You’ve made the great choice to visit Butler University, and while you’re in town, we want you to check out some of our favorites places in the city. You will be able to explore our streets, eat like a local, and maybe spot some Butler students out and about.
Where to Stay
If you’re staying overnight, you’ll want to arrange your hotel accommodations. We don’t have hotel options within walking distance to campus, but you’ll find a handful in close driving distance. We partner with many national brand and boutique hotels to provide our visitors great recommendations and rates that can be viewed here. Hotels downtown will give you plenty of options for exploring within walking distance. The Northside (along 86th street) is where the major mall is located and is accessible by car.
Butler Campus Visit
When you’ve arrived in town, make your way to Butler for your visit. Enjoy your time on campus and make sure to check out our suggestions for things to notice during your tour. Once you’ve wrapped up your visit, it is time to tackle our highlights in Indianapolis.
Broad Ripple
Head to nearby Broad Ripple Village for lunch. This is where many Butler students spend time when they aren’t on campus. Some local favorites include 3 Sisters Cafe (once featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives), La Piedad, Bazbeaux Pizza, or Nicey Treat for a popsicle. The Monon Rail Trail allows you to explore different parts of Broad Ripple at a casual pace. Grab a cup of coffee at Monon Coffee Company and walk along the path to see a bit more of the Broad Ripple neighborhood.
Downtown Indianapolis
If you’re up for an afternoon adventure, make your way downtown and rent a bike from the Indiana Pacers Bikeshare, and ride on the Cultural Trail to see the Indianapolis Canal, NCAA Hall of Champions, and Victory Field. When you’re ready to eat again, stop along Massachusetts Avenue (or Mass Ave. as locals call it). The Eagle, Bakersfield, or Bru Burger are all great lunch or dinner options and will allow you to explore shops along the way.
Other Must-See Destinations
It may be time for you to head home, but if you’re staying in Indy a little longer, spend some time at Newfields, which houses the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This is located just west of Butler’s campus and is easily walkable from campus via the Canal Towpath trail. If it is a beautiful day outside, take a walk through the 100 acres of outdoor space that is free and open to the public.
Your last stop is a fan favorite: Cafe Patachou. Known for their great breakfast and lunch options, this is always a staple on an Indy tour. Located a few blocks east of campus, end your trip here with a side order of cinnamon sourdough toast. You will thank me later.
We think Indianapolis is a great backyard for Butler students to explore. Visiting the surrounding city during your college visits will allow you to determine if it could be a good fit for what you’re looking for in your college experience. We are so glad you included Butler and Indianapolis in your plans!
Kelsey O’Shaughnessy is an Admission Counselor within Butler’s Office of Admission. Kelsey works with students living in Iowa; New York state; “The Region” in Indiana; and the Quad Cities, Peoria, Decatur and Champaign, Illinois.