There’s nothing like a summer day on the water. Perhaps you think that since Indy is a major city, we might not have much access to the great outdoors or life on the water – but that’s where you’re wrong. Indy is home to a couple of waterways within the city itself and then we’re luckily located within close proximity to several other options just down the road. I now present your 2020 Central Indiana Waterways Summer Bucket List.
Eagle Creek Outfitters – Eagle Creek Park, Indianapolis
Eagle Creek Park is one of the nation’s 10 largest municipal parks and is home to 3,900 acres of woods, meadows and ponds alongside the 1,300 acres that make up Eagle Creek Reservoir. In my opinion, this is of the best parks in the state. Eagle Creek rents kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, paddle boats and pontoons so they truly have something for every skill level and appetite. A kayak is my boat of choice as it provides you with a little workout while also is easy to control while taking in the sights. Fun Fact: If you enjoy bird watching, Eagle Creek is considered a birding hot spot (and its not uncommon to see a Bald Eagle or two).
Wheel Fun Rentals & Old World Gondoliers – Central Canal, Indianapolis
People forget that we have water running through the center of downtown Indy – and impressive water at that. The Central Canal provides the opportunity for folks to get some exercise via kayaks and pedal boats OR take the leisure route and embark on a cocktail cruise or Italian-imported gondola ride. The latter allows you to bring your own drinks and enjoy the sites while a gondolier sings to you in Italian. Fun Fact: Not only is this one of the most photographed spots in the city, it’s also high on the list of popular spots for wedding proposals.
Sugar Creek Campground – Crawfordsville, IN
Similarly to the aforementioned Sugar Valley Canoes, this spot also takes you down Sugar Creek and offers 3-mile, 5-mile and 11-mile trips. Want a challenge but don’t want to burn up your entire day? The 5-mile kayak trip is probably the perfect trip for you.
White River Canoe Company – Noblesville, IN
White River Canoe Co. offers canoe, kayak and tubing trips along the White River northeast of Indy. Kayak trips can be half-day, day trips or even overnight camping trips and give you a real sense of escaping city life. One the tube front, we’re talking a more relaxing float down the river for anywhere from 1.5 – 4 hours.
Sugar Valley Canoes – Marshall, IN
Arguably the most adventurous on this list, Sugar Valley Canoes takes you out to Turkey Run and Shades State Parks and under 4 historic covered bridges. The route allows you to stop along the many sandbars and hunt for rocks, fossils, crinoids and Indian Beads. The many different treks range from one-hour floats to overnight adventures – so this one most likely calls for a packed lunch and a cooler. Tip: Pencil in some hiking and set up camp at Shades or Turkey Run State Parks for a long weekend of exploring.
It’s time to get active and hit the water this summer. Bon Voyage!
Nate Swick is the Communications Manager at Visit Indy, the city’s official destination marketing organization charged with enhancing the quality of life in Indianapolis by optimizing visitor-related economic impact. Nate has been at Visit Indy since 2016 when he started full-time as Communications Coordinator. Serving on several boards and committees across the city, Nate has enjoyed having a hand in the execution of Final Fours and Big Ten Basketball & Football Championships, among other city-wide events. Nate has been an Indy resident since attending Butler University, where he holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and currently serves on the university’s Young Alumni Board of Directors and Career Services Board of Advisors. Find him on Twitter @NateSwick.
