Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a gem in the heart of Elkhart. It’s more than just a beautiful place to visit; it’s a vibrant intersection of nature, community, art, and culture. Spread across 36 acres, with half of that space covered by water, Wellfield offers a serene, yet dynamic experience for guests of all ages and interests. And every August, the gardens come alive in a truly special way with its signature event: Taste of the Gardens.
A Garden with a Purpose
Wellfield’s origins are as unique as its landscape. Built on the site of Elkhart’s working wellfield, this once-industrial space was transformed into a nonprofit botanical garden in the early 2000s thanks to the vision of the Elkhart Rotary Club. Today, it serves as both a public greenspace and a protected watershed, offering education, conservation, and a tranquil escape.
The gardens are meticulously designed with more than 20 themed spaces. Guests can wander through the charming English Cottage Garden, reflect in the Peace Garden, or admire the clean lines and natural beauty of the Japanese Island Garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Sadafumi Uchiyama. The Children’s Garden is a favorite among families, with interactive play structures and sensory activities that spark curiosity and joy.
Beyond plants, Wellfield integrates art into the environment—sculptures, installations, and architectural elements appear around every corner, enhancing the visual experience while honoring Indiana’s natural and cultural history.
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Taste of the Gardens: A Summer Highlight
Every summer, Wellfield hosts Taste of the Gardens, a one-day event that blends fine art, local flavor, and live music in one of the region’s most beautiful outdoor settings. Typically held in late August, this event attracts thousands of visitors who come hungry for both food and inspiration.
Local restaurants set up shop along the garden paths, offering sample-sized dishes that allow guests to try a variety of flavors from the Michiana region. Whether you're in the mood for gourmet barbecue, vegan delights, or decadent desserts, there’s something for every palate. In past years, vendors like Vanilla Bean Creamery and Smokin' Fatty's BBQ have taken home top honors in the event’s popular food contests.
Artisans and crafters fill the Event Plaza with booths displaying handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more—perfect for those looking to support local artists or find a unique treasure. And throughout the day, live bands create a festive backdrop with jazz, rock, and acoustic sets under the shade of towering trees.
Most importantly, Taste of the Gardens supports both the community and the Gardens themselves. Food vendors retain 100% of their earnings, while ticket sales support Wellfield’s educational and ecological initiatives.
Year-Round Experiences
Though Taste of the Gardens is a seasonal standout, Wellfield is open year-round and offers something different with every season. In spring, daffodils and tulips bring color back to the landscape. In summer, the blooms are at their peak. Fall transforms the trees into a painter’s palette of reds and golds. And winter ushers in the magical Winter Wonderland Holiday Lights, a nighttime spectacle featuring over a million twinkling lights.
Guided tours, educational workshops, children's programming, and seasonal events keep the calendar full. The new Visitor’s Center, expected to open soon, will expand event space and offer new amenities for guests, including indoor rentals, art galleries, and garden-view meeting rooms.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 1011 North Main Street, Elkhart, IN
Hours: April–October: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | November–March: Noon–5 p.m. (weekends only)
Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (3–12), under 3 free | Discounts for members & Elkhart County residents
Event Info: Taste of the Gardens takes place in late August—check the Wellfield website for ticket info and vendor announcements
Whether you’re a gardener, an art lover, a foodie, or simply someone who enjoys peaceful walks in a beautiful setting, Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a true Indiana gem. And when you visit during Taste of the Gardens, you’ll see the space come alive in a celebration of all that makes the region special—local food, local art, and a whole lot of heart.
