Hours & Admission Fees

Ready to visit the Purdue University Northwest Gabis Arboretum? See hours and admission fees.

The model trains at the Railway Garden run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May through October, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The automatic kiosk at Gabis

Automated Gate Kiosk

Gabis Arboretum uses an automated gate to manage entrances. Non-members pay the $10 carload admission fee via credit card, and members scan their membership card.

Gate payment is credit card only.

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Hours

Daily 8 a.m. to Sunset CST

Member Early Access: Gabis Arboretum Members have access to the arboretum grounds beginning at sunrise from April to November only. Members should bring their membership card to scan upon entry. Facilities will continue to open at 8 a.m.

The Railway Garden is open for viewing from May 1 to October 31 daily. However, model trains run on Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.

The model trains cannot run in unfavorable weather conditions such as wind, rain, and extremely hot weather. Please call ahead to confirm (219) 462-0025.

Gabis Arboretum will be closed the following dates.

  • Nov. 28 and 29 (Thanksgiving break)
  • Dec. 23 through Jan 1 (Winter break)
  • Jan. 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Admission Fees

General admission fees may not include special event or educational program access. See individual event or program for details.

Admission to the Railway Garden is not included in the daily admission fee

  • $10 per non-member carload (includes cars, vans, RVs and motorcycles)
  • $25 per minibus (9 to 16 passengers)
  • $45 per tour bus or school bus (17+ passengers)
  • Admissions is free for carloads that contain:

The model trains run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays May through October from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. If visiting the Railway Garden during this time, the admission fees are as follows:

  • Non-Members: $3 per person/children 5 & under free
  • Arboretum Members & PNW Students: Free
  • Groups of 10+: $2 per person (must be scheduled in advance by contacting gabisarboretum@pnw.edu or 219-462-0025)

Read the new Railway Garden fee announcement

Several people walk along a trail

Group Visits and Field Trips

Take advantage of a variety of our outdoor learning spaces! Gabis field trips are available to schools, scouts, home-school groups, community organizations and more.

Plan Your Group Visit

Model train tracks run through carved rock

Your Fee Matters

Revenue from admission fees increases our ability to reach guests and provides the stability necessary to manage our plant collections for future generations.

Support Gabis Arboretum