My husband and I recently went on a walk through Garfield Park, where we had our wedding photos taken mind you, and he said, “I had no idea all of this was here.” Which is the unfortunate response I think most Indianapolis residents would have. They simply haven’t taken a stroll in one of our most vibrant green spaces in the city. This 128-acre park has everything you need.
My absolute favorite space in the park is the beautifully designed Garfield Park Conservatory, probably because that was where my husband and I saw each other for the first time on our wedding day. But also because it is the perfect dose of tropical rainforest getaway, especially in the winter months when I’m missing greenery in my life. When the conservatory was remodeled in the 50s, it was the first aluminum building in the United States, fun fact. You cannot see the conservatory without noticing the grandeur of the Sunken Gardens right outside. While the conservatory reflects the tropics, the Sunken Gardens are modeled after European classical gardens. I try to make it out every spring to see the tulips in bloom.
Keep along the path and you’ll find the MacAllister Amphitheater, where one of my favorite Indianapolis events takes place, our annual Holler on the Hill fall music festival. I’ve seen St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Jade Bird, and John Paul White perform on this stage with a scarf around my neck and a beer in my hand. There isn’t much better than a fall Americana music festival with food trucks and lawn games in your city’s own backyard.
As the trail winds, you can find plenty of places to plop down with your picnic, tie up your hammock, or finish off your trail run. When you need fresh produce, come on a Saturday morning for the Garfield Park Farmers Market. I highly recommend picking up a few veggies from Mad Farmers Collective and a drip coffee from Bee Coffee Roasters. If you have little ones, there are plenty of playgrounds to choose from, the Aquatic Center for hot summer days, and the Garfield Park Arts Center full of galleries and exhibits on display.
If you have a few hours, jump on the Redline and get lost in the beauty and vibrancy of Garfield Park. I promise, it will not disappoint.
As the Visual Communications Manager for Visit Indy, Melissa adores telling the story of Indianapolis through her camera lens. From the tastes of the International Marketplace, the sounds of the Chatterbox, to the boot-scooting of Duke’s she loves documenting the secret gems of our city. You can find her snacking on the charcuterie board at Bluebeard or sipping on a Pachanga at the Dugout.
