Do not interfere with other guest's enjoyment of the Gardens Stay on designated pathways Please leave flowers and plants alone for everyone to enjoy Vehicles are not allowed in the Gardens No audible music No soliciting No outside food or alcohol No smoking or vaping anywhere on property No exercise or sports equipment; no jogging Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times Wellfield is not responsible for damage to your property while on site

Sort of. We're not a country club, but we're not a city park either. We're a family friendly destination. Shoes must be worn at all times. This is as much about safety as it is about aesthetics. There can be rough, or sometimes sharp, surfaces or objects in the Gardens. You'll be outside during your visit, so dress for the weather.

No. For the health and safety of our wildlife as well as the cleanliness of our grounds, we do not allow food or alcohol to be brought in to Wellfield.

No. Our policy states that we do not allow any public harvest or collection of any plant material, living or dead, from Wellfield Gardens. There are rare, permitted exceptions including, but not limited to: Routine horticultural maintenance by our horticulture staff and trained volunteers; Food plant collection done by staff which is donated to local food banks; Permitted scientific or agricultural collection of plant materials for testing or study; Wellfield-sponsored educational workshops, classes/labs; Or collection as a part of a permitted student-project or research study.

No, we do not allow spreading of ashes on our property. However, we are in the planning stages of a "Memorial Garden", with interment of ashes being a possibility. A current option for creating a lasting memorial for a loved one is our Commemorative Paver program.

No. We are a pedestrian-only botanic garden.

As a current member of Wellfield, you may purchase an annual dog registration (runs concurrently) with your membership. Please note that dogs are not allowed at special/ticketed events in the Gardens. Bringing dogs for photo sessions or private rentals is allowed with current Wellfield membership, dog registration and prior approval from Wellfield staff.

Yes! While there are some areas of the Gardens that have different paving surfaces, out main promenade is wide, flat and easily traversed. There are also plenty of benches and chairs for resting along the way. Should you need one, we have two wheelchairs available in our Visitors Center on a first come, first served basis. Please let our staff and volunteers know if you need one when you arrive. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved at this time.

Botanic gardens are living museums. Botanic Gardens are botanically diverse, rather than simply aesthetic collections of plants that are actively curated by a professional staff. Efforts and programs are driven by a mission which includes an emphasis on education and fostering an appreciation for the inseparable relationship between animals, plants and water. While a city park is also a valuable component in the community and may have diverse ornamental plantings cared for by staff, they are not always actively focused on enriching educational content, programming and events or managing and improving guest experiences.

No. Wellfield was founded in 2005 as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which derives all of its operating capital, development costs and endowment from private donations, user fees, annual memberships, private grants and earned income. Wellfield receives NO government or tax-based funding of any kind.

The land that Wellfield Gardens sits upon is owned by the City of Elkhart and the site is still an active well site for the city's water. Nearly 70% of Elkhart's drinking water comes from the well field! Wellfield leases the property for the purposes of operating a not-for-profit botanic garden. Wellfield's administrative offices are currently housed in the old Public Works Facility, located adjacent to the Gardens at 921 North Main Street. Wellfield does not receive any monetary support from the City of Elkhart and is funded entirely through private donations, user fees, annual memberships, private grants and earned income. Wellfield receives NO government or tax-based funding of any kind. Wellfield works closely with the City of Elkhart on projects that may have potential impacts on the well field and water operations to ensure that projects comply with all local, state and federal environmental guidelines and policies.

Unfortunately, we can't. The tanks, which were installed in the 1950's, hold two million gallons of water EACH (and cycle through - on average throughout the year - every 24 hours), are maintained by the City of Elkhart, and must be painted the same color inside and out.

"Having a property close to Wellfield Botanic Gardens is an asset and a selling point. The Gardens have impacted my property with a higher property appraisal. Wellfield Botanic Gardens is a benefit to the entire community," Levi King, property owner.

