Spring has arrived, and as survivors of another Indiana winter, most of us are dying to spend as much time outdoors in this nice weather as possible. Make the most of the season by rounding up your family, grabbing a blanket and your favorite meal, and moving mealtime outside. Here are six destinations that are perfect for a picnic.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park
4000 N. Michigan Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
(317) 923-1331
The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park is one of the largest museum art parks in the country. The artwork in the park aims to highlight the relationship between man-made art and the beauty of the natural world. This spring, expect to hear more birds chirping, as the IMA staff has built a new nesting platform to attract birds of prey to the woods. The benches scattered throughout the walking trails are perfect places to rest up and eat while enjoying this artsy oasis.
Fort Harrison
6000 N. Post Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46216
(317) 591-0904
What was originally a U.S. Army post during WWI and WWII is now an expansive and scenic state park offering hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, fishing and play spaces for children. Find a picnic table or lay out a blanket near the lake, and have a quiet lunch surrounded by nature.
White River State Park and Canal District
801 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(800) 665-9056
Located in downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park is the perfect destination for walking, biking, people watching and picnicking. After eating, take advantage of its close proximity to many of downtown Indianapolis’ focal points, including the Indianapolis Zoo, the Canal Walk and the Indiana State Museum.
Garfield Park
2505 Conservatory Drive Indianapolis, IN 46203
(317) 327-7220
Garfield Park was first established in 1873 and is the oldest city park in Indianapolis. Despite the fact that, today, you will not find the zoo or children’s museum that the park hosted in the past, guests can enjoy the Conservatory and Sunken Garden, Garfield Arts Center, Garfield Aquatic Center and the MacAllister Center for the Performing Arts. After their picnic, of course.
Monument Circle
1 Monument Circle
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-7616
Monument Circle, located in downtown Indianapolis, is the center of the city and the perfect place to people watch and chill while you have lunch. Take a seat on the steps of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and chow down on your favorite treat. When you are done, grab a sweet treat at the nearby South Bend Chocolate Cafe.
Holliday Park
6363 Spring Mill Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46260
(317) 327-7180
Holliday Park is the perfect place to host a family picnic. This park has hiking trails, an arboretum, a playground for the little ones and a nature center. At Holliday Park, there is plenty of space to throw your blanket down, eat and unwind after a long day.
