The Indiana author John Green wrote in his New York Times bestselling novel-turned-film The Fault in Our Stars, “We Hoosiers are excessively optimistic about summer.” This is very evident around this time of year, as the snow melts and we’re met with the first 50- or 60-degree temperatures of the year. The winter coats are put away and the short sleeves, shorts, and flip flops start to come out despite the real chance that it very well may snow again. This year embrace that optimism and head out to one of these Indy-area locations!
1. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
A way for the Indianapolis Museum of Art to emphasize the combination of nature and art, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is part of Newfields. Any fans of the aforementioned John Green novel will be familiar with the interactive sculpture Funky Bones, and the park also boasts 100 acres of other art pieces, woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and the shoreline of a 35-acre lake. Guided tours are available, or you can just put on your hiking shoes and experience it for yourself.
2. Bluebeard
A farm-to-table restaurant with an impressive outdoor seating area, Bluebeard is the perfect spot to enjoy the lengthening days. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or just drinks with friends and enjoy the best food sourced from the Midwest. Because they work with local farmers and purveyors the menu is highly seasonal and can vary even from day to day, meaning you can visit multiple times and still get something different!
3. White River State Park
Bringing nature to downtown Indianapolis, White River State Park was created in 1979 and boasts attractions and destinations sure to delight any visitor across its 250 acres. Starting in the west with the Indianapolis Zoo, then expanding east to Victory Field and north past the Central Canal, Indiana State and Eiteljorg Museums, all the way to Military Park, White River State Park offers green spaces, trails, and trees alongside the cultural, educational, and recreational attractions suitable for all ages.
4. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Home of Indianapolis 500 as well as several other IndyCar races throughout the year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway claims to be “The Racing Capital of the World”, and for good reason. Held every year on Memorial Day weekend, the Indianapolis 500 signals the unofficial start to summer for many Hoosiers. This spring to prepare for the big race, why not check out the museum dedicated to preserve the history of car racing? Entrance is only $10 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-15, which makes it the perfect destination for those rainy spring days when you want to get out of the apartment.
5. Indianapolis Zoo
Another favorite Indy location is the Indianapolis Zoo. Accreted as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, the zoo is open year-round but is particularly enjoyable in the spring when you don’t need to either bundle up or risk heat stroke. They have educational and entertaining events every day, from the dolphin presentation to the Butterfly Kaleidoscope (open late-March through early-September), and many animal attractions throughout the park. Check out their website and plan your visit today!
What are your favorite Indy spots in the spring? Find us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to let us know!