Adventure Details

Activity:
Walking, Meandering, Biking
Trail:
Monon Trail, Central Canal Towpath
Interest:
Kids & Family
Region:
Central

Geo-what now? If you’re new to it, Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunt where participants use GPS-enabled devices—often just a smartphone—to locate hidden containers called caches. These caches vary in size and style, from tiny magnetic tubes tucked behind signs to larger boxes hidden in wooded areas. Most contain a logbook to sign and sometimes small tradeable trinkets. Using clues, maps, and occasionally puzzles, geocachers search for these hidden gems, uncovering a secret world of adventure right in plain sight.

Itinerary Stops

Use your geo-caching app to ensure the most up to date locations and grabs—enjoy these community gems along the way!

  1. Indy Art Center

    Website
    Sitting off of the White River, the property boasts a nature and park, art exhibitions, classes, studios, and a library.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Trash Can

  2. Brics Ice Cream

    Website
    BRICS is located in the historic Monon Railway Station, built over a century ago and originally known as the Broad Ripple Station. The ice cream shop offers outdoor seating on a beautifully situated large deck that overlooks the Monon Trail.
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Restaurant
    • Restroom
    • Trash Can

  3. Broad Ripple Village

    Website
    A lively cultural district in Indianapolis, known for its eclectic mix of local shops, restaurants, art, and nightlife. Set along the White River and the Monon Trail, it blends urban energy with a laid-back, artistic vibe.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Restaurant
    • Shops
    • Trash Can

  4. Rainbow Bridge

    Widely regarded as a symbol of diversity and fellowship, the Guilford Avenue Bridge is a historic and decorative structure spanning the Central Canal.

  5. Holcomb Gardens

    Website
    A serene, 20-acre botanical garden located on the Butler University campus. Nestled along the Central Canal, it features landscaped lawns, wooded trails, a scenic pond, and the iconic Persephone statue.

  6. Carmel Arts & Design District

    Website
    A vibrant hub in downtown Carmel, Indiana, known for its art galleries, unique boutiques, public sculptures, and diverse dining.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Restaurant
    • Shops
    • Trash Can

This two-mile geocaching adventure combines exploration and problem-solving with a taste of local culture and the outdoors. Your journey begins near the Indy Art Center and the Monon Trail—a beloved greenway lined with local hotspots. From there, you’ll head toward the White River, where you can log an environmental cache, offering not only your first find but also a tranquil riverside view. Before continuing on, take a moment to explore the Art Center’s scenic grounds and riverside ARTSPARK sculpture garden, a perfect pause before your next discovery.

A couple embracing along the Rainbow Bridge in Broad Ripple
A couple embracing along the Rainbow Bridge in Broad Ripple.
a view of the red bridge on Monon Trail
View of the Monon Bridge near the Indianapolis Art Center.
Travel Monon Trail
People bike and walk on the Monon Trail on a bridge over the White River in Indianapolis.
Monon Trail
Monon Trail sign

When ready for your next find, head south along the Monon Trail, where you’ll pass plenty of opportunities to grab a coffee, cool off with ice cream, or take a break under a shady tree. Just past BRICS Ice Cream, the trail intersects with the Central Canal Towpath. Here, take a right turn and venture into the heart of Broad Ripple Village, where two more nearby caches await. One will test your sense of adventure, while the other challenges your knowledge of science—both are cleverly placed and well worth the hunt.

A few helpful hints:

You’ll Have No Choice But to Climb: The name says it all. When you see Broad Ripple’s famous Rainbow Bridge, you’re close!

Buoyancy: did you pack your water? If not, you’ll be sure to find a helpful friend at Rusted Moon Outfitters.

Once you’ve logged your finds, hop back on the Canal Towpath and head west. You’ll leave behind the bustle of Broad Ripple and follow the canal into a quieter, more scenic stretch. Along this path, you’ll encounter a handful of caches to choose from—tucked near bridges, trail markers, and wooded edges. If you’re aiming to keep your adventure around two miles, plan to turn around at Illinois Street.

Bonus Finds! Feeling energized? If you’re on foot and up for more—or cruising along on bikes—consider extending your route with these additional stops:

Return to the Monon Trail and head north. This tree-lined section between Broad Ripple and Carmel offers several well-placed caches along the way. Once you reach the Carmel Arts & Design District, you’ll be rewarded with even more caches—and the chance to explore local shops, sculptures, and cafés. This option is better suited for those on bikes as it will add significant mileage to your route.

Packing list

  • Your Geocaching app and GPS system
  • Pen, micro caches may not include one
  • Items for cache trading, many caches rely on a take-one, leave-one system
  • Patience and a sense of adventure, like any great cacher!