by Jan Lazor

Created on: July 24, 2011   Last Updated: July 25, 2011

Think you know Indianapolis? Think again. The capital city is the 14th largest metropolitan center in the United States and a leader in developing recreational space in the heart of a thriving urban area.

If you really want to get to know the capital city of the “Crossroads of America,” Indiana’s state motto, get out your walking shoes. Set aside plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds this Midwestern city has to offer.

If you want to get a taste of the walking trails available around the city, begin with the Monon Trail. The asphalt surface makes this an ideal path for bikers, hikers, strollers and dog walkers alike. Named in honor of the Monon Railroad, this linear trail is built on the abandoned right-of-way where steam locomotives and freight trains once traveled.

Indianapolis leaders jumped at the chance to convert 7.6-miles of overgrown brush into usable space as part of the federal Rails-To-Trails program.

Some say the Monon Trail began a commitment from city officials to create additional walking venues throughout the city, including the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The 16-mile walkway is a one-of-a-kind cultural adventure that connects art attractions, restaurants, and tourist destinations within downtown Indy. The Cultural Trail makes more than 200 eateries, 50 points of interest and six art and cultural venues accessible on foot instead of relying on motor vehicles to reach a chosen destination.

If you prefer jogging near water, Indianapolis has that too. The Canal Trail is a paved walkway that skirts the banks of the Indiana Central Canal. The waterway was created in the early 1800's to bring more interstate commerce to the city. No longer used for shipping, the canal has become another recreational tool in the city’s growing arsenal of  outdoor attractions.

Although shipping has been abandoned on the canal, residents and visitors can still enjoy a leisurely ride along the waterway in a rented pedalboat. If you are tired of jogging, rent a boat and take a ride, before hitting the pavement again in White River State Park, the only urban state park in the United States.

If you long to leave the pavement behind, preferring instead to feel grass and dirt under your feet, the hardest choice will be which trail to visit first. Eagle Creek Park offers more than 3,900 acres of woods and water to explore. It is the sixth largest park in the country so make sure you have a good map and a compass to accompany you on your adventures.

Holliday Park also offers an outdoor adventure along the banks of the White River. This is a great choice for first time hikers looking to get a peek at hiking as a sport. The trail at Holliday park is a mere 3.5-miles long. It also offers a nature center to educate visitors about the wildlife that roams the 94-acre preserve.

Other hiking and jogging options in and around Indianapolis are available. Visit www.visitindy.com for more suggestions of places to go to enjoy the great outdoors.

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