The Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Association / Organization · Upper Canal ·

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Association / Organization · Upper Canal ·

Urban shared-use path with art, parks, restaurants, and landmarks

walking
biking
monuments
exploring the city
green spaces
scenic path
wheelchair accessible
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail by null

Information

132 W Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Get directions

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

132 W Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 Get directions

+1 317 653 1948
indyculturaltrail.org
@indyculturaltrail
𝕏
@inculturaltrail

Features

•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 26, 2026

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The Essential Guide to Indiana Dunes National Park

"The Indigenous Cultural Trail at the visitor center explores more than 10,000 years of human history. “Long before the area became known for its conservation movement, it was home to the Potawatomi, Miami, and other Indigenous peoples who lived in balance with the landscape,” Senderhauf says. Limestone turtles etched with lunar calendars and multilingual tree markers honor these communities." - Iona Brannon Iona Brannon Iona Brannon is a journalist with a love for food and travel. Her work has appeared in Afar, Bon Appétit, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider, among other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-indiana-dunes-national-park-11849341
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Yakov P.

Google
I went on a free guided bike ride and really enjoyed myself. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We made interesting stops along the way. I learned a lot and discovered new places along the trail. A highly recommended activity for the whole family!

Nat R.

Google
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!

Leena L.

Google
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a vibrant urban pathway featuring art, history, and green spaces. Perfect for biking, walking, and exploring the city’s culture and creativity.

Nico M

Google
Easy way to see the city as a tourist, just follow this paved road by foot or by bike. We did the entire trail (loop + bottleworks district) of 13km by foot, it was a good workout. 2 things to note: 1. You sometimes go around attractions and monuments so good idea to sometimes deviate from the trail otherwise you miss some monuments. For example we deviated to follow the canal at some point which was nicer. 2. Buy some drinks/water beforehand, very little amount of shops on the loop before you get to Bottleworks. Otherwise great idea, more cities should do this!

Ava M.

Google
The atmosphere was safe and relaxing. It was clear that people cared about keeping the place clean.

Mark P.

Google
Scenic path running through some local areas of "cultural interest."

Nancy S.

Google
A delightful paved path one can walk, or ride a bike on that winds around downtown and connects Indy landmarks.

SC

Google
Enjoy this beautiful trail in downtown Indy. Stay healthy and well. Cheers to that!
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Brittany S.

Yelp
It's been too long since my last review of the Cultural Trail. It can become easy to take treasures like this for granted after the initial buzz and excitement wears off. The truth is, the Cultural Trail weaves into our city so seamlessly (thanks to the landscaping and design) that it's a natural part of the fabric that makes our downtown so special. I'm thrilled about the latest expansions and can't wait to see how we continue to celebrate and utilize this great win for Hoosier pedestrians.
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Natalya R.

Yelp
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 conquer the 8-mile-long trail or opt for a shorter, more 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 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. If you're visiting Indianapolis and looking for a fun and unique way to explore the city, check out the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. It's a gem that's worth discovering!
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Sami A.

Yelp
A true gem in Indianapolis! This 8 mile long linear park is one of Indy's best features. It connects many of our cultural districts that are bursting with bars, shopping, restaurants and more. It's immaculately maintained and filled with beautiful plants, plus an extensive public art collection. Walk, bike, or jog the trail to experience Indy like a local!
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Becky L.

Yelp
The cultural trail is such an unsung gem of downtown! I have loved using it as a guide for downtown runs that take me past downtown landmarks and art, like Mass Ave's Ann Dancing sculpture, to Fountain Square, to the Canal.... Even if you were not well acquainted with the big sites of downtown, wandering along this trail would help you see so many of them. I love that the trail is nice and wide, especially now in this time of social distancing, and that it provides separation (by way of beautifully landscaped medians) for walkers vs those moving a little faster. Great for small groups of runners looking to get in those daily miles during the work week... But also perfect for a leisurely stroll to just about any of downtown's coffee shops or great local shops and restaurants.
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Niki B.

Yelp
It's about time that I review Indy's beloved trail! This trail laces through the city, allowing bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers the chance to explore the downtown. My favorite strip of the Cultural Trail dips into Fletcher Place, where you can ride your bike to delicious coffee shops, distilleries or restaurants. I love seeing people using the trail to ride to work or hop on it during their lunch breaks to support local spots. There are plenty of flowers, trees, murals and sculptures along the route for your enjoyment too. The team over at the Cultural Trail is passionate about connecting the city, maintaining the trail, bringing in top art, and getting people outside, so this is my chance to thank them for their hard work!
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Katie U.

