Indianapolis, Indiana's capital city, is brimming with excitement and fun things to do. This world-class city is home to one of America's newest airports as well as an array of fun things to do, including attractions, restaurants, and special events, all found throughout six cultural districts.

Broad Ripple Village, about 20 minutes from downtown and not far from many of the Indianapolis hotels, features one-of-a-kind shops and vintage boutiques, a variety of restaurants, many with al fresco dining, art galleries, bars and taverns, with live entertainment and parks all connected by the Monon Trail. While known for its nightlife and music scene, visitors of all ages can stroll through Broad Ripple Indianapolis, experience the unique architecture and enjoy a day exploring the Broad Ripple Village attractions. When planning Indiana vacation packages, those who include Indianapolis will want to include some time in one of the city's hotspots.

Bordering the White River, Broad Ripple Park once was home to an amusement park and a stream train. Times may have changed, but visitors still flock to this entry on the list of Broad Ripple Village attractions. Visitors will find an overlook stretching over the river, perfect for admiring nature's artistry, as well as an outdoor pool, tennis courts, a hiking trail, and picnic shelters. Those who enjoy the great outdoors will also want to include time on the Monon Trail, an urban greenway that winds through Broad Ripple Indianapolis. This 10-mile pathway, a favorite for hiking, strolling, and admiring the scenery, links up with the shorter Monon Greenway of Carmel.

Indiana Map

Many of the Broad Ripple Village attractions focus on the arts. While you're exploring Broad Ripple Village on your Indiana vacations, you will find that the Indianapolis Art Center lives up to it mission to spark creativity. Started in the midst of the Great Depression, this arts hotspot features a full slate of exhibits and a facility designed by Indianapolis native and renowned architect Michael Graves. Admission is free to the galleries as well as the surrounding Artspark. This 12-acre Broad Ripple Village park features sculptures and natural gardens. It recently expanded to include a sensory path and canoe launch. The Indianapolis Art Center also hosts special events throughout the year, including the Broad Ripple Art Fair. For four decades, people have come to Broad Ripple Village for the annual May festival, which features live entertainment, food vendors, a wine and beer garden, children's area, and of course work from local, regional, and international artists.

Visitors also can seek out inspiration at the many galleries of Broad Ripple Village. This thriving cultural village nurtures artists in all types of media, such as glass, clay, jewelry, painting, and even rugs. The Hoosier Salon, which also has a gallery in the community of New Harmony, is dedicated to Indiana artists. Every year, it hosts a busy schedule of exhibits and workshops.

The shopping and restaurants are as diverse as the artists who display work in Broad Ripple Indianapolis. Visitors will find one-of-a-kind shops and business that sell all kind of items, something for all of those special people on your shopping list. When it's time for a meal, Broad Ripple Village visitors will be sure to find something to suit their taste buds, whether they want to linger over a cup of coffee, grab a quick bite, or make reservations for a fine-dining experience. After dark, the neighborhood lights up with a pulsing nightlife. Comedy clubs, bars, and jazz joints are some of the places that spring to life once the sun goes down.

In December, the merchants, business owners, community leaders, and visitors come together to enjoy Broad Ripple Lights Up!, a holiday festival sponsored by the Broad Ripple Village Association. The daylong event includes decorated storefronts, carolers, strolling entertainers, and horse-drawn carriage rides, all culminating with a tree-lighting ceremony at the Broad Ripple Fire Station.