The best MTB trails around Meridian Hills

Completed in 1888, the Indiana State Capitol, also known as the Indiana Statehouse, is an architectural gem built in the Renaissance Revival style. It is centrally located in Indianapolis on West Washington Street and houses all three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial. Constructed of Indiana limestone and white oak, the building features an original German stained-glass window in the rotunda. It is the fifth government building in Indiana's history—the first was in Corydon, the original capital. Statehouse tours are free and run hourly on weekdays; self-guided tours are available on weekends. Of particular interest are the ornate interiors, including the House and Senate chambers and the Indiana Supreme Court. Construction began in 1880 and took eight years. The site was chosen after Indianapolis was declared the capital in 1825. Since its opening, the Statehouse has been a center of civic life and political decision-making in Indiana. Visitors from all 50 US states and over 100 countries have already toured the building. 🕰️ Building Hours - Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. - Saturday (on select dates): 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. - Sunday: Closed 🎟️ Tours - Guided Tours (Mon-Fri): hourly from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Saturdays (on select dates): - Full Tours (45 min): 10:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. - Short Tours (10-15 min): 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - Self-guided Tours: available anytime during opening hours with a brochure - No advance notice required, except for groups or special tours

The starting point for both the Town Run and Talking Tree trails (or, depending on who you talk to, the whole thing may be considered Town Run). This fun, fast, windy loop has a few obstacles to keep things entertaining; one of them is the river, which sometimes inundates the flood plain and forces trail closures.

Quant bridge as part of the sprawling Monon trail heading north from the heart of the city. Biking the entire way will leave you in pure American farm country.

Constructed in 1878-1888, the neoclassical Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis boasts grand architecture. It survived a 1899 fire, undergoing subsequent renovations. The site hosts significant political events and features a statue of Governor Oliver P. Morton. Restored in 2002, it remains a vital hub of state governance and historical interest.

Butler University is a private university founded in 1855. The campus sits on the Canal Towpath and is a great destination that is worth a visit.

This isn't classical mountain biking, per se, but rugged tires do come in handy when you hit a soft patch in the sometimes-unpaved trail along this 19th-century canal, which runs straight through downtown Indianapolis. A good touring bike should do fine here, too.

Skiles Test Nature Park is a beautiful 80.9-acre park on Indianapolis's northeast side. It is the Fall Creek Parkway's trailhead and a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts. The park is home to a paved walking trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding wilderness.

Charlevoix Lake is a man-made water runoff lake around which are a number of homes with direct access to the water. Just over the road from the lake is the Fall Creek Parking area. There are a number of walking, running and cycling trails from here through the woods along Fall Creek.