Yelp
Did you know Indy is the ONLY city in the ENTIRE WORLD that gave up a lane of traffic to create a bicycling/pedestrian trail?? That would be the Cultural Trail, a project that took approximately seven years to complete. This pathway has done great things to connect different downtown neighborhoods (looking at you, Fountain Square!) and beautify Indy. Great for biking and walking...somehow you feel a bit like you're on the Monon while still pounding the pavement of the urban streets. It has a peaceful park-like feel with greenery and fancy pavers to distinguish it. I highly recommend using the Pacers Bikeshare to explore the Cultural Trail - it might take two hours or so to bike the whole route, but that depends on if you want to pedal leisurely or take stops. Notes for newbies: pay attention to the signs designating where pedestrians walk and bicyclists bike. My first ever experience on the Cultural Trail involved two angry bikers in the Fountain Square area squawk at me to get over to the sidewalk where I belonged...ouch. Except for that one mishap, I am in love with the Cultural Trail and how it makes Indy unique!
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Peter P.

Yelp
This is the jewel of the city as far as connecting it goes. It has been written about in numerous publications nationwide. Other cities seek to emulate it. It provides a safe and pleasant way for pedestrians and cyclists to get around downtown. Parts of the trail even provide separate thoroughfares for peds/cyclists. You can get to any of the following along (or very close to) the trail: Fountain Square (restaurants, bars, theater, art galleries, shops) Mass Ave (restaurants, bars, theaters, art galleries, shops) City Market (food stands, shops) Indiana Convention Center Monon Trail (continue north to Broad Ripple, Carmel) Indianapolis Central Library American Legion Mall (historic war markers and festivals) IUPUI White River State Park (including The Lawn) Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens Indiana State Museum NCAA Hall of Champions Eiteljorg Museum (a Smithsonian museum) Military Park (festivals) Old National Centre (national and local music acts, shows, musicals) Indianapolis City-County Building (local government) Indiana Government Center (state government) Indiana Statehouse Monument Circle Lucas Oil Stadium Georgia Street (pedestrian plaza that goes to Bankers Life Fieldhouse) Circle Centre Mall Victory Field Circle City Industrial Complex USS Indianapolis Memorial
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Sean W.

Yelp
Great path with clear markings. Has sides for bikes and pedestrians in certain spots. Gives a nice little biking/walking/running tour of Indianapolis if you follow the whole thing. Several spots to stop along the way. It's really nice that they have put some of the bikeshare stations along the way.
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Debbie E.

Yelp
Love the downtown bicycle ride along the canal, fountains, and memorials. The biggest danger is 80 percent of the people walking are looking at their phones! Our people have become zombies on the move! We had a few detours, starting at Fountain Square, but eventually caught back up with the trail. You can park just about anywhere on Sunday for free but check the signs. There are several stop lights downtown so if you are biking it's stop and go for awhile. Stop by Fresco Italian cafe on the canal for specialty ice drinks, beer, wine, a variety of appetizers and sit outside to watch all the people on their phones along the canal. Gondola rides are available in front of Fresco Italian Cafe.
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Shay M.

Yelp
I love that the Cultural Trail ties together all the districts of downtown Indianapolis together. The Trail is always very clean and it provides a safe place for walkers and bikers to enjoy the outdoors and the city at the same time. I also love how it's so close to other trails like the Monon, making it simple to cover a lot of ground and see a lot of the city. Each side of the trail is clearly marked for one side belonging to bikers and the other to walkers. There is tons of public art along the Cultural Trail like Ann Dancing, the Glick Peace Walk, and Dont' Care, which is great for the city.
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Laura H.

Yelp
This was a great bike tour and Joe was a super great tour guide. We do bike tours whenever we can when traveling to new towns. We really appreciate when the tour guide loves what he does, and you could tell that with Joe. The cultural trail was an awesome way to see all of the great spots in Indy. It was very easy to bike on and I only wish we had done it the first day and not the last day we were there, so we knew about it earlier. We will be back.
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Kaela V.

