Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Beech Grove, Indiana

Until the turn of the 20th century, this segment of the Indianapolis metropolitan area was entirely rural and renowned for its plentiful beech trees.

The esteemed poet and women’s rights advocate, Sarah T. Bolton (1814-1893), acquired a creekside property in this area in 1871, which now stands as a park dedicated to her memory.

Beech Grove boasts a thriving Main Street, where many of its local enterprises are located, along with a variety of picturesque parks and engaging family attractions worth visiting.

Mile Square, situated at the center of Indianapolis, is less than six miles away, granting access to world-class entertainment, landmarks, and sports events within a short distance.

1. Main Street

Beech Grove’s historic market district is located along this east-west thoroughfare, lined with numerous local shops, restaurants, bars, services, and civic buildings, including City Hall.

Main Street is delightful to explore on foot, featuring recently planted trees, hedges, floral arrangements, and a blend of charming old facades.

Some businesses have been well-established for decades, such as the beloved Napoli Villa Italian restaurant, coexisting with exciting newcomers like Beech Bank Brewing.

At the time of writing, visitors could find quaint shops offering antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, flowers, pottery, and home design, alongside cafes, pizzerias, a bar and grill, and the inviting Mom’s Family Restaurant, known for comforting breakfast options.

2. Sarah T. Bolton Park

The city of Beech Grove acquired Sarah T. Bolton’s former estate in 1930, transforming it into a park to honor the poet. Visitors might be delighted to discover several tall, historic beech trees thriving in the southern section of the park.

This park encompasses a scenic rolling landscape along Lick Creek and is designated as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation.

Located just southwest of downtown Beech Grove, it is an ideal setting for a picnic and features shelters, restroom facilities, a one-acre dog park, and sports facilities for baseball, basketball, and soccer.

The park serves as a splendid site for observing the 4th of July fireworks organized by the Beech Grove Promoters Club.

3. Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens

The oldest park in Indianapolis lies less than ten minutes from downtown Beech Grove. Initially designed in the 1880s, Garfield Park was named in honor of the 20th President James A. Garfield following his assassination in 1881.

Much of the current layout is attributed to renowned landscape architect and city planner, George Kessler (1862-1923), who redesigned the park during the 1910s as part of a broader but largely unrealized plan for the entire city.

The park features beautifully designed Sunken Gardens, a venue for numerous outdoor events, laid out with a formal European style and replanted with stunning seasonal displays three times annually.

The conservatory, built in the 1950s, showcases a 15-foot granite waterfall and houses a variety of tropical plants including orchids, epiphytes, and bromeliads.

4. Beech Bank Brewing

This craft brewery commenced operations in downtown Beech Grove in 2018 and has since established itself as a popular gathering spot, offering brews crafted from locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Beech Bank Brewing’s motto, “Paddle Your Own Canoe,” is inspired by a poem from Sarah T. Bolton.

At the time of our writing, there were eight beers available on tap, featuring an IPA, a Hefeweizen, a traditional-style Lager, a Blonde Ale, two Red Ales, and two Porters.

Throughout the week, Beech Bank Brewing hosts various events, including Dungeons & Dragons on Wednesdays, trivia nights on Thursdays, and live music along with food trucks on Fridays.

5. Indianapolis

Mile Square is merely 15 minutes from downtown Beech Grove, placing an array of significant sights, cultural experiences, entertainment venues, sporting events, and family attractions within easy reach. One notable aspect of Indianapolis is its walkability, particularly around the Central Canal.

The Canal Walk provides access to essential landmarks such as the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indiana State Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, White River State Park, and the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument located just a few blocks away.

Sports hold a special significance in the city, particularly with the illustrious Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts, positioned centrally within the city.

The renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway, celebrated for the Indy 500, is less than 20 minutes away, traffic permitting.

Moreover, visitors may appreciate the tranquil pleasures of historic Indianapolis in the sophisticated Lockerbie Square Historic District, where famed Hoosier poet James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916) once resided, and his Victorian home is preserved as a museum.

6. Beech Grove Bowl

A few blocks east of downtown sits one of two bowling alleys in Beech Grove.

This establishment operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it the only bowling alley in Central Indiana with such hours. It features 12 lanes, each equipped with overhead flatscreen displays.

After a recent renovation, Beech Grove Bowl now offers cosmic bowling on weekend evenings, complemented by an interactive projection system over the lanes, available for a small additional fee.

7. Napoli Villa

This distinguished Italian restaurant has been a staple for the Indianapolis area for over 60 years.

