5 Must-Dos at Newfields in Indianapolis

Located in the Garden, Lilly House is a gorgeous example of a 20th-century Midwest estate. A National Historic Landmark, the former Landon estate and its 56 acres were donated to the Art Association of Indianapolis for the creation of an art museum. When you visit, make sure to mosey around the first floor, which was renovated to reflect what the home would have looked like in the 1930s and includes many of the family’s personal furnishings and wares. 

Free no matter when you visit and open from dawn to dusk every day, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is an ideal outdoor space to take the kiddos. The 100-acre open space, complete with a living sculpture park, encourages interaction, experimentation, and engagement. If that wasn’t enough to pack up the car with the family, the area also offers the largest pollinator meadow in Indianapolis, woodlands and wetlands areas, a 35-acre lake, and plenty of room to run and play. 

Think you need to visit Europe or Washington, D.C., to view the masters and their art up close? Undoubtedly the biggest draw for guests, the Art Galleries include “the most comprehensive collection of Neo-Impressionist paintings in North America.” Additionally, beautiful spaces and halls feature art from European and Asian countries to provide insight and exploration into art that may be unfamiliar to you. 

Originally built in the 1920s, the most recent construction was in the 1940s. While the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse has been around for a century, learning the art of planting is timeless. Here, you’ll learn about what it takes to keep a successful greenhouse, see its complete renovation, and even take a class or workshop. 

Another place made for families and art creation, Star Studio at Newfields is THE place to visit with kiddos. The setting doesn’t feel like a classroom, so they’ll learn without even realizing they’re doing it. Area, including Bird I-Spy, where children can learn all about patterns and shapes, and WendyMac’s DrawTogether Studio, show them there are no such things as art mistakes. 

Open during the warmer months, the Garden Terrace at Newfields is a perfect place to grab a meal and enjoy a gorgeous view of the grounds. Impressively, its food menu is based on sustainability in mind, and the beverage menu is curated by a Certified Cicerone. If the main menu is a bit big for the wee ones, there’s a kids’ menu featuring all of the classics, including root beer floats in a take-home mug.