Yelp
The cultural trail is one of the best things about downtown Indy. As a downtown resident, I use the cultural trail every day to get to and from work and on the weekends for accessing shopping and dining. When I occasionally end up on a city sidewalk, I quickly realize how much I value the quality of the cultural trail. The trail is wider than an average sidewalk and is smooth without major bumps/holes. I am very impressed that the city had the foresight to invest in such a great feature. It adds great value to the downtown area by reducing traffic and increasing accessibility. I think the cultural trail definitely sets Indy apart from other major cities.
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Jill R.

Yelp
The Cultural Trail is just another reason why Indy is so great. This trail provides a fabulous way for anyone, local or visitor, to easily experience our city. Walk, run, bike it takes you all around the downtown area including Mass Ave, Fountain Square, IUPUI, The Canal, etc. Grab a Pacer Bike for even more Indy fun! Check out all the amazing Art along the way!
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Courtney C.

Yelp
The cultural trail is a great way to see Indy with great views along the way and you'll pass some great businesses and shops if you need to stop for a drink or quick bite!
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Danielle S.

Yelp
My fiance and I stopped over in Indy for a night to check it out. The city was nice, clean, lots of parking. We wanted to check out the city market but while the Yelp page says it closes at 9 the food establishments close earlier. We were bummed and decided to try and walk around the cultural trail. We enjoyed the walk although we didn't see anything very clearly defined. We happened upon some cool art, beautiful buildings, some cool stores and ate at Bru Burger. Wish we had more time, seems like a great little city!
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Richard P.

Yelp
If you know me, you know I'm in a wheelchair. If you don't know me, hey there, I'm Richard. Thanks for reading. For 27 years, I've been doing long distance wheeling for charity ranging from a few miles to a 41-day, 1000 mile trek in my wheelchair. Yeah, I'm not quite right in the head. You can say it. As I'm getting older, and after 27 years that tends to happen, I'm finding myself less into the hardcore street rides and more into finding interesting and creative trails that are fairly wheelchair friendly. While I haven't done an event on Indy's Cultural Trail, an eight-mile bike/walk/wheelchair friendly trail that connects Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Avenue, The Canal and White River State Park, and the Wholesale District while also connecting to Indy's more widely known Monon Trail. The trail is a legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick, Indianapolis real estate developers long known for their support of a variety of Indy area projects. As a little bit of trivia, you have approximately 40 miles of Indianapolis Parks Greenway trails directly connected to The Cultural Trail. You have public art installations and the Pacers Bikeshare program along the path, while the path itself essentially took a former driving lane and turned it into the actual trail. So, by using the Cultural Trail and connecting to the Monon Trail, you can make it all the way to Carmel without ever having to directly ride in traffic. Because The Cultural Trail is more of an urban trail, you will experience likely hundreds of businesses along the way along with a variety of intentionally developed plant life. There's a section called the Glick Peace Walk that I'm especially fond of, but as someone who loves wheeling and experiencing life along the way, the entire trail is one I immensely enjoy. The trail offers 2.5 hour bicycle tours (Hey, why not a wheelchair tour?). Mostly, I think the Cultural Trail offers a casual, laid back yet enjoyable way of experiencing downtown Indy and some of Indy's more centralized neighborhoods. I've nearly always experienced friendly and courteous walkers/riders and much of the trail is well marked and has appropriate signage. If you start downtown, parking will be more of an issue but there are places you can catch the trail, for example Fountain Square, where you can easily snag free parking. This is easily one of Indy's more underrated gems and I'm not sure people realize it's actually a fully developed, lengthy trail yet also a trail that lacks much in the way of inclines or obstacles. Give it a chance and experience downtown Indy in a new and awesome way.
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Virginia L.

Yelp
The before and after pics of the streetscape are phenomenal. The cultural trail really adds a ton of value to the City and makes traversing the city by foot not only possible, but even perhaps, enjoyable!!! All the while improving public health, encouraging local development, showcasing local artists and history... yada yada yada. Yeah, so what - I'm a transportation geek. The cultural trail is definitely a giant step in the right direction for Indy and as construction is wrapping up, it's looking awesome. I brought some of my Hoosier friends from the north side of the state (who know Indy inside and out) over to the part of the trail that goes to IUPUI and they were totally amazed and impressed with the fancy big city trail. They really couldn't believe it. Good stuff I tell you. Good stuff. Side note: It's kind of annoying that this is being labeled as a bike trail when it's really not bikeable in any reasonable way unless you are going really slow. But I still love it anyway.
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Brittany G.

