Indianapolis Spiritual Trail

Indianapolis Spiritual Trail John Clarke The Interchurch Center in Indianapolis is the starting point for one of Indianapolis’s hidden treasures, the Indianapolis Spiritual Trail. The Indianapolis Spiritual Trail is the brainchild of IUPUI professor Ian McIntosh, a leading scholar on pilgrimages. Ian believed that Indianapolis should have a trail that does for the soul what the Indianapolis Cultural Trail does for the city’s districts … but it would be created spontaneously, from the grassroots, and not cost a dollar. As the Spiritual Trail goes along the canal to Butler University’s Holcomb Garden, pilgrims come upon spaces that encourage contemplation, prayer, and discussion … perhaps tying wishing ribbons to a frame. The spots have emerged without plan, started by pilgrims who want to encourage others to think and talk. For instance, people are encouraged to leave a stone to symbolize wellness. Someone left a Hiroshima paper crane by the river to remind us of the ever-present potential of healing. Many of the pilgrimages led by Prof. McIntosh have themes such as reconciliation, compassion, or gratitude. There have also been Yoga walks along the Spiritual Trail, and a Zen Meditation Walk. The SongSquad also led a pilgrimage along the Spiritual Trail devoted to River Songs. See the attached booklet for details of access and the history and culture of the trail.