Nature & natural history museums in Indiana

The Indianapolis Zoo, located in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a unique combination of a zoo and a botanical garden. This non-profit organization is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The zoo is situated by the White River, providing a scenic backdrop for visitors.

White River Gardens is a botanical garden situated in the White River State Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. The garden was established in 1999 and is managed and operated by the Indianapolis Zoo. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and horticultural expertise, making it a great destination for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, United States, has been a beloved destination for families and animal lovers since its opening in 1965. The zoo is home to over 1,000 animals and spans 40 acres within Fort Wayne's Franke Park. It is operated by the non-profit Fort Wayne Zoological Society under a cooperative agreement with the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. The zoo is entirely self-funded, relying on earned revenue and donations for its operations.

Garfield Park, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a sprawling urban park that spans 128 acres. It holds the distinction of being the oldest city park in Indianapolis and is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This park offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists.

The Falls of the Ohio State Park is a unique natural attraction located in the U.S. states of Indiana and Kentucky. It is situated in the non-dammed part of the Ohio River rapids near Clarksville, Indiana, opposite Louisville, Kentucky. This location offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Ohio River and its surrounding environment.

The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is a botanical garden and greenhouse that spans a total area of 100,000 square feet (9,300 m²). It is situated in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of plant species in a controlled environment.

Christy Woods is an arboretum that is dedicated to the ecosystems and native plants of Indiana. It also houses three greenhouses that are home to a variety of tropical plants. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the diverse flora of Indiana and tropical regions, all in one location.

Throughout the year, Wolf Park offers interpretive programs to school groups and the general public. These programs aim to educate visitors about wolves and their behavior.

The Purdue University Horticulture Gardens, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, were established in 1982. These gardens are a part of Purdue University and offer a rich history and a wide variety of plant species for visitors to explore.

The Jerry E. Clegg Botanic Garden is a botanical garden and arboretum located in Lafayette, Indiana. It was established with the aim of preserving the native flora of the region. The garden provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and appreciate the diverse plant life native to this part of Indiana.

The Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is a large, 18-acre sanctuary for exotic animals located in Albion, Indiana. It provides a permanent home for displaced, captive-raised exotic animals that were previously kept as pets or used in performances. The sanctuary is a non-profit organization and does not buy, sell, breed, trade, or use animals for entertainment.

Wellfield Botanic Gardens, situated in Elkhart, Indiana, spans across 36 acres and serves a dual purpose. Not only is it a botanical garden, but it also functions as a source of hydropower and drinking water. This unique combination makes it a fascinating destination for visitors who are interested in both nature and sustainable energy practices.

The Potawatomi Conservatories, located in South Bend, Indiana, is a collection of three indoor conservatories and botanical gardens. These include the Ella Morris Conservatory, the Muessel-Ellison Botanical Conservatory, and the Muessel-Ellison Desert Dome. Each conservatory offers a unique experience, showcasing a variety of plant species and creating a unique environment for visitors to explore.

The Potawatomi Zoo, located in South Bend, Indiana, is a 23-acre zoological park that was established in 1921. It is the second-oldest zoo in Indiana and is nestled in Potawatomi Park between the St. Joseph River and the Grand Trunk railroad in the east side neighborhood of River Park. The zoo is home to over 400 animals and attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.

The Columbian Park Zoo, located in Lafayette, Indiana, is a seasonal zoo that is part of the larger Columbian Park. This park also includes amenities such as playgrounds, picnic areas, a walking trail, and a baseball stadium, providing a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.

The Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, which was inaugurated in 1928 in Evansville, Indiana, is recognized as one of the largest and oldest zoos in the state. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide variety of animal species in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitats.

The Washington Park Zoo is a unique attraction located in Michigan City, Indiana. It spans across 15 acres of land, situated on a hilly sand dune near the southeastern tip of Lake Michigan. This location not only provides a beautiful backdrop for the zoo but also creates a unique environment for the animals.

The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, opened in 1974, is situated in Auburn, Indiana, in the United States. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Auburn Automobile, Cord Automobile, and Duesenberg Motors Company. It is a significant destination for automobile enthusiasts and history buffs alike, offering a unique insight into the evolution of the automobile industry.

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest is a nature preserve located near Valparaiso, Indiana in the United States. This location is known for its vast collection of oak trees, making it a unique destination for nature lovers and tree enthusiasts. The arboretum is a testament to the dedication of its founder, Damien Gabis, and his team who have worked tirelessly to preserve and expand the land.