One of the Coolest Cities You’ve Never Been To: Westfield, Indiana

At one point, Westfield, Indiana was simply a sleepy suburb of Indianapolis, according to Erin Murphy, communications director for the City of Westfield. But that changed with the 2014 opening of the Grand Park Sports Campus, a 400-acre “sports village” featuring youth and adult recreational facilities for year-round use.

“In the years since Grand Park opened, Westfield has grown and become a great place for families and for people to visit,” says Murphy.

Now thriving, this city, located 20 miles north of Indianapolis, is seeing many other new developments and attractions—and many new restaurants in Westfield are opening as a result. Families are also flocking to the small city.

“While Westfield has become a community of families, it’s a welcoming [city] for everyone,” adds Murphy. “The people here are very friendly and, since it’s a small community, it seems like everyone knows each other. We are always happy to see visitors.”

Here are several places to check out and exciting things to do in Westfield.

Take me out to the ballgame

There’s no shortage of game space at the 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus. Photo Credit: VisitHamiltonCounty.com

Grand Park is the highlight of Westfield. You can participate in festivals and concerts or cheer on college club and varsity teams outdoors at this sports campus that features 26 baseball and softball diamonds and 31 multipurpose fields for soccer, football, rugby, field hockey and lacrosse. The indoor facility has courts for basketball, volleyball and futsal. It is also the official home of the Indianapolis Colts’ training camp and gives fans the chance to interact with some of their favorite professional athletes. When you want a change of pace from being a spectator, you can also take a walk along the more than 10 miles of trails.

Come hungry

Expect no shortage of great restaurants in Westfield. There’s something for nearly every taste along “Restaurant Row” on Park Street, just south of downtown. You can enjoy sushi at Chiba Indianapolis, pasta at The Italian House on Park and farm-to-table creations at Rail Epicurean Market. Don’t worry about trying to find a place to park on the weekend either. Just take the shuttle at a nearby parking lot, and you can get dropped off at the restaurant of your choice.

Hop on a bike

The Monon Trail is the perfect place to take a bike and ride along the 18-mile path to downtown Indianapolis. Didn’t bring your bike? No worries. You can rent one for around $3 an hour at a nearby bike-sharing station. Or skip the wheels and just walk since the path also leads you to nearby shops and other attractions.

Enjoy nature

Immerse yourself in nature and outdoor activities all year round at Cool Creek Park. Photo Credit: VisitHamiltonCounty.com

Outdoor lovers will appreciate Cool Creek Park. The beautiful green space has many activities no matter the time of year you come visit. The wooded trails span four miles of wildlife and nature. Bring a cooler full of food and drinks and picnic at the shelters. Play on the playground, softball and soccer fields or basketball courts. In-line skate along the paved road looping through the park. Or just enjoy the serene nature paths and wetlands. At the Cool Creek Nature Center, you can learn about preserving plants and animals in their natural habitats.

Go ghost hunting

Take a haunted Underground Railroad walking tour with Unseenpress.com. Here you’ll learn about Westfield's most haunting legends and folk tales. You’ll hear stories about the people who used the Underground Railroad and those who helped them escape, mixed with tales of modern-day gangsters. Or check out the haunted Union Street walking tour, which includes visits to a haunted fire station and school. Do spirits from Westfield’s past still roam the streets of downtown at night? Find out during this tour.

Ready to travel? Find hotels in Westfield.