amazing. Very nice staff, Hannah who served us was great…. The food is ridiculously good. The flavors, the way the chef has combined them… we ordered 3 apps, 2 empanadas and shared the skirt steak. Every single dish was a home run. I am a foodie and this place is a really good.

I'm a sucker for German food so I was excited to get to visit the Rathskeller. Not only do they have a huge menu of German specialties, but the location is super cool and historical. It really does transport you to a traditional German restaurant while you're here. The food itself was delicious. I tried the sauerbraten which is a German pot roast and it was absolutely delicious! The pretzels are also tasty, though beware of that spicy mustard! Prices are a little high, but we visited for lunch and appreciated the lower cost of their lunch menu. They do have a kids menu and our daughters enjoyed their food as well. Service was friendly and our food came out quickly as well. If you're looking for a unique dining experience, you have to give this place a shot!

Wow, I happened upon this park at the recommendation of the front desk at the hotel I was staying at. Walked around 3 miles or so of the surrounding canal walkway and park area. The area is absolutely gorgeous and extremely well maintained. Being from Cleveland, it was fantastic to see how this park was set up and how the canal path ran through the heart of downtown. Loved being able to sight see while exploring. All the museums and art areas were easily accessible as a result of how the walkway was laid out.

Gorgeous cemetery. Easy to access and get around. Visited alot of graves here from actors to gangsters to even a president. Love coming to these places

Wonderful adventure! First, I was kind of shocked at the cost of admission. As an IN resident on a Monday, it was $98 for me and my 2 children to get in. Once inside, I was much more understanding! I'll be applying our admission today towards a membership! 5 levels (LL, and 1-4) plus the 7+ acres of outdoor fun! The take-a-break room was fantastic for us when we got sensory overload from the lights and noise and people, specifically after lunch. Speaking of which... cost me $52 for 2 slices of pizza ($6.75 each), 2 breadsticks ($5.50), a salad ($16!), and 3 fountain drinks ($16.85). I expected some fairly high prices but the $16 for a salad and the same price for 3 fountain drinks threw me for a loop. Next time, we'll head out for lunch and come back. 😅 Overall, though, the kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are worn out. If you're planning to do all of it in 1 day... don't. We arrived at 11:30 am and at 4:41 pm. We really rushed through after lunch when we realized we still had 2 levels and the outdoor area to still get to. They do offer "second day" passes for cheaper than general admission, but that would've still been another $50 for the 3 of us. With the bottom-tier family membership at $225, 2 visits and it's basically paid for itself!

The Indiana War Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the state’s veterans, set in a beautifully designed neoclassical building. With its impressive architecture, peaceful plaza, and immersive museum inside, it’s a must-visit for history lovers. The memorial honors sacrifice with dignity and offers a quiet, reflective space right in the heart of the city.

What a great place. Everyone we stopped and asked a question of was so helpful and polite. Their directions were spot in. We had general admission tickets and found some great seats up in the grandstands right before turn one. Simply a perfect day.

We stopped in here to pass some time before a concert and were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful it was. We didn't realize there was a gnome event and lots of small children were running around. We still enjoyed our visit, just had a bit of loud background noise while we took in the beautiful scenery. I even purchased a plant to take home with us as a souvenir!

Fort Harrison State Park is a hidden gem, and it's even better when you bring your furry friend! I visited with my cat and had a great time exploring. The Saddle Barns are really fun to check out—unique and full of character. There's a beautiful lake where lots of people were fishing, creating a peaceful, relaxing vibe. I especially loved the free picnic areas with built-in grill tools—perfect for a spontaneous cookout. A great place to spend the day in nature with plenty to see and do!

Here for the view - 5 stars on that - I don’t know much else in the city that has this kind of view and ambience but I’m here for it. Music is good, cocktails and service is decent. Never had the food yet.

What’s not to love about the Indianapolis Zoo? Having a membership for two years now, my family has fully experienced all the finest parts of the zoo over and over again. The membership pays for itself after only two visits a year, and we’ve gone at least 10-12 times each year. From ZooBoo to Christmas at the Zoo are the iconic ones, but the times during the weekdays when there are no field trips or herds of children are the best for my part-time home wife. My daughter has fed giraffes, pet kangaroos, had her face painted and ate Dippin’ Dots on her birthday, rode the train, watched dolphins splash her, gave high-fives at the plexiglass at the orangutangs, smelled flowers, asked why Flamingos are pink, and almost has a visual map in her head of the entire park. Have I mentioned she just turned three years old? My son is 9 months old, and he’s had a handful of times already at the zoo, and the amount of experiences the zoo has provided has sustained into our home with imagination zookeeping, making animal noises, reading out of picturebooks her favorite zoo animals, and instead of “Old MacDonald had a farm” it is now “Old MacDonald had a zoo!”. As a former educator for 15 years, I have witnessed students who have had experiences outside of the home greatly enrich their education and their overall social capital. Having my daughter exposed to so much of the world in the middle of the heartland of Indiana, through the Indianapolis Zoo, I know that she will find her passions in helping conserve and create a better world for the next generations with the education she’s learning here. I am inspired to continue inviting her into these spaces, and I look forward to seeing the wanderlust my son will have for these escapades to the jungle and prairie and everywhere in the park. If I could give 10 Google reviews with 5-stars, I would give so much emphasis on how essential it is to get a membership, show up and provide the story of the Indianapolis Zoo to embed into your children, and watch them become fuller with each visit. And you, as the parent of course, can have unlimited soft drinks while you mosey! THANK YOU, Indy Zoo! You have members for life!

