Located on the near northside of Indianapolis in the heart of Butler University’s campus, the gardens encompass twenty acres of hillside overlooking a small manmade lake and the historic Indianapolis Central Canal. The gardens were designed in 1949 by James Holcomb, a Trustee of Butler University, and Arthur Lindberg, then superintendent of buildings and grounds for the campus. Construction of the gardens was completed by 1950.

Holcomb Gardens Sign

Holcomb Gardens Tower

Holcomb Gardens Pond

Photo of bridge over the canal in Holcomb Gardens

Holcomb Gardens Bridge

Holcomb Gardens Canal

Holcomb Gardens lawn

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Historic

Parks & Trails

Arts & Culture

Unique Architecture

North Central Indy

Home to [Butler University](https://www.dwellane.com/place/butler-university) and adjacent to other Midtown neighborhoods [Broad Ripple](https://www.dwellane.com/neighborhood/broad-ripple) and [Meridian Kessler](https://www.dwellane.com/neighborhood/meridian-kessler), Butler-Tarkington’s residents love its older homes and tree-lined streets, as well as its educational, cultural, and recreational amenities. Anchored by the esteemed [Butler University](https://www.dwellane.com/place/butler-university), the neighborhood enjoys a vibrant cultural scene with the iconic [Clowes Memorial Hall](https://www.dwellane.com/place/clowes-memorial-hall) hosting diverse performances. Residents can explore the scenic beauty of [Holcomb Gardens](https://www.dwellane.com/place/holcomb-gardens), a botanical retreat adjacent to the university, and enjoy numerous recreational facilities, including swimming pools and tennis courts, at [The Riviera Club](https://www.dwellane.com/place/the-riviera-club). The neighborhood also features unique shopping and dining options, including locally-owned [Lunch Money Boutique](https://www.dwellane.com/place/lunch-money-boutique), [Kids Ink Children's Bookstore](https://www.dwellane.com/place/kids-ink-childrens-bookstore), and [Byrne's Grilled Pizza](https://www.dwellane.com/place/byrnes-grilled-pizza) at Butler-Tarkington's charming "Main Street" at 56th & Illinois. 

Photo of the exterior of Byrne's Grilled Pizza

Byrne's Grilled Pizza

Photo of the exterior of Petite G Jewelers

Petite G Jewelers Exterior

Photo of the exterior of 56th & Illinois shops

56th and Illinois Shops Exterior

Riviera Club Drone

Newfields Drone Photo

Butler University is a private university in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1855 and named after founder Ovid Butler, the university has over 60 major academic fields of study in six colleges: the Lacy School of Business, College of Communication, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Jordan College of the Arts. It's a 295-acre campus and is approximately five miles from downtown Indianapolis.

Photo of sign reading "Butler Univeristy"

Butler

Photo of academic building at Butler University

Photo of library on campus of Butler University

Photo of fitness center at Butler University

Photo of football stadium at Butler University

Photo of green space on the campus of Butler University 

Photo of Jordan Hall at Butler University

Photo of walking path and green space at Butler University

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Kids Ink is an Indianapolis-based independent bookstore specializing in children's books, games, puzzles, and creative-play toys.

Gif of the exterior of Kids, Ink bookstore

Kids Ink

Photo of the interior of Kids, Ink bookstore

Photo of the exterior of Kids, Ink bookstore

Shopping

Located on the north side of Indianapolis, Rivi has been a centerpiece of the Midtown area for many decades. Under its published Mission Statement, Membership is open to “people of good humor and high character…without regard to gender, religious or ethnic background.” A variety of programs are available to Members including USA Swimming-accredited swim teams, swim lessons and aquatic classes for adults and children,  an ever-expanding selection of fitness classes,  tennis options, days camps, dining and other activities, with some offerings open to the general public. The Riviera Club is a 501(c)7 not-for-profit Member-owned recreational and social club, with a 501(c)3 arm,  supported by 2200 families. It is a place for everyone, a truly inclusive and unique club representative of the many diverse neighborhoods and individuals around us. Today the Riviera Club is a welcoming family-friendly environment for people of any background.

