Holcomb Gardens turned out to be an interesting place too visit, and we got some nice pictures close to the waterfalls :-) Tip: The path around the pond isn't handicapped friendly Like with most venues of this type, there are a lot of insects here, so it's a really good idea to bring along some bug spray. Admission here is free, and spending some time in the Gardems can be quite enjoyable :-) read more

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Beautiful and peaceful place, great for walking, picnics, or a nap under a tree if you want I guess.

This is a very nice garden with only a few amenities. It covers 20 acres and is located on the Butler campus. It is definitely a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of college life and life in the big city. With that being said, it can be difficult to get to if class is in session and parking could be challenging. I do not know if I was supposed to, but I parked on the gardens's circle. The garden is located near the Butler athletic fields and track. The garden is well maintained and has benches placed all over the grounds. I really liked the garden's small lake with the fountain. Overlooking the lake is the Mrs. James Irving Holcomb Memorial Carillon Tower. It is an impressive tower sitting on a hill. You will also find a small waterfall, a gazebo, a poets corner (marked by statue of Socrates), a garden house (that is used for class on certain days and times), a 500-foot-long grass mall ending at a statue of Persephone in an octagonal pool, and canal. This garden is very chill and makes for a wonderful place to lay out a blanket and relax. It is a very calming place. The garden is also a walkers/joggers/bikers paradise. There is a very nice trail that runs along the canal and along the gardens perimeter. This is a nice place to just decompress. I recommend going when school is out because it will be easier to find parking and also less busy. Also, Spring/Summer time has the garden's full foliage and plants on display. I really enjoyed the this place and recommend that you check it out. read more

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I definitely took these green spaces for granted while I was a student at Butler University. I've probably visited them more post-graduation than I ever did In my two years as a student. The Holcombe gardens consist of well-kept natural landscaping and one of my favorite parts- the water feature with fountains that quickly makes you feel like you're in a state park versus a garden on a campus in the middle of Indianapolis. The gardens are easy to access from campus parking or if you find yourself along the Canal towpath or weaving your way through the fun and groove village of Rocky Ripple. Holcomb Gardens is about a ten to fifteen minute drive from downtown. You'll often find ducks and other birds overhead. Soak in the sounds and fresh air! read more

Holcomb Gardens is a well-manicured greenspace in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. Nestled on the north end of Butler University's campus, the garden can be accessed by car by going down the hill. The garden also runs parallel to the Canal Towpath and is connected by a pedestrian bridge. The main garden grounds contain a long grass mall with plenty of open space. Toward the south, there is a pond with a running fountain. As you walk up the stairs from the pond, you reach the memorial tower with a view of the neighborhood. During my visit, I observed folks using the stairs for exercising. There is also a paved path that runs along the perimeter of the garden. While there are paths that you can use to walk around the pond, there are no walking paths on the grass mall area. You are basically walking on wet grass depending on the time of day. Holcomb Gardens is a scenic space that is worth a visit, especially if you happen to on Butler's campus or needing a detour from the Canal Towpath. read more

Holcomb Gardens - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana

What a wonderful garden. This is the perfect place for flower lovers to explore during the late spring / early summer season, because there are flowers (especially peonies) galore. You should come to just walk among the flowers and bask in their beauty. It's a real treat to have this space in Indianapolis. I didn't get to see Holcomb Gardens properly because I visited with young kids who didn't want to walk very much, but what we did see was beautiful. There are small creeks and ponds full of koi fish, and rocks to climb, paths to follow, lots of shade and trees, and wide open spaces to run around. When we visited, there were people having picnics (this would be an amazing place to have a picnic), kids riding bikes and scooters down the gently sloping asphalt path, families resting under the trees and people just enjoying nature. This is an Indianapolis hidden gem that is in plain sight on the Butler campus. read more

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So beautiful! I've witnessed proposals, weddings, and many picnics in these beautiful gardens. They're in their prime during the spring, with flowers and trees blooming everywhere. There's a big stretch of grass, a small gazebo, a large fountain, and a few scattered sculptures. Bring a friend or date here this spring and soak in the beauty! read more

One of the most beautiful parks in Indianapolis - great for picnics, walking, and even biking. Parking might be a hassle, but it's totally worth visiting. I like it even more than Holliday Park nearby. read more

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Beautiful place to take professional photos and to explore! wow me and my husband had a great time, very memorable experience and so much nature, the flowers bloom and all in the spring time! read more

Beautiful to take pictures at. Such a quiet place with so much green space. Highly recommend

My wife and I are big fans of Holcomb Gardens; so much so that we were married by the gardens back in '83. Over the years, the park has maintained its basic appeal with long rows of gardens & hedges, art sculptures, a pond/fountain, and benches with words of wisdom from philosophers and writers. There is a roundabout with parking along the edges once you've descended the hill past the pond and observatory. A small waterfall and springs is on the right as you near the parking. The gardens have a gazebo and a permanent shelter that can be rented in case of inclement weather. (We had our reception there.) The park is also located along the canal, so if you want photo ops or are looking for a start finish spot, this might be the place for your adventure. Review #1174 read more

