The Downtown Canal is one of Indianapolis’ most iconic landmarks and cherished public spaces. The picturesque promenade follows the historic Central Canal from 11th St. to White River State Park, and connects with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail at two locations. The 3 mile loop with its lush green space, many amenities and cultural attractions, and scenic skyline views make it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
So Much To Do
- Walk, run, or bike on 3 miles of promenade
- Play at the Colts Canal Playspace
- Visit the Pawp-Up Pup Park
- Try Curling on the Canal
- Attend FREE weekly programs and events
- Ride a bike with Pacers Bikeshare
- Dine at a waterside cafe or restaurant
- See murals and public art
- Rent a paddleboat or kayak from Wheel Fun Rentals
- See the canal from a gondola with Old World Gondoliers
- Learn from history at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center and The Indiana State Library
- Honor the past at the USS Indianapolis, Indiana 9/11, and Medal of Honor Memorials
- Explore White River State Park and its many attractions
- Live, work, stay and play! The Downtown Canal is a beautiful neighborhood that features several apartment complexes, private residences, and hotels as well as major employers, such as IU Health and the State of Indiana.
Downtown Canal Map
Hours
The Downtown Canal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The path is even cleared of snow and ice during winter months to keep this critical bike and pedestrian infrastructure open for residents, workers, and visitors. Although open, quiet hours on the Downtown Canal are from 10 PM- 7 AM daily.
The Colts Canal Playspace and Pawp-Up Pup Park are open from dawn to dusk daily.
Attractions and local businesses have varying hours and seasons, so please check these individually ahead of time.
Cost
FREE! There is no cost to enjoy the Downtown Canal as well as many of the programs and events that happen along it throughout the year.
However, several of the museums and other attractions along the Downtown Canal have an admission or rental fee. Please check with these individually for rates.
Access
The Downtown Indianapolis is only a few feet below ground level, accessible by stairs, ramps or elevators.
- Between 11th and 10th Streets: Ramps and stairs available
- At 9th Street (East): Elevator (currently closed) and stair access
- Between St. Clair and Walnut Streets: Ramps and stairs available
- Michigan Street and Indiana Avenue: Elevator (East) and stair access
- Vermont Street: Stairs only
- New York Street (West): Elevator and stair access
- Between New York and Ohio Streets (West): Stairs only
- Between Ohio and West St.: Stairs only
- White River State Park: Ramps and stairs access
See map for locations and more information.
Accessible parking is located at the Education & Research Institute of Indiana University Radiology (713 N. Senate Ave.) parking lot, which can be entered from St. Clair St. as well as several ADA street parking spaces. Please see Park Indy for ADA street parking locations and more information.
Parking
Nearby street parking is available on Senate Ave., Indiana Ave., New York St., Ohio St., and 11th St. It’s is paid Monday- Saturday, and FREE on Sundays and holidays. Additionally, several nearby paid parking lots and garages are also open to the public.
Accessible parking is located at the Education & Research Institute of Indiana University Radiology (713 N. Senate Ave.) parking lot, which can be entered from St. Clair St. as well as several ADA street parking spaces. Please see Park Indy for ADA street parking locations and more information.
There is NO parking on Walnut St. where it is shared with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Getting to the Downtown Canal
- Indianapolis Cultural Trail: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a great way to access the Downtown Canal by foot or bike as it conveniently cross it in two locations. Bike parking is located on Walnut St. near the Orange Bridge and Colts Canal Playspace.
- Pacers Bikeshare: Bike to the Downtown Canal using Pacers Bikeshare. With over 50 stations around the City, its convenient to take a bike to one of the three stations along the Canal at the Admiral Spruance Basin (near 10th St.), Walnut St. Basin (near the Orange Bridge and St. Clair St.) and in White River State Park (near Blackford St. and the Indiana State Museum).
- Transit: IndyGo has several routes, including the Red Line, with stops just a few blocks away.
- Cars: The best address to navigate to the Downtown Canal is 701 Canal Walk. Nearby street parking is available on Senate Ave., Indiana Ave., New York St., Ohio St., and 11th St. It’s is paid Monday- Saturday and FREE on Sundays and holidays. Additionally, several paid garages and lots are also open to the public. There is NO parking on Walnut St. where it is shared with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Canal Rules
- Colts Canal Playspace and Pawp-Up Pup Park are open from dawn to dusk only
- No motorized vehicles* allowed
- No swimming or wading
- No fishing
- No personal boats or watercraft allowed
- Quiet hours are 10 PM- 7 AM daily
- No skating or walking on ice when Downtown Canal is frozen
- Owners must pick-up after their pet
*Power wheelchairs and ebikes are allowed
Event Venue Rental & Commercial Photography
The Canal is a popular site for organizers to host their special event as well as for photographers looking for that perfect setting. Learn more about the venues available for rent and how to reserve space at one of Downtown’s most iconic places for your upcoming special event or photo shoot.