Freindship Botanic Gardens and Matey’s
We love botanic gardens and go to the Chicago Botanic Garden a couple times a year. For this week’s Date Day, however, we decided to try out the nearby Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City, Indiana. We were not disappointed.
History
In 1933, the Chicago World’s Fair featured a small garden called “An Old Mill Garden”. Dr, and Mrs. Frank Warren, visitors to the fair, we so impressed by the garden and its theme, “Peace and Friendship To All Nations” that they offered the creators of the garden a piece of land in Michigan City on which to create a permanent International Friendship Garden.
The Stauffer brothers, Virgil, Joe and Clarence accepted the offer and went to work. In 1936, the International Friendship Garden (renamed the Friendship Botanic Gardens in 2015) opened to the public and became an instant local and international hit. Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands donated 200,000 tulips, the King of England sent plants and a Royal Gardner, and the King of Prussia sent roses for the sites first rose garden. Other nations sent seeds, plants and statues that can still be seen today.
The Gardens flourished for many years, but unfortunately by the late 1980’s they had become neglected and overgrown. This was not something, however, that the area residents would allow. A new Board of Directors was formed, the Gardens became a public non-profit organization and many volunteers began working to restore the Gardens to their past splendor.
The Trails and Gardens
Today, the Gardens are home to nature trails, numerous giant bells and 20 differently themed gardens. We started our adventure with a stroll through the Woodland Trails. These are an interconnected series of trails that take visitors around the outside edges of the 106-acre property. They are well groomed, not very rigorous and were empty when we were there.
Path of Nations
Our next stop was the Path of Nations. This short trail takes you through various country themed gardens, most of which date back to the opening of the Garden in 1936. We saw gardens dedicated to Romania. Poland, Scotland, Germany and Norway to name a few. Each of these garden feature plants, statues, flags and other traditional items from its mother country.
We especially enjoyed the colors of the Romanian and Polish gardens and the statures of the Norwegian garden. Each garden has its own unique feel and personality and we spent quite a while seeing each and every one.
As we walked along, we couldn’t help but hear the clanging of large bells in the distance and we wondered where they were coming from. We passed by the Indian Garden with its wigwam, totem pole and exhibit of edible native plants. It was a little kitschy but is probably fun for kids. We also saw the French Maze, but it was not tall enough for us to get lost in.
Celebration Area
Leaving the Path of Nations, we came to the Celebration Area and found our first bell. The giant Peace Bell was donated to the park after World War II, after taking a trip through each US state. We were able to pull the thick rope and ring the bell ourselves. It’s quite loud when you are standing directly beneath it. Around the Celebration Area you can find several other bells, all donated to the Garden in memory of loved ones.
The Celebration Area itself is a large open space with a hodgepodge of different things to see and do. We saw the Rose Garden, Lilly Garden and the Chinese Bridge (where Theresa ran into a fierce looking warrior). There is an impressive children’s play area, which we skipped, but we did stop at the memorial to Clarence Stauffer – one’s of the Garden’s creators.
The Garden’s are still a bit weary in some areas, but you can tell they are coming back strong. They are now hosting weddings and sponsor several special events throughout the year. We highly recommend stopping by if you are in or near Michigan City and want to take in a bit of the past – and the future.
Lunch at Matey’s
Depending on the weather and our food moods, we have several favorites in Michigan City. Today it was sunny, breezy and beautiful so we opted for drinks and appetizers on the deck at Matey’s Restaurant. Make no mistake, Matey’s is not fine dining, but the food is good and reasonably priced. Couple that with views of the lake and a nice breeze and it’s hard to beat for a touristy area. Theresa had the coconut shrimp and a Pina Colada. Tom opted for the pretzel bites, seared tuna salad and a Bloody Mary. The food was good, especially the shrimp, and the drinks were yummy. Content and filled up, we headed for home. Still in love and still dating.
July 2018
Friendship Botanic Gardens
2055 East U.S. Highway 12, Michigan City, IN
$8 per adult (children and military are free)
2 Hours
Free Parking
Matey’s Restaurant
10 Franklin St, Michigan City, IN
1.5 Hours
$40 (Including drinks)
Free Parking
