Here Are The 12 Most Beautiful Gardens You'll Ever See In Indiana
By Trisha Faulkner|Updated on March 13, 2024(Originally published August 11, 2015)
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Trisha Faulkner
Author
Trisha Faulkner is a stay-at-home and work-at-home Hoosier momma. She is a huge advocate of Autism awareness, and loves her beautiful boy more than life itself. She is a native Indiana writer who types her best pieces for Only In Your State between 2-4AM when her toddler finally falls over asleep.
Beautiful gardens in Indiana are scattered throughout the state. Several years ago someone asked if I could write a list of gardens. They wanted to know where they could go to look at beautiful flowers and foliage. I’ve only been to a couple of gardens in the state, so I decided to do a little research. Turns out, there are tons of gardens here. I think you’re really going to enjoy this list and the pretty pictures that give only a hint of these enchanted spaces to enjoy spring in Indiana.
1. White River Gardens: Indianapolis
Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, USA
These lovely 3.3-acre gardens are part of the Indianapolis Zoo’s guest entry experience. It includes the Hilbert Conservatory and the outdoor DeHaan Tiergarten. Discover more on the White River Gardens web page.
This outdoor classroom is part of Ball State University and is open to the public. Students frequently use the 17-acre beautiful garden for studies of plants and local ecosystems, which includes a tallgrass prairie, a mature deciduous forest, wetlands, and two public greenhouses. Read all about it on the Christy Woods web page.
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4. Friendship Botanic Gardens: Michigan City
Friendship Botanic Gardens, 2055 US-12, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA
Cultivated gardens, woodlands, and open spaces are spread over more than 100 acres of land at one of the best gardens in Indiana. Multiple dog-friendly trails and pathways wind throughout the grounds offering a choice between challenging woodland hikes or easy walks through landscaped garden spaces.
5. Deming Park Clark-Lansdbaum Holly: Terre Haute
Holly Arboretum, Deming Park (Summer Months, 500 S Fruitridge Ave, Terre Haute, IN 47803, USA
Deming Park consists of 177 lovely acres that include the Clark-Lansdbaum Holly Arboretum, Oakley Playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, a public pool, a variety of sports courts, and picnic shelters. Two ponds are known to harbor ducks and geese and their sweet, fuzzy babies. Read all about it on the Clark-Landsbaum Deming Park Holly Arboretum web page.
6. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory: Fort Wayne
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory, 1100 Calhoun St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802, USA
This enchanted place offers multiple garden environments, including the Showcase House, the Tropical House, and the Desert House. This 24,500 square feet of indoor space also shares beauty outside with additional gardens and shaded pathways.
As the name suggests these gardens in Indiana are part of Garfield Park, home of the sunken garden, an arts and recreational center, a number of sports fields, and a few playgrounds. It's a spot to spend the day.
8. Gabis Arboretum and Gardens: Valparaiso
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, 450 W 100 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385, USA
Formerly Taltree, the arboretum and gardens are a perfect collection of diverse environments including wetlands, woody plants, savanna, and prairie. Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is a living laboratory allowing research and education on its 300 acres of interesting landscapes.
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9. Hayes Regional Arboretum: Richmond
Hayes Arboretum, 801 Elks Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, USA
Established in 1948, this garden has brought joy to visitors for more than 75 years. It is actually a collection of several different gardens, including Libby’s Border, the Children’s Garden, the Shade Gardens, the Herb Garden, the Indigo Field, the Pollinator Garden, the Gourd Walk, and the Tea Garden. Visit the Hilltop Gardens website for more information.
11. Wellfield Botanic Gardens: Elkhart
Wellfield Botanic Gardens, 1011 N Main St, Elkhart, IN 46514, USA
Half of this picturesque 36 acres is water, so you can imagine the lush gardens here. Wellfield sits on a historical property once known as the North Main Street Well Field. A visit to this garden leaves an impression long after you leave.
12. Warsaw Biblical Gardens: Warsaw
Warsaw Biblical Gardens, 347 N Buffalo St, Warsaw, IN 46580, USA
This interesting garden is only about three-quarters of an acre but is a powerhouse containing more than one hundred plants that are named in the Bible. Due to the diverse climates in the Holy Land most of its greenery adjusts to the climate here.
Beautiful gardens in Indiana are all around us. Have you been to any of these gardens before? Maybe you have plans to go again soon? Or perhaps you’re adding one of these to your list of places to visit? Please let us know in the comments below! While you’re out exploring, check out some of these charming small towns in Indiana. And stay overnight in a comfortable Vrbo.
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Outdoor Fun In Indiana
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What are some of the best outdoor places to have fun in Indiana?
Falls Park (Pendleton): The Falls on Fall Creek is one of the many reasons folks visit this lovely community park established in 1920. The 284 acres offer many activities, such as playgrounds, a swimming pool, a sports complex, and a golf course. Hike the trails and explore the creeks and ponds.
Eagle Creek Park (Indianapolis): Whether you are there to watch the total eclipse of the sun or for its regular offerings - fun is all around. One of the more adventurous activities is Go Ape. This two-three-hour treetop adventure course has five zip lines, rope ladders, Tarzan swings, and 39 crossings. Take the dogs to Bark Park for socialization, and check out the beach area for swimming and catching some rays.
Indiana Dunes State Park (Chesterton): These 2,000 acres are a welcome respite with three miles of dune-lined shores. Lake Michigan is always refreshing with a three-mile shoreline for exploring. And if you're up to it, take the 3 Dune Challenge, an epic 1.5-mile climb up the three tallest dunes in the park totaling 552 vertical feet!