There are tons of interesting places to explore in the Circle City, from world class museums to awesome sporting events. Indy is also one of the best cities for enjoying activities that are inexpensive or even completely free of charge. If you’re looking to save a little money and still have a ton of fun, check out this awesome activity in Indianapolis that won’t cost a thing.
Most museums in Indianapolis have an entry charge, but that doesn’t mean all exhibits have a cost.
management/TripAdvisor While the Indianapolis Museum of Art (recently renamed Newfields) has an entry fee, one of their most beloved outdoor exhibits, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is completely free of charge.
Nestled on 100 acres of uninterrupted land, this stunning nature park offers an incredible outdoor retreat in the middle of the busy city setting.
Sarah Stierch/Flickr This unique park takes whimsy to a new level with unique sculptures and unforgettable structures.
The extraordinary “Free Basket” exhibit combines Indy’s love of basketball with the fun primary colors that swoop around the hoop like arches, mimicking the bounce of a basketball.
the.urbanophile/Flickr This playful exhibit will delight basketball lovers of any age.
Running through the park is a distinct yellow bench that’s actually part of an exhibit called “Bench Around the Lake.”
Frank Fujimoto/Flickr You’ll find this bench seemingly disappearing into the ground and popping back up in the most unexpected of places around the park. There are 15 bench exhibits in total.
You’ll also encounter the Dr. Seuss-like sign exhibit, “NOTICE: A Flock of Signs.”
Kat Jenkinson/Flickr Each sign offers a funny, inspirational, or curious message like “The Road Less Traveled”, “Leaf, Leaf, Leaf…” and “A Nice Little Patch of Weeds.”
One of the most incredible exhibits is “Team Building (Align),” which showcases two silver rings that are each 30 feet in diameter.
the.urbanophile/Flickr Though they’re suspended, the rings appear to be floating in the air. During the summer solstice, the shadows align to become one ring.
Arguably the most famous exhibit within this nature park is the Funky Bones sculpture of a massive skeleton.
Kimberly H./TripAdvisor This sculpture was featured in the hit movie “A Fault in Our Stars,” and can be climbed on, sat upon, and photographed.
Like all fairy tales, this park has a sinister side, which visitors experience when they reach the sculpture of a ship, “Eden II” that is anchored in the park’s lake.
DanO’Connor/Flickr The nearby guardhouse allows visitors to view and listen to what appears to be refugees fleeing from climate change catastrophe. This exhibit is one of the most creative and dark in the nature park.
One of the newest exhibits, “Chop Stick” twists the idea of a tree house with this epic structure built out of a 100-foot poplar tree from a forest in Anderson.
JSVTR/TripAdvisor This tree was converted into a small concession stand and a swing for children to enjoy. In fact, you can even purchase yellow poplar syrup made from the tree itself inside of the tree’s kiosk. You’re essentially consuming a part of this fascinating building!
For a day full of whimsy, fun, and endless Instagram worthy photos, plan a trip to the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields, free of charge.
the.urbanophile/Flickr You can visit this incredible park at any time (it never closes). Find it at 1850 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46228.
Did you know this extraordinary attraction in Indianapolis was completely free? Which sculpture is your favorite in this unique art park? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
management/TripAdvisor
While the Indianapolis Museum of Art (recently renamed Newfields) has an entry fee, one of their most beloved outdoor exhibits, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is completely free of charge.
Sarah Stierch/Flickr
This unique park takes whimsy to a new level with unique sculptures and unforgettable structures.
the.urbanophile/Flickr
This playful exhibit will delight basketball lovers of any age.
Frank Fujimoto/Flickr
You’ll find this bench seemingly disappearing into the ground and popping back up in the most unexpected of places around the park. There are 15 bench exhibits in total.
Kat Jenkinson/Flickr
Each sign offers a funny, inspirational, or curious message like “The Road Less Traveled”, “Leaf, Leaf, Leaf…” and “A Nice Little Patch of Weeds.”
Though they’re suspended, the rings appear to be floating in the air. During the summer solstice, the shadows align to become one ring.
Kimberly H./TripAdvisor
This sculpture was featured in the hit movie “A Fault in Our Stars,” and can be climbed on, sat upon, and photographed.
DanO’Connor/Flickr
The nearby guardhouse allows visitors to view and listen to what appears to be refugees fleeing from climate change catastrophe. This exhibit is one of the most creative and dark in the nature park.
JSVTR/TripAdvisor
This tree was converted into a small concession stand and a swing for children to enjoy. In fact, you can even purchase yellow poplar syrup made from the tree itself inside of the tree’s kiosk. You’re essentially consuming a part of this fascinating building!
You can visit this incredible park at any time (it never closes). Find it at 1850 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46228.
For more incredible attractions in the Circle City, be sure to check out these 10 underrated places.
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