The Gabis Arboretum Railway Garden opened for the season on Sunday, May 1 and will remain open from 10 am – 3 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October.
The Gabis Arboretum Railway Garden spans two-acres and tells amazing stories of American railroads in the context of a large display garden. Miniature G-gauge model trains run throughout the exhibit alongside ten dioramas depicting American history.
“Over the winter, volunteers and staff have been preparing the Railway Garden for the 2022 season,” said Stephanie Blackstock, the executive director of the arboretum. “The entire exhibit is made possible by volunteers. They do everything from repairing the dioramas after they’ve been in storage over the winter to cleaning and repairing the locomotives.”
The Railway Garden also showcases plants not often seen in the Midwest. Due to the various elevation changes throughout the exhibit, ranging from 15-foot mountains to low valleys, various microclimates are created allowing unique plants to thrive. The garden also uses a water collection system that captures rainwater which is then used in the garden’s streams, waterfalls and for irrigation.
“Guests of all ages can truly appreciate this garden, which is what makes it so special,” said Blackstock. “We see grandparents with grandchildren all the time. I think it’s the nostalgia of the exhibit along with the historically accurate dioramas that engage adults, and the excitement of the trains and bridges that entertain the children. We even have a train-themed playground for small children at the back of the garden.”
Admission to the Gabis Arboretum is $10 per non-member carload. Members are free. The Railway Garden exhibit is included with admission. Visit pnw.edu/gabisarboretum for more information.
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation and engagement with the natural environment. Gabis Arboretum offers a wide variety of activities, events and classes for people of all ages and interests. With 300 acres of magnificent landscapes, education programs and community events, the arboretum has something for any interest. Gabis Arboretum holds an accreditation from ArbNet as a Level III accredited arboretum. To learn more about Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest, visit pnw.edu/gabis-arboretum.
Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a premier metropolitan university dedicated to empowering transformational change in our students and in our community. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW values academic excellence, supports growth, and celebrates diversity. For more information about PNW, visit www.pnw.edu