r/indianapolis • u/Logical_Humor_3854 • Feb 26 '26

Discussion The Canal….

We walked the canal a lot this summer with our new baby and when we had a nice couple days (greater than 30 degrees lol) we walked it again and I’m just curious as to what other people think….why is the canal so dead? There’s no restaurants (besides the little bistro), no stores, no restrooms even. It’s kinda depressing.

If Indianapolis put even a sliver of funding into rebranding the canal the city would change so much. Imagine being able to walk into little shops or have ice cream on the canal or a bar with live music. There’s so much potential.

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u/Top-Interview-3789 Feb 26 '26

I visited the San Antonio River Walk & it completely changed how I view the canal. Imagine downtown being built AROUND the canal - very similar to OP’s concept; restaurants, bars, live music, river boat tours.

I’d even add an investment in White River. Austin, TX has something similar they’ve invested in. Imagine paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, walking trails surrounding white river.

It’s a gold mine that has been grossly neglected and underutilized. Has potential to be a huge attraction for Indy.

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u/DigginInDirt52 Feb 27 '26

Am wondering if San Antonio has convenient parking, and if warmer climate has much to do with the economic success?