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A nice little hidden gem on Butler University not far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Indy. A great place to take professional photos without the sometimes required permits or fees. This little park has a water fall with creek, pond with fountain, canal with a couple bridges, garden area with flowers and a bell tower with stairs leading to it. Lots of great spots for pictures. Off the beaten path, this area is pretty quiet and great for relaxing. Bring a blanket or hammock and hang out peacefully. In nice weather you'll find people walking their dog, biking, relaxing on the grass or exercising in the park. Park for free on the circle inside the gardens or in the nearby parking garage (1 hour is free, $2 after that). read more

When I lived on Indy's Northwestside, I frequented Holcomb Gardens much more frequently than I do now. However, my desire for a scenic and quiet spot coupled with the chance to check in on a friend's daughter who attends Butler led to my return to Holcomb Gardens, a 20-acre garden area on Butler's campus that has long been a popular spot for students, faculty, Indy residents and those exercising. Holcomb Gardens is connected, or near, to several popular Butler area destinations including Clowes Hall, Holcomb Observatory and Planetarium, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Irwin Library, a statue of Persephone and a pond along with the beautiful Inland Waterway Canal area that includes walking paths that are definitely family friendly. Holcomb Gardens is slightly hidden on the Butler campus, though there's a big gate that marks the entrance and is clearly marked and the gate is shut after dusk. You should be aware that if you're a walker or in a wheelchair that the driveway leading down to the garden area is STEEP. I'm talking so steep that even going down it would likely be ill-advised in a wheelchair. Once you arrive in the garden area, things are fine but I'd likely recommend using a vehicle to do so (which is generally advised since most campus parking is for students unless marked otherwise). The observatory, which has public tour days and will arrange private tours, features the 9th largest telescopic lens East of the Mississippi River and the observatory itself is one of the largest public observatories in the world. Holcomb Gardens isn't really developed to promote "activity." There's a very small ropes course, areas for picnics, and a building that has proven to be popular for weddings and special events. For the most part, Holcomb Gardens is intended for biking, walking, chilling, or simply enjoying the tremendous amount of flora along with Butler's campus that manages to maintain its beauty even with its recent growth spurt. As a safety note, it's worth noting that there's an emergency pole/station that connects to the Butler Safety department. While I've not heard of issues in this particular area, given the presence of younger college students it's a nice touch to add a measure of safety to the gardens. Most people who drive into the garden park around what is essentially a circular drive. It's rather informal, but it works. Even on a day like today, the first really good weather weekend this season in Indy, it worked just fine. While there's no designated accessibility, for the most part anywhere you park can be easily adapted and, in fact, I saw two retirement village vans parked in the area as it offers beautiful walking/relaxing without unexpected inclines or unsafe pathways. If you've never been, it's definitely worth a visit. read more

A great little hidden oasis in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood on Butler's campus. This doesn't have an expansive sunken garden like Garfield Park, or ruins and a playground like Holliday Park. But what you can expect to find is peace and tranquility. This is an ideal and popular spot for senior portraits, engagement shoots, weddings, etc because of the privacy, vast green space, and great lighting. Cross the bridge to walk along the Canal Towpath or visit the high ropes course, when it's open. I also recommend checking out the Carillon Tower and pond that you'll find to your right as you wind your way down the drive. read more

Indy is undoubtedly a photogenic city that loves supporting its arts and parks, and a stroll through Holcomb Gardens proves just that. Right off the Butler campus is this beautifully curated landscape, perfect for picnics, dates, and exercise. I recently did a photoshoot here for a friend's puppy and we were completely blown away by it all. One quick look around and you'll see why so many couples have chosen it for weddings and photos! read more

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Holcomb Gardens is a great way for Butler students to escape from the main campus area and veer off into some nature to relax, study, or hang out. My favorite part of this garden/park is that the river runs right by it, so you're able to experience water, greenery, and other things nature has to offer. It's a great place to also go for a run (the trail by the river that runs by Newfields is a great addition), walking, or even a picnic. It's free, which is always great too! read more

Wonderful place to walk around. Will definitely come back in the spring. Would be nice to have some public restrooms

Located on the campus of Butler University, Holcomb Gardens is a great place for photo-ops which is what my family did this past week. Even though it was a little chilly and windy and some of the flowers weren't blooming, there were several places in the formal gardens to use as a back-drop for our pictures. Some of those included the bridge over the central canal, a pond, a statue of the Greek goddess Persephone, a flowing fountain, a gazebo, and a number of benches. In addition to photo-ops, Holcomb Gardens is an excellent venue to hold an outdoor event, like a wedding, or just to take a leisurely stroll. read more

Holcomb Gardens - D. and B. at Holcomb Gardens - Parks Near Me - Indianapolis, Indiana