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Broad Ripple Village Information
Broad Ripple is a former incorporated town, annexed by Indianapolis, Indiana,
in 1922, that occupies a region of north central Marion County.
Pioneers began settling the area around 1821, but the town was not heavily
populated until around 1836, after the construction of the Central Canal began.
The term "Broad Ripple" was first documented in the will of Jacob Coil, who has
been credited with the establishment of the town. Coil named the area such
because the, "ripple in the river at this point was the largest and widest in
the county." Broad Ripple enjoyed a boom from the canal construction, and then
gained stature and population with the addition of a number of railroad lines
that were built from 1847 on. The railroads helped establish Indianapolis'
nickname as "The Crossroads of America."
Broad Ripple continued its growth throughout the 19th century, but could not
keep up with its growing neighbor to the south, the City of Indianapolis, and
the formerly separate town was engulfed by Indianapolis in the early 20th
century.
Broad Ripple continues to maintain a unique atmosphere with historical
importance and cultural value. Many annual festivals are held in Broad Ripple
including the Broad Ripple Art Fair, Midwest Music Summit, the Broad Ripple
Music Fest, and the Taste of Broad Ripple. It is home for the Indianapolis Art
Center, which houses art exhibits and offers art classes, from drawing and
painting to printmaking and glass blowing. On May 13, 2004, publication began of
the Broad Ripple Gazette, locally-run and privately-owned newspaper that
chronicles current events as well as history of the village.
Broad Ripple is also home to approximately 30 bars and nightclubs and thus
serves as one of Indianapolis' top neighborhoods for nightlife. It is also home
to many unique ethnic eateries such as Indian, Greek, and Thai restaurants. It
is even home to two brew pubs, one English, one Belgian.
The Monon Trail runs through Broad Ripple, which is also a connecting point to
the Central Canal Towpath which goes by Butler University.
Broad Ripple Park was opened in 1922. Its predecessor, the grand White City
Amusement Park, opened on its grounds in 1906, was in business for many years
despite a disastrous fire in 1908. It included a small rollercoaster, midway
games, a famous Merry-Go-Round (now housed at the Children's Museum of
Indianapolis) and, for a time, the second largest swimming pool in the nation.
The pool twice hosted the US Olympic trials in 1924 and 1952. Today, Indy Parks
and Recreation runs the city park, offering multiple classes, family activities,
outdoor swimming and a dog park.
Broad Ripple High School, established in 1886, is part of the Indianapolis
Public Schools system and has graduated notable figures like David Letterman,
Rosevelt Colvin, and former Indianapolis mayor Stephen Goldsmith.