A visitor examines some of the artifacts at the Indiana State Museum. The museum is one of many White River State Park attractions offering free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in addition to partnering with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana to help fight hunger.
Local families looking for a way to honor the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will have a variety of opportunities Monday at downtown Indianapolis attractions.
At the same time, they’ll help fight hunger throughout central Indiana, including in Johnson County.
The attractions at White River State Park have partnered with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for a one-day event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, raising money and building awareness for Gleaners’ fight against hunger in central Indiana.
“We’re proud to partner together as a park and offer guests the opportunity to experience the cultural and artistic experiences White River State Park has to offer at no charge,” said Jake Oakman, executive director of White River State Park. “And, by supporting the important work of Gleaners Food Bank, park guests will contribute to the important community service Gleaners provides every day.”
Park visitors are encouraged to make monetary donations to Gleaners via donation Dip Jars that will be located throughout the park at each attraction. Donations can also be accepted online
“This annual event is a great opportunity for families to visit our great museums and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through service to others,” said Fred Glass, president of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. “We’re grateful to White River State Park for their ongoing support for Gleaners and those we serve.”
The following White River State Park attractions will have free admission on Monday:
Indiana State Museum — Join the Indiana State Museum as they honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., through a day of celebration and reflection. Partake in multicultural performances as well as community-focused activities such as creating a mural, speech making and more. Interact with community members and learn more about the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equity through artifact investigation, chats with our curators and videos highlighting King’s most iconic speeches.
Indianapolis Zoo — Visitors can experience their favorite animals being even more active and playful during these cooler temperatures. This includes the dolphin show at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The zoo will also offer a $5 meal deal, which includes a hot dog, bag of chips and a canned soda. Dolphin Meet and Greets are available at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. are paid experiences.
IMAX Theater — The IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum will play Deep Sky multiple times throughout the day. This documentary brings the awe-inspiring images captured by NASA’s Webb Telescope to IMAX — taking audiences on a journey to the beginning of time and space, to never-before-seen cosmic landscapes, and to recently discovered exoplanets, planets around other stars. Guests can pick up free tickets for the film at the ticket desk in the Indiana State Museum when they arrive. Tickets cannot be ordered online in advance for this date.
Eiteljorg Museum — Visit the Eiteljorg to explore the art, history and diverse cultures and amazing stories of Native Americans and the American West. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, participate in a drumming circle, watch a film screening, and create art as part of a community art project. Activities support Dr. King’s message of service. Also, experience the last day of the enchanting model train wonderland, Fifth Third Bank Jingle Rails: The Great Western Adventure.
NCAA Hall of Champions — Visit the new Mascot exhibit which features some of NCAA’s most notable and unique mascots, along with Indianapolis’ own member schools and their mascots! Guests can also immerse themselves in fully interactive exhibits to compete virtually and hands-on through sports simulators, a 1930s retro gymnasium, ski simulator and more.
The park is also offering complimentary parking on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Visitors may park in the underground garage located off Washington Street in front of the Indiana State Museum and the surface parking lot next to the Park’s Visitor’s Center. Parking is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis.
