How to Walk Oldfields Historic District Indianapolis

Oldfields Historic District in Indianapolis is more than a collection of grand homes and manicured gardens—it is a living archive of early 20th-century American aristocracy, architectural innovation, and landscape design. Nestled in the northwestern quadrant of the city, this 30-acre enclave was once the private estate of the L.S. Lilly family, heirs to the pharmaceutical fortune that would become Eli Lilly and Company. Today, it is preserved as part of the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience a meticulously restored Gilded Age landscape on foot.

Walking Oldfields is not merely a leisurely stroll—it is an immersive journey through time. Each path, each tree, each architectural detail has been intentionally preserved to reflect the estate’s original 1910s design by renowned landscape architect George Kessler and the architectural vision of the Lilly family. Whether you are a local resident seeking quiet reflection, a history enthusiast, or a visitor exploring Indianapolis’s cultural treasures, understanding how to walk Oldfields Historic District properly enhances your experience, deepens your appreciation, and ensures the preservation of this national landmark.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to navigating Oldfields on foot, from preparation to interpretation. It is designed for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike, offering practical advice, insider insights, and contextual knowledge to transform a simple walk into a meaningful encounter with American heritage.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Visit with Purpose

Before stepping onto the grounds of Oldfields, take time to define your intent. Are you here for photography? For historical education? For quiet solitude? Your purpose will influence your pace, your route, and the tools you bring. Oldfields is not a theme park—it is a historic estate, and its power lies in its subtlety. Rushing through it defeats its essence.

Check the official Newfields website for seasonal hours, ticketing requirements, and special events. While general admission to the grounds is often free or included with museum entry, guided walking tours may require advance registration. Arriving early—ideally between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.—allows you to experience the estate in its most tranquil state, with fewer crowds and softer morning light ideal for observing architectural details and garden textures.

2. Dress Appropriately for the Terrain and Season

Oldfields features a combination of paved walkways, gravel paths, grassy lawns, and gently sloping hills. Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with good traction are essential. Sandals or high heels are discouraged, especially after rain, when paths can become slippery.

Layer your clothing. Indiana weather is unpredictable. Even in summer, mornings can be cool, and shaded areas under mature oaks and hemlocks retain chill. In winter, snow and ice may cover pathways, so insulated, waterproof footwear is recommended. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella during spring and fall, when sudden showers are common.

Remember: Oldfields is an open-air museum. You will be walking for 45 to 90 minutes depending on your pace, so avoid bulky bags. A small crossbody pouch or fanny pack is ideal for carrying essentials like water, a phone, and a notebook.

3. Begin at the Main Entrance: The Carriage Circle

Your walk begins at the historic Carriage Circle, the original arrival point for guests arriving by horse-drawn carriage. This circular driveway, framed by limestone pillars and flanked by symmetrical rows of American hornbeams, was designed by George Kessler to create a sense of grandeur and transition from the public road to the private estate.

Stand at the center of the circle and take in the sightline: the mansion, Oldfields House, stands directly ahead, its Georgian Revival façade framed by a perfectly aligned avenue of trees. This intentional axial alignment was a hallmark of Beaux-Arts landscape design, meant to draw the eye and create a feeling of order and harmony.

Do not rush toward the house. Pause here. Look down at the pavement: the original brickwork, laid in a herringbone pattern, still survives beneath modern resurfacing. Notice the gentle slope upward toward the mansion—this was engineered to make the house appear even more imposing as visitors approached.

4. Follow the Central Axis: The Grand Walk

From the Carriage Circle, proceed along the central axis known as the Grand Walk. This 400-foot path leads directly to the mansion’s front portico. The path is flanked by twin rows of English beech trees, planted in the 1910s and still thriving today. These trees were selected for their dense canopy, which provides shade in summer and reveals intricate branch patterns in winter.

As you walk, observe the changes in light and shadow. In late afternoon, the sun casts long, dramatic shadows across the path, highlighting the texture of the stone edging. In spring, the beech leaves unfurl in a soft green, creating a cathedral-like canopy. In autumn, they turn copper-gold and carpet the ground in a rustling mosaic.

Look to your left and right. Along the edges of the Grand Walk, you’ll notice low stone walls and ornamental plantings. These were designed to frame views and guide movement without obstructing sightlines. Do not step off the path—this preserves the integrity of the original planting scheme and protects delicate root systems.

5. Explore the Front Lawn and Mansion Facade

At the end of the Grand Walk, you reach the mansion’s front lawn. This expansive, gently rolling green space was designed as a “living room” for outdoor entertaining. Notice how the lawn slopes downward toward the east, creating a natural amphitheater effect. This was intentional—guests could gather on the lawn while the family entertained on the portico above.

