Photo courtesy of Half Liter

Biking or walking Indy’s Monon Trail? You’re in for a treat. The Monon Trail is a unique Indy experience that offers much more than just beautiful scenery.

This 27-mile stretch from downtown Indianapolis up to Sheridan has some fantastic spots to grab a bite, sip a coffee, or just chill out. I’ve put together my go-to places along the way – think cozy cafes, craft breweries, and fun family hangouts that make any Monon adventure even better.

What’s the Deal with the Monon Trail?

The Monon Trail used to be railroad tracks. Back in the day, it was part of the Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Railway. But locals just called it the Monon Railroad after a little town in Indiana that was basically railroad central. 

When trains started losing their popularity in the ’80s, someone had the brilliant idea to turn these old tracks into a trail. The first chunk opened in 1999, and now you can walk or bike from downtown Indy all the way through Broad Ripple, Carmel, Westfield, and up to Sheridan. Today this vibrant path is a hub of neighborly connection, outdoor recreation, and local business exploration. The trail even got some serious recognition in 2009 when it made it into the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame.

Photo courtesy of The Alchemist

Best Coffee Shops and Breakfast Spots on the Monon Trail.

Downtown Indianapolis

• The Alchemist combines a cozy, dimly-lit atmosphere with creative drinks and pastries like their signature eggnog latte.
• Blue Collar Coffee Co. sits right in the middle of all the action at Bottleworks District on Mass Ave. It’s a great spot to enjoy an espresso (and people watching, if that’s for you!).
• Side Door Bagel is one of those places that’ll change your mind about bagels if you’re not usually into them. They offer a variety of cream cheeses and vegan options too.

Broad Ripple

• Perk Up Café feels like something you’d find in Europe, with tables outside where you can enjoy your coffee and pastries al fresco.
• Breadworks does this French-style baking thing really well, and they always have  unique latte flavors you won’t find everywhere else. 
• Good Morning Mama’s is the delicious breakfast sister to local Italian favorite, Mama Carolla’s. 

Nora

• The Roost is your cozy neighborhood breakfast and lunch destination. They serve a wide variety of egg and omelet selections, sweet pancakes, and biscuits & gravy.
• Bagel Fair is a second-generation restaurant where Indy’s only New York bagels are made fresh daily, from a family recipe over 100 years old. 

Carmel

• Indie Coffee Roasters (North End) is a local shop that features local roasters! Plus the location is convenient and it has that cute neighborhood feel.
• Bovaconti Coffee is one of those reliable spots where you know you’ll get good coffee every time. Be sure to snag a Honey Lavender Latte, and enjoy it under the patio lights.
• Le Petit Gâteau Bakery does French pastries and custom cakes – it’s the kind of place where everything looks almost too pretty to eat.

Top Restaurants Near the Monon Trail

Downtown Indy

• Fountain Room has an old-school supper club feel with velvet banquettes and dim lighting – their prime rib is really something special.
• Leviathan Bakehouse is where locals go for those Instagram-worthy croissant breakfast sandwiches, though fair warning: you’ll definitely make a mess eating them.
• Bodhi is a 21+ Thai spot run by three generations of women who’ll make your food exactly as spicy (or not spicy) as you want it.

Broad Ripple

• Fire by the Monon is great for an upscale dining experience.
• Mama Carolla’s is a cozy Italian spot, perfect for a romantic date night.
• Half Liter BBQ is a casual smokehouse with a huge beer garden right next to the trail.

Carmel

• divvy has trendy tapas and shareable plates that are great for group get-togethers.
• Hanami serves fresh sushi and a sleek, modern vibe.
• Lone Pine is a steakhouse that’s quickly becoming a community staple.
• Bazbeaux takes artisanal pizza to the next level with local favorites like their Quattro Formaggio pie. 

Sheridan

• Twin Kiss Drive In has small-town fast food vibes. There’s no indoor seating so you can grab your food or sweet treat and enjoy it in your car or at an outdoor picnic table. 

