Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest image

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Tourist attraction Event venue Wedding venue Live music venue Botanical garden Arboretum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Porter County


Address

450 W 100 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385, United States

Website

www.pnw.edu

Contact

+1 219-462-0025

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (403 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: (Easter), 8 am to 7 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 8 am to 7 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: train (14) beautiful (9) garden (9) trails (8) great (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Amber W. 1 year ago on Google
    We did a wreath making here put on by Purdue. It was so fun! The little train area in the back is really cute during the warmer months too.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Larry D. 2 years ago on Google
    Nicest outdoor model railroad layout I've ever seen. All of the plants are real - including the miniature Lily pads. Note: if you get there early you can see the special track cleaning trains that they run each day, before the display officially opens.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very early in the season when I visited. The staff was super friendly, and I look forward to visiting again soon when the place is in full swing.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 April S. 3 years ago on Google
    $10.00 Charge for non residents (us) lol... many different paths. Cool outside music play. Beautiful views...water views...frog's...kid friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sylenthia W. 6 years ago on Google
    A very Beautiful place to visit. It makes you feel like a Kid again with All the skillful designed Trains and the History that goes with it! It also has very nice trails to walk for hiking or just to be out in nature and you can also bring your horse they have horse trails! If you have kids bring them it's is worth the price to get in.💜
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug H. 10 months ago on Google
    This is a very nice experience that is just right for an afternoon of entertainment, especially when you are out of ideas for your visiting guests. It doesn't take a great deal of time, it's actually fun and it's very relaxed so you can talk and enjoy your company. Love the list of hidden details to search for.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunny G. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a beautiful place to visit, especially with children. They have several trails, including a fairy trail that kids just love! They have gorgeous gardens, and trains! They also offer horse trails.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Margaret S. 1 year ago on Google
    $10 per carload to get in. $50 yearly pass. Train models was nice and only run Friday Saturday and Sunday if it does not rain. They have bands there but that is extra. Nice walking paths.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian M. 3 years ago on Google
    Very relaxing, you can tell that there is a lot of good work going on here! Beautiful!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bill S. 3 years ago on Google
    Arrived earlier than the train exhibit and walked around a bit. We had to book our visit (we had a 2 hour wait) to see the train, but I think it was unique to today’s Covid 19 crisis. Great trails that are well-marked with fun history to read along the way. Several species of trees are marked for identification. The train display was fantastic! We’ll likely stop in again if we’re in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jolina M. 4 years ago on Google
    Cute little place. Trails just long enough to keep you busy for a few hours. The train station is more entertaining than I thought it would be as an adult.

  • 5/5 Harley M. 5 years ago on Google
    It was absolutely beautiful. I went on a field trip! Our tour guide, Lea, was great. She pointed out different species and educated us about the land and founders! It was truly amazing!

  • 5/5 Christine W. 4 years ago on Google
    Visited with our grand daughter and enjoyed the miniature outdoor train exhibit. Very well done, educational and realistic. Very pretty grounds with nice walking trails and flower gardens

  • 5/5 Carmen's C. 2 years ago on Google
    The best thing here is the mini train set that explores the timeline of the railway system complete with multiple mini sets. Each time we go back we find another scene tucked away in the trees that brings a smile to our faces. The trails are easy to traverse and the wildlife is also fun to watch. The picture attached is my husband and I enjoying some alone time after we attended a wedding. Another guest took this from the wedding garden and shared with us. Such a special and quiet retreat.

  • 5/5 Connor I. 1 year ago on Google
    My fiance and I were in town to see the sand dunes and we had some time to burn before heading back home to Ohio. We heard about the garden at our BnB so decided to stop by. We were very impressed with the size and layout of the arboretum and the gardens. My favorite part was the train garden. It was beautifully made with attention to detail. They were having some minor electrical issues so all the trains were not running, but they were working on it. It is a beautiful setup and if we are in the area I would love to stop by again.

  • 5/5 Hope H. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful park! It does cost to get in and it IS per person which I think really stinks and needs to change to PAY PER CAR because it can get really pricey just for a park... my husband and I took our kids and they enjoyed it. *note: the train display is outside, avoid going on a hot day because it can become dreadful **

  • 5/5 Roman T. 1 year ago on Google
    We went on a beautiful, sunny day. The volunteers that help out are so knowledgeable. My children loved the trains as well as the sound garden. Wear good walking shoes when you go!

  • 5/5 Lindsay C. 4 years ago on Google
    Wow! This place is so great! Price is very reasonable compared to other botanical gardens, and more to do. The grounds are expansive and filled with great places to explore. Play ground for kids and also climbing areas. The train garden is a MUST for a train loving kiddo or kid at heart! We had a wonderful time and will be back!

  • 5/5 Corbin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place, close up with nature. Walking paths are fun to discover and travel, and the train garden is beautiful and functions well. Scavenger hunt is fun. Nice place to stop and enjoy.

  • 5/5 Toria M. 11 months ago on Google
    What a great garden! Lots of birding and hiking opportunities. Loved the train garden. We will be back next visit to IN.

  • 5/5 Michele H. 5 years ago on Google
    Very pretty place. Took my 3 year old granddaughter to see the train garden. She just loved it!! We all did! Awesome display! Nice trails, relaxing & pretty!

  • 5/5 Nicole L. 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful hidden spot! I never knew it existed until today. It worked perfectly for our small and simple wedding. The pavilion was beautiful and guarded us from the rain that blew in. They even had a covered golf cart that took us back and forth from the parking lot and the pavilion.

  • 5/5 mia 10 months ago on Google
    A beautiful and well-maintained nature preserve. The big wetland made me happy. I also appreciated the informative signs scattered throughout as well. From hiking to weekend music performances, this place is a hidden gem with something for everyone. I feel the membership is well-worth the cost + it helps fund upkeep. Keep up the great work and save our wetlands!!!!

  • 5/5 Axtell F. 9 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful place to visit! I found this place through the reciprocal admissions member benefit from another arboretum. My family enjoyed everything we saw there. The facilities were well maintained and the botanicals were well marked. The Railway Garden was an impressive and impeccably landscaped historical journey through history. This place is a treasure!


Call +1 219-462-0025 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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