Take a moment to study the architecture of Oldfields House. Built in 1910, it blends Georgian symmetry with Arts and Crafts detailing. The red brick, limestone trim, and hipped roof reflect traditional English country house design, while the wide porches and large windows speak to early 20th-century ideals of indoor-outdoor living.

Do not enter the mansion unless you are participating in a guided interior tour. The exterior is the primary focus of your walk, and the interior is a separate experience. From the lawn, walk slowly around the perimeter of the house, observing the craftsmanship: the hand-carved stone cornices, the original ironwork on the railings, the patterned brickwork on the chimneys.

6. Turn Left: The Garden Walk and Formal Gardens

After admiring the mansion, continue your walk by turning left along the eastern edge of the house. This leads you to the Formal Gardens—a series of terraced outdoor rooms designed by Kessler in collaboration with landscape designer William C. Schumacher.

The first section is the Rose Garden, planted with over 300 varieties of heirloom roses, many of which date back to the 1920s. In late May through June, this area is a riot of color and fragrance. In other seasons, the structure of the garden—its symmetrical beds, gravel paths, and central fountain—remains visually compelling.

Continue past the Rose Garden to the Sunken Garden. This is one of the most photographed features of Oldfields. Designed as a “room without walls,” it features a central marble fountain surrounded by boxwood hedges and seasonal annuals. The garden is enclosed by a low stone wall, creating a sense of intimacy and seclusion.

Notice the water feature: the fountain was originally powered by gravity from an underground cistern. Today, it is recirculated using modern systems, but the design remains unchanged. Listen to the sound of the water—it was deliberately chosen to mask distant street noise, enhancing the feeling of escape.

7. Traverse the Woodland Walk and Nature Trails

After the Formal Gardens, follow the path that curves to the north, leading into the Woodland Walk. This section of the estate was designed to contrast the formality of the gardens with the wildness of nature. Here, the landscape becomes less controlled: native trees such as oaks, hickories, and tulip poplars grow freely, and understory plants like wild ginger and Solomon’s seal flourish.

Look for interpretive signage along this path. These markers identify key tree species, explain the ecological role of native plants, and describe how the woodland was managed to mimic natural forest succession. This area was intentionally left to evolve, making it a living laboratory for landscape conservation.

Follow the winding path as it descends slightly into a ravine. The sound of the creek below becomes audible—a small tributary that was preserved and enhanced by Kessler to add movement and sound to the landscape. This is a prime spot for quiet reflection. Sit on one of the stone benches if available, and simply observe. Birds, butterflies, and even deer occasionally pass through this corridor.

8. Circle Back via the Perimeter Path and West Lawn

After the Woodland Walk, the path loops back toward the west side of the estate. This section, known as the West Lawn, was historically used for informal games and family gatherings. It is less manicured than the front lawn, with scattered specimen trees and wildflower meadows that bloom in late spring.

Here, you’ll find the original estate boundary markers—stone obelisks placed every 200 feet to denote the property line. These were installed in 1912 and are among the oldest surviving physical markers of the estate’s original footprint. Take note of their placement: they were not placed for decoration, but to define the boundary between private estate and public land.

Continue along the path as it gently rises toward the west entrance. Along the way, pause at the overlook point where the landscape opens to reveal the distant skyline of Indianapolis. This view was intentionally preserved by the Lilly family to remind visitors of the estate’s connection to the city while maintaining its sense of isolation.

9. Exit Through the West Gate and Reflect

Your walk concludes at the West Gate, a modest stone archway that was the servants’ entrance. Unlike the grand Carriage Circle, this gate was designed to be functional and unobtrusive. It symbolizes the duality of Oldfields: a place of opulence and quiet labor, of public display and private retreat.

Before leaving, take a moment to reflect. What did you notice? What surprised you? What emotions arose? Oldfields is not just a place—it is a narrative. It tells the story of wealth, taste, stewardship, and the passage of time. The trees you walked under were saplings when the mansion was built. The stones beneath your feet were quarried before the First World War. You have just walked through history, not as a spectator, but as a participant.

Best Practices

Respect the Landscape

Oldfields is a protected historic landscape. Every plant, stone, and pathway has been carefully preserved to reflect its original condition. Do not pick flowers, climb on walls, or sit on garden beds. Even seemingly small actions—like stepping off a path to take a photo—can damage root systems or compact soil, leading to long-term erosion and plant loss.

Follow the principle of “leave no trace.” Carry out everything you bring in. This includes trash, food wrappers, and even biodegradable items like fruit peels, which can disrupt the ecological balance of native plant communities.

Observe Quietly

Oldfields is not a noisy public park. Conversations should be kept at a low volume, especially near the Formal Gardens and Woodland Walk. Loud music, amplified devices, or shouting disrupt the tranquility that is central to the estate’s design.

Use headphones if listening to audio guides or music. Many visitors come for silence. Your consideration enhances their experience as well as your own.

