White River Gardens: Botanical Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana
I love meandering along the path at White River Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana when winter hasn’t yet stripped the trees of green and shade trees provide an oasis of cool on a hot summer day.
The Gardens, known as the DeHaan Tiergarten after the DeHaan Family Foundation, is a relaxing Marion County get-away that sits adjacent to the Indianapolis Zoo and its Butterfly Kaleidoscope exhibit.
Indianapolis Zoo’s White River Gardens: A Hidden Gem in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis
At White River Gardens there are more than 3.3 acres containing over one thousand plant varieties.
Our 2-year-old son admired the lush plants and beautiful flowers nestled under tall trees but his favorite spot in the gardens is the area where a small train moves around a body of water in slow circles.
We spent a good bit of time near the entrance of the garden, looking at plants that border the parking lot and nearby street. It’s hard to imagine a more calming place in the middle of an Indiana city.
White River Gardens: Botanical Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Park has Room to Roam
Whether you spend your time writing or reading, taking a short stroll or enjoying a family outing; it’s a great space to roam.
Occasionally, you will share the gardens with a wedding party and the bride’s sparkling silvery-white wedding gown flutters past white flower petals that are scattered along the green grass to create a beautiful color contrast.
The shared excitement can be heard in every laugh. It’s a patchwork of light, shadows and sound. There’s a lesson here: to pay attention, investigate.
A Walk in the Park
White River Gardens: Botanical Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana
Mother Nature teaches us to slow down and smell the roses. As city dwellers, our family can find infinite possibilities of wonder and exploration just a few blocks from our backyard.
White River Gardens offer visitors exploration and education. There’s something around every corner and the scenery can change in an instant.
Butterflies move quickly along the tree-lined paths and show off their colors with brisk acrobatic movements. There’s whimsical outdoor seating and maze-like garden designs that flow over into fountains.
Admission at White River Gardens
White River Gardens: Botanical Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana
Admission to White River Gardens and Butterfly Kaleidoscope is included with regular Indianapolis Zoo admission.
Visit the White River Gardens if not for the beautiful flowers, fountains but for the sounds of nature. And better yet, research has shown that walking through green spaces can put the mind into a state of meditation. Who knows, it might even inspire the weekend gardener in you.
To keep up with the latest news, follow White River Gardens on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #littleindiana so we can all admire your gorgeous pics.
Don’t just live in the city–explore it! THIS is Big City, little Indiana.
Just don’t forget to tell ’em that Little Indiana sent you.
White River Gardens: Botanical Gardens
1200 W Washington Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46222
317.630.2001
Targeted. Relevant. Affordable! That’s advertising with the Little Indiana family.
