Tours will take place every Wednesday beginning June 6th and run through October.

City Market Catacomb Tours

Updated for 2014 Season

I had the opportunity to do something really cool this spring. After hearing about the catacombs under the Indianapolis City Market, I just knew I HAD to see them! I put on my tennis shoes and met up with my lovely tour guide. We headed down some stairs and stepped through a door that transported us back in time, or at least into a world that didn’t seem to fit beneath a bustling city.

That catacombs are the remnants of Tomlinson Hall, a public meeting space that seated about 3,500 people, was constructed in 1886 and then burned down in 1958. The beauty left behind for all of us to see is unbelievable; 20,000 square feet of brick and limestone walls and arches seem to go on forever, the smell of dirt and age — like grandma’s basement when you were a kid — permeate the air. Clearly there was a plan for this area but historians are having a hard time figuring out what is was! Come be a part of the mystery!

The catacombs tour is probably best for families with older children or kids who are really into buildings and dark spaces. There’s not a lot to see but it is VERY interesting. You’ll have to be the judge of your child’s interest level. I did not take Lulu my first time but during a special event at City Market, Jay and I took both Lulu (2 1/2 years) AND Scout (10 months) with us. Lulu loves talking about tunnels and dirt is always a win so it was great! It’s important to wear closed toe shoes and if you have any breathing issues, this tour is probably one you should miss — the area is damp, musty and dusty.

Family Food Tips Courtesy of Indiana’s Family of Farmers
Try some of the yummy cuisine at the City Market during your visit. Take home a crockpot meal from U-Relish Farms!
IWK and IFOF want you to know that meals with your family can be affordable, at home AND on the go!


Kids in the Catacombs at Indy City MarketTours will take place on the first and third Saturday of the month May through October. Tickets are $10 for adults who are members of Indiana Landmarks, $12 for non-members, $5 for child 6-11 who is accompanied by a member, and $6 child 6-11 non-member, and children 5 and under FREE. Reservations should be made onlineChildren under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. You will be required to sign a waiver.

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