Photography Etiquette

Photography is encouraged, but be mindful of others. Avoid blocking pathways or standing in the center of a garden bed to get the perfect shot. Use a tripod only in designated areas. If you’re taking portraits, move away from high-traffic zones and avoid using flash near historic interiors or sensitive plantings.

Consider photographing details rather than just wide shots. The carved stone balustrades, the texture of brickwork, the way light filters through leaves—these are the elements that make Oldfields unique. Zoom in. Look closely. The story is in the details.

Timing and Seasonality

Each season reveals a different facet of Oldfields. Spring brings blooming bulbs and fresh greenery; summer offers lush canopy cover; autumn showcases brilliant foliage; winter reveals the skeletal structure of the landscape—the bones of Kessler’s design.

Winter is often overlooked, but it is one of the best times to understand the spatial layout. Without leaves, you can see sightlines, axes, and elevations more clearly. Snow transforms the estate into a monochrome masterpiece, highlighting form over color.

Plan your visit around the season that aligns with your interests. If you love color, come in May or October. If you appreciate structure and history, visit in January or February.

Engage with Interpretive Elements

Oldfields features dozens of interpretive signs placed along key points. These are not generic plaques—they are carefully researched narratives written by historians, horticulturists, and preservationists. Read them. They explain why certain trees were chosen, how water systems functioned, and how the estate’s use changed over time.

Many signs include QR codes that link to audio recordings or archival photos. Use your smartphone to access these resources. They provide context that you cannot get from a guidebook.

Bring a Notebook or Sketchbook

Walking Oldfields is a sensory experience. Bring a small notebook and jot down observations: the scent of lilacs after rain, the sound of a woodpecker in the distance, the way the light hits the mansion’s windows at 4 p.m. These notes become personal records of your journey, far more meaningful than any photo.

Sketching is also encouraged. Even simple line drawings of a garden bench or a tree’s branching pattern can deepen your connection to the space. You don’t need to be an artist—just present.

Tools and Resources

Official Newfields App

The Newfields mobile app is a free, downloadable tool that enhances your walk. It includes an interactive map of Oldfields, audio commentary for 12 key locations, historical photos from the 1910s, and seasonal bloom calendars. The app works offline, so you don’t need data to access content.

Download it before your visit. The audio guides are narrated by curators and landscape historians, offering insights you won’t find in printed materials.

Printed Walking Tour Brochure

Available at the Welcome Center near the Carriage Circle, this free brochure includes a detailed map, historical timeline, and plant identification guide. It’s printed on recycled paper and designed to be carried in a pocket. Keep it with you as a reference.

Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) Documentation

Oldfields is documented in the Library of Congress’s HALS collection. These are detailed measured drawings, photographs, and written histories created by preservation professionals. You can access them online at loc.gov/hals. Reviewing these before your visit gives you a technical understanding of the estate’s design principles.

Books for Deeper Context

• George Kessler: The Father of American Landscape Architecture by John E. Ivey
• The Indianapolis Museum of Art: A History of Collecting and Community by Linda S. Ferber
• Preserving the American Landscape by Charles A. Birnbaum

These books provide background on the architects, the Lilly family, and the broader movement of estate preservation in early 20th-century America.

Volunteer-Led Walking Tours

On select weekends, trained docents lead 60-minute guided walks through Oldfields. These are not generic tours—they are interactive discussions based on visitor questions. Topics range from horticultural practices to social history. Check the Newfields calendar for availability. These tours are free with admission and often fill up quickly.

Local Historical Societies

The Indiana Historical Society and the Central Indiana Land Trust maintain archives on Oldfields. Their online databases include original blueprints, letters from the Lilly family, and photographs of servants and staff who maintained the estate. These resources humanize the landscape beyond the architecture.

Mobile Apps for Plant Identification

Use apps like PictureThis or Seek by iNaturalist to identify the plants you encounter. Oldfields features over 1,200 species of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Identifying them transforms your walk from passive viewing to active learning. For example, recognizing a mature American beech (Fagus grandifolia) versus a European beech (Fagus sylvatica) reveals the estate’s transatlantic design influences.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Beech Tree That Changed a Family’s Legacy

In 2018, a massive American beech on the Grand Walk was found to be suffering from beech bark disease, a fungal infection spread by insects. Instead of removing it, the Newfields horticulture team implemented a preservation protocol: injecting the tree with fungicide, pruning affected limbs, and installing a root monitoring system. The tree, estimated to be over 110 years old, was planted by the Lilly family’s head gardener in 1913. Its survival is symbolic: it represents the estate’s commitment to stewardship over replacement.

Visitors who walked past this tree in 2020 noticed its new bronze plaque, installed by the Friends of Oldfields, which reads: “This tree witnessed generations. We chose to save it.”

