10 Fun Things to Do in Indianapolis for Couples

Looking for some exciting things to do in Indianapolis for weekend date night? Check out my top Indianapolis activities for couples!

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Looking for a fun couples, date night activity
​in Indianapolis?

You've found the right blog! My husband and I have been lucky enough to live in downtown Indy (Mass Ave) nearly half a decade at this point, and we spend every weekend scouting out new, fun things to do in the Circle City!

From cozy breweries and long walks, to sporting events and local theater, I've rounded up our favorite things to do in Indianapolis for couples! Some you can do now, some might have to wait until things are back on track, but might as well get the juices flowing! Always check hours and safety precautions to make sure these events are available when you want to go!!

Lockerbie Historic District, Indianapolis

Stroll in The Lockerbie Historic District

Even many native Hoosiers don't know about downtown Indy's charming Lockerbie Historic District. Tucked away, just south of Mass Ave (which we'll discuss later!), "Lockerbie" consists of several well-preserved streets, comprising the oldest still-existing residential neighborhood in Indianapolis. Here, you'll see picket fences and neighbors hanging out on 100+ year-old porches. Architectural styles are identifiable starting in the mid-19th century. If you're looking to enter a home, Lockerbie is also home to the palatial James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, which history aficionados can tour (NOTE: it has been closed much of the pandemic).

Cobbled streets in Lockerbie

My favorite house on our stroll!

With so many Mass Ave bars selling carry-out, why not make it a more exciting stroll?

Grab a Drink at Sun King

Pints at Sun Kings, Downtown Indianapolis

​While you're in this area, head a little farther south and stop by our favorite local standby, Sun King, to experience their downtown tasting room, the original of their ever-growing number. It has lovely outdoor seating in the large parking lot, as well!

Love local beer? Check out my list of the best breweries in Indianapolis!

Monument Circle & The City Market

Let's take a quick look at the center of it all, with Indianapolis's nearby Monument Circle. A pedestrian-friendly (but shockingly not pedestrian-only) circular block oriented around our stunning, turn-of-the century Civil War memorial, it's a must-see on any visit to Indianapolis, for tourists, and a nice spot for locals to revisit or stroll.

The first thing you'll want to discover is The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, "the Monument," as it's inevitably referenced by locals, itself. At Christmas time, Indianapolis gathers to watch the Monument be lit-up as a gigantic, concrete Christmas tree.

Standing tall at 284 feet, The Soldiers and Sailors Monument was dedicated in 1902, completing thirteen years of construction. The ten-ton Victory statue adorns the top of the Monument, facing South, to welcome our boys home from the war. If you're interested, you can climb the Monument, or take a very tiny elevator part of the way, for a very small fee. The Monument is also home to a small Civil War Museum and a gift shop.

The Civil War in Indiana

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument, downtown Indianapolis

Contributing more than 200,000 soldiers to the Union war effort, Indiana was a staunch supporter of the Federal cause, despite initial reluctance and the southern portion of the state's ties to the South.​ Indiana experienced two Confederate raids, one of which is explored at Conner Prairie, should you venture north of the city limits. 25,000 of those Hoosiers never returned.

Around Monument Circle are a number of restaurants, largely geared toward serving the thousands of office workers who normally pack the surrounding buildings every work day. For fewer crowds (and better food), head East toward The City Market and Mass Ave after you've gotten your fill of Monumental exploration.

Explore Quirky Mass Ave

The north end of Mass Ave, Indianapolis

A very easy walk from Monument Circle, my next thing to do in Indianapolis is exploring vibrant, trendy Mass Ave! Home to fun restaurants, classy bars, cute boutiques and endless pedal carts, Mass Ave is worth a walk and, definitely some time spent grabbing a drink.

My favorite spot in Indianapolis gets the shortest segment on this blog post? Luckily, I've already compiled my list of the best restaurants on Mass Ave, which you'll want to be sure to read before you visit this area.

Extra credit: Learn how to make macarons on Mass!

Love to cook? Take a macaron-baking class at the macaron bar on Mass Ave! You'll come away with new knowledge and some tasty treats!

Macaron Bar, Mass Ave

Macarons!

Bike the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Many of the places we'll discuss throughout this post are connected via the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, which circumnavigates Indianapolis's best neighborhoods! This innovative, 8-mile urban bike path is a must-do in Indianapolis, if the Midwestern weather cooperates! So bring your own bikes, or rent bikes from our Pacers bike share program, and explore Indy on the Cultural Trail!

The Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Learn more about Fountain Square, one of the neighborhoods you'll discover on the Cultural Trail!