Yelp
Did you know that the Indianapolis Cultural Trail is managed and maintained by a non-profit? Throw them some love by becoming a friend of the trail or volunteering for a work day to help keep the trail in pristine shape for our city! The trail has gotten a lot of national attention and is a true gem of our greater downtown area. From revitalization of downtown-area neighborhoods to providing a safe and clean path for pedestrians and bikes, the trail is invaluable to our city. Enjoy a walk on the trail exploring new neighborhoods and businesses.
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Jon A.

Yelp
It's a Saturday afternoon and we have to get across town (note: through downtown, not from the east to west side) to a spot on the canal, without a necessary arrival time, so heck let's walk. In fact, let's walk a lot more. Better yet, let's walk everywhere now that this kind city built a very well lit extended sidewalk from our neighborhood to zig zag to just about anywhere in the downtown core. If you're reading this and remember the North End of Mass Ave just about 5 years ago... you'd remember that it really didn't have much traffic, not many folks, dogs & babies bouncing around -- now it does. It makes me pretty damn happy. For the first time, we walked just about as much of the cultural trail as we could in one fell swoop. There was a strange break in front of the library where the path broke off and didn't give us a proper crossing of Meridian street over to the "Peace Walk" section, hence the lack of a 5th star. (Call me Jimmy Stewart, I'm not one for jay walking in this city -- read: nutty drivers). The potential for businesses & cafes to open up on the walk makes more & more sense to bring to fruition. The way it connected to the canal made a ton of sense, and it really felt like the government rolled out the red carpet for us downtown dwellers to say, "here. Walk." Aye, aye!
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Matt R.

Yelp
The Cultural Trail offers miles of largely protected bike lanes around downtown and offering access to White River State Park, the Canal Walk, Fountain Square, Mass Ave, and far north on the Monon. Sure, you've got Jimmy John's delivery cyclists zipping past, but this is a bike trail that Grandma can handle. My very timid, safety-conscious girlfriend never felt nervous riding through any portion of it. It's not a great place for a fast ride, but that's a good thing. The level of density calms the traffic and offers a modest, but efficient pace that makes it rideable for anyone. No detail (signage and road markings and bike racks) was spared in the planning of this thing. There is some city-sponsored bike rental (Pacers bikes) along here, but it's mostly geared toward residents and commuters who are likely to go for rides of 30 minutes or less. Instead we opted to rent cycles from nearby Wheel Fun rentals on Washington Street so we could just use our bikes all day, and we thought that worked out beautifully. I expect we will repeat the experience the next time we visit Indianapolis.
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Chris Y.

Yelp
The Cultural Trail is the hub of Indy's trail system forming a loop around downtown with connectors to other trails and points of interest. On the southside the trail runs across Washington St with a stub off to the Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium and an extension down Virginia Ave to Fountain Square. Keep going south of Fountain Square on Shelby and you can bike to Garfield Park. The westside runs through the IUPUI campus and the museums of White River Park and connects to the White River Trail. The eastside runs along Alabama St with an extension to the northeast along Mass Ave and connecting to the Monon and all points north. The Cultural Trail is about getting from one place to another. It's very urban with a lot of street crossing, so this is not the best place for a bike ride intended to raise your heart rate. It's nicely landscaped with plants designed to catch the water run-off. There's a lot of art along the trail - mostly outdoor sculpture. The trails is a great way to show the city off to out of town guests with a leisurely 15 mile ride around the loop including the Mass Ave and Fountain Square extensions.
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Hannah L.

Yelp
When out-of-town friends visit the city and ask for recommendations, I tell them to just follow the yellow brick road..AKA Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Businesses along this pedestrian/cyclist trail have BOOMED and new restaurants, shops, bars, and more are opening up along its path constantly. Walk, run, or bike your way through EIGHT of the city's cultural districts and you're bound to discover somewhere you love along the way. This 8-mile trail also highlights some of Indy's historic assets including numerous war memorials. Did you know we house the second highest number of war memorials out of all U.S. cities - second only to Washington, DC?! If eating, shopping, drinking, or sightseeing isn't your thing, then just take in the art and landscaping along the trail. Check out the canal, stop and marvel at one of the seven public art projects, and enjoy our city!
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Jon C.