Starting in the spring of 2003, the Elkhart Rotary Club worked with a steering committee to study the concept of the Gardens, interview landscape architects and raise $235,000 from the club members to create the Master Plan for Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Wellfield is funded through private donations, user fees, annual memberships, private grants and earned income. Wellfield is a private, 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and receives NO government tax support.

According to the City of Elkhart Aquatic Biologist, there are a number of species, including: Black Crappie Bluegill Brook Silverside Brown Bullhead Catfish Channel Catfish Chestnut Lamprey Common Carp (non-native) Common Shiner Golden Redhorse Grass Pickerel Green Sunfish Horneybead Chub Koi (non-native) Largemouth Bass Logperch Northern Hogsucker Pumpkinseed Sunfish Redear Sunfish (non-native) Smallmouth Bass Spotfin Shiner Spotted Sucker Warmouth White Sucker Yellow Bullhead Catfish

We value ALL of our guests. We wish to ensure that we are providing both the best service and experience possible whether you are a member, frequent visitor or if you are here at Wellfield for the very first time. As Wellfield is privately funded, we wish to ensure that you are getting the best value for your visit For our valued members, that means we want to ensure that you are receiving your membership benefits. We value your membership benefits and we want to make sure they are secure. For our non-member guests, Wellfield is able to offer free admission to residents of Elkhart County, thanks to the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. To maintain that funding, we are obligated to collect guest information (your zip code) to validate the demand for funding.

Yes! Free admission applies to the members named on the membership card, up to two complimentary adult admissions. All others in your party are subject to admission charges.

Yes! We offer member discounts to Wellfield sponsored events such as our Groovin' in the Gardens concert series and our Winter Wonderland Holiday Light show.

Thanks for wanting to sponsor an event at Wellfield! Please visit our Sponsorship page and email info@wellfieldgardens.org. Someone will reach out to you shortly.

Most Wellfield events will have tickets available online and at the gate. Credit cards are preferred. If you have questions about a specific event, contact our staff (574) 266 - 2006 x105 or info@wellfieldgardens.org.

Yes. But, if the weather is frightful and conditions are unsafe, we reserve the right to close. (Think: lightning, emergency road closures, high winds, standing water, icy pathways, etc.)

No. Complimentary admission tickets are for general admission only.

No. Please leave your pets at home during Wellfield events.

Respect all others playing Children should accompany their adults in the Garden at all times Please return the tools, books, toys, etc. after you are finished Please no dogs in the Children's Garden, even with an annual dog membership Drink water from the orange drinking fountain only All other garden etiquette applies

The Island Garden includes three separate islands: The Main Island: the highest walkable point in Wellfield, rising eleven feet above the surface of the pond The West Island: small island with excellent views of both Lotus Pond to the west and the Main Island to the east. It is accessed by two beautiful wooden bridges: the "Willow Bridge" on the south end and the "Zig-Zag Bridge" on the north, both handcrafted of durable ipê wood decking. The Event Island: created by the division of the western and northern branches of the Mountain Stream and accessed by two ipê wood bridges is intended not only as a beautiful grassy area with great views of the Lotus Pond and the Main Island, but as a functional event space. The Event Island may be rented for weddings, receptions, or other private gatherings. On the western shoreline of the Event Island is the "boat landing" a symbolic feature typical in many Japanese Gardens with adjacent bodies of water.

Yes! Wellfield offers a gorgeous backdrop for pictures. You will need a Wellfield photography permit if you are a photographer who is using Wellfield to take pictures for your business, on your website, for commercial use and or photos of a client. Wellfield has a number of photographers who purchase annual passes. If you need a photographer, email us at info@wellfieldgardens.org and we can refer them to you. We encourage you to post, like, share and tag us in your photos on social media, as well.

You may bring in equipment such as lights and tripods. All equipment must stay out of Garden beds or places where plants are growing. "Props", such as balloons, confetti, etc. are not allowed in the Gardens. If you are unsure, please ask Wellfield staff.

Daily Photo Permit allows admission for the photographer, one assistant and two general admissions per day while an annual membership allows admission for the photographer, one assistant and four general admissions per visit.