An Indianapolis day trip from Greencastle can center on White River State Park, where the Indianapolis Zoo, White River Gardens and several other attractions sit along the White River. Start with the zoo, then use the park’s Canal Walk or another nearby attraction to round out the day.
- Starting point: Greencastle, with U.S. 40 providing access east toward Indianapolis, 50 miles away.
- Focus: The zoo and White River State Park attractions.
- Zoo basics: Admission includes the zoo’s exhibits and White River Gardens; animal feedings and rides cost extra.
- Getting around the park: The Canal Walk is a three-mile loop.
Choosing a day-trip focus
White River State Park gives you several attractions to choose from in one area, so you can plan around the zoo or combine it with another stop. The park includes the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field, IMAX Theater and Everwise Amphitheater.
For a zoo-centered visit, leave the rest of the day flexible: admission covers the zoo exhibits and White River Gardens, while feedings and rides cost extra. A separate 10-ticket package is available for rides and feedings. If you want a broader park visit, choose one or two additional attractions rather than trying to fit in the whole list.
The Indianapolis Zoo day-trip guide focuses on planning time at the zoo itself. White River State Park’s Canal Walk offers a different pace: it forms a three-mile loop from the White River to West Street, then north to 10th Street.
How do you drive from Greencastle to Indianapolis?
U.S. 40 provides access east from Greencastle toward Plainfield and Indianapolis, which the City of Greencastle’s parks plan places 50 miles away. The zoo’s address is 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222, along the White River in White River State Park.
Use the zoo address to set your destination, then allow room in your schedule for city driving and parking. Parking at the zoo is first-come, first-served. On busy days, staff may direct visitors to the South Lot on Harding Street, where a shuttle is available.
If you are arriving by electric vehicle, the zoo has two charging stations in its parking lot. Charging is available for a nominal fee for up to eight hours.
Starting around the zoo area
The Indianapolis Zoo sits less than one mile west of downtown, within White River State Park. Starting here lets you spend the first part of the day among the zoo exhibits and White River Gardens before deciding how much more to add.
Zoo admission includes access to all exhibits at the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens, as well as keeper chats, demonstrations and presentations. Feedings and rides cost extra, so check the current admission details if those activities are part of your plan.
The park itself is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., but each attraction has its own hours. Zoo parking is free for members; nonmembers pay $10, and large vehicles pay $20. Parking availability and fees can affect how you sequence the day, so leave some flexibility when you arrive.
Allowing time for stops
The Canal Walk is a three-mile loop, while park attractions operate on different schedules. You can choose a walk after the zoo or use it to connect your visit with another park stop, depending on the time you have.
White River State Park garage parking is priced by duration: $10 for two hours, $15 for two to three hours, $20 for three to six hours, $25 for six to ten hours, and $30 for ten to 24 hours. A lost ticket costs $40, and rates may change for special events.
Before you go, check the official site for current hours, admission and parking details. The zoo closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Returning to Greencastle
Once you have finished at the zoo and your chosen park stops, head back west toward Greencastle. If your trip also involves flying into Indianapolis International Airport, its drive from Greencastle Inn is about 43 minutes; for airport-to-Greencastle planning, the guide to driving from IND to Greencastle covers that leg.
An overnight stop in Greencastle can break up the return from a full day in Indianapolis.
Greencastle Inn has guest rooms for an overnight stay in Greencastle.
FAQs
Where is the Indianapolis Zoo?
The zoo is at 1200 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis, along the White River in White River State Park. It is less than one mile west of downtown.
What does Indianapolis Zoo admission include?
Admission includes access to all zoo exhibits and White River Gardens, along with keeper chats, demonstrations and presentations. Rides and animal feedings cost extra.
Is parking available at the zoo?
Zoo parking is first-come, first-served. Members park free, nonmembers pay $10, and large vehicles pay $20; a shuttle serves the South Lot on Harding Street when visitors are directed there on busy days.
What else can you do at White River State Park?
Along with the zoo and gardens, the park includes museums, the NCAA Hall of Champions, Victory Field, an IMAX Theater and Everwise Amphitheater. The Canal Walk is a three-mile loop through the area.