Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park

1694 reviews

1850 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46228

discovernewfields.org

+13179231331

About

Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is a Tourist attraction located at 1850 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46228. It has received 1694 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday8:30AM-7:30PM
Tuesday8:30AM-7:30PM
Wednesday8:30AM-7:30PM
Thursday8:30AM-7:30PM
Friday8:30AM-7:30PM
Saturday8:30AM-7:30PM
Sunday8:30AM-7:30PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 1850 W 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46228

  • Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park has 4.7 stars from 1694 reviews

  • Tourist attraction

  • "The four of us (wife, son, beagle, and I) first came here on a sunny Saturday afternoon and were utterly charmed by this lush gem of a nature preserve within Indianapolis"

    "My family loves hiking and has been to every park in the Indy radius many times over, and this one is our favorite"

    "I highly recommend adding this to your day if you are visiting the art museum"

    "Newfields has some stunning pieces! The O'Keeffe is absolutely breathtaking, and I wish I could just open up the Stickley and study how it's put together"

    "What a beautiful park! So glad our friends brought us here"

Reviews

  • Roberto Sabas

The four of us (wife, son, beagle, and I) first came here on a sunny Saturday afternoon and were utterly charmed by this lush gem of a nature preserve within Indianapolis. So much so that we returned there Sunday morning for a longer visit prior to returning home. On both days, we saw the beauty of it expressed through a harmonious integration of natural features, thoughtful design, and inviting scenery. The trails are well kept and provide a light to moderate exercise for walkers and joggers. Animals are welcome too. Parking capacity can max out on a Saturday so consider visiting on other days. There are porta potties not too far from the entrance. Our best sightings were of a bald eagle soaring high over the pond, a snake that darted quickly into the grass, and a red-tailed hawk on the hunt.

  • Brittney Ferris

My family loves hiking and has been to every park in the Indy radius many times over, and this one is our favorite. Not as crowded as Eagle Creek tends to be (even when the parking lot is completely full) but just as beautiful. Perfectly placed picnic tables and benches for romantic dates, long trails with great scenery for a decent workout, and an expansive grassy area for our dog to play fetch and run his zoomies out. Plus the unique art structures! This park is also very well maintained and they are constantly doing things to enhance and improve upon it. Highly recommended!

  • Heather Polk

I highly recommend adding this to your day if you are visiting the art museum. There are plenty of off-the-path art installations to go explore and discover throughout! Watch the schedule for special events like group yoga. Many visitors come to fish, jog, bike, play, or have a picnic. Make sure to explore the paths that branch off the main path, as you might find your new favorite spaces! There is a route with a bridge to enter the museum property as well. Keep in mind that the museum bridge does not open until 11:30am.

  • Katherine White

Newfields has some stunning pieces! The O'Keeffe is absolutely breathtaking, and I wish I could just open up the Stickley and study how it's put together. So many beautiful home goods and decorative pieces. We didn't really travel around outside on this day. I'm not sure what accoutrements are like out there.
Features
Playground: Not sure
Public restrooms: Yes
Off-leash dog area: Not sure
Picnic tables: Not sure
Barbecue grills: Not sure

  • Janelle Hartman

What a beautiful park! So glad our friends brought us here. Will definitely be back
Playground
Definitely areas that kids and adults can enjoy and play. There was a labyrinth maze, a huge skeleton to play on, swings, basketball hoops.
Restrooms
Porta potties but very clean.
Dog-friendliness
Lots of dogs around. I assume they need to be leashed.
Picnic area
All sorts of different areas to picnic.

  • temp account

I enjoyed fishing here from my kayak.i called and was advised by customer relations that it was fine as long as it was not motorized. Let's skip forward about five kayaking trips there. Mind you nowhere did I ever see a sign for no boating. Today top flight came up and said I could not be in the water on my kayak. This place was awesome up to that point. Edit made. There is a sign at the front that shows no sail boats.

  • David Riggleman

A very nice place for a stroll through nature, passing along the way various unique sculptures. The lap around the lake is nice with side paths down to both the lake and the river. There are many picnic tables scattered throughout to find a nice secluded spot for a picnic lunch or dinner. The reason for the loss of a star is that there was one area where someone had definitely been smoking something illegal.

  • Joseph Matuch

This park has some visually interesting play structures that are fun for both adults and children. The playful lip into the parking lot takes you to a pair of basketball hoops surrounded by arches. A trail leads into the main area where there are fun, yellow multipurpose benches, settings, and a lake with some shoreline to explore. This was a lot of fun, and it was completely free.

  • Makaylia M

It was nice the parking was easy to find they have parking in of the building and garage parking which I believe are both free. Unless stated otherwise on their website every first thursday 4pm-8pm is free entrance which I think is fantastic just recently visited. Though they dont have many options for food I saw a pop up tea stand and the cafe which didnt offer a lot on variety.

