White River State Park (WRSP) and major attractions will offer free admission and parking to visitors in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 17, 2022.
White River State Park has partnered with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for the past 20 years to host the annual event on MLK, Jr. Day. In lieu of canned goods and non-perishable food items, visitors are encouraged to make monetary donations of any amount. Dip Jar donations of $5 will be collected throughout the Park and donations of any amount can be made online prior to visiting.
Special activities will take place throughout the day at most of the major attractions located at White River State Park, including Eiteljorg Museum, IMAX® Theater, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, and the NCAA® Hall of Champions. Visitors should check each attraction’s individual website for the latest event details and most up to date COVID-19 protocols.
“We are excited to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in partnership with our friends at Gleaners Food Bank. With the generous donations of our Park visitors, we are able to help fight against hunger throughout our entire city,“ says Jake Oakman, executive director, White River State Park. “We encourage everyone to join us at White River State Park for a safe, enjoyable MLK Day celebration that will provide a lifetime of memories for all,” he added.
Free Activities at White River State Park
The following FREE activities at WRSP attractions will take place on MLK Day:
NCAA Hall of Champions
Experience the current exhibit – The Long-Standing Tradition of the NCAA Football Championship from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This display reflects on some of the standout moments, thrilling matchups, and memorable games of NCAA football. Guests can participate in a scavenger hunt and register for hourly raffle prizes for official NCAA merchandise. There will also be photo opportunities with replicas of the 2022 Men’s and Women’s basketball trophies. For more information, visit ncaahallofchampions.org.
Eiteljorg
Visitors are welcomed to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Eiteljorg on Monday, January 17 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., with free admission to the museum. Visitors can immerse themselves in Native American and Western cultures while also enjoying the final day of Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure, and exploring activities in the new Nina Mason Pulliam Education Center. For more information, visit eiteljorg.org.
IMAX® Theater
Venture into deep space for a fascinating look at asteroids, their cosmic origins, and the potential threat they pose to our world with the IMAX original film “Asteroid Hunters.” Narrated by Daisy Ridley, “Asteroid Hunters” introduces asteroid scientists – the best line of defense between Earth and an asteroid’s destructive path – and reveals the cutting-edge tools and techniques they use to detect and track asteroids, and the technology that may one day protect our planet. The showtimes are: 11:30 a.m, 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Asteroid Hunters will not be in 3D for this day. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is met. For more information, visit imax.com/wrsp.
Indiana State Museum
Celebrate Dr. King’s dream at the Indiana State Museum from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equity in America, watch some of Dr. King’s most iconic speeches, enjoy a performance by Meraki Dance Company, and participate in activities that reflect on what you can do to ensure the dream lives on for future generations. The museum will also have its copies of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment on display in Legacy Theater with a curator on hand from 12-3pm for questions. For more information, visit indianamuseum.org.
The Indianapolis Zoo
Guests are invited to enjoy a special visit to the Indianapolis Zoo on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in recognition of his life, legacy and teachings around service and community. With weather permitting, the Zoo will have the hardier animals out to enjoy the day, including Arctic foxes, sea lions, tigers, brown bears, walruses and more. The Zoo’s indoor exhibits — Oceans, Dolphin Dome, Deserts Dome and Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center — will be open as well. Plus, guests can experience dolphin presentations at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Café on the Commons will serve a $5 combo meal that includes a hot dog, chips and drink. The Zoo is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and parking is complimentary at the Zoo. For more information, visit indianapoliszoo.com.
Free Parking at White River State Park for MLK Day
WRSP will also offer complimentary parking throughout the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Regular rates will resume after 7 p.m. Visitors may park in the WRSP parking garage located at 650 W. Washington St. or surface lot located at 801 W. Washington St. Parking is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about MLK Jr. Day at White River State Park, visit whiteriverstatepark.org.