These are a few photos of the beatiful architecture that you get to see while walking along the canal. I really, really enjoy my weekly walks that I take along the canal. I do it for my health and peace of mind.

What a great specialty art museum! We saw Remington's very first bronze in "Attitudes: The West in American Art." (That bronc rider doesn't stand a chance--he's lost one of his stirrups.) We saw all kinds of contemporary beadwork in "Radical Stitch." There was tons more Native art upstairs, from the coast to coast up to Alaska and Canadian tribes. Plus, there were interactive activities that I just had to play with. We spent about two and a half hours there and explored just about everything.

Always love learning about history! $16 per person entry but well worth it. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable. We threw lots of questions his way and he was a wealth of information. So interesting!

Holy COW this museum was great! Firstly, it is organized chronologically, as opposed to most museums which are organized by genre/concept. This made it feel more akin to a journey through time in Indiana. The exhibits also included miniature images of the state with a pin placed to show where in Indiana each artifact was found! So cool! Certain exhibits, particularly fossils, also included sculpted casts by the information plaques, I'm assuming for blind visitors to "see" the exhibits with their hands. This was very neat as well! The facility was clean and the café (especially the customer service!!!) was great.

Plat 99 is my go-to bar in Indy, located inside the stylish Alexander Hotel. The interior is luxurious and beautifully designed, creating an upscale yet comfortable vibe. They serve high-quality drinks, with a particularly good wine selection and well-crafted cocktails. The atmosphere is always pleasant, whether you're inside enjoying the chic setting or out on the terrace for some fresh air. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a classy evening out without being too formal.

If you're seeking an inspiring and unique way to experience Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is your answer! This trail is a testament to the city's unique character, offering a glimpse into its hidden gems, from serene parks and vibrant playgrounds to eclectic restaurants and cozy coffee shops. The trail offers a sense of empowerment, allowing you to choose the mode of transportation that suits you best. Whether you decide to conquer the entire 8-mile-long trail or opt for a shorter, more leisurely stroll, like my mom and I did, the choice is yours. We explored the downtown part of the trail, close to the federal building, all the way down to the river trail. It was a short distance, but it was a journey filled with memorable experiences. One of the things I loved about the trail was how many interesting sculptures and pieces of art we saw along the way. Each one had a description and information about the artist, which added to the experience. We also stumbled upon some fantastic restaurants and coffee shops that we probably wouldn't have found otherwise. Overall, if you're visiting Indianapolis and looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city, I recommend checking out the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. It's a gem that's worth discovering!

How is a super fun time bringing the family to the library! Indianapolis Central library location is six stories of pure curiosity and answers! This February is Black History month and there are local artists featured and highlighted throughout each floor of the library. It is so awesome to see the Chinese New Year lunar New Year celebration today. The auditorium was full of curiosity seekers and cultural experiences! I'm so glad we dropped in on such a meaningful day! We were able to stop and read some books, go live on TikTok, and explore all six floors. The only hard part was staying quiet. These girls loved every minute of it! We will come back as often as possible whenever we're bored this is a place to be! Bring your family and get a book and learn something new! Never a dull moment here at the central library

Art and nature interspersed to create a charming place to enjoy the outdoors. Kids can roam around with plenty to entertain them. There are places to look over the river. When we went there was a fun community art project inside where you create an ornament to add to a tree on the wall using recycled items. It was a lot of fun and we will definitely go back.

A great rooftop bar located in the Hyatt House in downtown Indianapolis. The staff was very welcoming & friendly. I tried the grilled chicken caesar salad and the ingredients were fresh. Great view of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Beautiful downtown area that is full of shops, activities, musicians, and beautiful architecture. We had dinner nearby and walked down Mass Ave to find some ice cream for dessert.

Great affordable hospital. Always willing to explain something to you. Has financial options. Very helpful doctors. I found the doctors very empathetic. The emergency room staff is fast and doesn't make you wait long. Restrooms are always clean. There are water filling stations . There's a pharmacy. Easy bus acess.

We were visiting from out of town and needed a bite to eat after a long day at the zoo. The staff was super friendly and attentive without being too there. The waitress recommended the cider I tried and it was delicious. I got the grilled cheese sandwich and would recommend it. My husband enjoyed his burger and the kid's chicken tenders were great. An easy place to grab drinks and a bite to eat!

