Explore the Nickel Plate Trail: Free Outdoor Fun in Fishers, Indiana
Looking for some outdoor fun in Fishers, Indiana? Want to have a good time without breaking the bank? Check out one of our latest and greatest attractions: Nickel Plate Trail.
History of the Nickel Plate Trail
Once upon a time, this lovely trail was a railroad track. The Nickel Plate Railroad ran through central Indiana, with a stop called Fishers Switch added in 1872. This little station or "switch" attracted settlers and commerce to the area. Gradually, the gristmill and a sawmill grew into what we now know as the flourishing community of Fishers, Indiana. In 2019, the tracks were removed, and the Nickel Plate Trail was created.
Want to see where it all began? Check out the swings just north of the trail's 116th Street underpass. This is the location of the original Fishers Switch.
Where to Park
Free parking is available at the Fishers Police Department lot at 4 Municipal Drive or the Switch Garage just east of City Hall. But my favorite place to park is in the little unpaved lot where the trail hits 106th Street, across the street from Hub and Spoke. From there, you have a lovely 30-minute walk (1.3 miles) to downtown Fishers. The paved trail is lined with native shade trees on either side. Keep your eye out for wild cottontail rabbits, chipmunks, bright red cardinals, and other songbirds that frequent the area.
Things to Do Along the Nickel Plate Trail:
Free summer concert series - enjoy live music every Tuesday night through June and July at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater. The above link will give you a schedule of the summer lineup, along with helpful details regarding parking, food, beverages, and seating. If you're bringing the kids, be sure to pack their swimsuits! There's a great splash pad where you can cool off while listening to some tunes.
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Handel's Homemade Ice Cream - take a short detour off the trail onto 116th Street and grab a cone at the locals' favorite spot. Make your way back to the trail to enjoy your treat from a swing in the shade. (Swings are located along the trail just north of where the trail passes underneath 116th Street.)
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Cheeney Creek Natural Area - explore nearly 2 miles of trails in this peaceful, wooded preserve. Hike along a dirt path through the lush undergrowth under a canopy of trees or enjoy the paved path that runs alongside the creek for a stroller/wheelchair-friendly option. For fishing enthusiasts, relax at the waterfront and try your hand at catching the largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish that are stocked in the 3-acre pond. Be sure to have your state of Indiana fishing license handy.
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Fishers Farmers Market - sample a variety of products from locally grown produce to freshly baked pies. Listen to tunes from live musicians as you browse the stands of more than 60 merchants. Check out the link above for a map and list of vendors. Runs every Saturday morning from 8 am to 12 noon from May to September.
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Book Your Stay
Be sure to stay with us at the Prairie Guest House when you come to town. Enjoy a relaxing getaway in one of our charming guest rooms, just minutes from downtown Fishers and the Nickel Plate Trail. Wake up in the morning to hot coffee and a delicious home-cooked breakfast, all included in the cost of your stay. Until then, happy trails!
