8 Perfect Picnic Spots at Minnetrista
The month of June at Minnetrista means blooming gardens, a bustling Farmer’s Market and one quintessential summer activity: picnicking! We have rounded up the top 8 most scenic spaces on campus for your picnicking pleasure.
Nature Area Reading Nook
Location: Across St. Joseph St. from The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista
Minnetrista’s Nature Area features representations of Indiana’s three native habitats: the tallgrass prairie, wetland, and woodland. Located off the main path leading to the center of the woodland, the reading nook is quite the hidden gem. It’s surrounded by more than nine varieties of Indiana trees, features a Little Free Library, and is inviting and spacious enough for the whole family!
Nature Area Gathering Space
Location: Across St. Joseph St. from The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista
This secluded space can be found between the Nature Area’s prairie and pond. The surrounding trees provide the perfect amount of shade to keep you cool while you enjoy your food and company. Lay down your picnic blanket, listen to the birds, and see if you can find the stone shaped like Indiana.
Wishing Well Moon Garden
Location: Surrounding Wishing Well next to The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista
Enjoy this space for its openness and sunshine during a picnic in the daytime. Return for an evening picnic to enjoy the blue, yellow, white and silver blossoms enhanced by the moonlight. Day or night, make sure to stop by the neighboring culinary herb garden to pick ingredients for your next picnic lunch!
Bird and Butterfly Garden
Location: Front of Minnetrista Center Building
Unwind at this peaceful garden that is home to birds, butterflies, and more! The Bird and Butterfly Garden offers open space for scenic views of wildlife and the Catalyst Sculpture. It is also a popular photography spot, so make sure to snap some photos of your picnic setup! (And share with #Minnetrista, of course.)
Rose Garden
Location: Next to Minnetrista Center Building
The roses are back and blooming! If you are more of a traditional picnicker, opt for a blanket on the green space surrounded by blooms of pink, orange, and yellow. Modern picnickers will enjoy the tables and umbrellas for shade. If you are feeling particularly fancy, try a picnic for two in the gazebo.
Collonade Garden
Location: Next to the L.L. Ball Home parking lot
Make sure your summer plans include a picnic in this picturesque garden! The Collonade Garden is home to limestone columns draped in wisteria that were saved from the original Minnetrista house after it burned in 1967. Eat and relax on the ground among intricate mosaics to get a true feel for the beauty here.
Discovery Cabin Lawn
Location: Oakhurst Gardens
Located in the Oakhurst Gardens, the Discovery Cabin Lawn is surrounded by trees, shrubs, ferns, and flowers. This space offers the perfect balance of sun and shade for your picnic. It is also great for nature watching while you eat, as it is home to several birds, chipmunks, and squirrels.
Formal Garden
Location: Oakhurst Gardens
The Formal Garden is my favorite spot in Oakhurst Gardens. It’s vastness and array of colors creates an amazing backdrop for picnicking. If you prefer a more shaded area, move your picnic under the pergola for a more secluded view of the garden.
