Marshall County Council on Aging plans Day Trip to Wellfield Botanic Garden in Elkhart

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

The Marshall County Council on Aging is inviting seniors to explore one of the region's most beautiful natural treasures with a day trip to Wellfield Botanic Garden in Elkhart on Tuesday, June 16th.

The bus will depart the Marshall County Council on Aging at 9:00 a.m. and head to the stunning 36-acre sanctuary, which features more than 20 themed garden spaces. Sculptures and statues are thoughtfully integrated throughout the landscape, enhancing the natural beauty of the grounds. The garden also serves as a working source of hydropower and drinking water, making it a uniquely historic and functional destination.

The property has deep roots in Elkhart's history. Originally known as the "North Main Street Well Field," the site has provided hydraulic energy and drinking water for the City of Elkhart since the mid-1800s. Today, the City of Elkhart still owns and operates 13 active wells on the property, supplying the majority of the community's drinking water. Wellfield Botanic Gardens holds a long-term lease agreement with the city for the site.

The garden was originally conceived as a community service project by the Elkhart Rotary Club in 2002 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International. The project was handed over to the Wellfield Botanic Gardens Board of Directors in 2005 to begin implementing a Master Plan that envisions 25 themed garden and event spaces, along with a visitors center and guest amenities. Construction began in 2006 with the first earth-moving work to reshape and reconfigure the ponds. Wellfield Botanic Gardens is open year-round.

The cost of the day trip is $30 per person, which covers transportation and admission to the Gardens. Following the garden visit, the group will stop at Cracker Barrel for lunch on your own. The trip will also include a stop at Rentown in Bremen on the way home.

To sign up, call the Marshall County Council on Aging at 574-936-9904 or register online at myactivecenter.com.