January can feel pretty grey, in fact, it usually is pretty grey. As plant lovers, garden enthusiasts, green thumbs, we need some greenery in our lives to keep our spirits up! We’ve made a list of some of our favorite places to visit in the winter where we’ll be warm and enjoy some sunshine.
Locally
This Indianapolis spot provides a free self-guided tour you can find online. You can also stop in during your lunch break for a little exploring of your own.
Admission: $2
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
White River State Park at the Indianapolis Zoo
The butterflies may be away for the winter, but you can still enjoy the lush tropical plants the Indianapolis Zoo has to offer. Plus, when you are done enjoying plant life, stop by the Oceans exhibit inside the zoo for some fun with their aquatic animals (including petting sharks and sting rays!)
Admission: Adult (13+) $11.50 Child (2-12) $8.50 Senior(62+)/Military Vet $10.50
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9am-4pm
The museum itself is gorgeous and an excellent way to refresh the soul. They also have the Elder Greenhouse where you can enjoy the sun and stay inside at the same time.
Admission: Adults $18, Children (6-17) $10
Hours: 11am-5pm
Outskirts
Jules Janick Horticulture Garden at Purdue University
Travel to West Lafayette and visit one of the best Agriculture schools in the world. Their half-acre ‘classroom’ is open to the public 7 days a week. They have self-guided tours or you can schedule a guided tour for you and your friends.
Admission: Free
A Day Trip
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne
This is on our list to visit ASAP. If you have a weekend or even a day to drive up north, you have to check out Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. For $5 you can enjoy this little paradise with waterfalls, desert gardens, tropical themed gardens, and more. If you are really craving some sunshine and plant-life this is the place to be.
Admission: Adults $5 Children (ages 3-17) $3 Age 2 and under Free
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday 12 Noon to 4 pm Closed Mondays
Have a favorite greenhouse, garden center, or botanical garden nearby? Let us know on Facebook!