  • Devi

This is a beautifully maintained hiking path and lake. Lots of sculptures also surround the trails - the most popular of which is “Funky Bones”. There are multiple different paths you can take; each of which are scenic in their own ways. It’s quite pleasant in the early spring or early fall. Not too many bugs around that time, and there’s still a cool breeze with warm sunshine.

  • Matthew Nickolaou

not local. visited for funky bones. walked the main trail around the lake. nice, clean, and mostly even ground. plenty of places to sit and gather! had a good time walking with my partner. maybe spent an hour in total there. (my partner took the funky bones photos so none to attach at this time, but please enjoy the cool bug we saw there)

  • Jeffrey Nazario (Mr. J)

A beautiful art museum and garden that anyone is sure to enjoy. The Samurai sword exhibit was the highlight of my trip and my step daughter loved walking through the garden and Lily House. There were even umbrellas for use while going for a stroll in the rain. It's the little things like that which made my day! Highly recommended.

  • The Rev

Nice park with a large lake and a hiking trail around it. The trail is only a mile or so long. Access to the river behind it as well. This park has clean bathrooms and some interesting art installations along the way. There was no cost to get in so I recommend checking this place out if you are in the area.
Restrooms
Clean.

  • Marci Anderson

We waited over 30 minutes to park just to be stopped at the entrance and told to go to a different entrance to wait another 30 minutes. Others in our group were a few cars away and were able to get in after us. Not worth the traffics and disorganization for a mediocre light show. Hard Pass. Go to the fairgrounds instead.

  • E Calderon

Went to the Art Museum for the holiday lights setup and stopped in here. They set up each room on the main floor differently along with a snippet of historical information. The tour is of the main level and the garage downstairs and it moves pretty quickly. Worth seeing-the decorations were creative and really pretty!!

  • Rachel S

Gorgeous park with beautiful trees and flowers and stunning views! I could spend all day here. The paths were wel kept (I saw several people riding motorized scooters and such along them) and the art was cool. They even had little benches along the path to sit at. Probably the best park I’ve ever been to.

  • Lydia Kaiser

Absolutely beautiful park. We loved walking around on the trails and seeing many different sculptures. Everything was very pretty to look and and we enjoyed seeing multiple views of the lake as well as the canal. It’s connected to the Newfeilds, but we didn’t go inside that part.

  • Sam Mayer

A very nice place to just walk around, plenty of beautiful trails around a lake with sculptures scattered around. Also good access to the Canal Towpath, easy to get to the Monon Trail and Broad Ripple by bike. Free parking but spots can be limited and fill up on busy days.

  • Hattie Moore-bradley

Ny grandson learned a lot as they interacted with nature and was excited about being outside walking the trail and near the lake looking for fish and insects. The leaves on the trees were beautiful. They got their exercise without realizing it. What a great day for me!

  • Rachel Newquist

Nice free park next to the indiana museum of art. Hike around the pond is easy. Lots of side trails. Not as much art as I had expected. There is a locked gate over the canal to the museum. Suggest visiting Nina Mason Pulliam nature center and eco lab trail nearby.

  • Daniel

Wonderful grounds for walking. The path is dirt, but easy enough to walk on. Although this winter the conditions dont allow for a full lake loop, I enjoyed what I could. The art installations throughout are neat and creative. Come and see for yourself!

  • Jared White

I've now been here about 10 times. None of the trails are that long or strenuous (aka not really hiking) but it's a wonderful place to go on a walk. If you go anytime throughout the spring and you pay attention your bound to see a variety

  • Zip Howard

This place has become my home away from home. I love running and walking the trails. I can bring my daughter to play and learn about nature. Staff is friendly, and takes good care of the place. Other patrons are friendly and approachable.

  • Laura Kniss-Johnson

Loved this fabulous sculpture park! We only visited the outdoor portion but there was plenty to see and walking paths. On the map it says there will be new sculptures added in 2024! We will have to come back and check them out More

  • Gina R

Walked the gardens and it's beautiful. Wide paths, plenty of space, really unusual plants, and lots of benches. Grabbed beers and a pretzel at the Beer Garden, then enjoyed them in the sunshine at a picnic table. Lots to see.

  • Ray Lemar

Excellent park, Indianapolis does itself proud with the overall quality of this park, a great place to take a walk, and check out the fall colors. You could very easily spend the day here, if you really enjoy nature.

  • Uriel Knopf

It was amazingly serene to be there just before dusk. Everything feels like you're out in the middle of the woods, not just outside of the city. It's almost mystical with the incorporation of art into nature.

  • John D. Massey

Wonderful place to stroll and view amazing art that you don't think would be here in Indiana! Wonderful gardens to stroll around the Lilly mansion! They have a quaint cafe for lunch, wine and beer garden!

  • Gigi S.

Great for kids!outdoor art installations kids can interact with. We walked the loop trail and it was well maintained with pretty views of the river. Will be back when the weather isn't so hot.

  • Mary Kaleel

We been here several times and always find something new to explore. Bring drinks, dress comfortable, wear good walking shoes, there's so much to see and explore! This area is so beautiful!!