Established by immigrant couple Guerino and Carmela Santo from Southern Italy, Napoli Villa has been managed by their daughter Antoinette for many years.

A third generation is now involved in the daily operations, with grandson Gino having overseen a tasteful renovation in recent years.

Signature dishes include hand-rolled meatballs and lasagna bolognese, prepared according to Guerino’s original recipe. Other recommendations consist of toasted ravioli (as an appetizer), and oven-baked options such as stuffed manicotti and cannelloni.

8. Greatimes Family Fun Park

This family entertainment center presents a self-contained environment of amusement, featuring both indoor and outdoor attractions.

Spanning five acres, the outdoor offerings at Greatimes Family Fun Park include two 18-hole miniature golf courses, bumper boats, and go-karts.

Additionally, the expansive indoor facility boasts over 22,000 square feet with a two-level game room containing over 120 arcade and redemption games, complemented by an engaging indoor playground for younger visitors. For dining, the Final Lap restaurant provides pizza, subs, and additional options.

9. Sarah Shank Golf Course

This public golf course is located under two miles from downtown Beech Grove and has been established since 1928.

The Sarah Shank Golf Course presents a challenging layout that necessitates the use of every club in your bag, set amidst stunning parkland.

With a length of 6,491 yards and featuring rye grass, the course is known for its notably fast greens that can punish inaccurate putts. Shank Creek winds through the upper section of the course, influencing play on the 3rd, 4th, 17th, and 18th holes.

10. Don Challis Park

Situated to the south of Beech Grove at 1100 S. 9th Avenue is a well-equipped park, bordered by Beech Creek to the south and east.

Don Challis Park is named in honor of the local parks and recreation advocate who oversaw its development in the early 1970s.

Geared towards families, this facility features an excellent playground fitted with new equipment and a sand pit.

The park includes a broad lawn area adorned with trees, a volleyball court, and a picnic shelter, providing a wonderful environment for relaxation.

11. Hanna Haunted Acres

During the Halloween season, a highly popular theme park emerges a short distance east of Beech Grove. Recently gaining national recognition, Hanna Haunted Acres features six attractions at one location.

These attractions vary seasonally but include a haunted barn and mansion, a chilling hayride, and spine-chilling experiences throughout the property’s cornfields.

This haunt has received much praise for the quality of its props, scenarios, animatronics, and makeup, with the hayride offering a detail level that encourages multiple visits.

Various package options are available, allowing you to select attractions that interest you the most.

12. Waterman’s Family Farm

Located near the Marion County Fairgrounds, just outside Beech Grove, is a family-run farm with a market operational from May through November.

Waterman’s Family Farm also hosts seasonal events, including the Strawberry Festival in June, featuring U-Pick strawberries, live music, playgrounds, strawberry-themed treats, and much more.

In October, the Fall Festival showcases a variety of family-friendly activities, including hayrides, farm animals, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, pony rides, a large hill-slide, food vendors, and numerous farm-themed games.

As for the market, you can visit the website to learn when your preferred fruits and vegetables are in season, while also finding shelves stocked with locally produced honey, kettle corn, jams, and preserves.

13. Southport Antique Mall

An antiquing destination in Indianapolis for over 25 years, the Southport Antique Mall is a maze-like treasure trove featuring over 500 dealer booths within 30,000 square feet. Maps are provided on the walls to assist in navigation.

The selection is extensive and continuously updated, whether you are searching for furniture, rare collectibles, upcycled items, vintage clothing, toys, dolls, games, historical signage, used books, board games, ceramics, sports equipment, home appliances, and much more.

14. Tolin-Akeman Park

Situated just south of Beech Grove is a quaint yet well-appointed neighborhood park, regarded as a peaceful retreat in the suburbs.

With beautiful deciduous trees and a broad grassy area, this park is excellent for enjoying a picnic in tranquility.

For shade, a gazebo equipped with picnic tables and a grill is conveniently located near the parking area and adjacent to the park’s playground, which includes climbing structures and swings.

15. Marion County Fair

Established in 1930, the Marion County Fair has undergone various relocations before establishing its current location near where the Indianapolis Beltway meets I-74.

This annual event typically spans ten days in late June and maintains a rural atmosphere despite Marion County being the most densely populated county in the state.

Expected activities include a diverse array of 4-H displays and competitions, classic fair fare, a petting zoo, a pageant, carnival rides and games, along with a diverse lineup of live music.

Also featured is the Circle City Raceway, hosting grandstand events such as tractor pulls and demolition derbies.