Yelp
Here's my thoughts on the Cultural Trail: I like to ride my bike downtown, and I live fairly close to the trail. It's a quick way to ride on great pavement throughout the city instead of dealing with cars on the city streets. Oh, why kid ourselves.. the cars aren't the problem with the streets downtown.. it's the potholes. So, the Cultural Trail gives those of us who like a leisurely ride the opportunity to get somewhere without blowing a tire. The trail has a lot of history behind it, a lot of planning on the usage of sidewalks, infrastructure re-routes and a bit of a moisture problem underneath the parking garage at Bankers Life which ended up costing delays and a ton of money to try and fix (and they still aren't done yet). It's my preferred "ride" downtown, so I'm glad it's around. Some parts of it get busy, especially around Fountain Square, downtown (The Conrad Valet is right on top of the trail) and Mass Ave, but aside from those places, it's easy to go pretty much whatever pace you want. You'll find me on the trail on nice evenings after work.. hope to see you there!
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Sarah B.

Yelp
This is an awesome bike/walk/run path that goes downtown, Fountain Square, and out to IUPUI. It's managed by a non-profit that does an excellent job of keeping it maintained. Clearly market by the bricks and walk/bike signs along the path. There are signs along the way that show where the path goes if you're new. It goes to all the main areas and the Pacers bikes are along the path too. Just watch out for the people walking and looking at their phones; that's the only real danger on this path! The end connects to the Monon Trail so you can easily go up to Broad Ripple or Carmel. Great path, I ride my bike on it all the time!
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Brady R.

Yelp
I mean, c'mon! Who doesn't love an amazing trail that goes all over the downtown area, that's overall safe for bikes, rollerblades, and pedestrians?! It's a great feature of downtown, especially with the Pacers bike share program. It runs right by my work so it's convenient when I need to get to basically any district when riding my bike to work. Two heads up: lots of pedestrians don't follow the "don't take up the whole trail" rule nor do they like to follow the "pedestrians on the right side" rule. Wish it could extend even farther into the north side (like up until the 16th street) but I guess that's what the Monon is for! :) wonderful feature in the city!
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Marcus M.

Yelp
I love the cultural trail. I thought it was always apart of the city, but I learned it was a recent development when the city won the super bowl bid. I like the wide space which permits walking and biking. Additionally, it is a well lit area at night which makes it an option when you are looking for a leisure stroll. Also, you will pass a number of the great amenities (I.e. Restaurants, exercise establishments, etc.) of the city so it's an added bonus!
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Hannah H.

Yelp
I've explored around Indy before, but my first trip on the cultural trail was an entirely new experience. It does such an excellent job of connecting the different parts of the city and taking you right through it all. We cycled through all six of the cultural districts and it was very easy to follow the trail. I especially loved how the trail was lit up overhead (and on the sidewalk) underneath the bridge by Lucas Oil. What a neat touch! The trail does a great job of connecting everything, and I saw a lot of neat restaurants along the trail that I have stored in my memory so I can visit them again soon! The biggest asset to the trail, however, was the safety. The cultural trail cuts through the center of downtown, yet does so in a very cyclist and pedestrian friendly way. I didn't feel like I was riding right next to cars, even when I was. I felt like an urban explorer, and that was really cool! I definitely want to go back and ride the trail again. It's something I will absolutely share with my friends and family when they come to visit. The Cultural Trail is perfect for residents and tourists alike, and it's such a great resource to have here in Indy!
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Jemmie W.

Yelp
This is an under-rated bike trail throughout downtown Indy. It's paved, usually well marked, and takes you to some of the higher profile sites in downtown Indy. You can use this trail system to connect to other greenways/trails like the Monon, which you can ride all the way to Carmel and beyond. This is definitely worth checking out whether you are a townie or a tourist.
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Lexa M.

