Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Indiana, United States

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Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest in Indiana began in the early 1990s when Damien and Rita Gabis purchased 72 acres to preserve prairie land, gradually expanding to 300 acres featuring prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and display gardens.

The arboretum, originally called Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, was formally established with a foundation in 1998. It boasts Indiana’s largest oak tree collection, with over 20,000 trees planted, including oaks and hickories to restore the land to its historical state. Notable features include the Railway Garden, a 2.5-acre garden with G scale model trains, limestone landscapes, and plant displays telling the story of American railroads.

The site offers miles of dog-friendly hiking trails and hosts educational programs, concerts, and private events. In 2018, the arboretum was gifted to Purdue University Northwest to ensure its sustainability, continuing its mission as a conservation, education, and recreational resource.