Winter Nature Walks and Native Art: What’s On Today in Indianapolis

Embrace the Chill and the Culture

Welcome to Monday, February 9, 2026. While Mondays are often quiet in the Circle City, today offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and sophisticated cultural exhibitions. Whether you are looking to breathe in the crisp February air or immerse yourself in the rich artistry of the American West, Indianapolis has several verified options to fill your itinerary. From the quiet trails of a historic park to the quiet halls of a world-class museum, today is a perfect day to explore the local scene without the weekend crowds.

Step Into Nature: Winter Walk at Holliday Park

For those looking to start their week with fresh air and exercise, the Winter Nature Walk at Holliday Park is a featured local event for today. Located on the city’s north side at 6363 Spring Mill Road, Holliday Park is one of the most storied green spaces in Indianapolis, spanning 94 acres along the banks of the White River. Today's nature walk invites residents to explore the park’s wooded trails and diverse ecosystems under a winter sky. It is a fantastic opportunity for photography and wildlife spotting, as local deer and wintering birds are frequently seen near the river and the ruins. The park is open from dawn to dusk, providing ample time for a morning trek or an afternoon stroll.

Cultural Highlights: Native American Art at the Eiteljorg

If you prefer to spend your afternoon indoors, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art is open today and hosting two significant temporary exhibitions. Unlike several other downtown cultural institutions that observe Monday closures, the Eiteljorg remains open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• "Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons: It’s Not Just A Quillbox": This striking exhibition features the work of Mi’kmaw artist Melissa Peter-Paul. The display showcases the intricate and evolving art of quillwork—decorating birchbark with dyed porcupine quills—preserving a historic Indigenous craft through modern artistic expression.
• "Emerging Current: Eiteljorg Contemporary Art Fellowship": This exhibition showcases new work from the most recent class of the museum's prestigious Contemporary Art Fellowship. Visitors can explore modern Indigenous life through a wide range of media, including digital art, sculpture, and painting.

Wildlife Encounters: Winter at the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo continues its daily operations today, offering a peaceful way to observe wildlife in the colder months. Many of the zoo’s more active animals, such as the tigers, brown bears, and red pandas, are often easier to spot in February than during the heat of the summer. Visitors can also take refuge from the cold in the climate-controlled International Chimpanzee Complex or the Global Elephant Village, both of which provide spectacular indoor viewing areas. The zoo is located in White River State Park and is currently operating on its winter schedule, generally opening at 9:00 AM.