It’s hard to believe you can find this kind of waterfall in Indiana. | Photo by @emschutt
From quick and easy loops around town to drives that take you to fantastic lakes and forests — our city has so many options to hit the trail.
So lace up your hiking boots, because we’ve compiled a hiking guide for the Indy area with eight routes and trails to help you plan your next adventure and experience breathtaking views.
Note: While parks and trails may be listed as open, we recommend checking park websites before visiting for further info, current trail conditions, and safest practices for the area.
Key: Easy = 🥾| Moderate = 🥾🥾 | Hard = 🥾🥾🥾
Eagle Creek Park’s Lily Lake is a great spot for a picnic when you’re ready for a break. | Photo via @freezeframe56
Looking to do a bit of bird watching while you’re working up a sweat in this loop? Well, it’s called Eagle Creek Park for a reason — keep an eye out for these feathered friends and don’t forget to hit the Ornithology Center on your way out.
This hidden gem is less than an hour away from Indy. | Photo via @soilgladtotravel
Putnam County
Ed Dailey Nature Trail, Cataract Falls, 2605 N. Cataract Rd., Spencer
Difficulty: 🥾
Length: 1.7-mile loop
Wheelchair accessible: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
If you want to see the falls raging, we recommend going after a good rain, but beware of muddy trails. Pro tip: An early morning hike will let you have the falls all to yourself.
What do a suspension bridge, ladders, and a Punch Bowl have in common? You’ll find out if you take this trail — recently named the Midwest’s best hike in Midwest Living.
Create Your Own Blown Glass Pumpkin | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | GRT Hot Glass Studios | $70 | Get hands on and create your very own unique blown glass pumpkin with the help of expert instructors.
General Knowledge Trivia | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 5:45-8:30 p.m. | Metazoa Brewing Company | $5 | Join Metazoa for a night of craft beer + pop culture trivia.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Twilight Tales: Strange Encounters | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 7-8 p.m. | Indiana State Museum | $20 | Decorate your own candy bag, solve a mystery while decoding puzzles, and find hidden clues while exploring the museum by flashlight.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Career and Computer Help Center | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 3-5 p.m. | IPL Eagle Branch | Free | Get help with resume writing, job searching, and applications, plus learn new computer skills.
We Walk Indy: Carmel Monon | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Sun King | Cost of purchase | Meet in Carmel Midtown Plaza for a casual meet + greet, stroll along the Monon, and post-walk social at Sun King Brewery.
YPCI’s October Happy Hour | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Solely Wine | $15 | Enjoy a happy hour at the newly-opened bar, support a local business, and enjoy a few sips of wine.
Friday, Oct. 25
Indiana Creative Economy Summit | Friday, Oct. 25 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Circle Centre Mall | $35+ | Learn more about what catalyzes the growth and development of Indiana’s creative industries.
The Indianapolis International Airport announced that direct international flights will soon return. Beginning May 3, the airport will see direct flights four days a week through Irish airline Aer Lingus to Dublin Airport. It will be the first direct transatlantic route IND has offered since 2020. (IBJ)
Number
33,000. That’s about how many hotel rooms in the nine-county Indianapolis area now have reservations for the nights of Taylor Swift’s concerts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Visit Indy is expecting about 200,000 people to come downtown Nov. 1-3 either to attend the concerts or to celebrate the occasion. (IBJ)
Development
The City of Whitestown is focusing on growth and improved infrastructure — and a proposed $110 million housing + retail development could be a big part of that plan. Padgett Commons would be built on 40 acres and include 120 apartments, 80 senior-housing units, a park, and a trail. If approved, construction could begin next spring. (IBJ)
Concert
Rock icons ZZ Top will be bringing their “Elevation Tour” to central Indiana next year. The band will perform at the Brown Music Center in Nashville, Indiana, on Tuesday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. (WTHR)
Sports
IU’s Week 9 matchup against the Washington Huskies on Saturday, Oct. 26 just got more exciting. ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast live from the No. 13 team’s campus starting at 9 a.m. as the Hoosiers look to start 8-0 for the first time in decades. (WTHR)
Listen
The Pacers wrapped up the preseason last week. What are the big takeaways from the exhibitions? Locked On host Tony East breaks it down.
Try This
Shoes made from mushrooms. Self-lacing sneakers. And, even virtual shoes. You can find all of these futuristic, mind-blowing kicks at Newfields’ new exhibition, “Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks.” Pick out your favorite sneakers and walk on into Newfields to celebrate culture through the beauty of footwear.*
Number
$357. That’s a real flight deal from Indy to the Honduran Bay Islands this year. Sign up for Going’s Premium plan + never miss a great deal again.*
Travel
For a limited time, save up to 50% on a AAA Membership — and add an additional driver for free or at a discounted rate. Members access AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7/365, plus savings on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more with AAA Travel. Join AAA before this deal ends.*
Finance
It’s time to take a break from your high-interest debt. For one of the longest no-interest periods on a balance transfer card experts have seen in a while,check this out.*
Category
Civic
🗳️ Prepare to vote
We know and love the classic “I Voted” sticker, but if you vote on Election Day you might get a new design. | Photo by INDYtoday team
We’re two weeks away from Election Day, Hoosiers. We’ve told you how to register to vote + everything you need to know about voting in Indy, but another big part of doing your civic duty is knowing who and what you’re voting for.
To help you prepare, here’s what you can expect to see on your ballot for the 2024 General Election in Indianapolis. (You can find your sample ballot on the Indiana Voters website.)
All voters will be asked to select candidates for US president, governor, senators + representatives, and attorney general.
You may also be asked to elect local clerks, judges, and other county and town races.
All ballots will also include a question about whether the superintendent of public instruction, which is no longer an elected position, should be removed from being sixth in line for gubernatorial succession.
Some ballots may also include referendums, also called public questions, where voters will need to vote “yes” or “no.”
The Buy
The Buy
This 4-in-1 car charger. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and includes retractable USB-C and Lightning cables as well as USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up to four devices at once.
I didn’t even know this was happening, but this year the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office held an “I Voted” sticker design contest, giving children a chance to be a part of the election process. The first place design from each grade level will be featured on stickers distributed on Election Day. See the winning designs.
