Celebrate the Final Four at the NCAA Hall of Champions, pan for gold at The Eiteljorg Museum, take in an underwater IMAX film, or visit the Indiana State Museum to mourn with a nation after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Prefer some outside fun? Cheer on the Indianapolis Indians in their season opener April 9, or welcome spring with the butterflies at the Indianapolis Zoo.
Do it all and save some money, too. A Park Pass gets you one-time admission vouchers for five attractions, at a savings of at least 25% off the cost of regular admission. Ā
Park Passes are good now through the end of 2015. Costs are $54 for adults and $39 for children ages 3-12, and may be purchased at the WhiteRiver State Park Visitors Center or by calling 800-665-9056.
Ā Here are some highlights of spring break activities throughout White
River State Park:
Ā
NCAA Hall of Champions: The NCAAĀs MenĀs Final Four is in Indy April 3-6,
and the Hall will be open extended hours to welcome all the fans. In
addition to hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to experience the life
of student-athletes in 23 NCAA sports, see 60 Years of the NCAA Men’s
Final Four by photographer Rich Clarkson from March 10 through May 5. As
a college freshman at his first Final Four, Clarkson photographed Kansas
University when it won the national championshipĀand he has continued
shooting champions for 59 years. Many of his favorite photos will be on
display.
Ā
Eiteljorg Museum: In the Gold! Riches and Ruin exhibit (March 7 through
August 9), learn how the promise of gold in the West lured men and women from around the world, but how those glittering tales didn’Āt quite match reality. Artifacts, art, stories and interactive experiences show how
gold helped shape the American national identity. Try your hand at
panning for gold (daily, weather permitting); hear the EiteljorgĀ’s
storyteller reenact the tale of Gold Rush entrepreneur Belinda Mulrooney
(Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m.), and make gold-inspired art every Saturday.
Ā
Indiana State Museum: World events old and new are special exhibits at
the State Museum during spring break. The So Costly a Sacrifice: Lincoln
and Loss exhibit (now through July 5) explores the rigid and complex
mourning rituals of 19th century America, and how the staggering losses
in the Civil War and assassination of President Abraham Lincoln changed
those customs. From a childĀs coffin to a hair wrath, a field-surgeonĀs
kit to pieces of LincolnĀs funeral bier, So Costly a Sacrifice: Lincoln
and Loss explores the dark corners of death in the 1800s. More modern
news was captured by Hoosier photojournalist Bill Foley, whose 40-year
career included working for the Associated Press and TIME magazine and
winning the Pulitzer Prize and International Press Freedom Award. Art
Meets News: The Work of Photojournalist Bill Foley (March 28-July 19)
showcases his groundbreaking photos from the Middle East, his work for
news and charitable organizations, and his process for taking photos and
transmitting them across the globe in pre-digital days.
Ā
IMAX Theater: IndianaĀs largest movie theater offers two stunning films
during spring break. Pandas: The Journey Home 3D, produced by National
Geographic Entertainment, follows pandas born at the Wolong Panda Center in China as they are reintroduced to the wild. See plenty of panda
hijinks and witness the dedication of scientists determined to correct
wild pandasĀ desperate plight. Secret Ocean 3D was created by
Jean-Michael Cousteau, who has been exploring oceans for 70 years,
following the lead of his pioneering father Jacques Cousteau. Using
revolutionary technology, he gives audiences a breakthrough look at the
smallest life in the sea, on which all of our futures depend.
Ā
Indianapolis Zoo: Starting March 20, itĀs butterfly season in the warm,
aromatic Hilbert Conservatory at White River Gardens. During Butterfly
Kaleidoscope, new butterflies will be released every day to take their
first flights. Visitors can also learn about the metamorphosis of these
winged beauties. DonĀ’t forget the camera to capture a blue morpho,
monarch or great owl butterfly as they float on air currents or even land
on visitors. Of course, itĀs always fun to see the animals in the Simon
Skjodt International Orangutan exhibit, shark touch tank, dolphin show
and more.
Ā
Victory Field: Break free from cabin fever as the Indianapolis Indians
open the 2015 season with a nine-game home stand April 9-17, at Victory
Field, recognized as one of the best ballparks in America. And families
can be assured of affordable, memorable fun, because individual ticket
prices range from $10 to $16 and are discounted $2 when purchased online in advance, not to mention several other values such as Kids Eat Free on Sundays and Monday Dollar Menu Nights. One of the best deals in
professional sports is the IndiansĀ Knot Hole Kids Club: for just $16,
kids age 14 and younger get admission to all home games, a club t-shirt
and other benefits including running the bases immediately after Sunday
games.Ā
Ā
Outdoor fun:Ā Ā If the weather cooperates, consider taking a scenic tour of
the 250-acre Park with Segway of Indiana, or exploring miles of bike
paths on a variety of bicycle styles from Wheel Fun Rentals or the Pacers
Bikeshare, both of which rent bikes in front of the Indiana State Museum,
across from the Visitors Center. Call the Visitors Center in advance
(800-665-9056) to check availability.
Ā
Parking: One of the great things about the Park is that you can park once and walk everywhere. Parking lots include the underground garage located off Washington Street in front of the Indiana State Museum, in the surface
parking lot at the Indianapolis Zoo, and in the surface parking lot
across from Victory Field next to the Park’s Visitor’s Center. Parking is
not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ā
For more information about White River State Park, visit
whiteriverstatepark.org.
