9-20-2026 Indianapolis to Brownsburg: A Full Day on the B&O Trail
It was a lovely day for a big ride, so we linked together several Indianapolis trails for a 50.6-mile outing. From our friends’ house, we took the Fall Creek Greenway to the White River Trail and followed the river toward downtown.
Ride facts
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Route: Indianapolis to Brownsburg, IN and back
Trails: Fall Creek Trail, White River Trail, B&O Trail, Cultural Trail, Monon Trail
Distance: 50.6 miles
Picnic by the White River
We stopped for a picnic lunch overlooking the White River and downtown Indy. Along the way, we passed the old baseball stadium that has been converted into apartments. Then we headed west on the Michigan Street bike path to pick up the B&O Trail.
West to Brownsburg
We followed the B&O Trail west through neighborhoods, tunnels and bridge crossings, all the way to its end past Brownsburg. We photographed a colorful rock snake that people were encouraged to add to, and stopped at the B&O Trail Outdoor Railroad Museum.
Dinner and the ride home
On the return, we passed back through Speedway and headed downtown for dinner at Sushi Boss. From there, we followed the Cultural Trail to connect with the Monon Trail north, then the Fall Creek Trail back to our friends’ house. Linking all those trails together made it a full day rather than just an out-and-back on one path.
A railroad route finding a new life
The B&O name keeps the old railroad story visible along a route now used for recreation and getting between communities. The B&O Trail Association describes its mission as connecting communities while preserving a passage to their history. In 2026 it celebrated the long-awaited trail connection between Brownsburg and Speedway—a useful reminder that these trails are built a section at a time, often through years of local effort.
A pause at the outdoor railroad museum
Our stop at the outdoor railroad museum brought that railroad connection into focus. Instead of just rolling through, we could pause with the displays and think about the line’s earlier purpose. It was one of those small discoveries that gave the day its own character.
Along the ride
The Fall Creek Trail
Nearing the intersection with the White River Trail
The White River trail follows the river into downtown Indianapolis.
We passed the old baseball stadium that has been turned into apartments.
Our snacky picnic lunch overlooking the White River and downtown Indy.
This is where the Michigan Street bike lane ends and the B&O Trail begins.
The trail goes through quiet neighborhoods west of downtown.
We didn't capture the head, but all these colored rocks are a rock snake, and people are encouraged to add to it.
Tunnel under the interstate - one of several tunnels under roads.
The current end of the trail west of Brownsburg.
B&O Trail Outdoor Railroad Museum
We often stop at a bench by this bridge because it's pretty and relaxing.
Passing back through Speedway, the heart of the Indy 500 racing scene.
The nicely separated Michigan Street bike path.
Passing over the Canal in downtown Indy.
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