All photography by Chad Ulam
How many of you have been to Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City? If you haven’t, this hidden treasure is something that should really get on your list. AND…they are making it really easy for you with some pretty spectacular events.
Friendship Botanic Gardens is a little bit of paradise right in Michigan City. From forested woodlands to sprawling open spaces and cultivated gardens, the area is over 100 acres of land that has been a tourist destination since 1936. Beautiful forestry and lakes, a bridge along trail creek, garden tours and trails are what you can get every Wednesday thru Sunday from May til the end of October. But aside from that, they are also offering some really great events!
Sunday, August 14th Friendship Gardens will hold their final Lyric Opera in the Gardens for the season. This will be a special evening of world-class artistry from the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Join them among the scenic vistas of the Gardens for a preview of the Lyric Opera Company’s 2016-17 season, performed by some of the biggest names in the Chicago arts and culture scene. Tickets available here.
Saturday August 20th, Friendship Gardens will host their own mini Ravinia with the continuation of their Music Under The Stars Series. The Crawpuppies are coming to the gardens for an all-ages show set right along Lake Lucerne. Music begins at 7:00pm CDT, but the gates will open at 5:00pm so concert-goers can explore the historic gardens and winding nature trails in full summer bloom. While at the concert, enjoy craft beer by Burn’em Brewing and locally sourced organic cuisine of the Green Machine, along with fresh fruit bubble freezes, empanadas, and tacos from Lulu’s Licks. This will be a lawn seating event, so bring a blanket or chair for an unforgettable evening in the pristine natural beauty of the Gardens. Adults are $18.00, 13-18 are $10.00 and kids under 12 are FREE. Tickets for Music Under the Stars are available right here.
September 11th: Polish Fest! Head to Friendship Gardens for a very popular day of festivities! Polish food, dancing, music, and opportunities to learn about Polish Heritage. Tickets available on the day of the event.
October 16th: Okto-BEER-fest! This will be an afternoon of Food, Beer, and Music! Peformances by The Crawpuppies and Matt Gabriel. Multiple Breweries and Food Trucks!!! From noon to four. $50 per person. Both general admission and VIP tickets will be available soon!
October 29th: Haunted Trail and Ghost Stories. Take a walk on our ghost trail and listen to family friendly spooky stories! From 4:00-7:00
November 29th: Thanksgiving Turkey Walk and Native American Heritage Celebration. Come count the turkeys on the Friendship Trail for a special prize! Experience Native American cooking techniques and learn how indigenous people lived. Children’s Crafts. FREE Admission. From 9:00-3:00.
Please keep in mind that all proceeds for these events go toward the continued revitalization of Friendship Botanic Gardens. Unfortunately, no refunds are available, but are considered a donation to the beautiful gardens.
Just want to tour the gardens? Cost of admission is $6 per person, 12 and under are FREE and Wednesday’s are FREE days for everyone! Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 East US Highway 12 in Michigan City, IN 46361. Phone: 219.878.9885.
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