Carmel is a suburban city with an authentic small-town vibe, from its summer farmers market and charming Arts and Design District to its tree-lined walking paths and community centre. The city’s renowned food scene and hundreds of kilometres of biking trails complement its historical museums and manicured parks.
Things to do in Carmel
If you’re visiting Carmel with the kids in tow, take them to The Waterpark at the Monon Community Centre, where they can enjoy a surfing simulator, playgrounds, drop slide, rock-climbing wall, kiddie pool and a lazy river. The Monon Community Centre also has its own fitness centre with an indoor running track, childcare centre, snack par and recreational pool.
Want to immerse yourself in the local culture? Stoll around the Carmel Arts and Design District, which showcases local business and artisans. Within this heritage neighbourhood you’ll find art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, alfresco cafes and inviting restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the Museum of Miniature Houses, which displays miniature clocks, tools, dolls and fully-furnished houses.
Avid historians will enjoy visiting Conner Prairie, a living history museum that takes you back to the 19th-century pioneer times. Chat with guides dressed in period costumes, learn the art of ballooning and discover how the native Lenape people hunted and trapped animals.
Combine nature with science at the Cool Creek Park Nature Center, where you can watch demonstrations on habitat preservation and native wildlife. The nearby Coxhall Gardens is perfect for a day out, thanks to its garden-based playground, biking trails, outdoor music stage and fishing lake.
Getting around Carmel
Carmel is about 15 minutes’ drive from Indianapolis Executive Airport and 40 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport. With no public transport, the best ways to get around Carmel are on foot, using bicycles or hiring your own vehicle.