Juan Flores, a born and raised Hoosier, has lived in Indianapolis, IN for a decade now. During that time, he earned his BFA in visual communication design while picking up photography as a creative side project. Fast forward to today, he is a social media manager for a local camera store, which he uses his technical and informal skills to capture Indiana through his point of view. Take his upbringing near Lake Michigan with a fond love for architecture, he documents the natural and architectural landscape that this city has to offer. He recently took over the Alaska Airlines Instagram account as a “Local Wanderer” as a part of Alaska’s Weekend Wanderer series.

Six must-visit spots in and around Indianapolis:

Eagle Creek

This city park offers a diverse landscape not found in other parts of the city. With a short drive from downtown, this park has great hiking trails and serene vistas to view the rising and setting sun.

Turkey Run/Shades State Parks

Go grab a rental car, and drive an hour west of Indy. You won’t be disappointed with the steep sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, rivers, canyons, gorges, and ravines that reside within these two parks. Twelve miles separate the parks so make sure to take your lunch to-go and make this excursion a day trip.

Cataract Falls

Located less than an hour southwest of Indy, this is Indiana’s largest waterfall by volume. In this state recreation area, you’ll find two waterfalls, Upper Falls and Lower Falls with a hiking trail connecting the two viewing areas. 

Highland Park

Looking for a great view of Indy’s skyline with the setting sun? With free, curbside parking, this is THE park. The story behind this land is quite fascinating. Before the last family member of the Highland Home passed away, it was sold to the city of Indianapolis on two conditions: one; the house be torn down after the passing and two; the over 4-acre lot be made into a park.

State House

The state capitol building of Indiana, this building pays homage to the Parthenon with the interior modeled after the Italian Renaissance style. The doors of the building are made of Indiana Oak while Indiana limestone can be found throughout the structure.

Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

This monument, 15 feet shorter than Statue of Liberty, is built on Monument Circle, the epicenter of Indianapolis. The structure is made primarily of Indiana limestone. An observation deck resides at the top of this monument. You have two options to reach this area, walk 331 steps up the staircase or pay a small fee the take the elevator up and climb the remaining 31 steps.