Photo courtesy of Hanami

Ice Cream and Sweet Treats Along the Monon

• Just Pop In serves gourmet popcorn with fun flavors like “Indy Style” (cheddar + caramel).
• Pots & Pans Pie Co. is beloved for their seasonal and classic pie flavors.
• Graeter’s Ice Cream is all about small-batch, old-school ice cream. It’s a classic shop that’s stood the test of time.
• BRICS (Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station) is great for a scoop and a history lesson! Located in a historic train depot, BRICS is full of railroad nostalgia.

Breweries, Bars, and Wineries Near the Monon Trail

• Solely Wine has curated natural wines and frequent tasting events.
• Petite Chou Bistro & Champagne Bar serves bubbly champagne, dazzling cocktails, and delicious French bistro fare.
• Broad Ripple Brewpub is one of Indy’s original brewpubs with a relaxed outdoor patio.
• Union Brewing Company in Carmel is perfect for live music and trail-side seating.
• Sun King in Carmel is steps away from Midtown Plaza, where the whole family can enjoy ping pong, movie nights, and splash pads.

Local Shops Along the Monon Trail

• The Shop Indy in Broad Ripple sells Indiana-themed apparel, including tees and hoodies celebrating the Hoosier state.
• United State of Indiana near 54th Street is your local destination for screen-printed shirts and stuff that’s all about Indiana pride.
• The Bungalow in Broad Ripple is one of those cute little shops where you can find home décor and gifts that actually look good.
• Orangily, also on 54th Street, is a wellness bottle shop carrying zero-proof spirits, NA wines, and functional drinks.
• Silver in the City has locations in both Indy and Carmel and is known for quirky gifts, jewelry, and home goods just steps from the trail.

Photo courtesy of Silver in the City

Fitness Centers and Studios Near the Monon Trail

• Monon Community Center in Carmel offers fitness classes, indoor pools, and wellness facilities right off the trail in Central Park.
• Broad Ripple Fit Club on Westfield Blvd does CrossFit and group classes with trainers who actually make you feel welcome instead of intimidated.
• The Fitness Lab on 54th Street is where serious athletes go – they’re all about making you stronger and faster, not just getting you sweaty.
• Iris Rosa Dance Studio near 22nd Street teaches everything from jazz to Afro-Cuban dance, and they make sure everyone feels comfortable no matter your skill level.

Events and Festivals on the Monon Trail (By Season)

Spring

• Cherry Blossom Festival (Carmel) celebrates the blooming season with cultural performances and food.
• Melt the Trail 5K (Westfield) is a fun way to welcome warmer weather.
• Bike Carmel events like Coffee on the Monon and Bike to Work Day reward environmentally friendly commuters with treats and community.

Summer

• CarmelFest is basically Indiana’s biggest Fourth of July party – think fireworks, parades, and tons of local food vendors all in one place.
• Broad Ripple Art Fair is where you can check out work from local artists while listening to live music and trying your hand at interactive art activities for all ages.
• Indiana State Fair offers classic fair fun with concerts, food, rides, and agriculture exhibits just a short ride from the Monon Trail’s South Broad Ripple section each summer.

Fall

• Full Mo Run challenges participants to run the entire Monon Trail (27 miles and all!).
• Autumntidings Fall Fest, hosted by Ash & Elm at Monon 30 features cider, crafts, and cozy Fall feels.
• Artomobilia (Carmel) highlights classic and custom cars from across the region.

Winter

• Christkindlmarkt (Carmel) transforms Carter Green into a magical German-style holiday market, complete with a toy shop, a mulled wine tower, and an ice skating rink.

Bonus event: Just south of the Monon Trail is the home of Indy Fringe Theater Festival, known for its eclectic mix of performances, including dance, comedy, magic and more!

Make the Most of Your Monon Adventure

Whether you’re out for a walk, bike ride, or just want some ice cream, the Monon Trail isn’t just about getting from point A to point B – it’s where neighborhoods come together and you stumble upon your next go-to spot. There’s always something different to check out depending on the season.

So lace up your shoes (or bring your appetite!) and see what all the fuss is about. The trail stretches from downtown all the way up to Carmel and beyond, so there’s plenty to explore no matter what you’re into. 

We’re pretty lucky that someone had the vision to turn these old railroad tracks into something this special – a place where you can get outside, discover local culture, and taste what our homegrown chefs and brewers are creating. Don’t rush it though. The best part about the Monon is taking your time and making some memories along the way.