Created in the 19th century as a planned suburb of Indianapolis, Irvington experienced a building boom in the 1870s when Butler University arrived there. Although Butler relocated a half-century later, university-related landmarks from the period remain, along with Craftsman bungalows and a variety of period revival-style homes.

Tour participants will learn about the George Kessler-designed centerpieces for the neighborhood, Ellenberger Park and Pleasant Run Parkway, which follows Pleasant Run Creek’s natural contours to anchor a charmingly non-gridded layout. Known for its variety of historic houses, tree-lined streets, neighborliness, new shops and restaurants, and annual Halloween festival, the district is protected by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Guides on the biking tours will relate the history of the area and its revitalization. Participants will see the range in house styles, get the scoop on average sale prices, and see the interior of one or more buildings. Tours require advance tickets for specific times.

On May 20, the three-hour bike tours will depart every 15 minutes from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. (NOTE: Tickets for the 9:30 and 9:45 departure times are sold out.) Tickets cost $20 per person. Purchase tickets at irvingtonbiketour.eventbrite.com.

Indiana Landmarks members will receive a discount.

Ticket buyers will receive directions on where to meet, as well as a short list of restaurants and taverns in the area for pre- and post-tour refreshment.

Indiana Landmarks presents the tours with Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis (HUNI) in partnership with Vintage Irvington blogger Bill Gulde and the Irvington Historical Society.

Indiana Landmarks will offer similar walking and biking tours of Indianapolis’s Garfield Park neighborhood on September 14 and 16.

WHAT: Bike tours of Irvington

WHEN: May 20: three-hour tours leave every 15 minutes from 9 to 9:45 a.m.

WHERE: Irvington (ticket buyers will receive directions on where to meet)

WHO: Presented by Indiana Landmarks with Historic Urban Neighborhoods of Indianapolis (HUNI) in partnership with Vintage Irvington blogger Bill Gulde and the Irvington Historical Society

COST: $20 per person (discounts available for Indiana Landmarks members) Tickets can be purchased irvingtonbiketour.eventbrite.com.

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Media contacts: Tina Connor, Indiana Landmarks Executive Vice President, 317-822-7903,  tconnor@indianalandmarks.org Kelly Gascoine, Heritage Experiences Manager, Indiana Landmarks, 317-822-7951, kgascoine@indianalandmarks.org

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Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, reconnects us to our heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. Learn more.