White River

The White River is the largest waterway within Indiana with a length of about 362 Miles. It starts south of Winchester in Randolph County, winds through Muncie, Anderson, and Indianapolis, draining into the Wabash River near Mount Carmel, Illinois. ROW is focused along the White River from 21st Street to Raymond Street which includes the Near West and West Indy Quality of Life Plan communities.

White River Initiatives

A Rising Tide

This unique mobile, non-invasive arts district from Indy Convergence brings diverse performances to intimate pop-up venues using both all-terrain and floating stages.

New York Street Bridge

The committee, the City, and local group Near West 21 has partnered to install planter boxes and colorful LED lights for celebrating Indy events and the Near West Community.

Butterfly Sanctuary Initiatives

A series of native pollinator gardens will bring wildlife and beauty to Near West communities, in partnership with local schools such as Wendell Phillips School 63.

Stairs to the River

This project involves clearing invasive plants along the Urban Wilderness Trail to create river viewsheds, planting native species, and extending accessibility.

Committee File Cabinet

Quick Waterway Facts

Community Resources

Meeting Minutes

Maps

ROW White River and Near West Livability Master Map

Plans

2018-2020 White River Work Plans

Physical Facts

The West Fork of the White River is 362 miles long and is the largest waterway in Indianapolis.
Wildlife that can be spotted along the river inlcude Great Blue Heron, Snapping Turtles, and Beaver.
About 60% of Indianapolis’ drinking water is sources from the White River.

Historical Facts

The Miami name for the White River is Wapahani, meaning “white sands,” and was a key route for area Native American communities.
It was once law that industry had to dump their waste into the White River! Now, however, the City and its partners are working to clean up the river to provide healthy habitats, recreation, and a cleaner drinking water source.

Community Facts

From Broad Ripple on the North Eastside to West Indianapolis southeast of downtown, Indy neighbors are embracing the White River. ROW partners such as the White River Alliance, Indianapolis Art Center, Friends of White River, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Indiana Wildlife Federation, and many more are working to bring arts, recreation, and habitat restoration to the banks of the river.

Quality of Life Plans

White River Vision Plan

Friends of White River

Friends of White River