Indy has a long and fascinating history, interconnected with other cities, international personalities, and lingering legends.
Now that the weather is warming up, it’s time to get out there and explore. Some of these ruins are beloved by their neighbors, while others need the attention of the community to save them, and all of them are integral to the material history of our city.
Holiday Park
Spring Mill Heights / 6363 Spring Mill Rd
There is so much incredible history behind the ruins that now occupy Holliday Park on the Northside, from its beginnings as a proud New York building facade to its final resting place (and eventual restoration) in this gorgeous city park. For decades, the fate of the facade-turned-sculpture were up in the air, but public support kept the ruins firmly planted at Holliday.
City Market Catacombs
Mile Square / 222 E Market St
While they might not be “ruined,” the catacombs under City Market evoke images of ancient cities. They’ve got dirt floors and just enough creepy vibes that one wouldn’t be surprised to feel the cold chill of a passing ghost. Every December, the Bartenders Guild holds their prohibition party, so you can take a self-guided tour, drink in hand and dressed to the nines. It’s the bee’s knees!
Central State Campus
Hawthorne / 202 Steeples Blvd
The former location of the psychiatric hospital is still a patchwork of repurposed and abandoned buildings. You can now live in the administrative building, rebranded as the Central State Mansion, complete with an in-ground pool and a whole bunch of regular weekly activities. Elsewhere on the grounds, have a walk around and see if you can hear any of the former residents hanging around.
Photo courtesy Historic Indy
Ritz Theater
Mapleton Fall Creek / 3430 N Illinois St
Part testament to architectural beauty, and part tragedy in its ruin, the Ritz Theater has been shuttered for decades. The last show happened in the 1970s, and ever since then the gorgeous building on Illinois has been abandoned. You can park on the street and walk around outside (though, as a reminder, entering the building is trespassing), marveling at the obvious former glory of this building that’s high on our dream restorations list.
Pogue’s Run Tunnel
Arsenal Heights / 1030 E New York St
Did you know that a huge drainage pipe runs underneath Indianapolis? The stream, named after the vanished George Pogue, was redirected through the tunnels underground, so that the city could complete a neat and tidy grid plan. Stay away when it’s been stormy and rainy, as the tunnels could flood and sweep you underwater, but when it’s dry, the tunnel is easy to walk in the pitch darkness. Spooky!
