Beneath the streets of Indianapolis, hidden tunnels tell a story of the past. The Indianapolis Catacombs sit under the City Market, built from brick and limestone.
These underground passageways once served as storage spaces and a way to move goods without the heat of the sun. Long forgotten by many, they now offer a glimpse into the city’s history. Visitors can walk through the dimly lit tunnels, where echoes of the past still linger.
The Purpose Behind the Underground Tunnels
The tunnels were not created as burial sites but served practical purposes. Before modern refrigeration, underground spaces helped keep food fresh and allowed merchants to move goods safely.
A Storage Space for Market Vendors
When the Indianapolis City Market opened in the 1800s, vendors needed a place to store food. Meat, produce, and other perishable items required cool temperatures.
The Indianapolis catacombs, built with thick brick and limestone, provided the perfect environment. The underground space remained cooler than the streets above, keeping food fresh for longer periods.
A Secret Passage for Transportation
Before trucks and modern delivery systems, merchants needed a way to transport goods.
The tunnels provided an easy route for moving supplies without the chaos of the busy streets. Horse-drawn carts could carry items underground, avoiding traffic and extreme weather conditions.
That made business more efficient and helped the market thrive.
Protection from Harsh Weather
Indianapolis winters could be harsh, and summers brought extreme heat. The Indianapolis catacombs offered a place where workers and goods could stay protected.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Though the tunnels no longer serve their original purpose, they remain a reminder of how people adapted before modern technology. Walking through the catacombs today gives a clear picture of how Indianapolis once operated.
The passageways still hold the same brick arches and limestone columns that supported daily trade over a century ago.
The Fire That Changed Everything
A massive fire destroyed Tomlinson Hall, the grand building that once stood above the tunnels.
The Night Tomlinson Hall Burned
On January 30, 1958, a fire broke out in Tomlinson Hall. The flames spread fast, lighting up the night sky as firefighters fought to save the building. Smoke poured into the streets, and the heat could be felt from blocks away.
Despite efforts to stop the fire, the hall suffered too much damage. The city decided to demolish what was left.
What Survived Underground
A Forgotten World Below the City
For years, few people paid attention to the tunnels. They sat in darkness, collecting dust and memories of a time when they were filled with merchants and workers. Most people in Indianapolis had no idea the tunnels even existed.
What Remains Today
Crumbling bricks, winding passageways, and echoes of another time are all that is left.
A Look Inside: What You Will See
Stepping into the Indianapolis catacombs today feels like entering another world. The air is cooler, the light is dim, and the walls carry marks of a forgotten past.
🔹 Brick Archways – Time has worn them down, but the massive brick ceilings still stand strong. Their curved structure tells a story of old craftsmanship.
🔹 Limestone Columns – These thick stone supports once held the weight of a grand market above. They remain untouched, solid, and unshaken.
🔹 Dark and Narrow Tunnels – Some pathways feel endless, stretching into the shadows. Others lead to dead ends, where history seems to stop in its tracks.
What Time Has Changed
Not everything survived the years underground. Some areas have collapsed, while others have been sealed off for safety.
❌ No More Market Goods – The fresh produce and meats that once filled the space are long gone. The air now carries only the scent of old stone.
❌ No More Carts and Workers – The bustling underground traffic has faded into silence. Footsteps echo in the empty tunnels, replacing the sounds of busy merchants.
❌ No More Fire Damage – Unlike Tomlinson Hall above, the underground tunnels did not burn. The catacombs remained untouched, though time has left its own scars.
Hidden Secrets Waiting to Be Discovered
Historians believe more tunnels might still exist beneath the city, buried under time and progress. Some doorways remain locked, leaving mystery behind them. Could there be more forgotten paths waiting to be uncovered? No one knows for sure.
Strange Stories and Local Legends
Mysterious Figures in the Darkness
Many who visit the Indianapolis catacombs feel they are not alone. Guides and tourists have reported seeing shadowy figures moving in the distance. These shapes disappear the moment someone looks directly at them. Could they be tricks of the dim light, or are they something more?
One tour guide swears he saw a dark figure standing at the end of a tunnel. As he stepped closer, the figure vanished. No one else on the tour saw it, but he insists something was there.
Echoes of the Past: Voices No One Can Explain
Visitors sometimes hear faint voices, as if people are still walking through the tunnels. Soft murmurs seem to come from around corners, but when people check, no one is there.
Some believe these are echoes from the past—memories trapped in the stone walls. Others think the catacombs are simply playing tricks on the ears. Either way, the sounds keep people on edge.
Locked Doors and Hidden Passages
A few years ago, construction crews working near the City Market found a sealed-off tunnel no one had known about. It was filled with dust and rubble, as if no one had set foot inside for over a hundred years. What other forgotten tunnels could still be out there?
Theories and Unanswered Questions
Could the tunnels connect to more underground spaces? Some say there might be hidden rooms beneath other historic buildings in Indianapolis. Are the strange sights and sounds real or imagination? Many visitors report eerie experiences, but no solid proof of hauntings exists. Those brave enough to walk through them never forget what they see—or what they think they hear. If you are ready to step beneath the city and explore its forgotten past, here is everything you need to know before you go. The entrance to the catacombs is inside the City Market. Tours meet on the mezzanine level before heading underground. 📅 When to Visit: Tours are not available every day. They usually run on select Saturdays, so booking early is a good idea. 💰 Ticket Prices: Prices can vary, but general admission is around $12–$15 per person. Special discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. 🔗 Where to Book: Check the Indiana Landmarks website or Indianapolis City Market for the latest tour dates and ticket information. This tour can be a perfect addition while checking on other interesting events in Indiana.How to Visit and What You Need to Know
Where to Find the Catacombs
What to Expect on the Tour
🕰 Duration: The tour lasts about 30 minutes, with time for questions and photos.
🚶♂️ Walking Conditions: The tunnels have uneven floors, some loose bricks, and dim lighting. Wear comfortable shoes and watch your step.
🌡 Temperature: The underground space stays cool year-round, usually around 50–55°F. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
📸 Photos: Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted in some areas. Be prepared for dim lighting.
👥 Group Size: Tours are small to keep the experience intimate and safe. Expect to be part of a group of 15–20 people.
Who Should Visit?
✅ Perfect for:
- History lovers
- Fans of abandoned places
- Those looking for a unique Indianapolis experience
⚠ Not recommended for:
- Anyone with mobility issues (due to uneven ground and stairs)
- Very young children who may get scared in the dark tunnels
Tips for an Even Better Experience
✔ Book early – Tours fill up fast, especially in the fall.
✔ Arrive on time – Late arrivals may not be able to join once the tour starts.
✔ Ask questions – The guides have great stories and details to share.
✔ Look closely – Small details in the bricks and archways tell stories of the past.
✔ Stay aware – Some visitors feel a little uneasy underground. If you get nervous, focus on the history instead of the shadows!
The Bottom Line
Indianapolis Catacombs hold a hidden history beneath the city. Once used for storage and transportation, they now stand as a reminder of the past. The fire that destroyed Tomlinson Hall left the tunnels untouched, turning them into an underground mystery. Visitors can walk through dimly lit passageways, see massive brick archways, and hear stories about the past.
Tours bring people face to face with a forgotten world. Strange sounds, locked doors, and unanswered questions add to the experience. History lovers and curious explorers will find the catacombs worth the visit. A trip underground shows a side of Indianapolis that few get to see.
