Are you looking for senior-friendly parks in Michigan City? Then you have to check out Friendship Botanic Gardens! With stunning scenery and plenty of pathways and trails, this wonderful location boasts plenty of outdoor activities in Michigan City, perfect for seniors and people of all ages to enjoy.
Besides its picturesque views and opportunities for exercise, what makes Friendship Botanic Gardens in Michigan City such a special location for locals looking to enjoy the world around them? Keep reading to find out!
Enjoy Nature Walks for Seniors
One of the best parts of Friendship Botanic Gardens is its hiking and walking trails. Since seniors need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, according to the CDC, the walking trails at this beautiful park make working out a breeze.
Although seniors should consult a physical before starting any type of exercise plan, ensuring it is right for them and there aren’t any contraindications, walking is always a great exercise. Even better, seniors looking to start walking groups can take advantage of Friendship Botanic Garden’s paths for nature walks with friends.
There are different types of trails to choose from:
- Easy and leisurely
- More challenging, through woodlands
Seniors should always choose the most comfortable trail and stay safe while walking.
While hiking these scenic gardens in Indiana, seniors can bring pets with them. No matter what trail you take, pets have to be leashed and cleaned up after.
Keep in mind that this park boasts beautiful wildlife, so keep this in mind before bringing pets on walks.
Visit the Park’s Stunning Gardens
Friendship Botanic Gardens is home to more than 100 acres. Of these 100 acres, 60 of them are wooded.
Some of these wooded areas are home to centuries-old trees.
The Tulip Tree is 127 years old and the Sycamore Tree is 198 years old. There is even a Beech Tree that is 195 years old Spruce Tree that is 215 years old! Anyone looking to experience the spectacular world of nature will love walking around this park.
While exploring the gardens, be on the lookout for wild animals. You can expect to see:
- Different squirrel species
- Small mammals
- Coyotes
- Foxes
- Wild turkeys
- Birds, such as kingfishers and herons
When exploring Friendship Botanic Gardens, you never know what type of animal you might see! Trail Creek and Lake Lucerne are two spots you can expect to see wild birds, so be on the lookout.
The trails at Friendship Botanic Gardens are also ideal for novice and budding photographers alike. Grab your camera, bring some friends, and come enjoy the picturesque views. Artists will also benefit from grabbing a canvas and some paint and creating artwork while they explore Mother Nature.
Don’t Forget to Bring Fido!
Did you know that at least 50% of older US adults have pets, according to a paper published in Frontiers in Public Health? If this sounds like you, then you know how pets are furry family members, and just like people, they love to get out and explore.
As previously mentioned, Friendship Botanic Gardens is dog-friendly. Just be sure to check out each trail’s length before starting on an adventure.
Shorter trails might be better, so always look at trail lengths ahead of time. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water for you and your pooch!
Friendship Botanic Gardens has some rules for pet owners, however. When at the park, never leave your dog unattended.
Remember to bring your own pet waste bags, as they’re not provided. Before disposing of pet waste, securely tie the bag closed.
If your dog is a female in heat or aggressive, they are not permitted. Keep your dog leashed at all times and control them.
Seniors and Cross Country Skiing
Although this invigorating activity isn’t available all year long, it makes for a wonderful winter exercise program. Seniors can enjoy cross-country skiing with friends, allowing them to work out while taking in the sights. As with any health and fitness program, seniors should first consult a physician.
While cross-country skiing, seniors have access to three miles of gorgeous trails and 105 acres. Keep in mind that this park is closed to the public come winter, which means you’d need to be a member. Members can gain coveted access to the park’s entire grounds all year long.
Their operating hours are from sunup to sundown. There are wonderful places for seniors to cross-country ski. This includes both wooded trails and wide open areas — the sky is the limit!
If you’re not interested in cross-country skiing, you can still enjoy the winter wonderland that is Friendship Botanic Gardens. Use this opportunity to explore our paved trails.
There are also trails with wood chips, but these trails aren’t the most user-friendly for anyone with mobility issues. Wood chips are difficult for wheelchair users, so it might be best to stick to paved trails.
If you’re interested in year-round membership, Friendship Botanic Gardens works to keep rates affordable for everyone.
Friendship Botanic Gardens Fishing
Another great thing about Friendship Botanic Gardens is the fishing. Trail Creek is almost 2,000 feet long, and visitors are welcome to fish anywhere along this point.
Some of the fish at Trail Creek include:
- Rainbow Trout
- Salmon
However, there are different types of fish in Trail Creek, so you never know what you might catch. If you’re just fishing for fun, you can enjoy an afternoon of catch and release.
While fishing, be on the lookout for waterfowl and turtles. You never know what you’ll find on your next trip to Friendship Botanic Gardens!
Since this beautiful park belongs to the Trail Creek Watershed Partnership, it’s always looking for new ways to raise funds that keep the water clean and safe for everyone, humans and animals alike.
Enjoy the Best That Friendship Botanic Gardens Has to Offer
Are you ready to explore Friendship Botanic Gardens? Then grab a friend — human or furry — and come visit! With everything from walking paths to cross-country skiing, Friendship Botanic Gardens has something for everyone.
Seniors in search of other activities and events should visit Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City. We proudly feature independent senior living, senior assisted living, memory care, and more, all in our comfortable community. Schedule a tour with us or contact our amazing team today and learn more about our beautiful floor plans.
