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The Coolest Places to Study Near Indianapolis

Cool Places to Study in and around Indianapolis

One of the many advantages of being enrolled in an online learning program where you have greater flexibility to move through the material at your own pace includes greater control over the where and when of your learning. Sometimes you just need a change of environment to kick your next round of schoolwork into high gear. When all you need is a laptop and a good WiFi connection, you can find all sorts of cool places to study in and around Indianapolis. Here’s our take on some top picks.

Be Creative, but Be Safe

Before we send you off to find one of these cool study spots, please ensure your study trip is done safely. Get permission for your academic adventure from your parents or guardian. Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can stay in touch, especially if you have to coordinate transportation to and from your intended destination. Check in with your parents and keep them in the loop so they aren’t so worried about you. Take a study buddy with you if you can both stay focused on getting the schoolwork done without distracting each other. Okay, with those safety guidelines in mind, here are some of the coolest places to study in and around Indianapolis.

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Indianapolis is lucky to have the woodsy gem of Holliday Park located just six miles north of the city. When you need a lovely walk in the woods and a quiet spot to study, it doesn’t get better than this. You want to end up at the Nature Center for your study spot. The bird and wildlife observation areas offer comfortable seating for you to study with the sights and sounds of nature. If the antics of the squirrels are too distracting, you can always go to the library room, which is a quieter spot, and usually not occupied at all. Take note, however, that if you do need WiFi for your study session, you’ll have to use your phone as a hotspot because there is no WiFi at the Nature Center. Restrooms and water fountains are available.

Adjacent to the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields is 100 acres of woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and a 35-acre lake, and nestled within the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park you’ll find a really unique place to study with amenities—the Ruth Lilly Visitors Pavilion. It’s an incredibly cool building with floor-to-ceiling glass walls so you’re literally surrounded by nature. Finding this awesome study spot can be a little tricky, so be sure to get good directions from museum or park staff. Amenities include WiFi and restrooms. Note that sometimes the pathways to the pavilion do flood and become impassable.

Coffee Shops for Studying

Coffee shops have always been great hang-out spots for spending time with friends, but they can also be great study spots as well, and Indianapolis has several standouts for your next study session, whether you drink coffee or not:

  • The Haverstick was created as a comfortable co-working space and coffee shop, which means it’s also a great place to study. Plenty of comfortable seating and free WiFi are always on tap, along with coffee and other beverages.
  • Quills Coffee at 9C: Tucked away and a little off the radar, fans love the general vibe and atmosphere of this coffee shop and note it’s a great place for studying.
  • The Library Coffee Bar is located at the Indianapolis Art Center, specifically inside the Art Center’s Ruth Lilly Library. It features plenty of natural light, abundant free parking, high-speed internet access, and over 30 electrical outlets. It’s arguably the best coffee shop in the city for studying.

Other Cool Spots for Studying with Outdoor and Indoor Options

There are all kinds of other fantastic areas where you can hang out to study, though there may not be good WiFi in some of these, so plan accordingly.

  • Sunken Gardens is part of Garfield Park, the oldest park in Indianapolis that includes an incredible tropical conservatory. The Sunken Gardens are three acres of European-style formal gardens complete with paved walkways, fountains, and lots of benches. The gardens were designed by the German landscape architect George E. Kessler and were completed in 1916.
  • Canal Walk is a three-mile loop that makes for great people watching as well as studying as there are many spots to sit, though none of it’s going to be especially comfortable for long stints of studying.
  • White River State Park is chock full of all kinds of interesting places where you can find a spot to study, from the Indiana State Museum to the Indianapolis Zoo and all manner of outdoor spaces to perhaps the best hidden gem of all, the Eiteljorg Museum featuring Native American art, history, and culture. Be sure to check out the Christel DeHaan Family Terrace and the Watanabe Gardens as a potential study spot.

Let’s Not Forget Libraries!

Any library can offer a great spot for your studies, but some are simply cooler than others. Check out any of these libraries for your next study session. You’ll feel smarter the minute you walk in!

  • University Library (IUPUI’s main library) has incredible views of the campus and downtown from the top floor. Note that the third floor is marked as a quiet floor. Amenities: WiFi, restrooms, water fountains, and vending machines.
  • Central Library is the largest and most impressive of the 24 branches in the Indianapolis Public Library System. It has tons of spaces to study, and the top floor has a great view of downtown. A more charming option would be the Spades Park Branch. Any of the city’s public libraries will have WiFi, restrooms, and water fountains, along with plenty of books if you need a good read.
  • Irwin Library is the main library of Butler University and a beautiful building inside and out. Plenty of reading/studying spaces scattered throughout, but especially on the top floor with views of the campus. Amenities: restrooms, water fountains, Wi-Fi, and vending machines.

Studying Where and When Suits You Best with Achieve Virtual

The online high school program at Achieve Virtual Education Academy was designed with maximum flexibility in mind for students who thrive in a self-driven virtual learning environment. Any high school in the state of Indiana student can attend free of charge with a full-time enrollment status. Part-time students outside MSD Wayne Township pay a modest fee per course. All courses are taught by real Indiana teachers and follow the curriculum standards established by the Indiana Department of Education. If you have any questions about our virtual high school program, feel free to call us at 317-988-7144 and we’ll be happy to help you determine if online high school is a good choice for you!

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