Where human and natural infrastructure meet.
While the river itself is a piece of natural infrastructure, people have long been constructing other infrastructure like waterways, bridges, and dams that connect to it. Here are some of the best representation of such work.
Built in 1870, Potter’s Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in Marion or Hamilton Counties. The bridge over White River has been restored for pedestrian use and is the centerpiece of the 66-acre Potter’s Bridge Park.
Three portions of the Central Canal are visible along the White River. Part of the Indiana Mammoth Internal Improvement Act of 1836, the Central Canal was envisioned as part of a series of canals, highways, and later, railroads, that crisscrossed the state. Few of the ill-timed projects were ever finished because of the onset of the Great Depression, but you can see a remnant of the construction at Lafayette Trace Park, a reimagination into the Downtown Canalwalk in downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park, and as a trail-lined waterway that conveys water from the river in Broad Ripple south toward downtown Indy.
Built in 1916 to replace a bridge destroyed in the Great Flood of 1913, this bridge served as a crossing for Washington Street (the historic National Road) until 1994, when it was refurbished as a pedestrian bridge connecting the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens section of White River State Park to the park’s main campus.
Perhaps the most beautiful historic bridge in Central Indiana, the 30th Street bridge links both…
Named after Indianapolis native astronaut David Wolf but more commonly known as just “the green…
Located in Broad Ripple, these two low-head dams were constructed in support of the Central…
Three portions of the Central Canal are visible along the White River. Part of the…
Located south of Washington Street in the West Indy neighborhood, this low-head dam has been…
Located south of 16th Street in the Haughville neighborhood, this low-head dam was constructed in…
Located north of Interstate 465 on Indy’s southside, this low-head dam was built in the…
This otherwise nondescript bridge comes alive after dark with vibrant colors reflecting off the river’s…
Built in 1916 to replace a bridge destroyed in the Great Flood of 1913, this…
Public access boat ramp next to Forest Park
Gentle river slope behind Rocky Ripple’s Town Hall.
Formal launch with parking beneath the Monon Trail bridge over White River next to the Indianapolis Art Center.
This otherwise nondescript bridge comes alive after dark with vibrant colors reflecting off the river’s surface with a view of the downtown Indianapolis skyline in the distance. Sit on the west bank lawn and watch the colorful ripples of the water.
Located north of Interstate 465 on Indy’s southside, this low-head dam was built in the 1920s originally to serve a gristmill. Today it provides cooling water for a natural gas power plant. It is owned by AES and alters the river for 4.8 miles upstream to the Chevy Dam.
Located south of Washington Street in the West Indy neighborhood, this low-head dam has been modified with large rocks and serves utility purposes for Citizens Energy Group’s downtown district heating and cooling system. It is owned by Citizens Energy Group and alters the river for 2.5 miles upstream to the Emrichsville Dam.
Located south of 16th Street in the Haughville neighborhood, this low-head dam was constructed in 1899 for aesthetic and recreation purposes as part of the development of Riverside Park upstream. More recently it provided for emergency intake pumps for Indy’s municipal water supply. The dam partially collapsed in 2018, lowering the water levels it was holding back by at least six feet and will be replaced by a smaller, safer, and more ecologically-friendly rock dam upstream. This dam is owned by the City of Indianapolis, and prior to its collapse altered the river for 4.3 miles upstream.
Located in Broad Ripple, these two low-head dams were constructed in support of the Central Canal project and today serve to divert river water into the canal for Indy’s municipal water supply. They are owned by Citizens Energy Group and alters the river for 3.9 miles upstream.
Adventure awaits at the many parks and riverfront spots that truly make White River a worthy destination. Whether you’re into canoeing, fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, you’ll find something to enjoy.
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