Yelp
Riding along the cultural trail has by far been one of my favorite activities I've done in Indianapolis. The trail is very accommodating for all runners, bikers, and leisure walkers and is a unique feature of the city that bonds residents and visitors. Even though I've lived here for four years, the trail led us along bars and art pieces that would've never caught my attention had I not been biking by. The path easily connected well-known areas like Lockerbie, the Canal, Georgia Street, and Mass Ave. As a resident, it made me more aware of the places and resources that I've taken for granted; for active tourists, this is an easy way to hit the highlights of the city. The standout moment for me was after biking the entire canal (where I fantasized about one day living in one of the condos overlooking the water), we stopped by White River State Park and got to admire a vibrant sunset that framed the city's buildings. It was one of those moments that caused everyone to drop their bikes and send snapchats of the view. While I would 100% recommend this activity to any Hoosier or visitor, there are a few hiccups that people should know: 1) Since I was on a class field trip, the Pacers Bikeshare supplied our bikes for $15 for the entire ride (which was around 2 hours). However, I think the payment process is a little more complicated than one easy payment, which can be frustrating for riders who want to enjoy the trail without worrying about paying extra if they exceed 30 minutes. 2) For someone who is directionally challenged and not native to Indianapolis, I wouldn't have felt comfortable tackling the trail myself. While the trail is well marked, it might be a challenge for visitors who aren't familiar with the city. 3) The constant stop and start was annoying at times. Unlike the Monon--which has long stretches uninterrupted by intersections--it was hard to get into a constant rhythm. With these things in mind, the experience still makes my list of top things to do in Indy.
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Sam K.

Yelp
I like to refer to it as the bike highway of downtown. It connects to all the best parts of downtown, including the canal- where I live! I absolutely love being able to take the cultural trail over to Mass Ave, to the Wholesale District, and down to Fountain Square. It is so easy to ride and so full of life. They have even added stop signs and timed the traffic lights to make it safer and more convenient for those traveling on the cultural trail. It goes by many parks, monuments, and art installations that really add to the city. Like other reviewers have mentioned, it can be frustrating when there are two designated sides for the pedestrians and cyclists and the pedestrians choose to walk on the incorrect side. However, I strongly believe that it elevates the liveliness and connectedness of downtown and I will continue to use it year round!
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Bobby N.

Yelp
I love the cultural trail. I think it is a great way to connect the downtown neighborhoods and look forward to continued people friendly development along the trail. It is a great place to walk, run and bike. Connecting Lucas Oil to upper north Mass Ave, to IUPUI to White River Park, the canal, and the gem Fountain Square. The only reason this is not a five star review is that in the case of Fountain Square the designers were overreaching with a failed art project which keeps the trail closed under the bridge/parking garages on Virginia Avenue. This passage is unwelcoming and dangerous. Please close a street lane for bike traffic as the project is completed or scrap the project and let the bikes go through. Even though a certain hotel had issues with the development of the trail they have embraced it in the completion. They have added bikes for their guests and free bicycle parking for all. Kudos to the designers and I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy this trail.
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Stephanie D.

Yelp
I'm not really sure what to say that others, national and international organizations, haven't already said. I've spent the last four years living near the cultural trail and watching it become complete and change the way Indy views its downtown. I use this for biking, walking, running, getting from downtown to home (FS) to work...It's amazing. I love the places it takes you...the canal, peace walk, library, bars, restaurants, everywhere. All I want to add is a huge thank you to the Glicks and leaders of this city for making this come true and allowing the districts of downtown to connect with one another!!
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Jenny P.

Yelp
I love the Cultural Trail but I feel I must warn others of a huge issue. It's not the Cultural Trail's fault but it's big problem and has to be addressed. Along the trail there are numerous signs indicating which side is for bikes and which side is for pedestrians. Sadly the pedestrians pay absolutely no attention to the signs... like what so ever. Not only that but I often find large groups just spread out all over the bike lane making it very difficult to go around without having to shout at people who are looking down at phones. I don't know what the answer is, perhaps posting temporary signs in the summer warning people not to walk on the bike path when a side walk is available, but I would never recommend biking the cultural trail to a friend.
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Billy V.

Yelp
There is so much to love about the Cultural Trail that snakes around downtown Indy. From the artwork to the people watching, the numerous fro-yo stands to the donut shops, this is the best walking/biking urban trail in the nation. Now with the addition of the bike share stands located along the route this really is a 5 star amenity in Indy. The only improvements they could make is to add more trail miles and make street crossing areas more pedestrian and bike centric.
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Jammy S.

