Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, located south of U.S. 30 between Merrillville and Valparaiso, Indiana, is a 360-acre reserve of formal gardens, woodlands, wetlands, and prairies. Whether hiking the 3+ miles of trails or attending an outdoor concert or special event, visitors have enjoyed Taltree’s quiet beauty interspersed with friendly festivity since 1999. Themed displays include the Hitz Family Rose Garden, Native Plant Garden, Oak Islands, and coming in 2011, the Taltree Railway Garden.

Art student sketches Taltree inspiration

Feel yourself decompress from the rigors of life as your senses of sight, scent and sound are invigorated. Rekindle your imagination in the company of birds, insects and furry mammals that inhabit this spectacular refuge. Whether you come to relax or get some exercise, you’ll experience no lines or crowds. On a typical day in the arboretum, every visitor can claim a quiet corner. The most unique thing about Taltree is that it can be found tucked in the midst of high density development. Taltree offers refuge from traffic frustrations, machinery sounds, and bright lights. It’s quiet. And it’s big enough to make visitors feel they’ve entered their own personal bit of heaven.