White River Gardens was the first major development undertaken by the Indianapolis Zoological Society since the Zoo opened at its present location in 1988. It is located adjacent to the White River levee that flanks the eastside of the Zoo and extends south to Washington Street and north to the main Zoo entrance. The Zoo and the Gardens share the same main entrance at 1200 West Washington Street and the same parking lot.  The Gardens was a separate attraction from 1999 to 2006, but it is now included as part of the Indianapolis Zoo.

White River Gardens continues the Indianapolis Zoo’s mission of connecting animals, plants and people. This stunningly beautiful 3.3-acre landmark botanical attraction combines the best of gardening ideas, plant information and inspirational design to serve the needs of all visitors. With hundreds of plant varieties on display plus entertaining special exhibits throughout the year,

White River Gardens is an international showplace for Indiana where visitors can enjoy and learn about the bounty of the natural world. Whether collecting plant information from the resource room, staging a wedding in the most attractive location in the city, or simply strolling through the flowered pathways, visitors to the Gardens will be inspired, impressed, enlivened and entertained.