Walking with History: Walking the Electric Rail

Saturday, April 11 | 10am-12pm | Indiana Historical Society Members: $15, Guests: $25

The interurban was pivotal to connecting Hoosiers from all across the state. Indianapolis became the crossroads for many of these lines. If you can’t imagine trains running throughout all of Indy, join us on a walk along the interurban lines which connected key locations through the city in the past, but also what they would have connected in our present, including IHS, Gainsbridge Fieldhouse, and Monument Circle. Throughout the tour we will discuss the rise, impact, and fall of this expansive public transit network. This walking tour is approximately 2.2 miles in distance and will take approximately 2hrs.

This tour will begin and end at the Indiana Historical Society. Parking is available on a first come first served basis at the Indiana Historical Society’s parking lot (enter from New York Street).

Please note that this tour will take you throughout downtown Indianapolis and potentially over uneven terrain. In the case of inclement weather this tour will be cancelled, and tickets will be refunded. In the event of cancellation, an email will be sent out at least 2 hours before the time of the tour.

This tour has a limited number of spots. If we are sold out, please see the dates below for other tour dates.

Walking the Electric Rail:
Saturday, September 12

Remembering Women’s Efforts:
Saturday, May 23
Saturday, July 18
Saturday, August 29

Moving Forward with Pride:
Thursday, June 11
Thursday, August 20
Thursday, October 1

Frequently Asked Questions: 

• How long is the tour? 

Each Walking Through History tour is 2 hours and around 2 miles long.  

• Where can I park? 

Free parking is available behind the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center off New York Street. Your parking will be validated as part of being a tour attendee. 

• When do I need to be there for the tour? 

At the latest, you should be meeting your tour guide in the Welcome Center lobby of the History Center about 10 minutes before your tour start time. Check in time will start 30 minutes prior to the tour. 

• What happens if it is rainy or hot outside day of? 

These tours will typically still occur even if it is raining or 70 plus degrees Fahrenheit. However, if there are extreme inclement weather conditions such as flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes, or heat advisory, the tour for that day will be cancelled and refunds will be issued out. A cancelled tour will not be rescheduled.  

• What should I bring for the tour? 

Weather appropriate wear is suggested, including comfortable shoes to walk over uneven surfaces such as roads and sidewalks. Please also bring water to stay hydrated and an open mind about history!