International Gardens, Nature Trails and Celebration Gardens Delight at Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana

 

An Interesting Mix of Nature Experiences Charmed Us at Friendship Botanic Gardens

Approaching Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana, we immediately noted a verdant tree canopy. I already knew that these gardens were a spot for us. We spent a relaxing morning enjoying nature paths and a cache of beautiful gardens 

Sandy woodland trail at Friendship Botanic Gardens.

After checking in at the entrance, we embarked into the woodlands of the gardens. The gardens do have two nature paths through the woodlands to explore. We wandered through the picturesque woodlands for a bit before ambling toward the gardens.

Wandering the World through Gardens

A Lithuanian Wayside Shrine rises above the beautiful Lithuanian Garden.

Friendship Botanic Gardens maintains a collection of international gardens representing a variety of nations. The gardens contain cultural elements donated by local cultural groups as well as from the countries. The first president of Lithuania planted a tree here in fact. We particularly enjoyed the Lithuanian Garden which displays a stunning Wayside Shrine traditional to gardens in Lithuania. Plants reflect those found in Lithuania. Each garden is accompanied with a sign detailing cultural aspects of the garden.

A Norwegian-influenced wooden canopy covers a historic bell in the Norwegian Garden.

We also loved the Norwegian Garden. The garden is maintained by the Sons of Norway Lodge Scandiana 60 and includes a sculpture of a Norwegian voyager. The bell in the garden is from an old church in Dowagiac, Michigan. 

A nature play area encourages discovery in the Children's Garden

Nearby, we discovered the Children's Garden. The Children's Garden features plenty of space to run around and encourages nature exploration. I truly love this space and my daughter would have had so much fun when younger. 

Crossing Meandering Trail Creek Towards the Celebration Gardens

Trail Creek peacefully meanders through the preserve.

Trail Creek crosses through the park and adds another natural treasure. The creek meandered gently through, beckoning for pause. Fishing is permitted, so I am sure anglers enjoy this peaceful spot.

Swallowtails enjoying some purple blooms at Friendship Botanic Gardens.

The Celebration Gardens exhibited the summer joy of beautiful flowers. One garden was abuzz with the fluttering of swallowtail butterflies. A fountain dances above a pond. A lovely footbridge crosses a gentle stream. Weaving through the Celebration Gardens we noted how the space sets the perfect backdrop for events.

A footbridge gracefully crosses a delicate stream.

Soon, we began winding back to the car to continue our adventure for the day. On the way, we had two more stops. First, we entered the Wetland Garden which highlights the wetland plants of the region. The denseness of the trees and grass showed summer's glory!

Exploring the wetlands at Friendship Botanic Gardens.

Near the Wetland Garden, we spotted an adorable fairy garden. This little world provided the sweet cap to our morning at Friendship Botanic Gardens. We look forward to a return visit. The blend of hiking trails and gardens makes the preserve perfectly balanced for nature lovers.

Charming little fairy garden at Friendship Botanic Gardens.