A Longtime Favorite That Keeps Getting Better! We’ve been coming to Rick’s Café Boatyard since it first opened, and it’s been amazing to see how much it has grown over the years. The food, service, and atmosphere have consistently improved, making each visit better than the last. The waterfront setting by Eagle Creek Reservoir is one of the most beautiful in Indianapolis, especially during sunset. The staff is friendly, attentive, and truly seems to care about your experience. The seafood is fresh, the steaks are cooked to perfection, and their cocktails never disappoint. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner, Rick’s always delivers. Highly recommend making a reservation if you want a table with a water view, it’s absolutely worth it. Rick’s is more than just a restaurant to us; it’s a part of our family tradition now. Thanks to the team for continually raising the bar!

I’ve seen one of these restaurants in Pittsburgh and wanted to try it, but never got the chance. So, when in this area and seeing they had one and the reviews were really good, I went in. I sat at the bar during lunch and they weren’t busy at all. They feature a menu which centers around their fried chicken, they have related sides, and sandwiches too. I opted for a ¼ chicken dark meat, which actually comes with 2 legs and a thigh for $10, which I thought was a great deal for a “restaurant” style fried chicken. I also ordered a side of cole slaw with it. The fried chicken was excellent! The meat was very moist and flavorful and I loved the breading too, which was very light. It comes with their hot honey, which actually had a nice little kick to it and was a nice compliment to the chicken. Their cole slaw was excellent! Made with light mayo which seemed to be mixed with vinegar and large slices of cabbage – nicely seasoned, it was great! Service provided was excellent too! Highly recommend stopping in!!

A beautiful place with ruins and little gardens throughout. There are some nice trails some of which lead to the river. Seems like a great place to take your dog, too. They have yoga and meditations here during the summer and I believe concerts as well.

Kids of all ages 2-102+ should love this place. All kinds of different drums to bang on with some nice samples of of display sets. Cowbell? Yes, they have that as well. They have a couple rooms with a drum set that you should definitely check out. You can change the acoustics of the room to get a different sound. Unless you are sensitive to loud sounds, check it out. Well worth the Admission and more. Don't miss the Lego drum set and the set made during WWII when raw materials were rationed.

Orchids and other verdant denizens populate this delightful greenhouse. It's not spacious, but if you enjoy plants and colorful life in any capacity (since you're visiting Newfields, I assume you are), it's 100% worth the detour. Unlike some public gardens, it doesn't seek to achieve lusciousness and color by being overly ordered and sanitized - instead, there is an air of walk-ability that really does provide a "lived-in" sense, and it is all the more welcoming for it. I wonder what the estate grounds look like at night - does it flip towards an eerie Hounds of Baskerville? Or is it even more romantic than it is during the day? Either way, a stroll through it feels like a storybook. By comparison, the inside of the house was much more of a historical site - excellent primary experience of an era gone by in this country. Still very much worth seeing, with an audio tour and a much needed, air conditioned reprieve if you're visiting during the summer months.

Enjoyed our dinner here. Food was excellent. Drinks were refreshing and abundant. The service was top notch. Would come here for a quiet meal for business or a romantic evening.

Stopped in for a quick visit today to avoid the rain and would have loved to curl up there with a book. There’s lots of spots to sit and read & write, a cocktail bar, a gift shop, and of course the history of Vonnegut’s life and works. The displays are modern and interesting. There’s a small parking lot, clean restrooms, and an elevator.

The Butler university grounds are so incredibly beautiful, no matter what season. I’ve known about these secret gardens for a while, but just recently brought my husband and kids to see it. We didn’t make it all the way through due to prom or graduation or something, but absolutely plan on returning sometime soon. See walking trails QR code. Couldn’t get it to work here.

My first visit here was when I had a car accident on the interstate. I can’t remember that trip very well as I was critical. But my family said they were good. I’ve been there since then a few times. I’ve had several issues over the years and they have always seemed to be understanding and kind. They always thoroughly check me and listen to what I have to say. The wait time varies but we usually get in and out in a decent amount of time. Staff was nice and attentive . I can’t say anything bad about this place.

The Indianapolis Canal Walk is a scenic and historic 3-mile promenade in downtown Indianapolis, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Originally constructed in the 1800s as part of the Indiana Central Canal project, it has been revitalized into a vibrant urban space featuring pedestrian paths, cultural landmarks, and recreational activities. The canal offers opportunities for paddle boating and gondola rides, providing unique ways to explore the area. Additionally, the nearby Colts Canal Playspace offers a playground for children, making it a family-friendly destination. The Canal Walk is open year-round and is especially enjoyable during spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding flora is in full bloom. It's easily accessible and connects with other trails like the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, offering extended exploration options.

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.

After dinner with another ICU Nurse, we went to Ellenberger Park, just to walk...catch up. The " energy" and " essence" of that park is magical, spiritual,.almost like stepping into another time zone/universe... sounds all hooey pooey hokey ( I know) but look... This one tree had an incredible aura all around it...in the distance another tree's leaves and branches align to project a perfect light from top side to bottom. We'll be going back, and soon. Next time we'll bring dinner there. Can't get enough of that magic! Look for yourself.

The fireworks were spectacular and the whole city was alive!

Great pool for younger children the deepest is 4 ft I think. Large area with 1 ft of water. Many chairs. Very few shaded spots. The life guards are very attentive. At least the day we went which wasn't very busy. Monday at 12:30pm. We just used the pool. It very reasonably priced.