We’ve designed some trips around your interests. That way, you don’t even have to think. Just get out there and have a good time.

Whimsy and Delights

SECTIONS: INDIANAPOLIS, BROAD RIPPLE

Wandering up and down the trail, you’ll find a number of whimsical surprises. Look for these unexpected pleasures.

Distance: Your choice, depending on where you choose to start and finish.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: Your choice

Have a Seat – The folks who live on the southeast corner of 111th Street at the Monon offer a pleasant little table and chairs in case you need a break.
Air and Water – Homeowners just south of 106th St have kindly provided drinking fountains, a tire pump and a welcoming place to pause.
Picturesque Hospitality – It’s hard to pass by the idyllic outdoor setting of The Hotel Broad Ripple and not want to stop. Good news: They welcome your visit, and they’ll even sell you a glass of wine or beer as you grab a seat.
Locally Grown Gardens – It might be the smell of wood-grilled food. Or the reggae often blasting out of the big front doors. Or maybe the fresh produce. Whatever: Locally Grown Gardens, in a former gas station at 54th and the Monon, is a favorite place to pause.
Department of Public Words murals – Nonprofit DPW promotes positive feelings, as its murals between 54th and 52nd streets and just north of 49th Street clearly demonstrate.
Angel of Hope – Artist Pat Mack’s celestial being watches over the trail just south of 52nd Street.
Urban Silos – This installation by Jeffrey S. Martin on the south side of 38th St. encourages you to pause and ponder the clouds, the way you did when you were a kid.
Underpass Art – Check out the trail-using-torsos painting under the overpass near 16th Street.

Want to get out with the family in Hamilton County? This little bike trip offers destinations for everyone, and a treat along the way!

Distance: About 10 miles
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Estimated time: Up to you

Start at the 96th Street trail head (lots of easy parking if you’re driving to the trail, as well as bathrooms and water fountains).
Roll north to 111th Street and then veer off to enjoy the pathways wandering through Carmel Central Park, including a lagoon-side boardwalk. If you want to be a hero to the kids, pack swimsuits and plan to spend time at the Waterpark at the Commons or at the West Commons Playground and Splashpad.
From Central Park, continue north to downtown Carmel and plan to let the kids check out some of the life-like statues scattered in the areas adjacent to the trail. Plan to take some too-cute-to-believe pictures.
Just north of Main Street, plan a stop at Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream. The aroma will stir up a hankering for a big ol’ burger. If that’s not part of the plan, at least stop for a scoop of ice cream.
After your belly is full, point your bike south and roll back past the Center for the Performing Arts and to the area around City Hall. Here the greenspaces include the peaceful and serene Kawachinagano Japanese Gardens.
After your zen moment, it’s time to head back to the car. Roll south and be safe.