Indiana is known as the “Crossroads of America.” Bordered by Lake Michigan to the northwest, the Ohio River to the south, and the Wabash River to the west, it is the 17th most populous state in the United States. Although many jokingly refer to Indiana as a state you drive through or fly over to get to where you want to go, the Hoosier state has a unique cultural history as well as plenty of fun things to do, if you know where to find them.
Indiana is known for its corn production, vast stretches of farmland, basketball, and a little motor racing event you may or may not have heard of called the Indy 500. If you’re targeting potential destinations specifically based on their skateboarding reputation, Indiana is probably an easy state to overlook, with places like New York, California, and others with more bragworthy reputations. That doesn’t mean the Hoosier state fails to deliver on sweet skate spots, however!
With a long history of skateboarding in the Kokomo area and with designer Hunger Skateparks based in Bloomington, Indiana it should be no surprise that the state’s got its fair share of skateparks. If you’ve got a trip to Indiana planned or ever find yourself there in the future, be sure to check out some of our favorite indoor and outdoor Indy skateparks, listed below in no particular order.
But first…skate gear!
Before each skate session, make sure you’ve got all your equipment ready. That includes safety gear. Never go skateboarding without a proper fitting helmet. Many skateparks require all riders to wear protective gear.
Protective gear, pads, and other skate accessories are available in a wide variety of styles and designs, so you should be able to score gear that meets both your needs and your sense of style.
Q Skatepark
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor
Location: 1727 Stout Field E Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46241
Cost: $7 a session, $20 per day
Hours: Varies, see website
Best for: Families, beginners, all skill levels, street style
This indoor skatepark is a must-visit destination for skaters of all skill levels. Located about 7 minutes southwest of downtown Indianapolis, Q Skatepark is part skatepark part full-service event management company. The facility features a 27-foot mini ramp, street course, transitions, and more. Q Skatepark also offers private lessons for beginner and intermediate skaters, skate camps, birthday parties, and hosts special events such as contests. Amenities include viewing areas and free Wi-Fi.
Killer Skate Park & Shop
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor
Location: 5700 E Morgan Ave, Evansville, IN 47715
Cost: $6 for 3 hours, $10 all day
Hours: Sunday – Monday: 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Best for: Families, all skill levels, street style
Evansville is Indiana’s third-most populous city, a cultural activity hub of southwestern Indiana, and also home to Killer Skate Park & Shop. An indoor facility owned and operated by skater Glenn Davidson, Killer rides on the idea that skateboarding should be inclusive to all. The skatepark houses the “Killer Ramp” 4-foot spine complete with 6-foot sections, a step-up gap, wallie ledge, and two quarterpipes. The park also features a street style course with parking curbs, grind boxes, ledges, and more. Killer Skate Park & Shop also hosts lessons and group classes for those looking to gain a little more experience before taking part in free skate. A bonus? You can skate free on Thursdays if you wear a Killer shirt!
Slam City Skatepark
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor
Location: 1412 S Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46803
Cost: Prices vary, see website
Hours: Varies by season, see website
Best for: Youngsters, those looking to rent an entire park, transition lovers
As the Fort Wayne area’s only indoor skatepark, Slam City Skatepark takes it role seriously. Owned and operated by Dan Butler and Rich Hoppe, the property was previously a metal recycling facility and since opening its doors has strived to be haven for all skaters and action sports lovers. BMX, PitBikes, inline, and scooters are also welcome at the park. Slam City features elements such as a funbox, plenty of transition, and street style obstacles such as rails and ledges. They even offer “newbie” sessions every Saturday from 10 am to noon to help you get started with the tricks of the trade!
Foster Skatepark
Indoor or Outdoor: Outdoor
Location: 721 W Superior St, Kokomo, IN 46901
Cost: Free
Hours: 8:00am – 11:00pm
Best for: Street style
The first outdoor park on this list, Foster Skatepark is located in downtown Kokomo near Wild Cat Creek. This 12,000 square foot property is more geared towards street style skating but still has plenty of options for those who love bowls and transition. The park is laid out in a circular design and features obstacles such as a radial jersey barrier, pump bump, and double elevation bowl as well as unique structures like a bump to rail gap and snowplow hip. Be sure to take in the artistic elements such as pool pocket mosaics and a seven-foot swimming catfish.
Switchyard Skatepark
Indoor or Outdoor: Outdoor
Location: 1601 S Rogers St, Bloomington, IN 47403
Cost: Free
Hours: 8:00am – 11:00pm
Best for: Bowls, snake runs
Situated on an old railway switchyard, the city of Bloomington seized an opportunity to transform an abandoned, polluted swath of land into a recreational spot for the community. Just off the B-line and south of Grimes Lane, Switchyard Skatepark honors its roots with ledges, manual pads, and planters resembling industrial box cars. The park also features a large snake run accessible from the entrance as well as banks, a round wall, and large pyramid hip.
Whether you’re an Indiana native or are planning to hit up the Hoosier state sometime in the near future, we hope this guide serves as a great starting point in designing your skate-filled itinerary!