Example 2: The Rediscovery of the Servants’ Path

During a 2021 landscape restoration, archaeologists uncovered a hidden cobblestone path behind the west lawn. This was the original route used by servants to move between the kitchen, stables, and main house without being seen by guests. The path had been buried under decades of soil and ivy.

Instead of erasing it, the team restored the path and added interpretive signage explaining the invisible labor that maintained the estate. Today, walkers can follow this “hidden way,” gaining a deeper understanding of class dynamics in early 20th-century America.

Example 3: The Student Who Saw the Landscape Differently

In 2019, a high school student from Indianapolis visited Oldfields as part of an art class assignment. She spent two hours sketching the same stone bench from different angles. Her final piece, titled “Stillness in Motion,” was displayed in the museum’s student gallery. In her artist statement, she wrote: “I thought I was here to draw a bench. But I ended up drawing time.”

Her work became a touchstone for Newfields’ educational programming. Now, every spring, students are invited to spend one hour in silence at a single point on the estate and record their observations.

Example 4: The Visitor Who Walked in Winter

A retired engineer from Chicago visited Oldfields in January. He had read about the estate’s water system and wanted to see it for himself. He noticed the creek was frozen but still flowing beneath the ice. He photographed the ice patterns and later emailed the museum with a theory about the underground spring feeding the creek.

The museum’s hydrologist responded, thanking him for his insight. He had identified a feature not documented in any official report. His walk, taken in solitude and curiosity, contributed to the estate’s ongoing preservation.

FAQs

Is there an entrance fee to walk Oldfields Historic District?

General access to the grounds of Oldfields is included with admission to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. On select days, the grounds are open for free public access during “Community Days.” Check the official Newfields website for current pricing and free admission schedules.

How long does it take to walk the entire Oldfields Historic District?

A leisurely walk covering all major features—Carriage Circle, Grand Walk, Formal Gardens, Woodland Walk, and West Lawn—takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. If you stop to read interpretive signs, take photos, or sit quietly, plan for up to two hours.

Are pets allowed on the walk?

Only service animals are permitted on the grounds of Oldfields. Emotional support animals and pets are not allowed to protect the integrity of the landscape and the safety of native wildlife.

Can I bring food or have a picnic?

Picnicking is not permitted within the historic landscape of Oldfields. However, there are designated picnic areas in the surrounding Newfields grounds, near the Visitor Center and the Garden Pavilion. Food and drink are allowed only in these areas.

Is the path accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes. The main routes—including the Carriage Circle, Grand Walk, and Formal Gardens—are fully accessible with paved surfaces and gentle slopes. The Woodland Walk has some uneven terrain and is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan at the Welcome Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are guided tours available without booking?

Some guided walks are offered on a drop-in basis on weekends, but many require advance registration due to limited capacity. Always check the daily schedule posted at the Welcome Center or online before your visit.

Can I take my dog on a leash to Oldfields?

No. For the protection of the historic landscape, native flora and fauna, and the comfort of other visitors, pets are not permitted on the estate grounds.

What happens if it rains during my walk?

Oldfields remains open during light rain. The paths are designed to handle water runoff, and the estate is beautiful in the rain—especially the water features and moss-covered stones. Bring a waterproof jacket. If conditions become unsafe (heavy storms, ice), the estate may temporarily close. Check the website or call ahead for weather updates.

Why are some areas roped off or closed?

Areas may be temporarily closed for conservation work, plant restoration, or structural repairs. These closures are not for visitor convenience—they are essential to preserving the estate’s authenticity. Please respect all signage and barriers.

Is photography allowed inside the mansion?

Photography is permitted in the mansion’s public rooms only during guided interior tours and without flash. Tripods and professional equipment require prior approval. Always ask a staff member if you are unsure.

Conclusion

Walking Oldfields Historic District is not a checklist of sights to conquer. It is an act of mindfulness, a form of historical engagement, and a quiet rebellion against the pace of modern life. In an age of digital distraction and hurried tourism, Oldfields offers something rare: stillness. It invites you to slow down, to observe, to listen, and to remember that beauty is not always loud.

Each step you take along the Grand Walk echoes the footsteps of the Lilly family, their guests, and the gardeners who tended these grounds for over a century. The trees you pass were planted by hands long gone. The stones beneath your feet were laid with intention. The silence you experience is the same silence that once cradled conversations between poets, philanthropists, and painters.

To walk Oldfields is to participate in a legacy. It is to recognize that preservation is not about freezing time—it is about honoring it. Every visitor who walks with care becomes a steward. Every moment of quiet observation adds to the estate’s living narrative.

So come with curiosity. Come with respect. Come with an open heart. Walk slowly. Look closely. Listen deeply. And when you leave, carry not just photos, but understanding. For Oldfields does not merely exist to be seen—it exists to be felt.