Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is a serene escape for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat. With its expansive trails, diverse gardens, abundant wildlife, and vibrant events, Gabis Arboretum offers something for everyone.

Whether you're looking for a walk or hike through a variety of landscapes, a spot to bird-watch or view migratory monarch butterflies, or an evening of live music in the great outdoors, this green oasis in Northwest Indiana is the perfect destination.

Aerial view of a park with a miniature train display

Trails

Gabis Arboretum boasts a variety of trails that cater to all ages and interests. The Bluebird, Cardinal, Goldfinch, Heron, Owl, Woodcock, and Pheasant Trails offer diverse landscapes, from prairies to woodlands, ideal for family outings and pet-friendly adventures. If you’re bringing young children, you might start with the shorter Heron Trail, right beside the parking lot. 

Dogs are welcome on arboretum grounds, excluding the Depot building and Railway Garden, and must remain on leashes at all times. Convenient dog waste stations are located throughout the park.

An aerial view of a green landscape and bright blue sky. A stone structure is in the center of the photo.

Gardens

Gabis Arboretum contains several distinct and well-maintained gardens for you to enjoy. The Gabis Arboretum Railway Garden is a standout, featuring model trains amidst beautiful landscapes. The Native Plant Garden showcases local flora, providing certified Monarch Waystations for butterflies. 

Don't miss the Hitz Family Rose Garden and the intimate Bapst Rose Garden, both perfect for a tranquil stroll. The Meyer Memorial Pavilion Garden is a popular Gabis Arboretum wedding venue, constantly changing with the seasons. Kids will love the Adventure Garden, with its interactive exhibits on vegetable gardening, green roofs, and composting.

A smooth stone block sits in a garden.

Wildlife & Bird Watching

Gabis Arboretum is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. With over 80 species of birds recorded, it's a prime location for observing a variety of feathered friends. The Savanna Wetland, the largest body of water at the Arboretum, hosts ducks, geese, swallows, and turtles. The prairies, indicative of the tallgrass prairies once covering the Midwest, were planted and restored beginning in 1996 and continue to thrive. The woodlands, with majestic oak and hickory trees, offer a natural habitat for local wildlife. 

The Arboretum is home to bobolinks, grasshopper swallows, green herons, and migrating warblers, with bluebird houses monitored by volunteers. Thanks to the Arboretum’s project to restore key habitats, you’ll even have the chance to glimpse American woodcocks and ring-necked pheasants.

A yellow bird peeks out of a wooden birdhouse painted with flowers.

Special Events

Throughout the year, Gabis Arboretum hosts a range of events that bring the community together. Starting Memorial Day Weekend, the annual Acorn Concert Series features live tribute bands throughout the summer. Note that these Gabis Arboretum concerts are ticketed separately from Arboretum admission. The spring native plant sale supports the arboretum, while summer STEM camps for children offer immersive learning experiences. Make sure to check the Arboretum’s calendar as the season progresses for group hikes, outdoor movies, and other seasonal events.

A family of four looks happily at the outdoor train display.

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest offers a tranquil escape with its scenic trails, vibrant gardens, and diverse wildlife. When visiting the Indiana Dunes, make sure to explore this peaceful retreat, which will be a delightful addition to your trip.