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

Bike Friendly

North Central Indy

Home to Butler University and close to other neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Butler-Tarkington’s older homes are enviable. This diverse neighborhood is only four miles north of Downtown Indianapolis and shares a border with Crown Hill Cemetery.

Photo of the exterior of 56th & Illinois shops

56th and Illinois Shops Exterior

Riviera Club Drone

Photo of the exterior of Petite G Jewelers

Petite G Jewelers Exterior

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.

Photo of the signage for the Riviera Club

Rivi

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A local kid's boutique that sells clothes and other novelty iteams.

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

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 01

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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Boutique selling women's casual- & activewear, plus shoes, home decor, gifts & baby clothes.

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 exterior of Byrne's Grilled Pizza

Byrne's Grilled Pizza

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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British-style pub popular with soccer fans offering local & imported beers & global fare.

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

Elegant, Casual, Comfortable and Trendy Designs are found at the Secret Ingredient. Unique clothing for everyday use and special occasions styles, shoes and more!

Photo of the exterior of The Secret Ingredient

The Secret Ingredient

Photo of the signage of The Secret Ingredient

Hinkle Fieldhouse is a basketball arena on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Completed in early 1928, it was the largest basketball arena in the United States until 1950.

Photo of the exterior of Hinkle Fieldhouse at Butler University

Hinkle Fieldhouse

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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