Indianapolis Nickel Plate Trail

A Catalyst for Connection, Development, and Growth

NICKEL PLATE TRAIL INDY is a proposed 8.6-mile multi-use trail and regional asset that will activate community nodes and spur placemaking and redevelopment. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance the citywide and regional trail network.

Connecting 39th – 96th St. to Fishers and Noblesville

What if there was one amenity that could create…

Z

Recreation

Z

Fitness

Z

Commerce

Z

Learning

Z

Socialization

Z

Transportation

and so much more!

Nickel Plate Trail
Nickel Plate Trail Logo

The Nickel Plate Trail will breathe new life into our community!

Imagine the impact on our community when everyone has access to the Nickel Plate Trail! Businesses will grow, restaurants will flourish, and people will connect.

One Amenity. Many Benefits.

The Indianapolis Nickel Plate Trail will be a boost to our community in many different ways. Here are just a few ways the trail will make all of our lives and businesses better.

Build Relationships

Economic Opportunity

Trails can catalyze trailside development and increase area property values.
Belong

Equitable Investment

Trails can take former barriers (railroad tracks) and transform them in to a means of transportation and recreation for use by everyone (paved trail)!

Create Community

Health & Wellness

40% of trail users reported they did not exercise regularly before having access to a trail.*

* 2017 Indiana Trails Study conducted by IU Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Land.

The Latest on the Nickel Plate Trail

The City of Indianapolis submitted the Next Level Trails grant application to the Indiana DNR in December 2021. We are looking forward to a decision in March 2022.

Build Relationships

8.6 Miles

If awarded a funding match, the City of Indianapolis and our community partners propose to start construction as early as Fall of 2022 and complete by Spring of 2024.

Belong

$9.2 Million

Design engineering, construction inspection, and est. construction cost for a 10-foot wide asphalt trail with intersection safety improvements, trail signs, and emergency services location device

Create Community

$1.2 million

Invested by the City of Indianapolis to date for design engineering. The City has committed up to $3.6 Million for design and construction costs.

Upcoming BRAG Events

No events schedule at this time

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indianapolis Nickel Plate Trail

What is the Nickel Plate Trail?

The Nickel Plate Trail Indy is a proposed 10-foot wide multi-use asphalt trail on the old Nickel Plate Railroad bed from 96th street to 39th street.

How will the trail be funded?

The city of Indianapolis has applied for a $5 million grant through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) Next Level Trails (NLT) program. The application was submitted December 1st and is the third time the city has applied for funding through the NLT program. If Indianapolis is fortunate enough to be awarded the grant, the City will need to fund the additional $3 million match. To learn more visit Next Level Trails.

When will the trail be constructed?

The City has already designated $1.2 million in the 2022 budget to fund the design of the trail. If funding is approved construction could begin as early as the fall of 2022 and be completed in 3 years.

Will this affect my property value?

A 2015 study by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute stated that “Property values within 500 feet (1 block) of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail have increased 148% from 2008 to 2014, an increase of $1 billion in assessed property value.”

Will this trail connect with the Fishers Nickel Plate Trail?

The city is collaborating with Fishers and Noblesville to connect 16.82 miles of trail from Noblesville to Fishers to Indy. The connection of the Nickel Plate + Monon + Midland Trace will create a loop over 40 miles.