PHOTO BY KELLY HARRIS
Mass Ave, White River State Park, the Propylaeum, Downtown and more are the subjects of tours to be conducted by Indiana Landmarks in September. The list includes:
* Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 13. The unique history of the now-flourishing cultural and commercial corridor will be the topic of the Mass Ave Walking Tour. Departure times vary. $20/general public (ages 12 & up); $17/member; $15/child (ages 6-11); free to children ages 5 and under.
* Saturday, Sept. 13, and Wednesday, Sept. 24. The cultural significance of the Downtown park will be covered in the White River State Park Tour, highlighting the area’s history from the city’s settlement to the present day. Take a closer look at the park’s landmarks including the historic Washington Street bridge, limestone-lined river promenade, 1870 pumphouse, and more. Presented in partnership with White River State Park Development Commission. Departure times vary. $12/general public (ages 18 & up); $10/member; $7/child (ages 6-17); free to children 5 and under.
* Three Sundays: Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. Take a deep dive into Indianapolis history at the Indianapolis Propylaeum, a Queen Anne-style landmark in the city’s Old Northside. Built in 1890 as a private residence, the building has served as a hub for arts, culture, and women’s leadership since 1923. Tourgoers will explore the main building, carriage house, and grounds, as well as learn about prominent movers and shakers associated with the site over time. Presented in partnership with the Propylaeum Historic Foundation. One-hour tours begin at 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. $15/general public (12 & up); $12/member; $10/child (ages 6-11); free to children 5 and under.
* Two Saturdays, Sept. 20 & Oct. 18. Explore Downtown Indianapolis on a leisurely five-mile bike tour featuring the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and surrounding landmarks. Tourgoers will travel the trail’s main loop, stopping along the way for guides to share architectural details and stories of preservation and revitalization, including how the trail serves as an asset to the city and its place in Indy’s biking history. Presented in partnership with Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Tours depart at 10 a.m. $45/general public (ages 16 & up); $40/member (ages 16 & up). Ticket price includes Pacers Bikeshare Bike rental.
* Three Sundays, Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16. Discover the city’s German roots on a one-hour Athenaeum Building Tour exploring the history, architecture and preservation of the Athenaeum as it evolved from German clubhouse to hub of modern urban life. Guided tours depart at 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Advance tickets encouraged. $15/general public (ages 12 & up); $12/member; $10/child (ages 6-11); free to children ages 5 and under.
* Sunday, Sept. 28. During the second half of the 19th century, Germans immigrated to Indianapolis in large numbers, coinciding with a period of intense growth for the city. On the Indianapolis German Heritage Bike Tour participants will cycle through Downtown Indy and Fountain Square on a leisurely guided tour exploring the enduring impact of German heritage on the city’s landmarks, economics, politics, culture, and more. Groups will cover approximately eight miles over three hours, including stops at multiple interiors. Departure times vary. $35/general public (ages 16 & up); $30/member.
For more on ongoing walking tours, go to https://www.indianalandmarks.org/indianapolis-walking-tours/. For single events: https://www.indianalandmarks.org/tours-events/.
The September calendar also includes a program on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Indiana Landmarks Center (and online). Back by popular demand, inveterate Indiana road tripper Evan Finch will lead Landmarks Off the Beaten Path, sharing his amusing takes on some of the state’s quirky roadside attractions and out-of-the-way landmarks – from muffler men and myopic pink elephants to limestone cartoon prizefighters. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at Indiana Landmarks Center and talk begins at 6 p.m. in person and online. $10/general public; free to members with RSVP.