  • Angie Avila

I love love love this park! It's so cute and artsy and it's one of my favorite places to take pictures. Doesn't really have much of a playground for kids, but it's the art that matters

  • Sophia LeFevre

This is my favorite place in Indy — I can’t believe it’s free. I love to walk my dog there. It’s never too crowded since it’s so sprawling. I find something new to look at every time.

  • M. Rice

We came for the Lume: the Van Gogh exhibit. That in itself was fantastic. But we really enjoyed our visit throughout the building and grounds! We are already discussing our next trip!

  • Ronald Winker

Horticultural paradise that is fun for the whole family. What a park to enjoy a day of wonder. Highly recommend a day to explore and play. Great for kids, just ask them. Come and see

  • Dave Meeker

Fantastic light and sound displays. The light show in front of the Lilly house was like a page out of Disney World! Gender neutral restrooms in the newer part of the grounds.

  • Gabe Ramirez

The garden was my favorite part of the mesuem. So many beautiful plants and trees. Must see in the spring. The inside artwork was also neat. Good place to take a stroll.

  • Sharon Claassen

This park is absolutely beautiful! The small lake has a walking path around it. There are other paths through the trees. The park is a pleasant mix of nature and art.

  • Andrew

Great trails and birding opportunities in the city. Love the art exhibits along the paths. Convenient dog poop stations. I bring my dogs here at least once a week.

  • Jillian Schmidt

This place had beautiful architecture, art, and gardens! We were able to help with the National day of service and clear out honeysuckle. We had a great time!

  • Angela Martin

Winterlights at Newfields is beautiful. Smaller setting than a zoo experience. Wide sidewalks for strollers and drinks and smores setup for fun snacks.

  • K. C.

Easy walking paths with plenty of benches. Beautiful flowers and trees. Didn't have a chance to see the sculpture garden, but can't wait to come back.

  • Karen Larson

The experience was worth the drive...the food delicious....the desserts incomparable....you have to see this wonderland "bakery" to believe it.

  • Tucker

Really neat place and it’s cool to see all the artwork but honestly it might be a little overrated. Other Indy area parks are neater I think.

  • Prisilla D

Big enough you could have a picnic, walk around with the family, and enjoy the outdoors without it getting crowded (because it’s so large)

  • Eric Turner

The Christmas lights display is an annual event for our family. We even brought family from Ohio this year and they were very entertained.

  • Tim Arden

One of our favorite places to visit as a family! The grounds are beautiful and well kept. Lots of unique areas and features to explore.

  • A j

Nice, quiet park with tons of public art to look at. Clear trails and beautiful scenery. Easy to navigate trails so you won’t get lost

  • Tony Hayes

A great park that has a nice trail through all of the artwork. My favorite exhibit was the floating ring that looks like a UFO.

  • Ольга Демидова

A good place to walk. But pay attention to the signs about closed pathways. It’s not possible to go round the lake there now

  • Heather Krogh

Beautiful location, you could spend hours walking the grounds and appreciating all it has to offer. Highly recommended.

  • Sylva Zhang

Love to do the loop around the lake! Easy for your average biped, although not great if you rely on a mobility device.

  • Carl Christensen

Funand eclectic place to visit but a little pricey for exhibits. Thankful I got to see harvest nights again this year.

  • Marina Morton

Went for a bike ride here. Awesome place to visit. Very beautiful scenery. Will come back to ride more trails.

  • Justin Zeleski

Very cool place. We ended up walking around the lake which was worth it. The natural paths were very scenic.

  • Michael DeRose

Nice, clean, and quiet! What more could you want. It is right next to the 100 acres of walking trails.

  • Jasheena Shelton

Such a peaceful place, even with a full parking lot we wet able to do our own thing as we explored.

  • Mark Horton

Great place to get out, stretch your legs, and see some great artwork while enjoying nature.

  • Tim Kaminske

Great time spent walking around the park and taking part in the free weekend activities.

  • Kelly McArdle Miller

Not local. Meet a photographer here for a high school senior photo shoot. Nice location

  • Curtis Young

Great place for a family walk any time of year! Lots of interesting photo ops as well.

  • Punit Omar

Superb lush green, very well maintained gardens. You'll surely love this place.

  • Carla James

Lots of places to sit. Great woodsy area, particularly good when it's hot out.

  • S MS

The walk was refreshing and invigorating. Beautiful green floras and trees.

  • Anthony Cunningham

Great little greenhouse with some really cool plants! Definitely recommend

  • Feike Witlam

What a special ecperience. From the van Gogh exebition into the park!

  • GSTonyTseng

I must say, Winterlights at Newfields is truly impressive.

  • mario watts

We had a great time walking and enjoying the people

  • Josh Mariner

Wonderful experience. Harvest Nights were spooky!

  • Andrea Todd

Had a wonderful day at the museum and gardens!

  • Juliana Dawson

October 23rd, a beautiful day at the park

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