-
Menu
- Plan Your Visit
- Meet The Animals
- Check Out Events
- Memberships
- New in 2025 - Giant Tortoise
- About The Zoo
- Support the Zoo
- Conservation
- Education
- Groups & Private Events
- Zoo News
- Contact
- Zoo Store
- Indianapolis Prize
- Global Center for Species Survival
- Schedule
- Donate
- Membership
- Tickets
- Plan Your Visit
- Meet The Animals
- Check Out Events
- Memberships
- New in 2025 - Giant Tortoise
- About The Zoo
- Support the Zoo
- Conservation
- Education
- Groups & Private Events
- Zoo News
- Contact
- Zoo Store
- Indianapolis Prize
- Global Center for Species Survival
White River Gardens
Find your zen in our gardens
Originally a separate facility that was a collaboration between the Indianapolis Zoo and the White River State Park, today the White River Gardens is part of the Zoo’s new guest entry experience that creates a total immersion into nature from the very first steps inside the Zoo. As visitors first walk through the Indianapolis Colts Welcome Plaza, they now enter the Zoo through the White River Gardens.
This beautiful 3.3-acre landmark attraction includes the Hilbert Conservatory, a 5,000 square-foot tropical oasis inside a glistening glass building, as well as the outdoor DeHaan Tiergarten that combines the best of gardening ideas, plant information and inspirational design that continues its tradition of connecting animals, plants and people.
Butterflies in the Hilbert Conservatory are now gone for 2024 and will return in spring of 2025!
Explore White River Gardens
Discover stunning views and breathtaking beauty throughout the outdoor gardens, known collectively as the DeHaan Tiergarten. Just like the seasons, the gardens are always changing, so no two visits will ever be the same.
The warm, aromatic indoor garden features 5,000 square feet of lush, tropical greenery. Enjoy towering palms, colorful orchids and the occasional butterfly.
Striking artwork and design features can be found throughout the White River Gardens, indoors and out. Look for whimsical touches throughout the garden areas to brighten your spirits, too.
Get up-close with a variety of the Zoo’s animal ambassadors as part of our new guest entry experience!
Amidst the colorful flowers, plants, playful sculptures and fountains, guests will encounter delightful surprises as they have the chance to meet a variety of Wild Encounter animal ambassadors such as a chatty parrot, sleepy sloth, slithery snake, adorable aardvark or pouched rat – you never know who you will meet!
THE BUZZ ABOUT HONEY BEES
White River Gardens is home to more than 20,000 honey bees. Go inside the hives with our experts and how you can help these important pollinators.
