While Indianapolis is a thriving urban city, this hospitable Midwestern capital is home to plenty of green spaces. In addition, the city's parks offer breath-taking views and broad selection of recreation opportunities, Indy has dedicated 25 acres of land to war monuments and memorials to honour American veterans. With only Washington, D.C Indianapolis has more monuments on display in comparison to any other U.S. city.

White River State Park

A selection of world-class museums -- including The Indiana State Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art as well as the National Hall of Champions make its home in this state park that is located in downtown Indy.

The wide Military Park space hosts many well-liked events and festivals throughout the year. The Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn is the ideal location to see major outdoor performances as well as touring artists in the summer months when it is hot and humid. The beautiful canal that flows through the park is crowded with bikers, joggers and paddle boats from the end of spring to the end of autumn.

Eagle Creek Park

The Westside Indy landmark is among the top 10 municipalities in the United States and covers 3900 acres. Spreading out over a picturesque reservoir, the vast areas are home to zip lines and high-rope courses, trails for hiking and running trails including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and much more.

A beachfront area draws sunbathers and swimmers during the summer sun as well as an ornithology and bird sanctuary centre draw people who love fine-feathered creatures throughout the year. The chances of seeing wildlife are plentiful and include raccoons, deer, waterfowl, squirrels, and yes, Bald eagles.

Garfield Park

In 1889, Garfield Park was the oldest--and one of the most stunning parks in Indy. The stunning landscapes with sunken areas are sought-after locations to host weddings, concerts and outdoor celebrations.

A 10,000-square-foot conservatory is home to stunning trees and tropical plants to offer beautiful self-guided tours all year round and during the holiday season it turns to a magical winter landscape with models of railways, christmas trees and poinsettias to die for. In the park, visitors can explore tennis courts as well as an art centre, a public pool and hiking trails, a children's playground, as well as a seasonal market for farmers.

Holliday Park

The stunning 94-acre park is an unusual structure made to resemble ruins that provide a gorgeous backdrop for picnics, weddings, performances, and other celebrations. There are three Indiana limestone statues on top of the ruin that were moved within the late 1960s and were a part of one of the city's first tallest buildings, which was constructed in 1896. There's also a set of trail trails in the woods that run towards the banks of the White River, along with an outdoor Nature centre with picnic areas as well as a playground.

Broad Ripple Park

Families with kids of all ages visit this adored Broad Ripple Village fixture on the White River to enjoy the small playground, a fitness path filled with exercise stations, an outdoor court, tennis courts and many more. The centre for families located in the park's entry point offers an array of exciting activities that range from Zumba classes as well as martial arts training to arts and crafts classes.

Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District

Although it's technically not an area of park, this historic district is home to the city's most significant green areas. The downtown area of six blocks was designed as a memorial to World War I veterans. It is anchored by the beautiful neoclassical Indiana War Memorial building and the surrounding area comprises University Park, Obelisk Square as well as The American Legion Mall. It extends towards the steps leading to Indianapolis Central Library, where you'll get one of the most beautiful cityscape views you can get.

Fort Harrison State Park

An all-seasons amenity that is truly four seasons The park is situated in the old Fort Benjamin Harrison United States Army post, which was founded in 1904. Today, people visit the 170-acre park to paddle, play golf, bicycle, hike, fish, ride horses, and picnic. It also has one of the top slopes for sledding in town. On-site, the Museum of 20th Century Warfare describes the lives and times of soldiers who once fought in this area, and a dog park welcomes visitors with pets.

Highland Park

A peaceful retreat in the Indy's Holy Cross neighbourhood, Highland Park is the site where Governor Noah Noble's home was located throughout the 1800s. It was transformed into a park following the passing of the daughter of the governor, the four-acre area is now a peaceful spot to unwind.

You can take in stunning views of the city's skyline due to its position as the second highest point in the city. It's also an ideal spot to watch fireworks during the Fourth of July fireworks display.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

The Landmark for Peace Memorial marks the spot on which Robert F. Kennedy announced details about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination to a stunned crowd of supporters for his campaign on April 4th in 1968. The small urban park is a place to sit and contemplate and also has the court, basketball court and a playground.