Historic Military Park

Great venue for hosting events and conveniently located along the canal. Easy access to downtown or the Marriot hotels on Washington. Hosts several different festivals during summer and fall. Make sure to use a restroom before you come because there are no permanent restrooms. Also there is no shelter and limited shade so plan accordingly.

I’ve been to the Historic Military Park for so many different occasions. I love that it is adjacent to so much within our city. It is the perfect location for so many of the different charity walks to kick off with easy routing for the courses. The site hosts many different «fests» (wine, beer, rib, the list goes on and on). With it’s more central location it’s near many parking avenues, public transportation, etc. The landscape within the park is beautifully maintained.

Military Park plays host to some of Indy’s largest outdoor events that focus on food, beer, and even fundraising efforts. The large grass area with mature trees scattered throughout and convenient parking options nearby make it a proven spot to throw a successful outdoor event.
The name «Historic Military Park» is fairly misleading though, especially if you decide to visit expecting any history lessons. It does have some history, as it was both a Civil War encampment and home to the first Indiana state fair. However, the only place I have seen this information is from sources outside of the park, and unless there are plaques somewhere that I haven’t seen, it isn’t a place to go learn anything new. Additionally, it certainly isn’t a place that offers any focus on the military, as the name «military park» was chosen solely due to its shape like a military badge.
On weekends when there are no events, it makes a great place to go if you are looking to get outside and need some space. I have seen people using the park in a number of ways ranging from picnics to organized sports. It tends to have far less people than the nearby White River State Park, although that’s mostly due to the fact that WRSP tends to win in a lot of park categories compared to Military, in my opinion. Getting to the park is very convenient, as it borders the cultural trail on 1 side, and the canal walk on the other.
My 1 complaint is that it seems, especially for a park, that places to lock up a bicycle are few and far between.

Military Park is a wonderful multi-​use venue for the city of Indianapolis. Its location is key in that it bustles right up next the canal walk (and is proximal to the population cluster of downtown) but it is an area that facilitates festivals of all sizes (with simplified in/​out and parking options). I have been here for numerous events (including the Mini Marathon, Vintage Indiana Wine Fest, Rib America Fest, Irish Fest, various 5K races, and most recently the Upland Octoberfest). The space scales very well for the size of the event that is being hosted (never feels too crowded) and they can accommodate multiple concurrent stages if needed. Its also nice to have some green space with mature trees add to the city skyline.

Nice park for after the Mini Marathon. Could use some more shrubs and landscaping.

If something is going on at Military Park, then it is a fun something. Wine fest, Irish fest, etc., there’s always something great going on here in the summer months to offer some cheap and exciting entertainment.

A close relative of near-​by White River State Park, this plave is the best spot to go for any local civic event.
Here’s my suggestion, if you hear about anything going on at Military Park, its probably a really good bet for something fun to do.
The park is spacious and can be a great place to play some ultimate frisbee or just lay around and be lazy, and with some cool views of the canal as well.