106 Upcoming Events at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Step into the world of fashion with Archivist Susan Smith and Collections Manager Mindy Price as they showcase a variety of accessories preserved in the Minnetrista Heritage Collection. From elaborate hats and intricate jewelry to vintage handbags and embroidered scarves, fashion accessories have long been symbols of status, creativity, and cultural identity. Take a closer look at notable pieces not currently on exhibit and learn more about their historical significance and the stories they tell about the people who wore them.

September 10; 3–4:30 p.m.
Location: Center Building, Indiana Room
Cost: $18 | Member Discounts Apply

Preregistration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

AHB Concert Band performs at Field of Flags Display Closing Ceremony on Sept 11, at Minnetrista.

   On Patriots Day 9/11, AHB Concert Band accompanies the Field of Flags Closing Ceremony at Minnetrista. The week-long multi-flag display on the Minnetrista front greensward honors and remembers the victims and rescue respondents who perished in the New York City 9/11 terrorist attack of 2001 — as well as the service and history of the entire cadre of America’s disaster respondents. 

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with live music, interactive exhibition-themed activities, and great company! Soak in the lively atmosphere, connect with friends old and new, and immerse yourself in a night of culture and fun. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to the exhibitions in the Center Building. This is a celebration you won’t want to miss—come for the vibes, stay for the memories!

September 12; 5–8 p.m.
Location: Center Building
Free Community Event

Preregistration is highly encouraged. The Back-to-School Social is presented in partnership with eKeeper Systems.

The Farmers Market is the perfect place to discover fresh produce, baked goods, plants, eggs, meats, and more! Connect with local vendors and experience what our community has to offer.

Every Saturday through October

9 a.m.–Noon

Location:  Main Parking Lot

Free Community Event

Snap, Snap Double Up, and eFMNP (WIC FMNP and SFMNP) are accepted at participating vendors, making it easy for everyone to enjoy local treasures. Stop by our Minnetrista info booth at the market to swipe your SNAP/EBT card to get your vouchers for the amount you’d like to spend. We will match up to $20 in SNAP credits ($40) total.  To learn more about this program, please refer to Double Up Indiana. Don’t miss out on this delightful experience!

The outdoor market season is presented by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union.  

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Oct 25, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year. 

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

Family Night Hike

Join us for a magical evening under the stars! Begin your adventure with a visit to the Good Night Forest exhibition, where you’ll explore whimsical, nature-inspired scenes. Then, set out on a guided night hike through our Nature Area, discovering the sights and sounds of Indiana’s native habitats as twilight falls and the stars begin to shine.

September 13; 6–8 p.m.
Location: Center Building and Nature Area
Cost: $10 | Member Discounts Apply

Preregistration is strongly preferred; limited walk-in tickets may be available—please call ahead.

Bring your little ones to Storytime Saturday! Join one of our experience guides for a cozy storytime perfect for children 5 and under and their families. Each month, we’ll feature a special seasonal story that celebrates the time of year.  

Saturdays; 11:30 a.m.

Location: Betty’s Cabin

Free Community Activity

Betty’s Cabin Activities are presented in partnership with Patterson Block Muncie.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Aug 2, 2025 to Dec 27, 2025 and happens every:

Saturdays: 11:30am - 11:50am Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

The narwhal, with its unique spiral tusk, has inspired legend and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. Take a deep dive into the narwhal's Arctic world to explore what makes this mysterious animal and its changing ecosystem so important. Through first-hand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members, the exhibition will reveal how traditional knowledge and experience, coupled with the latest scientific research, heighten our understanding of these fascinating animals—and our changing global climate.

July 12, 2025 – September 28, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 3

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jul 12, 2025 to Sep 28, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Visitors will feel like they are stepping into a beloved children’s storybook as they encounter whimsical scenes and engaging sensory activities in this nature-inspired experience. Designed to help build confidence and cultivate scientific curiosity, children will discover and learn about animals that emerge in their neighborhoods and local forests after the sun goes down.

June 7 through November 2, 2025

Location: Center Building, Gallery 1 & 2

Cost: Included with your admission ticket

Good Night Forest is organized and produced by the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, with support from Ball Brothers Foundation and George and Frances Ball Foundation.

This is a Weekly Recurring Event

Runs from Jun 7, 2025 to Nov 2, 2025 and happens every:

Wednesdays: 9:00am - 12:00pm Timezone: EDT

Thursdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Fridays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Saturdays: 9:00am - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT

Sundays: 12:00pm - 5:00pm Timezone: EDT