Rivi

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Photo of the signage for the Riviera Club

At Lunch Money Boutique, our mission is to celebrate the joy and wonder of childhood by providing a whimsical and enchanting shopping experience for both parents and little ones. We are dedicated to curating a thoughtfully crafted collection of clothing, accessories, and essentials that combine comfort, style, and imagination.

Photo of the exterior of Lunch Money Boutique

Lunch Money Boutique

Photo of the interior of Lunch Money Boutique

Illinois Street Food Emporium is a great place with a deep connection to the community. The restaurant serves salads, sandwiches, pasta, quesadillas, flatbread pizzas and myriad sweets and breads, including croissants. The signature Tarkington Chicken is an entrée of grilled chicken with wild rice, mushrooms, carrots, onions, artichoke and spinach with Monterey Jack cheese sauce.

Photo of the exterior of the Illinois Street Food Emporium

Illinois Street Food Emporium

Photo of the exterior and patio of the Illinois Street Food Emporium

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Gif of the exterior of the Illinois Street Food Emporium

Petite G Jewelers is an Indianapolis jewelry store that specializes in premier boutique jewelry. For many years, Petite G has had the distinct honor of servicing Meridian-Kessler, Butler-Tarkington & surrounding Indianapolis neighborhoods. With a long-standing reputation in the jewelry industry and local community, you can count on Petite G to provide the highest level of customer service.

From engagement rings to repairs and everything in between, Petite G is here to help with all of your jewelry needs. We are a family owned and look forward to serving you for years to come. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your patronage and support.

Petite G Jewelers

Photo of the interior of Petite G Jewelers

Tarkington Park, located in the heart of Indianapolis, is a vibrant urban green space that serves as a focal point for community gatherings, recreation, and relaxation. Spanning over 10 acres, this park offers a range of amenities for visitors of all ages, including playgrounds, basketball courts, a splash pad, and a fitness trail. The park's design incorporates open grassy areas, shaded walking paths, and landscaped gardens, providing opportunities for both active pursuits and peaceful contemplation. Tarkington Park frequently hosts events such as concerts, festivals, and fitness classes, fostering a strong sense of community engagement and connection among residents. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse offerings, Tarkington Park stands as a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, embodying the spirit of urban renewal and public enjoyment in Indianapolis.

Exterior photo of Tarkington Park in Midtown Indianapolis, showing the playground

Tarkington Park (2)

Exterior photo of Tarkington Park in Midtown Indianapolis, showing the community center

Tarkington Park

Tarkington Park (1)

Exterior photo of Tarkington Park in Midtown Indianapolis, showing the basketball courts

The best way to enjoy the summer or celebrate a great day is to stop into Graeter's for a sweet treat. Since 1870, four generations of the Graeter family have remained committed to handcrafting only the most indulgent ice cream available. From humble beginnings serving ice cream from a cart in Cincinnati to the nationwide presence of Graeter’s Ice Cream today.

Photo of the exterior of Graeter's Ice Cream

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Graeter's

L.E. Kincaid & Sons opened its doors in 1921 and has been a mainstay on the north side of Indianapolis for over nine decades. Started by L.E. Kincaid and passed through the generations to his grandson, David Rollins, it was sold to the Dugdale family in 2015. Kincaid’s is a full-service butcher and meat market. The new owners have modernized the Kincaid’s experience but what hasn’t changed is the exceptional customer service and old-school butcher shop feel. The updates you will find are brand new local products that are the best of the best curated from Jonathan and Joe Mac’s years of experience in the food industry. Kincaid’s Meat Market is proud to serve multiple generations of Indianapolis families. Our customers know that they can expect the highest quality products from Kincaid’s and exceptional customer care that hasn’t changed over the years.

