Adventure Details

Activity:
Biking
Trail:
Monon Trail
Interest:
Art & History, Food & Beverage
Region:
Central, North

Travel 20 miles along the iconic Monon Trail and discover a route packed with neighborhoods, parks, public art and tasty pit stops. This journey highlights the people, places and flavors that make Indy shine, one mile at a time.

Stops on this adventure

This map highlights the stops along the itinerary and their proximity to the Trailways.

  1. Good Morning Mama's

    Website
    Good Morning Mama’s is a retro-style breakfast and brunch spot in Indianapolis known for its colorful décor, cozy patio, and comfort classics served with a fun twist. From hearty omelets to indulgent French toast, it’s a go-to neighborhood gem.
    • Fee
    • Restaurant

  2. Broad Ripple Park

    Website
    Broad Ripple Park is a lively green space along the White River offering trails, sports courts, a dog park, and plenty of room to relax or play.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Parking Lot
    • Pavilion
    • Playground
    • Trash Can
    • Water Fountain

  3. Indy Art Center

    Website
    The Indianapolis Art Center is a community hub for art exhibitions, classes, and studios set along the White River, while ARTSPARK is its outdoor riverside sculpture park with trails, gardens, and rotating public art to explore year-round.
    • Bike Parking
    • Boat/Kayak Launch
    • Restroom
    • River/Lake/Canal Access
    • Water Fountain

  4. Sun King Carmel

    Website
    Sun King Carmel is a vibrant Midtown destination right on the Monon Trail, offering locally brewed beers, a lively patio scene, and a lineup of delicious food hall vendors.
    • Bench
    • Bike Parking
    • Fee
    • Restaurant
    • Restroom

  5. Nicey Treat

    Website
    Nicey Treat is a local favorite serving handcrafted frozen pops made with real, simple ingredients and creative seasonal flavors.
    • Fee
    • Restroom
people dining at Good Morning Mama's
Colorful retro vibes, hearty breakfasts, and good coffee await you at Good Morning Mama's.
playground at Broad Ripple Park
Where the river meets the trees, Broad Ripple Park invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
two women enjoying drinks at Sun King
Kick back at Sun King Carmel in Midtown—right off the Monon Trail—with local brews, good eats, and laid-back energy.
Cool off along the Monon with a handcrafted pop from Nicey Treat.

Start your ride on the Monon Trail near 10th Street in downtown Indianapolis, where the Monon connects with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the Pogues Run Greenway. As you pedal north, the trail cuts through some of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods, with trees overhead and murals, sculptures, and trail-side gardens adding color and character to your journey.

Not far from the start, you’ll pass 54th Street in SoBro, where trail-friendly patios and cafes, like Good Morning Mama’s offer a perfect spot to grab a coffee or breakfast sandwich before the mileage builds. From there, keep heading north as the scenery shifts from urban to green, passing through 62nd Street and into Broad Ripple.

This stretch of the trail is one of the most iconic Indy. Take time to explore Broad Ripple Park, spot public art installations, or just enjoy the rhythm of passing runners and fellow cyclists. You can take a pit stop at Broad Ripple Park a half-mile east using the Broad Ripple Avenue/62nd Street connector trail, or continue up the trail to check out the Indy Art Center and its outdoor riverside ARTSPARK. When lunchtime hits, there are plenty of options in Broad Ripple Village and beyond. You could grab burgers at Broad Ripple Brew Pub, tacos from Cholita, or a laid-back beer and sandwich at Half Liter Beer & BBQ Hall, all just steps from the trail.

From there, continue north through Nora and up to the Monon Trailhead near 96th Street. This is a good halfway point for a quick break, with shade, restrooms, and a few places to stretch before the return ride. If you’re feeling strong, push further into Carmel (where the trail becomes known as the Monon Greenway) and loop through Midtown Plaza (filled with Instagram-worthy art and trailside shops and cafes) before turning around, or keep it tight and start making your way back south.

As you approach Broad Ripple again on your return, reward yourself with a stop at Nicey Treat on Guilford Avenue. Just a block off the trail, this locally owned popsicle shop offers handmade frozen treats in rotating seasonal flavors like strawberry basil, blueberry lemonade, and avocado coconut lime. It’s light, fun, and exactly what you’ll want after a long summer ride.

Finish your trip by rolling back down the trail into the city. With about 20 miles behind you, this Monon ride offers a perfect mix of quiet movement, scenic surroundings, and satisfying stops, all tied together by one of the best urban greenways in the Midwest.