Yelp
Ah Indianapolis, I remember you before Circle Center, before 'culture' came to downtown. When the only reasons people came to downtown were for their 9-5, St. Elmo's, and the Slippery Noodle. How far you have come. I enjoy walking, riding, and window shopping on you Cultural Trail. I wish I could say I enjoyed commuting on you, but it's difficult when you're basically a large square, oh well, it's hip to be square I suppose. Your paths are lovely and the embedded fancy cross walks are oh so sweet. You've got trash cans, benches, lights (which are a bit more light polluting than we'd all like), functional cross walks, and bike racks. You go. Maybe one day I'll get that dancing girl on the street corner to go on a date with me. That'd be something.
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Rick G.

Yelp
I ride my bike. I ride it a LOT. All over the midwest. The cultural trail is one of the best of the best. Well marked, well thought out, and it takes you to some diverse locations. You'll see everything from roosting chickens to wonderful ethnic restaurants. It's an easy ride, but if you want to go off off peak times...say, early Saturday or Sunday mornings, you can ride pretty much as fast as you wish. But, really, the ONLY way to see this trail and the surroundings, is slow and leisurely. Take in the cultural and surroundings that makes this city so great. Ride the cultural trail. Today. You won't be sorry.
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Nichole K.

Yelp
Follow the yellow brick road...or shall I say brick with a hint of green. Great walk around downtown, good size sidewalks, perfect for riding bike and/or walking. Sometimes it's nice to get out the car and explore the different nooks and neighborhoods of downtown.
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Deborah B.

Yelp
And just when I thought it couldn't get any better-we now have a bike share program along the Cultural Trail in downtown Indy!! It seems B-Cycle-which was in Chicago a few years before I moved to Indy is now here via The Pacers! While I will probably not use it myself as I own two bikes-it will be great for friends and family that are visiting us! Another reason to love The Cultural Trail!
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David C.

Yelp
What a great job Indianapolis has done revitalizing Mass Ave. Great place to take a stroll at anytime of the day. The Cultural Trail has definitely made downtown Indianapolis more unique and is quickly becoming a hot spot for trendy hipsters. With all different types of people and interesting restaurants to back it up, the Cultural Trail is definitely one of Indianapolis' unique identifiers which make this city quite enjoyable to live in. And the best part, it's super safe. I could feel comfortable at 4am walking. So take yourself and your dog (if applicable) to this happening spot downtown and you will see what all the buzz is about.
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Rachael W.

Yelp
Super excited to see this bad boy finished! I ride my bike to work everyday and I am so appreciative of this new bike/walking trail. It's really a lovely trail, nice stone work, plants, and signage. I have noticed that some walkers seem to favor the biking side of the trail while some of the bikers still prefer the street. Super convenient and will soon enough get me everywhere I want to be. I would like to thank all involved in the creation and execution of this trail.
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Catherine K.

Yelp
This is a great trail albeit one that is somewhat difficult to follow. Going east from the library, we were confused ... are we really riding down an alley off of Mass? Going west, we ended up in a street instead of on the trail itself. That being said, the city has done a phenomenal job of creating this trail. The brickwork is beautiful and makes it fairly easy to follow the trail. I've read that the trail should be done sometime in 2011. It is more of a hey, let's ride the trail today, type of trail instead of getting you from point A to point B. We usually stop at least once while we're out, usually for chocolate on Mass Ave or a drink. It's a good way to spend a leisurely hour or so.
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Lindsay P.

Yelp
So glad they built this nice trail all through downtown. Even though it's not yet completely connected in a few areas (Fountain Square to downtown @ Pennsylvania and Virginia), there is still a lot to explore. It's great for walkers, joggers, and bikers - just be sure to watch for the signs where bikes are on one side of the trail and pedestrians are on the other side. My dog loves to walk the trail and I love to show it to our guests visiting us from out of state. This gives downtown a great new look - one that is clean and also health conscience.
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Brandon C.

Yelp
This was on of the best ideas this city has ever capitalized on. This gets people moving who would not naturally do so without the trail. Those who know about biking and walking in the city know that there are new perspectives to be gained. The same is true on this trail. If you learn the ins and outs of this trail you can truly learn to use it to your advantage for travel purposes. I use it to connect to the Monon trail as well near E. 10th st.

Judy C.

Yelp
This is a fantastic extension to the Monon Trail. We started on the Monon Trail just south of Broad Ripple and rode into Indianapolis to the Cultural Trail. The trail through the city is fantastic. We grabbed the trail next to the Zoo and rode out to the Central Canal Towpath and brought it back to the Broad Ripple area. All in all a great 20 mile ride and an up close and personal experience of Indy.