About The Park

White River State Park boasts world-class attractions and destinations that offer distinctive experiences for every visitor. Greenspaces, trails, trees, and waterways co-mingle alongside cultural, educational, and recreational attractions across 250 beautiful acres in downtown Indianapolis.

White River State Park is a great place to hold events, too!  The greenspaces, hardscapes, and facility rentals are perfect locations for weddings, parties, charity events, corporate get-togethers and more

History

The Indiana General Assembly created the White River State Park Development Commission in 1979 as a quasi-governmental agency and it operates outside of the state park system and the Department of Natural Resources. The Commission is composed of the Mayor of the City of Indianapolis, the President of Indiana University, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, and seven citizens appointed by the Governor for four year staggered terms.  Four members of the Indiana General Assembly also serve as non-voting members of the White River State Park Development Commission.

The first attraction to call the Park home was the Indianapolis Zoo in 1988 with the White River Promenade as the northern boundary trailway opening before the zoo.  The following year, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art opened its door to the community.  The Park soon became home to Indianapolis Indians Baseball in Victory Field, the state’s largest IMAX® Theater,  the NCAA® Hall of Champions Museum and the NCAA® World Headquarters, the Indiana State Museum, and The Lawn at White River State Park (Concert Venue).  A unique partnership of the state, city, federal governments, and private businesses constructed viable pathways for both pedestrians and vehicles in the park, including the Historic Central Canal Walkway, Historic Old Washington Street Pedestrian Bridge, Celebration Plaza and other Park specific spaces, and various trails along the White River in the Park.

Health & Safety Protocols

White River State Park (WRSP) and the Frank Lloyd Visitor Center welcomes the public with policies and procedures to keep everyone safe!

Park Efforts
White River State Park is dedicated to providing a safe environment for guests, staff, and volunteers as they enjoy the Park’s 250 acres of greenspaces, trails, and waterways

  • Facilities are frequently sanitized and disinfected using the appropriate PPE and sanitizing equipment
  • Continue to follow the health and safety guidelines recommended by Governor Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health

Guest Efforts
White River State Park encourages guests to do their part in keeping the Park and other guests safe and healthy:

  • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Do not visit the Park if you are you are sick with COVID-19, or just don’t feel well
  • For COVID-19 public resources, visit: Indiana State Department of Health

Hand Washing Locations:

  • Family restrooms are located on the exterior of the north side of the Frank Lloyd Visitors Center
  • WRSP restrooms located inside of the Frank Lloyd Visitor Center are available during retail hours
  • Other WRSP restrooms are available for use during certain planned events

Please visit the Attractions & Venue page to learn more about the Park’s world-class attractions, and their health protocols.