Photo of the exterior of Kincaid's Meat Market

Kincaid'd Meat Market

Kincaids

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We are a unique gift, home decor and fashion boutique. At Be we believe in appealing to all your senses. Whether it be the sweet scent of a candle, the soft touch of a cozy sweater, or the sight of that perfect accessory for your home, we hope to tempt your tastes with every offering!


Be the Boutique

Nestled in a quite location in Butler Tarkington, they are a locally owned establishment serving craft pizza, pasta, salads, bread sticks, draft beer, a very nice wine list and a wide assortment of cocktails. And yes... a few great desserts. Their catering business is anchored by 2 mobile food truck trailers that have the capacity to feed 2000 people or more. Their catering license allows us to serve spirits off site as well.

Photo of the signage at Byrne's Grilled Pizza

The J.McLaughlin brand has always been more about style than fashion: straightforward, unpretentious, and devoid of the superfluous. Their clothing is rooted in the tradition of sport, work, and play. It taps into the iconic legacy of true American sportswear. They approach product design with impeccable craftmanship while standout colors and a portfolio of signature prints lend unique touches to every seasonal collection.

J.McLaughlin

Clowes Memorial Hall, officially known as Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, is a performance hall located on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Opened October 18, 1963, it hosts numerous significant concerts, orchestras, musicals, plays, and guest speakers.

Clowes Memorial Hall

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Chatham Tap opened its doors on Mass Ave in Indianapolis in September of 2007 with the goal of bringing a pub in the tradition of the English “local”
to the Chatham-Arch neighborhood of Indianapolis. In October of 2019 we openend our third location on the Butler University Campus in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood. 

While keeping with the friendly and laid back tradition of a neighborhood pub, we sought to rise above the “pub-grub” level with our menu.  Emphasizing sandwiches and appetizers, our award-winning menu is a unique combination of flavors and styles, with plenty of vegetarian options as well as enough choices for the carnivores out there.  Yes, you will find wings, nachos, and pizza on our menu.  But we hope they are unlike any wings, nachos, or pizza you’ve ever had.

And what would a pub be without beer?  We offer a wide range of draught and bottled beer, from the best local breweries all the way to the best England and Europe have to offer.  Our rotating selection of seasonal and specialty draughts means there will always be something new to try.

At Chatham Tap, You’ll Never Drink Alone!

Chatham Tap - Butler

This Starbucks is in a great location to grab a drink and go shopping. Nearby Kincaid's Meat Market, Kids Ink Books & Toys, and more, it's easy to find enough to do over an afternoon while staying caffinated. 

Starbucks

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Indianapolis's premier tabletop store. Wedding & gift registry services to create a uniquely beautiful and sophisticated home.

Photo of the exterior of Charles Mayer & Co

Charles Mayer & Company

If there were three fundamentals of owning and operating a women’s boutique, fashion-forward, friendly, and fun certainly come to mind.  Pam Ellis possesses these and more.  For more than a decade, she has made her mark in the fashion retail industry from owning and operating to selling and marketing, she’s made the business of making women look and feel beautiful her passion. The Secret Ingredient is committed to offering the largest selection of Fashion and Accessories by some of the highest quality brands.

Photo of the exterior of The Secret Ingredient

The Secret Ingredient

Photo of the signage of The Secret Ingredient

Known as Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral, Hinkle Fieldhouse has reigned as one of the nation’s great sports arenas for more than nine decades. The classic facility was constructed in 1928 and has stood the test of time, maintaining the splendor, character and atmosphere that has made it one of the nation’s most famous basketball arenas for nearly a century.  Home to the Bulldogs’ men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball programs, Hinkle’s easy-to-access location on campus makes it a must-see stop for sports fans visiting Indianapolis.

Photo of the exterior of Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University

Hinkle Fieldhouse

Butler University Campus Fountain

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The gallery has published scholarly catalogs, organized exhibits, and works with the descendants of the early Indiana artists. They actively maintain an extensive inventory of the best examples of early Indiana art, as well as works by the top living traditional Indiana painters.

Photo of the exterior of James R. Ross Fine Art