Mile Square is part of the original Indianapolis city plan, developed in 1821. This historic square mile represents the true center of the city, designed to be the center from which main thoroughfares would radiate outward from, heading away in every direction.

Mile Square is Downtown Indianapolis, but Downtown Indianapolis is not necessarily Mile Square. Mile Square itself has not grown, but the city has certainly grown around it. The actual boundaries of Mile Square are easy to distinguish as the street names are “north, south, east, and west.” Once you have crossed those intersections, you’ve left Mile Square. However, you’re still in Downtown Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium, White River State Park, and Victory Field are all popular downtown destinations that are close, but not quite part of Mile Square.