Pogue's Run Trail lets cyclists bike Indy's history
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Photos: Courtesy of Indiana Landmarks
Local cyclists and history buffs will soon unite to explore the rich history of Indy's Near Eastside on two wheels.
Why it matters: The site of this upcoming expedition is the newly completed — and long-awaited — Pogue's Run Trail, which runs 5.3 miles from Pogue's Run Art and Nature Park to the Cultural Trail and the Monon Trail at 10th Street.
Driving the news: Indiana Landmarks is teaming up with the Pogue's Run Waterway Committee to host 6.5-mile, 3.5-hour guided bicycle tours through historic neighborhoods like Cottage Home Historic District and Windsor Park on July 21.
- The group will keep a "leisurely" pace and make stops to learn more about significant sites along the way.
Zoom in: Kelly Harris, heritage experiences manager for Indiana Landmarks, said the new trail juxtaposes nicely with the historic architecture highlighted on the tour. Major stops include:
- The 1912 Spades Park branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, one of two Carnegie libraries in Indianapolis still used for its original purpose.
- An 1890 private residence designed by local architecture firm Vonnegut & Bohn.
- Key components of George Kessler's 1909 Park and Boulevard System, listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
What they're saying: "We are going to also be highlighting George Pogue. Sometimes being out in the city, people don't always know why it's called Pogue's Run," Harris told Axios. "So we will answer that question."
Fun fact: This is a daytime ride, but it might be worth rolling through Pogue's Run at night, too.
- The new trail includes glow-in-the-dark stone embedded into the asphalt.
- The stones are an homage to the old Marietta Glass and Refrigerator Co. plant that opened at 16th and Sherman in 1904, and the glass cullet path that used to be in the area.
If you go: The tours begin at Fletcher Park at 10am and depart every 15 minutes with the latest tour starting at 11:30am.
- Tickets are $35 for the general public and $30 for Indiana Landmarks members.
- Tourgoers need their own bikes and at least enough skill to handle some street riding and incline.
Yes, but: Don't have a bike and want in on the action? Indiana Landmarks suggests checking out Pacers Indiana Bikeshare.
- The closest docking station to the tour is located at 1205 Brookside Ave.