Meridian Hills IndianaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Meridian Hills, Indiana.
1. Meridian Hills Country Club
PRIVATE GOLF RETREAT
Meridian Hills Country Club offers a classic private golf and social experience in a serene, tree-lined setting on the edge of Meridian Hills. The club features a championship 18-hole course, tennis courts, swimming facilities, and a stately clubhouse for dining or hosting special events. It is a local institution renowned for exclusivity, tradition, and impeccable service.
2. Holliday Park
NATURE PARK & RUINS
Holliday Park is a beloved 94-acre green space situated near Meridian Hills, offering scenic trails, playgrounds, and the striking Ruins exhibit made from historic building fragments. Visitors explore forests, meadows, and gardens, or enjoy educational programs in the Nature Center. Its blend of nature, history, and art makes it a favorite destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Monon Trail Bridge
SCENIC TRAIL CROSSING
The Monon Trail Bridge is a picturesque pedestrian and cycling overpass connecting communities along the Monon Greenway. It offers sweeping views of the White River and serves as a key connector for bikers, runners, and walkers exploring the extensive trail system. The bridge exemplifies the area's commitment to outdoor recreation and urban connectivity.
4. White River Gardens
BOTANICAL OASIS DOWNTOWN
White River Gardens, located adjacent to the Indianapolis Zoo, features over 1,000 species of plants in beautiful outdoor gardens and a glass-enclosed conservatory. Visitors delight in seasonal displays, butterfly exhibits, and tranquil pathways perfect for a relaxing stroll. The gardens are a visual delight and a peaceful retreat in the city's heart.
5. Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields
ART IN NATURAL BEAUTY
The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields offers an expansive collection of artworks set within a lush, 152-acre campus of gardens and woodlands. Guests can explore galleries spanning global art history or wander outdoor installations and the historic Lilly House. This cultural hub merges creative inspiration with botanical serenity.
6. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
WORLD'S LARGEST CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is an acclaimed, interactive museum designed to spark curiosity and learning for all ages. It features hands-on science, culture, and history exhibits, a dinosaur gallery, and immersive play zones. As the world's largest children's museum, it promises engaging experiences and educational fun.
7. Indianapolis Zoo
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION CENTER
The Indianapolis Zoo houses over 3,800 animals across diverse habitats, from oceans and forests to plains and deserts. Special attractions include the Dolphin Pavilion, orangutan center, and seasonal butterfly exhibition. The zoo is a leader in animal conservation and a family-friendly highlight of White River State Park.
8. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
RACING CAPITAL ICON
Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the legendary Indy 500 and regarded as one of the world's most famous race tracks. Visitors can tour the vast grounds, witness motorsport history in the Hall of Fame Museum, and experience the excitement of major racing events. It stands as a symbol of speed and tradition in Indiana.
9. Indiana State Museum
STATE HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Indiana State Museum presents a broad exploration of Indiana's past, from prehistoric fossils to contemporary culture, in an architecturally striking building by the canal. The museum features interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, and rotating displays on science, history, and art. It provides a comprehensive look at Indiana's unique identity.
10. Eiteljorg Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN & WESTERN ART
The Eiteljorg Museum is renowned for its exceptional collection of Native American and Western art, including paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Located in downtown Indianapolis, it hosts dynamic exhibitions and hands-on cultural programs. The museum celebrates the diversity and richness of American heritage.
11. Soldiers and Sailors Monument
INDIANA LANDMARK TOWER
The Soldiers and Sailors Monument towers 284 feet over downtown Indianapolis as a tribute to Indiana's military veterans. Visitors can climb to the observation deck for sweeping city views or explore the Civil War Museum at its base. The monument is a beloved civic symbol and architectural marvel.
12. Crown Hill Cemetery
HISTORIC RESTING PLACE
Crown Hill Cemetery, one of the nation's largest, is the final resting place of presidents, poets, and Hoosier legends. Visitors wander rolling hills, historic monuments, and scenic vistas atop Indianapolis's highest natural point. The grounds blend local history with peaceful beauty.
13. Garfield Park Conservatory
VICTORIAN GLASSHOUSE GARDENS
Garfield Park Conservatory entices visitors with its stunning Victorian glasshouse, tropical plant collections, and themed gardens. The park surrounding the conservatory offers fountains, walking trails, and seasonal floral displays. It is a horticultural gem with family-friendly programming and tranquil scenery.
14. Monon Greenway
RECREATIONAL URBAN TRAIL
The Monon Greenway is a popular multi-use trail stretching from Carmel through Meridian Hills and into Indianapolis, perfect for biking, walking, and running. Along the way, users pass parks, public art, and lively neighborhoods. The greenway is a celebrated corridor for active living and urban exploration.
15. Fort Harrison State Park
NATURAL HISTORY PARKLAND
Fort Harrison State Park encompasses more than 1,700 acres of forests, meadows, and lakes on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The park features hiking and biking trails, fishing, a golf course, and interpretive nature programs. It offers a peaceful escape and insights into Indiana's military past.