There aren’t many paths in the world that you can choose to walk, bike, pedal, or paddle down, but take your pick among the four options at the Canal Walk in Indianapolis.
The canal dates back to the early 1800s, when it was constructed to improve the state’s economy. Today, this resurrected portion of the canal stretches from 11th Street through White River State Park, creating a downtown promenade popular among cyclists, joggers, and sightseers. Wheel Fun Rentals provides the additional option of kayaks and pedal boats to explore this urban waterway.
Take in spectacular views of downtown Indianapolis throughout the waterway, with the 811-foot Salesforce Tower looming prominently above with its two spires.
The entire Canal Walk is three miles long, all shared by pedestrians, cyclists, and folks enjoying paddling or pedaling on the water itself.
Along the way, you’ll pass several museums and historical sites such as the Indiana State Museum, which has an IMAX screen, and the USS Indianapolis National Memorial commemorating the tragic loss of the WWII battleship.
As you make your way along the water, you’ll notice a good amount of public art. In 1999, Indianapolis began seeking local artists to spruce up the area around Canal Walk with sculptures and murals.
On top of kayak and pedal boat rentals, Wheel Fun Rentals runs guided kayak tours down the canal. The tour runs, weather permitting, June through September and takes about two hours. Your guide will share historical information about the canal and city as you go.
Wheel Fun Rentals also features bike and surrey rentals from its station in White River State Park, at the western terminus of the canal. Pick from a fun collection of bikes, electric bikes, choppers, and more. There are even kids' trailer rentals if you have youngsters in tow.
If you’re more interested in bike rentals than water rentals, learn more at the Wheel Fun Rentals website for bike rentals. You can also learn more about the Canal Walk in general here.
Have you visited Indianapolis’s Canal Walk? Did you walk, bike, pedal, or paddle down it? Let us know what you did and what you found along the way in the comments. Curious about exploring White River State Park? Check out our previous article to learn more about it.
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