Want to see if a snowy street near you has been plowed yet? There’s a GIS map for that. | Photo by @greglipps
Ever wish you had a map that highlighted hiking trails in city limits? Or want to visually see where local libraries are located?
Look no further, Indy. Meet GIS mapping — a resource used by the city, local organizations, and passionate residents to organize data about places in our community.
What is GIS?
GIS (geographic information system) is a tool for gathering, managing, and analyzing data. GIS software like Google Earth analyzes physical locations and organizes layers of info into 3D scenes. Simply put, they’re really cool virtually-layered maps.
Our picks
Ready to explore? Here are few GIS maps we think you’ll enjoy:
Landmarks | Open the layers tab in the top left corner and toggle on “Landmarks” to familiarize yourself with arts, sports, and historic hotspots in your neighborhood.
Voting Information Portal | Find out which voting district you’re in, who your elected officials are, and where you can vote during the next election cycle.
PlanIndy | Discover all the projects the city is working on — layers include everything from bike paths to future land use to neighborhood strategies.
St. Nick’s Lodge at Harry & Izzy’s Northside | Thursday, Dec. 11-Sunday, Dec. 21 | 4 p.m. | Harry & Izzy’s Northside | Welcome to St. Nick’s Lodge at Harry & Izzy’s Northside, a cozy, adults-only holiday escape filled with festive cocktails, nostalgic cheer, and winter magic.*
If the phrase “arctic outbreak” triggers you, look away now. If you’re still here, find out when the frigid front will freeze Indy. (WTHR)
Edu
After nearly 50 years in operation, Martin University announced it’s closing its doors at the end of 2025 due to “financial and student enrollment challenges.” The press release stated that the board is discussing options to minimize interruption for currently enrolled students. (WTHR)
Development
Glendale neighbors, better get that rewatch of “Wicked: For Good” in while you can. The Landmark Glendale 12 theater will soon be replaced with 238 apartments and townhomes, developed by Kite Realty Group Trust and Milhaus Development LLC. Read more about the plans. (IBJ)
Arts
Come to The Cabaret. The longstanding Indy venue released its 2026 Spring-Summer Season lineup, with acts including Andrew Rannells, Ana Gasteyer, and Marisha Wallace. Get tickets before they sell out.
Try This
Knock out your Indy holiday bucket list in one go by joining a free bike ride hosted by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. “Riding in a Winter Wanderland” will stop by the Athenaeum Christkindlmarkt, Circle of Lights, and more along its ~5-mile, beginner-friendly guided route. Register.
Opening
Hungry for some Korean fried chicken? CM Chicken is opening its third location tomorrow, Dec. 11 at 1329 S. Rangeline Rd. in Carmel. Stop by for crispy wings, spicy tteokbokki, loaded fries, juicy chicken sandwiches, and beer + soju.
Sports
IU’s Fernando Mendoza and Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love are both in the running for the Heisman Trophy. “Who will take it home,” Locked On wonders?
Giveaway
Have you entered our Hotel Carmichael experience giveaway in partnership with Hotel Carmichael? There are still five days left to grab your chance to win a luxurious stay in the Presidential Suite plus a $150 Vivante gift card, and two tickets to Feinstein’s Signature Series with an additional $50 gift card. Enter on our Instagram.*
Cause
You know that one friend who’s always saying, “I want to make a difference this holiday season?” Send them to volunteer at a Salvation Army Red Kettle. In two hours, they can help feed a family, keep the lights on, or ensure someone has a warm home. Here’s our experience.*
Seasonal
Happy almost New Year’s. We’re celebrating the countdown to 2026 with 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.
Beauty
Particle Face Cream was engineered for men to tackle skin issues in one simple step — reducing eye bags, diminishing wrinkles, brightening dark spots, hydrating, soothing after shaving, and nourishing deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Use code CITY20 for 20% off today.*
Turns out holiday pop-up bars are a veritable Hydra in Indy. Two bonus additions that we missed in yesterday’s roundup: Tiki Turner’s at The Stutz and The Quarter in Broad Ripple. Both bars will be open through the end of the month.
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