Visit the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site

Just north of Mass Ave is the home of the only Hoosier president, Benjamin Harrison, who held the highest office from 1889-1893. The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site allows visitors to tour the home the Harrisons constructed in the 1870s, as General Harrison built a successful law practice after returning from the Civil War. The Harrison home and its contents are almost *entirely* original. It's a must-see for history buffs and a fun neighborhood to check out! 

​In the summer, the Harrison home boasts one of the best fundraisers in Indy, its annual croquet competition, Wicket World of Croquet.

Wicket World of Croquet at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Indianapolis

Extra Credit:
​Get a drink at St Elmo's Steakhouse

An icon of Indianapolis for tourists and those about to propose, St Elmo's steakhouse has been a mainstay of downtown Indy for a century. If you've got places to go, or aren't going to spring for the full meal, be sure to stop by and see the restaurant - and grab a drink at the historic bar! Don't forget to order a shrimp cocktail - diner beware!

Shrimp cocktail at St Elmo's Steakhouse, Indianapolis

Dig at Midland Arts and Antiques

Love antiques? You'd be forgiven for thinking Midland, a bit shabby and right off the interstate, isn't the place for you, but you'll be surprised! We've spent many a happy Sunday afternoon looking through its wares.

Stop by Flat12/RAD's beer garden afterward to reward yourselves for a job well done.

Midland Antiques, Downtown, Indianapolis

Extra credit: Grab pizza at King Dough

During the pandemic, we've become *obsessed* with King Dough! Seriously. The best pizza I've ever had. But get here early! The outdoor seating fills up (they offer carry-out as well!)

Discover Newfields

Robert Indiana's original LOVE sculpture at Newfields in Indianapolis

Indianapolis boasts a surprisingly high-end art museum complex, thanks for the continued generosity of the Eli Lilly family of pharmaceutical fame. From the Indianapolis Museum of Art, home of the original LOVE statue by Robert Indiana, to one of the Lilly's home, Oldfields, a trip to the campus, recently rechristened Newfields, offers both indoor and outdoor activities to keep you entertained. Never super crowded.

​Oh and did I mentioned there's a beer garden (open during the pandemic, but will close for winter) and (sometimes) a pop-up noodle shop? And during the summer they show old movies outdoors under the stars? And at Christmas they light up the entire ground and serve spiked hot drinks while you explore the Christmas wonderland?

Harvest outdoor exhibits at Newfields

Oldfields Lilly estate at Newfields, Indianapolis

And this year Newfields have extended their Harvest events to span the entire month of October. Check out the full post on Newfields' Harvest Nights event, and the full post on a visit to Newfields itself!

Harvest Nights at Newfields

Extra credit: Crown Hill Cemetery

The second-largest urban cemetery behind Arlington National Cemetery, Crown Hill is the final resting place of over 200,000 Hoosiers, located across the street from Newfields. You can't miss it. With twenty-five miles of paved road, there's plenty to explore. Crown Hill is also home to the highest point in the city (where the fanciest graves can be found). From President Benjamin Harrison and Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley's burial places on "the crown," to John Dillinger's more difficult-to-find headstone, be sure to download a map before you go!

Take a Hike
​at Fort Benjamin Harrison

Hiking at Benjamin Harrison State Park, Indianapolis

​Named for our local president whose house you've just learned about, Fort Benjamin Harrison was a US Army base for nearly the entire 20th century, until it was decommissioned in 1991 and turned into a park. 

Today, with miles of walking trails and nice facilities, Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park is a strangely rural retreat within the Indianapolis city limits.

and if you like hiking...

Did I catch your attention with my hiking tip? Indianapolis has plenty of spots for an outdoor stroll! Stop by Eagle Creek Park & Reservoir for some charming walking trails.

Sadly, the next two suggestions are not available because of the pandemic

Take in an Indianapolis Indians' Baseball Game

And while you're in the area, stop by Rick's Cafe Boatyard, for drinks and views of Eagle Creek!

Pro tip: If you're driving downtown for the game, park far away, grab dinner, and walk to the stadium. Then, you avoid the (frankly manageable, but nevertheless annoying) traffic congestion after the game!

Stop by Victory Field, home of Indianapolis's AAA baseball team, the Indianapolis Indians. With seats under $20, plenty of space to spread out, and local beer deals on tap, an evening at Victory Field is a perfect summer Indy night.

Victory Field, Indianapolis

See a Show at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater

Indianapolis has its own local theatre company, which performs affordable, but excellent, shows at the Indianapolis Repertory Theater downtown! With a mix of old favorites and original productions, there's something for everyone, each season!

Indianapolis Repertory Theater, downtown Indianapolis

Enjoy your journey through our lovely city! I know you'll enjoy your time in Indianapolis as much as we always have. Let me know your favorite Indy date night ideas in the comments, below!

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