One of Indianapolis’ oldest and most diverse parks, Holliday Park encompasses 94 acres of green space. It features 3.5 miles of trails, playgrounds, a spectacular nature center and a unique splash pad at the giant Ruins area.
The park was purchased by John and Evaline Holliday in 1892. They believed in the value of recreation and nature study and bequeathed the land to the City of Indianapolis. Read on to find out more.
The Playground
Holliday Park Indianapolis IN is home to one of the city’s largest playgrounds. Complete with a 5-, 10- and 20-foot slide tower, rock climbing wall, tunnels, bridges and a spider web climber, children of all ages are sure to find something to enjoy.
The playground was funded by Friends of Holliday Park and features state-of-the-art equipment in distinct areas designed to bring out the child in everyone. Various features are clearly labeled and separated for ages to make it easy for parents to guide their kids through the play area.
Several picnic tables and covered shelters are also available for families to enjoy their time together. However, the playground can get crowded during the warm weather.
The park is a great place to take a break from the city and relax. It offers 94 acres of green space, hiking trails and a historic rock garden. It also features The Ruins, a unique attraction made from remnants of a 19th century New York City building.
The Nature Center
Holliday Park Indianapolis IN is a city park on 94 acres with trails, an arboretum, playground and nature center. It is located six miles north of downtown on the western bank of the White River.
During Indiana’s centennial celebration in 1916, John and Evaline Holliday deeded their 80-acre estate to the City of Indianapolis for use as a public park. The land became part of the city park system in early March 1932.
New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) employees cleared and rearranged the terrain, constructing paths and roads in the woodlands, creating small ponds stocked with trout and bluegill, and building a picnic shelter.
Today, the park is home to The Ruins, a historic attraction made from remnants of a 19th century New York City building. The nonprofit Friends of Holliday Park raised $3.2 million to restore the site, including a water park with shallow shimmer pools and a fountain. The park also hosts the annual Rock the Ruins concert series. Discover more exciting places here.
The Ruins
The 94-acre Holliday Park in Indianapolis has plenty to offer families. Its 3.5 miles of hiking trails and playgrounds are among the most popular features, but it’s also home to an architectural-inspired shimmer water table in the giant Ruins area and a spectacular nature center that offers hands-on learning opportunities for kids.
The Ruins, which are actually the remains of the facade of New York City’s first skyscraper, were created in 1896 by Karl Bitter, one of the greatest sculptors of the late 19th century. In 1958, when the Western Electric Company opted to demolish the building, Indiana was able to present a plan for preserving the sculptures by way of a competition between cities and organizations.
After a tumultuous history of neglect and disrepair, The Ruins were revitalized by a nonprofit group called Friends of Holliday Park, who raised over $3.2 million to help restore the statues to their original glory. Today, The Ruins feature beautiful gardens, labeled trees and plenty of open space to wander. The site also plays host to annual Rock the Ruins concerts, bringing big names like Hawkins & Kressley and Dwellane to the stage every summer.
The Gardens
Holliday Park Indianapolis IN is one of Indy’s oldest parks, encompassing 94 acres of green space with hiking trails, playgrounds and a historic rock garden. This natural oasis sits six miles north of downtown along the western bank of the White River.
In 1932, the City of Indianapolis took possession of the property, which included a 23-room house and chestnut trees, to develop as a public park. Workers from the Works Progress Administration built trails and dammed creeks to create ponds. Botanist Willard Clute designed the gardens, importing exotic plants from around the world.
Several years after the park was established, sculptor Karl Bitter was selected by a national competition to create sculptures using remnants of the St. Paul Building’s facade.
Three Indiana limestone sculptures, entitled “The Races of Man,” were created by Bitter. He designed the statues in response to the United States’ Bicentennial celebration and incorporated architectural salvage from other local landmarks into the design. Discover more interesting article.
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