The Many Areas of White River State Park
Military Park & Shelterhouse
Once a Civil War encampment and training field, Military Park was the site of the first Indiana State Fair. The 14-acre greenspace is in the shape of a military badge. It's the site of many picnics, reunions, charity-sponsored walks and runs, concerts and festivals and other special events. According to the Indiana Constitution, Military Park is one of three parcels of land that can never be sold by the state. (The other two are the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and half of the State Capitol.)
Waterfront Pavilion
Located across White River, directly behind the Zoo, this covered area can accommodate a picnic for up to 100 guests. With a gorgeous view of the Park, the White River and downtown, this location will create a memorable event for generations to come!
River Promenade
This gorgeous promenade, located across Old Washington Street Bridge and upriver from Bison Plaza, creates endless ideas for the imagination. Walk between delicately blooming foliage surrounded by intricate limestone walls and views of the White River. This location is unique for intimate daytime receptions up to 20 or as a part of your walk route.
Old Washington Street Bridge
This unique location offers North and South views of the White River with modern sculptures by Indiana artists. Used frequently by the public as the perfect place to walk or enjoy the views of downtown, this location can also be rented for private events, day or night. With walkways and grassy areas for table seating, this is an exceptional site for your next special event.
Promenade Amphitheatre
Located west if the White River, just beyond the River Promenade, this quaint little area is perfect for a church service or wedding for approximately 100 guests. It is complete with terraced stonework to create your own elevated seating area.
Bison Plaza
Stroll west along Old Washington Street Bridge and you'll end up at Bison Plaza, just before the Zoo entrance. Nestled amid seasonal foliage and a magnificent bison statue, this garden plaza is sure to create a unique environment for your next luncheon or reception for up to 50 guests.
Celebration Plaza
A wide vista of greenspace includes an open area of walkways, lawns and the sculpture entitled "Totem". Flanked on the west by the Celebration Amphitheatre and on the north by the NCAA Hall of Champions, hosts outdoor festivals and reintroduces Park visitors to the White River. Trees, flowers and shrubs tie the Plaza, Central Canal and White River together. The most frequently used area of the park, with or without the adjoining Amphitheatre. This area offers the incredible views of Downtown Indianapolis to the East, The Canal to the North and White River to the West. An ideal space for receptions and festivals with the capacity to accommodate 10,000 or more guests in a 40,000 square foot area.
Celebration Amphitheatre
Located at the west end of Celebration Plaza, this area can be used in conjunction with Celebration Plaza or by itself. This area is ideal for a wedding or concert up to 1000 people. A unique area on its own, this space offers a gorgeous view of the White River with it's own private waterfall.
The Oval
The name says it all! This oval shaped space is centrally located behind the Visitors Center and The Pumphouse. It will accommodate 400 guests for a wedding, picnic or family reunion.
Pumphouse Amphitheatre
Located to the South side of the Pumphouse, this tiered location is perfect for presentations, movies or weddings! With the Historic Pumphouse as your backdrop this unique area can accommodate events for approximately 300 guests.
Pumphouse Island
Located to the North side of the Pumphouse, the grassy area is ideal for picnics, catered events or as an added area with your Celebration Plaza event.
Dr. Frank Lloyd, Sr. Visitor's Center
For an evening or weekend conference, the Visitor's Center offers a unique area for groups up to 50.
The Lawn
The Lawn at White River State Park, which opened in August 2003, accommodates up to 5,000 people. Complete with a waterfront bandstand, this area is used for concerts, festivals and other community events. When not rented out for events, this area may also be used as a place for people to relax or picnic.
For pricing and additional rental information on the above areas of White River State Park, please download our event application.