Fishers Nickel Plate District: An Accessible Art Adventure

Walking through the Nickel Plate District feels like being part of a living, breathing art museum. Fishers has woven art into the most unexpected places. While driving in and through town, you’ll notice that the typically unsightly electrical boxes and large metal installations have been transformed into canvases. Each one is painted with beautiful designs that bring a flash of love and character to even the smallest corners of the city.

Large murals also brighten the trail walls, offering both reflection and photo opportunities.

One of our favorite moments was stumbling upon the butterfly mural that doubles as a tribute to K-9 officers lost in the line of duty. Not only was it beautiful, but it also carried a sense of meaning and remembrance that stuck with us.

📸 Tip: Have your camera ready. You’ll want to stop, snap, and linger longer than expected.

After wandering the streets, we stepped into the Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers, where we found Ignite Studio, a massive, open, and inspiring creative space that feels like the beating heart of the district.

Ignite is more than just a “studio.” It’s a hub for every type of art you can imagine:

• Sewing, knitting and crochet
• Metal and woodworking
• Painting, drawing and digital art
• Media, podcasting and film
• DIY kits for kids and families

The best part? Most of it is free to use.

We sat down at the drawing tables where there were shelves of idea books to spark inspiration, pencils in every color, and a carousel stacked with papers in every shade imaginable. You could simply grab what spoke to you and start creating. That freedom — to choose your materials, your prompt, and your pace — created an incredible sense of peace. It was a reminder that art doesn’t have to be about pleasing others. Sometimes it’s about making something beautiful for yourself.

Brooke has always loved patterns but never enjoyed coloring, so her piece was a flower created entirely out of repeating shapes. For the first time in a long while, she even started to add color. I sketched a maze using creative shapes, blending some old drafting skills with playful design. My thought was simple: make something that could become a game for someone else. It was fun, freeing, and surprisingly grounding.

When we finished, we decided to place our unfinished work on the share/collaborate board, where others can add their own flair or take pieces home. One of my favorite things about Ignite is this emphasis on collaboration — you don’t just create for yourself, you create for community. Seeing art left behind by others, each with its own story and spark, was powerful. It makes everyone feel like a real artist, connected through imagination and generosity.

The whole space felt peaceful yet energizing, a rare combination.

For neurodivergent families like ours, what makes or breaks a space is often how well it anticipates sensory needs. Ignite Studio and the library as a whole impressed us with thoughtful details:

• Sensory Bags: Available at stations throughout the library, each bag includes noise-reducing headphones, sensory fidgets, regulation and feelings cards, small tools that make a big difference for comfort and processing.
• Physical Accessibility: The entire studio and library are wheelchair accessible, with ramps leading to all areas, including the lower-level studio.
• Quiet Zones: Spaces are designated for quiet, especially around media and podcasting areas. If you need calm, it’s available.
• Open Layout: Wide hallways and uncluttered design meant we never felt cramped, even on a busy day.

For families who may hesitate to venture into busy community spaces, these features send a clear message: you belong here.

While we were there, a group was learning to bind their own notepads, a hands-on, guided workshop hosted right in the large classroom space. Ignite’s calendar is full of these opportunities, from beginner art sessions to advanced maker projects.

Art isn’t limited to the library or trail. The Nickel Plate District has woven creativity into its restaurant scene in the most unexpected ways.

• Four Day Ray Brewing serves great food and has an art display right inside the waiting area. It’s a fun way to take in local creativity while you wait for a table.
• Handel's Homemade Ice Cream nearby even features an exterior mural, proof that art really is everywhere in this community.

🍦 Our tip: Grab dinner at Four Day Ray, then take a short walk to Handel’s for dessert and enjoy the mural outside as the sun sets.

If you want to explore even more installations, check out the Fishers Art Map, which highlights every public art display across the city. You can make a whole day out of following the map and visiting each one. Use the Doable & Viewable Art Pass to check in and earn prizes.

At dusk, the Nickel Plate Trail transforms. Tall light poles glow in the downtown stretch, casting a warm and welcoming light that makes the trail feel safe and inviting into the evening hours. The mix of art, landscaping and soft lighting creates a beautiful atmosphere for strolling after dinner.

The trail itself is wide, smooth, and dotted with benches, perfect for families, walkers or anyone who needs to pause. This was one of the most accessible urban trails we’ve walked, making it a highlight of the trip.

💧 Bring a water bottle, you’ll be glad you did after an afternoon of exploring.

• Hours: Ignite Studio is open Monday–Thursday from 9 AM to 8 PM, Friday–Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM.
• Cost: Nearly all activities are free, but some workshops may have a small supply fee.
• Parking: Ample and accessible. The back lot offers the easiest access.
• Time Needed: We underestimated. Plan at least 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the art outside, the Ignite Studio inside, and still have time for food.
• Bring: A camera, water, and an open mind.
• Explore More Art: Use the Fishers Art Map to find every mural and installation throughout the city.

For families like ours, outings aren’t always simple. Sensory overload, accessibility challenges, or unwelcoming environments can turn a good day stressful quickly. That’s why spaces like Ignite and communities like Fishers Nickel Plate District matter.

They send a message: art is for everyone. Whether you’re a professional artist, a curious child, a neurodivergent teen, or just a parent trying to find safe, joyful experiences, there’s a place for you here.

We left with full hearts, colorful creations and a promise to return.

Fishers Nickel Plate District isn’t just a destination. It’s a movement toward inclusive community building through art. From murals to maker studios, sensory-friendly resources to open trails, it offers something rare: a place where you can both see and create beauty, all while knowing accessibility was part of the plan.

If you’re looking for an adventure that celebrates creativity, inclusivity and connection, this is the spot.