THINGS TO KNOW
- Reservations are required and limited to 18 participants (6 single kayaks and 6 double kayaks).
- Age Requirements:
- Single Kayak – 16 years of age or older. (Minors must be accompanied on the water by parent or guardian 18 years of age or older.)
- Double Kayak – 6 years of age or older, and any minor must be accompanied on-board the boat by parent or guardian 18yrs or older.
- Due to safety protocols, and the overall experience for others guests, animals are not allowed on Guided Paddle Programs
- If you arrive 10 minutes late, you may not be permitted to participate in the tour.
- Registrants must be present for the entire safety instructions/orientation to be eligible to participate in program.
- General questions or inquiries please email Tourguide@317outfitters.com or call (317) 363-9353.
- REFUND POLICY: To reschedule or request a refund please email Tourguide@317outfitters.com or call us at (317) 363-9353 (leave message). You must contact us 24 hours prior to your tour time to cancel or reschedule. No refund or rescheduling will be processed if you fail to contact us in advance or miss your reservation time. However, if we have to cancel last minute due to weather or other unforeseen circumstance you will be notified immediately and have the right to a full refund or to reschedule.
You'll Learn History of Canal Walk
Canal Walk’s construction began in 1836, intended for trade and travel from the Wabash and Erie Canal to the Ohio River. However, because of funds the construction failed. Over the years the canal sat empty and uncompleted. A beautification project started in 1992 and was completed in 2001 which gives us the full 3 mile loop of beautiful history. Along the canal you can view multiple historic buildings, art, memorials, and multiple museums.
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
- One of the oldest and largest historical societies began in Indiana, building the History Center in 1999. The Indiana Historical Society built by the canal in place of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
- The Indiana Historical Society has housed and preserved the states history since 1830.
- While publishing books, hosting teacher workshops, educating the general public, they also help assist the local museums and other history groups.
- You will be able to see more historical buildings like this along the way! Including a multitude of museums.
Memorials to be Seen
- The Indianapolis 9/11 Memorial was established in 2010 in remembrance of all who were lost. The memorial displays two large beams from the Twin Towers with a life size bald eagle facing towards New York.
- The Metal of Honor Memorial built in 1999 by Eric Fulford and Anne Reed was designed to pay tribute to all Medal of Honor recipients. The 7 to 10 foot tall curved glass structors include every recipients name along with their stories. Every day at sunset the Memorial plays recoded stories of the Medal of Honor recipients stories.
- The USS Indianapolis CA 35 Memorial was dedicated in 1995 to to the lost crew from the sunken cruiser in 1945. The cruiser was used to deliver atomic bomb parts to Tinian Islands, on the return home the cruiser sunk leaving only 316 survivors out of the 1,195 men aboard. Engraved on the cruiser shaped memorial is all of the crew names and the cruisers story.
Local Art and Murals
- The Arts Coucil of Indianapolis created an arts awareness campaign for the Super Bowl XLVI. This campaign is known as The 46 FOR XLVI, where local artists created 46 Murals in Marion County.
- During your kayak tour you will be able to see 10 of those beautiful 46 murals all located along the canal.
Museums Along the Canal
There are a variety of museums along the canal including-
- NCAA Hall of Champions is a museum full of collegiate sports history and exhibits. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has multiple interactive exhibits and simulators to create an understanding of what it takes to be a professional athlete.
- Indiana State Museum offers the past, present, and future in art, science, and culture from all 92 counties in Indiana. The building has been built with all local in state supplies including glass, steel, limestone, and sandstone. See the beautiful work of art while you float on by on the canal.
- Eiteljorg Museum opened in 1989 featuring Native American art and Western art. It is one out two museums located east of the Mississippi River that include Native American and the American West Art. The museum has created such programs like the Indian Market Festival, Eiteljiog Contemporary Art Fellowship, and Quest for the West Art Show.
The Greening of the Canal
Every year The Hoosier Lottery and The Athletic Club Foundation come together to celebrate St. Patricks Day by dying the canal green. This tradition was started 24 years ago to have the people of Indiana come together. The celebration includes parades, Irish music, special guest stars, and food trucks.
