College campuses, especially residential ones, can often feel cut off from the surrounding city.
But in Indianapolis, there are several facilities and amenities on college campuses that are open to everyone. Plus, many of these resources are free or don’t cost much.
Whether you’re looking for a place to swim laps or want to get a gourmet meal for an affordable price, here are some places on Indy’s college campuses where community members are welcome.
Get active
If you’re looking for a car-free place to cycle, try the Indy Cycloplex at Marian University, 3649 Cold Spring Road.
Operated as a partnership between the university and the city parks department, the facility includes the Major Taylor Velodrome and BMX track. If you’re interested in riding on the velodrome, a cycling track, you’ll need to take an introductory class. The class is $50 and includes bike rental if needed.
If swimming is more your thing, you can swim laps in an Olympic-size pool at the IU Natatorium, 901 W. New York St. It’s $3 for 30 minutes of swimming, and you can book your session online.
You can also get a sports complex membership, which will give you access to both the pool and the track at IU Indianapolis soccer stadium, 1001 W. New York St. Prices start at $6 for a single-visit pass.
Enjoy nature
You can take a stroll at Holcomb Gardens on Butler University’s campus. The space has 13 different garden beds with Indiana native plants. It also connects to the Central Canal Towpath, which you can take south toward Newfields’ art and nature park or north toward Broad Ripple. Gates are open from dawn to dusk daily.
If you prefer a less manicured environment, explore nature at the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab, located at Marian University. The 75-acre forest and wetlands is open to the public from dawn to dusk every day. You can check out a map of the trails and plan your visit here.
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Grab a book
Believe it or not, some college libraries are open to the public. You can even get a library card!
You can check out books from the IU Indianapolis University Library, 755 W. Michigan St. To get a library card, you’ll have to show a photo ID and provide proof of state residency.
You can also get a card from the Ivy Tech library, which can be used at the Indianapolis or Lawrence locations. The Indy library is located on the fourth floor of the North Meridian Center, 50 W. Fall Creek Parkway North. In Lawrence, the library is in Room 157 of the Fairbanks Building, 9301 E. 59th St.
To apply for a card, you’ll need an ID and two documents proving Marion County residency.
Enjoy a meal
If you’ve been wanting a gourmet meal without breaking the bank, Ivy Tech’s student-run restaurant fits the bill.
At Courses Restaurant, students prep, cook and serve the food as part of an advanced culinary class.
During the first eight weeks of a semester, the menu is focused on international cuisine. For the second half, expect classic French dishes. Guests get an appetizer, entree and dessert at $25 for lunch and $30 for dinner. Any tips go toward student scholarships.
The restaurant’s schedule and menu are posted at the start of each eight-week class session on Facebook. You can make reservations through OpenTable or by emailing Indianapolis-Hospitality-Events@ivytech.edu.
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You can also visit the student-run bakery in the Conference Center and Culinary Institute, 2820 N. Meridian St. The bakery is open 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday while school is in session. Hot food, such as pizza and burgers, are served from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Game on
If you’ve been looking for a community that’s passionate about games, check out Butler University’s Esports Park, 4702 Sunset Ave., Suite 900.
The park opened in 2022 and contains a variety of gaming systems and equipment to please even the most hardcore gamers. If you’re interested in trying it out, you can get an hourly pass for $10.
Gamers who are ready to commit can get a membership for $25 a month or $250 annually. Members can use the park while it’s open. The park’s hours are: 1-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1-8 p.m. Sunday.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Claire Rafford covers higher education for Mirror Indy in partnership with Open Campus. Contact Claire by email claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org, on most social media @clairerafford or on Signal 317-759-0429.Â
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