July in Indianapolis usually means fireworks being popped off by your neighbors until the middle of the month, road trips to the Indiana Dunes and unbearably hot weather. If you’re dreaming of cooler days, here are some things to do to stay literally and spiritually hydrated throughout the rest of the month.
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Go whale watching
Who says a landlocked state can’t have an ocean view? When artist Robert Wyland started his global project to paint 100 life-sized murals of aquatic life, mural no. 74, “Orcas Passage,” was painted onto the Indianapolis Public Schools building at 120 W. Walnut St. in 1997. It’s a great way to pretend you’re at the ocean without having to drive eight hours to get to the Atlantic.
Take a dip, make a splash at Krannert Park
With an indoor pool and an outside splash pad, Krannert Park, 605 S. High School Road, offers plenty of opportunity to cool off. The westside park also has a spacious gym, outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts and soccer fields for those looking to soak up the sun.
Listen to musician Clockwork Janz’s Krannert Park soundscape here:
Listen to more summer soundscapes here.
See the Indy Parks & Recreation pool and splash pad schedule here.
Head to a local watering hole
Since the end of Prohibition in 1933, Dorman Street Pub in the Cottage Home neighborhood on the east side has been slinging cocktails, beers and ciders, albeit under a string of different names. Patrons can crank out their favorite tunes on the bar’s jukebox and share an appetizer with friends. Once the sun goes down, guests can take their drink (we recommend the Old Fashioned) onto the patio and catch a nice breeze.
Row, row, row your (pedal) boat along the Downtown Canal
Whether you opt for a kayak or a swan paddle boat, these rentals give you a great tour of downtown Indianapolis. You can also rent a swan peddle boat at sunset, with the new lights on the canal adding an extra layer of ambiance. Rental prices are $22 to $48 an hour.
Catch some story waves
Whether you’re heading out to the Indiana Dunes or to Belmont Beach (or nowhere in particular), a “beach read” is a summer staple. Julia Breakey, co-owner of Tomorrow Bookstore, 882 Massachusetts Ave., recommends “The Wedding People” by Alison Espach. Espach’s third novel follows a newly divorced woman who finds herself the only visitor at a fancy Rhode Island hotel who isn’t there for a wedding — much to the chagrin of the bride-to-be.
“The book is funny, full of heart and the perfect little beach read, Breakey said via email. “I can’t wait for everyone to read it.”
Go take a hike! at Eagle Creek Reservoir
Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W. 56th St., is one of the largest city parks in the country, with over 3,900 acres of forest to explore, including five hiking trails. If you’re looking for a nice, easy walk, we recommend the 3.25-mile Green Trail, which takes you through the Spring Pond Nature Preserve.
More seasoned hikers can take the Red Trail, a nearly 7-mile stretch where you’ll come across the beach, the Rowing Center and the Bird Sanctuary.
Mirror Indy reporter Breanna Cooper covers arts and culture. Email her at breanna.cooper@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @BreannaNCooper.
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