Host an Event

Located in Valparaiso, The Purdue University Northwest Gabis Arboretum is the premier setting for weddings, corporate events and private events. With both indoor and outdoor venues, we have a venue for every occasion.

Interested in renting one of Gabis Arboretum’s facilities? Please fill out our Facility Rental Request Form to receive more information.

Submit an Event Request

Explore Gabis Venues

Gabis Arboretum is ideal for wedding ceremonies, commitment ceremonies or vow renewals. The picturesque views and manicured gardens create the perfect backdrop for your special day.

We can accommodate wedding ceremonies for up to 300 guests and small casual receptions for up to 80 guests.

Please note that Gabis Arboretum is a rental site only and does not offer event-planning services.

View our wedding video above to see our favorite locations for your special day!

Consider Gabis Arboretum’s beautiful venues for any social event or shower. Gabis Arboretum is the perfect place for club meetings, reunions, anniversary parties, bridal or baby showers.

Don’t host a party at home. Let Gabis Arboretum do the work for you!

Innovative companies have come to realize that any offsite meeting can be enhanced by the right environment. Come to Gabis Arboretum to be inspired, focused and energized!

Achieve much more than you would have if you’d spent the day in the office. Refresh your team with the breathtaking views of the prairie, ornamental gardens, or unique wildlife. Take a walk on our 6+ miles of hiking trails and become inspired with that one million dollar idea.

We offer many versatile spaces for your business’s meetings, conferences, workshops, and more!

Leave your worries behind and let us help you create the perfect birthday party!

Available May through October on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

Party Package Includes:

Maximum of 20 guests
2 hours of party time with additional 30 minutes for set-up and 30 minutes for break-down
Private party room in Depot building with tables and chairs
All-day admission to the arboretum for you and your guests. Everyone is welcome to stay and enjoy the full arboretum before and/or after the designated party time frame.
Train conductor hat for the birthday child

Hosts can bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages or use a caterer of their choice.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let our experienced team prepare a customized event proposal for your unique event.

Private Event Software powered by Tripleseat

White chairs in rows in front of the Gabis Arboretum Rose Pavilion

Venues

Meyer Memorial Pavilion

Ceremony Capacity: 200 in lawn/175 under pavilion

Seated Reception Capacity: 80

Constructed of natural materials, the Joseph E. Meyer Memorial Pavilion artfully blends into the surrounding gardens. Picture an expansive lawn surrounded by colorful plantings that curve around the pavilion.

With its peaked, wood-beam roof, fireplace and stone pillars, the pavilion is the ideal open-air site for creativity and imagination. Access to indoor restrooms and electricity is available.

Meyer Pavilion Pond with white chairs that are surrounded by trees.

Front view of the Meyer Pavilion with white chairs positioned in rows.

First-person view of Meyer Pavilion with 2 sets of flowers on each side of the photo.

Meyer Pavilion with white chairs underneath that are placed in rows.

Railway Depot

Ceremony Capacity: 100

Seated Reception Capacity: 80

Gabis Arboretum’s Depot offers a unique, old-fashioned train station setting ideally suited for wedding ceremonies, corporate and private events.

This location has a great view of the Midwest’s largest G-scale railway garden. Hop aboard for a memorable time and let us be the conductor for your event!

Railway depot with white chairs positioned around each table.

Bridal shower photo with white tablecloths and chairs.

Golden Spike Room

Seating Capacity: 24

Located within the Railway Depot, the Golden Spike Room offers a stunning view of the Railway Garden just outside–perfect for your next meeting or birthday party.

Golden Spike Room with table in middle of room with black tablecloth and white chairs around it.

Golden Spike Room with PNW photograph on wall, along with table with black tablecloth and white chairs around it.

The Sidetrack with Stage

Capacity Varies with Venue Layout

The arboretum’s sidetrack is located just behind the Railway Depot with views of the Railway Garden. This lawn is great for larger ceremonies and outdoor reception spaces, concerts or conferences.

"Love is patient, Love is kind" sign in grass.

Wooden signs in grass with white chairs in background.

Wedding set-up. White chairs with backdrop in the distance.

White chairs facing backdrop with trees in background.

Celebration Rose Pavilion

Ceremony Capacity: 200 in lawn/30 under pavilion

Located in the Bapst Rose Garden, this brand-new pavilion is ideal for an intimate celebration or event. Donated by a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, the pavilion will serve as a beautiful setting for your special day.

Guests will find delight in the variety of colorful blooming annuals and roses throughout the season.

Front photo of rose pavilion with white chairs.

Ed’s Oasis

Ceremony Capacity: 35

Ed’s Oasis is the perfect space for an intimate, private ceremony. With prairie flowers and the large oak tree shading your guests, this space creates a special memory.

tree in front of sun. white chairs in background.

Oak tree with white chairs in front of it.

Window on the Wetlands

Ceremony Capacity: 35

Window on the Wetlands showcases a variety of unique landscapes including wetlands, prairies and woodlands. This area is sure to make your day magical.