Have you heard? The downtown portion of the Nickel Plate Trail has officially opened, including the brand new pedestrian tunnel beneath 116th Street! No matter what age–on foot, bike, or skates, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the trail as we head into summer. If you’re a teen or have teens who are looking for a fun day out with friends, I’ve rounded up some ideas of how to spend your day along the Nickel Plate Trail.
Free and convenient parking is available in one of the downtown parking garages, like the Fishers Police Garage (4 Municipal Drive) or the Switch Garage (east of City Hall), and just a short walk to the trail’s downtown amenities. See a parking map for more info.
Start Your Morning Off Right at Clean Juice
11670 Commercial Drive, Suite 500
Photo credit: @lifewiththeralls on Instagram
Grab a smoothie or acai bowl that’s actually healthy before you hit the trail. Clean Juice specializes in organic cold pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, avocado toasts, sandwiches, wraps, and more. It’s the perfect way to energize yourself while walking along the trail.
Hang Out on the Monumental Stairs
2 Nickel Plate Trail
Finish your breakfast relaxing on the stairs, snap a selfie with your friends, and get ready to hit up your next spot as you go head north up the trail. Did you know you can walk the trail all the way up to 146th Street from downtown Fishers?!
Take a Selfie at the “Blazing the Trail” Mural
Get creative and create an Instagram reel, TikTok video, or a group photo in front of the “Blazing the Trail” mural behind the Fishers Police Department. Don’t forget to tag us at @FishersIN with the hashtag #AroundFishers.
Cool Off at the Indy Fuel Tank
12900 Fuel Way
Photo credit: Yelper Erin K.
Practice your figure eights during Indy Fuel Tank’s public skating session. Always check their live schedule beforehand, but their public skating hours are open daily usually between noon to 2 p.m..
End the Day at Pinheads & Alley’s Alehouse
13825 Britton Park Road
Photo credit: Yelper Will S.
Show off your bowling skills with a friendly competition with your friends at Pinheads! They even have an outdoor sand volleyball pit you can reserve. Work up an appetite and make sure to grab dinner while you’re there. You won’t find better food at a bowling alley than at Alley’s Alehouse.
Create a bucket list with your friends this summer and try to hit up as many local spots along the trail as you can! You don’t need a car to explore Fishers now that the Nickel Plate Trail is accessible from 106th Street all the way up to 146th Street. Follow the city on Instagram at @FishersIN and use the hashtag #AroundFishers as you capture fun memories all summer long!
Rachel Cho has been a Fishers resident for seven years. Her favorite things to do in Fishers are eating at local restaurants and visiting the Fishers Farmers Market almost every Saturday with her family. She loves sushi and Korean bbq, trying out and recommending the newest restaurants in Indy, photography, and true crime podcasts. She loves that there are so many fun parks and playgrounds nearby to take her kids to, as well as the Farmers’ Market because it makes them feel connected to the community when they eat and shop local. She is also a stay-at-home mom to 3-year-old triplets, and she and her husband make a pretty great team wrangling three toddlers and two dogs. Follow her on Instagram at @rdklove.