Welcome to The Gardens

White River Gardens continues the Indianapolis Zoo’s mission of connecting animals, plants and people. This stunningly beautiful 3.3-acre landmark botanical attraction combines the best of gardening ideas, plant information and inspirational design to serve the needs of all visitors. With hundreds of plant varieties on display plus entertaining special exhibits throughout the year, White River Gardens is an international showplace for Indiana where visitors can enjoy and learn about the bounty of the natural world. Whether collecting plant information from the resource room, staging a wedding in the most attractive location in the city, or simply strolling through the flowered pathways, visitors to the Gardens will be inspired, impressed, enlivened and entertained. 

Meander Through The Gardens

Begin your journey through the seasons with the "Midwestern Panorama" in the Bud Schaefer Rotunda. Executed by Miami-based muralist Andrew Reid, this 360-degree depiction of gardening themes is one of the most impressive and important pieces of public art in the state.

Next, navigate your way through the beauty and serenity of the glass-enclosed Hilbert Conservatory. See the Current Show along with exotic palm trees and flowering plantscapes inside this warm tropical environment.

Continue on your journey into the ever-changing DeHaan Tiergarten. Use your Gardens Map while you meander through the Virginia Fairbanks Sun Garden, Polly Horton Hix Design Garden, Knot Garden, Ornamental Allee, Ruth Lilly Shade Garden, Allen W. Clowes Water Garden, Indianapolis Zoological Hedge Garden, Indianapolis Garden Club Heritage Garden, and finish in the magnificent Efroymson Wedding Garden. Just like the seasons, the gardens are always changing, so no two visits will ever be the same.

See What's Blooming Now at the White River Gardens!

Gardening Resources

Need advice or inspiration to transform your outdoor spaces? Check out these helpful gardening hints!

Gardener's Notes

While on grounds, be sure to check out the handwritten "Gardener's Notes" that offer some interesting and valuable information about some of the most unusual plantings in the DeHaan Tiergarten.