Ogden Gardens is a local treasure that is often overlooked. It is a quick and close encounter with Nature because it is located in the heart of the Valparaiso business district with a very close easy access parking area. For local residents it’s an easy bike ride or walk. Odgen Gardens is on your way to the dry cleaners, the grocery store or the library. The parking area is within 30 feet of the entrance which also makes the gardens a very convenient stop over. Also, very close to the entrance, is the wooden gazebo (shown here) where there are lots of weddings held. The back drop makes for beautiful wedding photos.
Although it’s only 4 acres, is jam packed full of flower gardens, shrub beds and many varieties of ornamental trees that will amaze you. The Valparaiso Parks Department has spent several years developing the gardens to reach it’s current state of sheer beauty. Many folks would be surprised today since there have been several improvements from what it was like when it first opened (probably over 30 years ago).
It’s also maintained to display beautiful flower bouquets from any of the 3 Seasons – spring, summer or fall. There are plenty of benches and sitting areas to sit and relax and enjoy the outdoor sunshine, have a picnic and have an experience with nature. The Gardens are a common repetoire for many local photographers.
If you want to stay longer, off towards the west there is a hiking trail. It’s not advertised much, so I guess it’s a little over a mile long, but is a very nice hike that loops back to the entrance area. The trail is grass covered in spots, and mulch covered in other areas.
The Japanese Garden, towards the south east side of the gardens, opened to the public in May 2005. It includes a small intricate pathway with streams, bridges, ponds, and a tea house, where visitors can enjoy the koi (gold) fish swimming in the pond, that will please any toddler.
Surrounded by wooded areas and next to Forest Park (to the west), mosquito repellent is recommended in the summer, it is dog friendly and the gazebo is wheelchair accessible.
Discover More About Valparaiso –
• Central Plaza Activity Center – Downtown Valparaiso
• Front Porch Music
• Concerts in Valparaiso
• Valparaiso Chocolate Walk
• Chicago Street Theatre
• Memorial Opera House
• Songbird B&B Awarded Best Romantic Getaway in Indiana!
• Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant
• Porter County Fair
• Central Plaza Ice Rink
• Hayrides at Rogers Lakewood Park
• Visit Gabis Arboretum
• Visit Ogden Gardens
• Calendar of Events In Valparaiso
• Things To Do In Chesterton
• Things To Do In Michigan City
• Things to do in Portage
• Things to do in Indiana Dunes
Hike the Moraine Nature Preserve
OTHER TOPICS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:
|  Local Amusement Parks |  Area Birding Articles |
 |  Parks And Recreation |  Nature Lovers |
 Tourism Information |  Wine Lovers Tips |  Health And Wellness |
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
