The 3 Best Walking Tours in Indianapolis
Indianapolis may be best known for its racing heritage and sports scene, but the city also offers a surprisingly diverse array of walking tours that reveal its streets’ stories, secrets, and spirits. Whether you’re into history, ghost stories, or local legends, walking is the best way to soak in what makes Indy unique. Strolling past landmarks like the Indiana War Memorial, Mass Ave, and Monument Circle allows you to connect with the city’s character in a way that’s both informative and fun. Plus, Indianapolis’s walkable downtown makes exploring on foot a practical and engaging choice for travelers.
For those interested in uncovering Indianapolis’s hidden stories—from historic sites to ghostly encounters—there’s a tour for every taste. These guides do more than just point out sights; they bring the city to life with stories of local crime, spooky spirits, and legendary tragedies. If you’re wondering where to start, this guide compares the best walking tours in Indy, helping you find the one that suits your interests, budget, and schedule.
Quick Overview
On this list, you’ll find three standout walking experiences: the comprehensive Indy Walking Tours offering a deep dive into downtown Indy’s key landmarks, the Indianapolis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Phantoms Walking Tour for fans of spooky tales, and the Indianapolis: Crossroads Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour which combines haunted history with tragic tales of race day disasters and wartime tragedies.
1. Indy Walking Tours
At number one, Indy Walking Tours offers a guided 90-minute stroll through downtown Indianapolis that covers its most iconic landmarks. Walking along the city streets, you’ll explore the Indiana War Memorial Historic District, Mass Ave, the historic Wholesale District, and City Market, among others. The tour is very much about uncovering Indianapolis’s history with stories of local crime, folklore, and amusing anecdotes. The guide, Rob, is praised for his knowledge, personable style, and humor, making this tour as engaging as it is educational.
Highlights include a stop at the Indianapolis City Market, where you can take a brief break and enjoy a drink or snack. Since Indy is an open container city, you can even grab a beer at Tomlinson Taproom and carry it along as part of the fun. You’ll also learn about Indianapolis’s role in WWI and see sites like the Scottish Rite theater and the oldest church on Monument Circle. With a 5-star rating from 39 reviews, many visitors find this tour to be surprisingly revealing—you’re bound to gain new appreciation for a city you thought you knew.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those who enjoy lively storytelling. It’s a well-paced, affordable way to get a broad sense of Indianapolis’s downtown scene.
2. Indianapolis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Phantoms Walking Tour
For a darker twist, Indianapolis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Phantoms Walking Tour takes you through the city’s most haunted spots. With a 4-star rating from 60 reviews, this tour is led by local experts who share true ghost stories, eerie encounters, and chilling folklore. It’s a lively, spooky experience perfect for those intrigued by Indianapolis’s ghost stories.
The tour begins at the historic 140 W Washington St, home to a theater famed for ghostly sightings—visitors and staff have reported encounters with a former actor’s ghost. From there, you’ll explore the Indiana State Capitol, where disembodied footsteps and apparitions like a Civil War soldier have been seen. The tour continues to Monument Circle, where spirits of soldiers are believed to linger, and ends at a lively sports pub with its own haunted tales. Each stop reveals stories backed by local lore and reports of paranormal activity, making this an engaging mix of history and supernatural thrill.
Bottom line: If you enjoy spine-tingling stories and a fun, atmospheric walk, this tour offers an authentic haunted experience that’s both educational and entertaining. It’s a great pick for evening entertainment and ghost-hunting enthusiasts.
3. Indianapolis: Crossroads Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour
At 3rd place is the Indianapolis: Crossroads Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour, which costs $24 and explores some of Indy’s most haunted and tragic sites. With a 3.7-star rating from 18 reviews, this tour covers a variety of chilling stories, including race day tragedies, WWII disasters, and a presidential curse.
During this walk, you’ll hear about famous race accidents, such as the story of doomed racers and a spooky tale involving a young boy who saved the city from a ghost at the Governor’s Mansion. The guide also shares shocking details about the USS Indianapolis sinking, a tragedy etched into local memory. As you explore, you’ll have opportunities to try capturing evidence of apparitions, making it an interactive experience. The tour is suited for those interested in dark history with a racing twist and feeling a thrill while learning about Indy’s lesser-known stories.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for fans of true crime, wartime history, and racing lore. It combines haunted tales with emotional stories of tragedy, appealing to curious travelers who enjoy a mix of history and paranormal intrigue.
How to Choose Your Perfect Indianapolis Walking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. The Indy Walking Tours provide a comprehensive, daylight experience focused on history, architecture, and city stories—great for first-timers or history buffs. The Ghosts Tour is best if you’re after a spooky adventure with authentic ghost stories, perfect for evening outings. Meanwhile, the Crossroads Ghosts Tour suits those wanting a more intense haunted experience with a focus on tragedy and mystery.
Book early especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends. For the daylight tour, good weather makes walking more enjoyable, but the ghost tours are fun year-round as most stories are best enjoyed after dark. Also, check if you want a quick 1-hour walk or a more in-depth experience.
Final Thoughts
Indianapolis offers a range of walking experiences that reveal its charm—whether it’s through historic landmarks or spooky tales. For a rich, narrative-driven tour, Indy Walking Tours is a standout choice, especially if you enjoy exploring with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re drawn to ghost stories and paranormal encounters, the Haunts, Spirits, and Phantoms Tour provides a fun, atmospheric adventure, while the Crossroads Ghosts Tour offers a deeper dive into Indiana’s darker side.
No matter which you choose, these walks allow you to see Indianapolis from a different perspective—up close and personal. To ensure you don’t miss out, consider booking your preferred tour early and prepare for a memorable step through Indy’s streets, stories, and spirits.